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Pretreatment Products to Prepare Natural Lashes for Eyelash Extensions

Before applying eyelash extensions, preparing the natural lashes with a thorough pre-treatment routine is essential for optimal retention and client satisfaction. Each product in the pre-treatment process plays a specific role in cleansing, conditioning, and priming the lashes to ensure strong adhesion and longer-lasting results. Pre-treatment products are designed to prepare natural lashes by removing oils, makeup, and debris that can interfere with lash adhesive bonding. Skipping any of these steps can compromise the durability of your lash sets and lead to premature shedding.

The 5 Steps You NEED For Long-Lasting Eyelash Extensions!

Step 1: Foaming Lash Shampoo

Lash Shampoo is a really good product to have on hand if only because you can literally give it to your client to wash their own mascara off if they show up wearing some. More importantly, it serves as the first line of defense against dirt, sebum, and makeup residue.

When used during pre-treatment, Lash Shampoo will remove the vast majority of makeup, sebum and any other kinds of dirt that can be present on your clients’ natural lashes. It is also retail-friendly for clients who want a proper aftercare regimen. However, it’s worth noting that due to Lash Shampoo containing Tea Tree extract, repeated use can be a little bit harsh for clients with very sensitive skin.

Step 2: Protein Removing Pads

Protein Removing Cleansing Pads basically do what they say on the tin – they remove proteins and cleanse the skin and lashes. These pads are highly effective in breaking down residual oils and cosmetic buildup. They’re especially good for cleansing the skin and lash line before a full set of lash extensions because you can really get in amongst the natural lashes for a deeper clean.

You can enhance their effectiveness by pressing an eyelash cleansing brush into them to absorb more liquid. These pads have way more liquid in them than you see at first glance – so for a really deep and targeted cleanse, push a cleansing eyelash brush into the top of the patches to pick up some of the liquid.

Step 3: Lash Cleanser

Lash Cleanser is so important, and regardless of what else you use during your pre-treatment routine, Cleanser MUST be used with Primer. This alcohol-based solution strips away any remaining oils or skincare residues left behind after shampooing.

Since our Cleanser is alcohol based, it ends up being quite drying for the natural lashes, which makes following up with Primer not just recommended but necessary. Always check whether your brand recommends using Cleanser before Primer or vice versa—order matters.

Step 4: Lash Primer

The next critical step is applying primer. Lash Primer is the opposite to Lash Cleanser – the Yin to Cleanser’s Yang – one can’t exist in completion without the other. The primer rehydrates lashes after being dried out by alcohol-based cleansers while enhancing glue bonding.

If you apply Primer without Cleanser – you’re essentially rinsing the natural lashes and giving them a bit of extra softness without actually cleaning them. Conversely, using Cleanser without Primer means there’s insufficient moisture for effective adhesive polymerization. As emphasized in training courses: eyelash extension glue is cured by moisture, so this balance is vital.

ESSI LASH offers an excellent primer formulated specifically for this purpose: The primer has a liquid consistency and safe non-drip formula and it can be used on natural lashes or eyelash extensions, making it ideal not only for initial applications but also touch-ups.

Step 5: Retention & Speed Booster

The final step involves using a Retention & Speed Booster. Booster quickly became a miracle product and a must-have for many Lash Techs. Its alkaline pH opens up lash cuticles slightly, increasing surface area for better adhesive grip.

Booster has an alkaline pH, which causes the cuticles of the natural lashes to open up slightly, thereby improving both retention time and application speed—especially useful when working with Volume fans that tend to close prematurely.

What Can You Skip?

While each step serves its purpose, there are moments when time constraints or client conditions may require trimming down your routine.

So if you absolutely have to skip any step, skipping Lash Shampoo and going straight in with Protein Pads is okay, provided you still use both Cleanser and Primer afterward.

Another skippable item—though not ideal—is Booster. The only other step that you can skip is using Booster, particularly if you’re new or if your client already has coarse lashes (which may naturally offer sufficient surface area).

However, it’s essential to remember: just because you can skip something, doesn’t mean that you should. A full pre-treatment routine offers not just better retention but also enhances overall client satisfaction.

Check Out These ESSI LASH Featured Products

ESSI LASH provides professional-grade tools designed specifically for lash artists who demand superior performance:

Recommended Professional-Grade Lash Pretreatment Products

Foam Cleanser / Lash Shampoo
This foaming lash wash has been formulated specially to target the dirt, oil and makeup residue found in lashes.

Eyelash Extension Primer
The primer is perfect for priming and disinfecting lashes before application.

Super Bonder Sealer
When using Super Bonder, It will instantly encapsulate the fumes and cure the adhesive bonding point.

Protein Removing Pads
Effective multi-use pads suitable not only for lash extensions but also brow henna treatments.

Retention & Speed Booster
Enhances glue adhesion by opening cuticles slightly—ideal when working with volume fans.

All ESSI LASH products are crafted with professional needs in mind. We fully support private label of lashes and the tools. We do free design of the private labels with your logo. Their commitment ensures that every artist—from beginner to expert—has access to high-performance solutions tailored for excellence in every lash set.

By following this comprehensive five-step pre-treatment process using trusted products like those from ESSI LASH, you’ll ensure stronger retention rates while delivering superior service quality that keeps clients coming back again and again.