How To Practice Without A Live Model

After 2 weeks I've finally started to get bored with the quarantine life, may we never take this world for granted again. The disadvantage of working without a live model is that the sponge method can only take you so far. I've gathered different ways to practice without a live model not only because yes, it is entirely different, but this time you'll have more than one technique you can perfect. Once you do, you'll be ultimately prepared for your first client once we're back at work!

Mannequin Head - People are most familiar with this way & it's one of the most commonly bought items to practice lashing. Lash courses typically provide these to use before you attempt to try on a live model. They generally are made of plastic, some of the soft silicone & even some with removable skin-like eyelids. With this, you'd practice placing the eye pads on, mapping, finding the best angles for photos, etc.. You can find this item on Amazon or other stores that carry professional eyelash extension supplies.

Lash Strips - This method is the most commonly used for practice. Along with purchasing a mannequin head, they'll most likely come with practice lash strips as well. Or you can feel free to buy them separately & use the storage container provided. Some techs will attach the strips onto any curved surface, such as the rim on the bottom of a bowl, a potato, egg, etc.. The reason why I'm saying practice strips is that they aren't the regular falsies you would wear during special occasions (though you could use them if you want something more advanced), they are typically made with one layer of lashes, making it visible enough to see each lash next to one another. Using this technique, you can see how close you would be placing the extension to the skin, check if there are any stickies, add more layers to create texture, etc.. If they don't already come with the mannequin head, you can generally get them at any beauty supply store or online stores that sell professional lash supplies.

Mug & String - Sometimes, you don't have funds to buy a mannequin head, or if you want to save the extra bucks, this method is most useful to me. What you'll need is a mug, some light-colored sewing string (the thinnest you can find) & tape. Take the string & tape each end, long enough to place across the mouth of your mug, do this tightly for easier lash application. You can practice placement with classic lashes or wrapping your volume fan onto the "lash". You can even use your hair for a more in real life feel. Doing this helped me with my retention, making sure the base of my lash extension is fully attached to the natural lash or string in this case. The light-colored thread will allow you to know how much glue you're using & would be applying on a natural lash. Trust me when they say, a little does go a long way! Using less glue will make lashes easier to remove or banana peel during a fill or removal.

Line Paper - Have you tried the mug & string technique but still have trouble with placement? I know technicians who bust out a piece of line paper & apply the extensions along the lines. This is great for beginners who are learning for the first time at home! With online courses, you don't always get direct communication with an instructor, so if you're struggling to do it alone, try this! Once you gain more confidence, pick a different method & try again!

Makeup Sponges - Last but not least, round makeup sponges. (But any shape will do!) Here is a more affordable & multipurpose option. Some lash techs will cut them in half, place each half on a piece of paper & draw a nose & mouth for more inspiration & vision. You can practice the banana peel technique, apply fans on top of classic extensions, create unique lash sets, etc.. If you wish to use them afterward, you could carefully remove the extensions or the section of the sponge where you applied them & keep the sponge to dab off any excess glue around the adhesive nozzle when using.

Stuffed Animals - And if you're really on a budget or need something more convenient, you apply lashes on anything that has eyes. Porcelain dolls, marbled eyes, pop up art, the possibilities are endless! I love how satisfying this is; I would personally recommend trying this just because it's fun! See what you can find in your house to add lashes to & tag me in your creations @eyedrama_ on Instagram!

Keep in mind that even if you master all these techniques & have not worked on a live model yet, working on real hair is different, so do get the training with a live model whenever you can & as much as you can. Whether you're practicing application, isolation, or whatever it may be, our focus is to make sure the lashes are applied correctly. Take your time & make sure they'll last. We want our clients for them to not only look beautiful but feel beautiful as well, this is what makes clients come back! I think we can all relate that we do need more practice in certain areas & that there is always room to learn. I wish you all nothing but success using these methods to form you into the skilled expert lash artist that you're destined to be!

Always,