You barely notice it, yet it comes into play in every lash set. Tape holds down the lower lashes and frees up the base of the upper lashes. Used well, it makes isolation easier and the appointment more comfortable for the client.
Here is what tape is used for in eyelash extensions, how to apply it and the mistakes to avoid.
What is tape used for in eyelash extensions?
Tape is a thin, flexible medical adhesive tape that the Lash Artist cuts and adapts to the task at hand. It is mainly used in two ways:
- holding down the lower lashes: placed under the eye, on its own or over the gel pad, it flattens the lower lashes so they don't stick to the upper extensions;
- lifting the eyelid: a small strip on the mobile eyelid gently stretches the skin and exposes the base of the lashes, which is useful on hooded eyelids or in the inner corner.
It is also used to isolate a specific area, for example to hold back a group of lashes growing in a different direction while you work next to it.
Tape or gel pads: which should you use?
The two complement each other. The gel pad covers the whole area under the eye and provides a light surface for drawing the mapping. Tape, on the other hand, can be cut to size: it catches the small lower lashes that the pad leaves sticking out, reinforces the hold at the inner or outer corner, and replaces the pad when the client doesn't tolerate it well.
How do you apply tape properly?
- Clean, dry skin: without cream or makeup, the tape holds better and comes off more easily.
- Cut a suitable strip: neither too long nor too wide for the area, with clean edges.
- Fold one end over: this small adhesive-free tab lets you remove the tape without pulling on the skin.
- Apply it without stretching the skin: hold, don't pull. Too much tension makes the client uncomfortable and can change the direction of the lashes.
- Stay well away from the waterline: the tape must never touch the eye. Ask the client, with her eyes closed, whether she feels any discomfort.
- Remove it gently at the end of the appointment, holding the skin with one finger and pulling flat, in the direction of lash growth.
Sensitive skin: how should you adapt the tape?
On thin or reactive skin, you can reduce the adhesion by first placing the strip on the back of your hand before positioning it. Limit the number of strips, avoid going over the same area several times and do not use tape on irritated or damaged skin.
Mistakes to avoid
- Too much tension on the eyelid: the client keeps her eye tense and the lashes change angle once the tape is removed.
- A strip too close to the base of the upper lashes: it gets in the way of isolation and may catch freshly applied extensions.
- Lower lashes not held down properly: a single lash sticking out can bond to an upper extension.
- Reusing a strip from one client to the next: each strip is single-use.
- Leaving the roll exposed: store it in a closed container, away from dust.
GEMELLA tape
Our eyelash extension tape is 2.5 cm wide and 3 m long, twice the length of a standard 1.5 m roll. It is used for holding and positioning during the application.
Tape helps with isolation, but it is the tweezers that do the precision work: our guide to choosing your isolation or volume tweezers complements this one. And to draw the lash map on the gel pad, see our step-by-step mapping guide.
In summary
Tape holds down the lower lashes and frees up the base of the upper lashes. Applied to clean skin, without tension, away from the waterline and with a tab for removal, it makes isolation easier without bothering the client.
Find the tape in the Accessories collection. To learn the right techniques in practice, Débo Beauty in Geneva offers a classic lashes and Hybrid Volume training and a Russian Volume Perfect Volume training (taught in French).