Is it okay to work on another lash artist’s work?
This is a question I see pop up inside lash forums time and time again. A simple scroll through the answers and you’ll see a heated debate where everybody has a VERY strong opinion of whether it’s “right” or “wrong” to work on another artists work.
I understand why this topic is so controversial in our industry.
When I first started, I really bought into the whole “you should never work on other artists’ work” thing. That is, until I realized that by not working on other artists’ work, I wasn’t just doing a disservice to a potential client by turning them away, I was doing myself a disservice by turning away business.
The crazy thing is that the main reason why many lash artists don’t work on other artists’ work is because of their ego.
God forbid this client walks around with lashes that weren’t 100% done by you, right?
You need to learn how to silence the ego and stop turning down paying clients.
Most of my favorite clients over the years have come from how I approach the topic of whether or not you should work on another artist’s work. Don’t worry, I’m about to share all of this with you plus some of my top tips on why and how you should be saying yes to filling other lash artists’ work!
{If you want to listen to the podcast episode on this topic, click on the player at the top of the post. Alternatively you can watch the video below, or read on…}
1. Set the expectation and healthy boundaries
We’ve all been there…a panicked client rushes into our salon, begs for our help and asks us to fix their lashes that were done by a different artist.
There’s a moment of silence as you scream internally and then, if you’re smart, you graciously accept the challenge and reassure the client that yes, you can fix it.
But before you start performing a lash miracle before their eyes, you need to make sure that you’ve set the right expectations and outlined the healthy boundaries of what you can and can’t do. There’s no point saying it’ll all be fine if deep down you know this client needs to book multiple appointments to get her lashes looking halfway decent.
Don’t tip-toe around the problem.
The best thing to do is to set your expectations in advance. Sometimes, it really isn’t in the client’s best interest for you to continue applying lashes. The natural lashes may have been damaged and if you were to put more lashes on top, it could cause even more issues.
So, here’s a few stipulations I suggest you use if and when someone asks you to work on another lash artist’s work:
#1 – “Yes…as long as XX number of lashes remain.”
The number you choose depends on your speed and ability. For me, it was 15. If a client came in with less than 15 lashes on each eye, it would be considered a full set.
#2 “Yes…as long as your natural lash health is intact and in good standing to my standards of lash health.”
You’ll need to explain your lash health standards to the client. Also, make sure you ALWAYS explain any changes that arise to the service before it starts. If you find that they’ve booked a 60 minute appointment, but you think it’ll take 90 minutes, let them know.
Don’t do anything until the client is aware and happy to accept any changes to the service.
#3 “The old lashes may still be there for the first two to three appointments and thus, our satisfaction guarantee is not applicable until after your second (or third) appointment.”
Before you commit, you need the client to understand that your client satisfaction policy doesn’t kick in until all of the extensions from the previous lash artist have been removed. This might take up to three appointments.
#4 “You must book a new client fill first. This service is longer and higher priced than your longest fill appointment, but less than a full set.”
This is a specific appointment for clients who come to you with other lash artists work. The price range is usually higher than your highest fill appointment but lower than your full set price.
2. Challenge your artistry
Working on other artists’ work challenges your own artistry. Sometimes, we get so set in our ways of doing things that when we do come across someone else’s approach to it, we spot new techniques and it can help us improve as lash artists.
It takes a certain level of concentration, patience and talent to have your work blend so seamlessly with someone else’s.
Trust me when I say that it’s not always easy. It can be super difficult, especially if the other artist uses an entirely different rule book than you.
The next time a client approaches you with lashes that look like they were glued on by a toddler, don’t panic. Instead, think about how you can make it work.
Use your knowledge and expertise to tackle the situation and hopefully, add another happy client to your schedule.
I found that the more I worked on other artists’ work, the more I learned how not to apply lashes. It also helped me to assess natural lash health and how to educate clients about it too. Plus, it allows you to learn what your competition is doing and talking about so you can use it to position your marketing more effectively.
3. You become the hero
One of the best feelings in the world for a lash artist is making someone feel beautiful.
If a client comes to you with a problem and they aren’t happy with the lashes they got from a different artist, they reach out to you for help.
You can choose whether or not you’re going to help them. If you do, you become the hero to that client, and you save the day.
Those clients will always remember that and since their last lash artist did a botch job, they’re more likely to come back to you.
When clients come to me who have had terrible work done by other lash artists, I don’t bash the other artist.
I educate the client on why they’re not having the desired results. If they struggle with retention, I tell them why.
I prioritize natural lash health and encourage my clients to do the same.
However, a word of warning! I don’t recommend that you work on a client who has a reaction to lashes in the past. Even if they beg you, it’s better for everyone to put the health of their natural lashes first and send them on their way.
The last thing you need is an allergic reaction causing swelling and all sorts of issues. If a client has had an allergic reaction in the past, it’s probably going to happen again.
YBYE Returns!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS… September 23 – my most popular video series – YBYE is coming back and it’s totally FREE!
I’d love for you to join me inside this free video workshop series to finish out 2019 and make it YBYE (Your Best Year EVER).
Head on over to our society waitlist page to be notified when we release these FREE video trainings!!!
Have a Good One!
Tara Walsh
The Lashpreneur