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https://www.essence.com/beauty/current-state-lash-tech-businesses/
After being attacked for her lash extensions, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett went viral for her clapback over the weekend. Naturally, this stirred up the existing conversation around the price we pay for our lashes. With the cost of living in the United States rising and grass wall salons offering less for more, justifying the price of lash services may be more difficult now than four years ago. And while Texas natives (cue: Megan Thee Stallion and Revlon’s lash collaboration) may be able to come out of pocket, clients in New York and California could be turning to affordable DIY lashes as an alternative.
According to Los Angeles lash tech Alanah Sahaba, lashes experienced a major surge in popularity during the pandemic in 2020, which was the year she started. “With masks covering most of our faces, the focus shifted to the eyes making lash extensions way more sought after,” Sahaba tells ESSENCE. However, “before lash extensions grew in popularity to the masses, the standard lash set was $300 dollars as it was hard to find someone that did lash extensions to begin with.”
At that time, extra-full one-length lashes were all lash techs offered, making it difficult to find looks other than classic, hybrid and volume lashes. Now, with education significantly more accessible, it has allowed many techs to expand their services. But, not without a cost. “The almost over-accessibility in knowledge has made it so some people will jump into the lash industry without proper training,” Sahaba says. “It has given such a bad reputation to extensions as a whole,” she explains, citing the “get-rich-quick” lash courses cluttering the market.
Other than the techs only concerned with a quick buck (often at the expense of quality service), the generational shift from a traditional 9-5 to entrepreneurship is not cheap. “Inflation has made it increasingly difficult to maintain low prices,” Houston lash tech and wispy specialist Aria Smith says. “When clients see a higher price tag, they often assume we’re overcharging, unaware of the many expenses we face,” with services in HTX ranging from $100 to $120 dollars. From rent and taxes, to the cost of supplies and professional training, “the financial burdens of running a lash business are significant.”
With that, it makes it more difficult for clients, particularly in expensive, high volume cities, to find a lash tech that can provide a service that is worth the cost. This is why they may prefer to do it themselves. Statistics show strip lashes account for 65.9% of the global false eyelashes market, a market expected to grow from $1.50 billion in 2024 to $2.70 billion by 2032. “There are options in every industry,” says Jas Imani, a licensed esthetician in New York. “DIY lashes aren’t new and they will get better and better, that is a fact.”
Having to compete with DIY lashes and an oversaturated market, lash techs are more susceptible to burnout, unable to turn clients away even if their books are full. “There’s a pervasive culture of hustle that can lead to burnout,” Smith says. Sahaba agrees, saying the hardest part about being a lash tech is not being able to say “no” to new clients. “I end up working on my off days or at the most insane times to get everyone in,” she says. ”It is so important to have strong boundaries and set off days as a lash tech, especially if you want to do it long term because it is a very physically taxing job.”
Known for their affordability, convenience, and easy application, drugstore lashes are the quick fix we’ve even seen on celebrities for red carpets and award shows (think: KISS lashes). However, their popularity may be behind the perceived decline, weeding out inexperienced lash techs that only offer simple services. “I think [DIY lashes] are the main cause of the decline in business for lash techs that still offer the same ‘copy/paste’ lash >Valencia Koger, the rise of custom designs is replacing standard sets. “”I think the most difficult part of being a lash tech starts with how much you know and how confident you are in the craft,” Koger says. For example, her most popular lash service called “lash color matching” includes clients with albinism who may not be able to find DIY lashes in their shade. “The technique is popular because it’s inclusive,” she says. “It opens up the opportunity for anyone to wear lash extensions even if it is a one time thing.”
Imani notes lash services are just like selling any other product. “If a lash artist feels they are losing clients then they need to adjust the treatment or experience around it,” she explains. From offering all original lashrel=”tag”>Beauty Business eyelash extension false eyelahses KISS eyelashes
The post Are Lash Businesses On The Decline? Here’s What Techs Say appeared first on Essence.
After being attacked for her lash extensions, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett went viral for her clapback over the weekend. Naturally, this stirred up the existing conversation around the price we pay for our lashes. With the cost of living in the United States rising and grass wall salons offering less for more, justifying the price of lash services may be more difficult now than four years ago. And while Texas natives (cue: Megan Thee Stallion and Revlon’s lash collaboration) may be able to come out of pocket, clients in New York and California could be turning to affordable DIY lashes as an alternative.
According to Los Angeles lash tech Alanah Sahaba, lashes experienced a major surge in popularity during the pandemic in 2020, which was the year she started. “With masks covering most of our faces, the focus shifted to the eyes making lash extensions way more sought after,” Sahaba tells ESSENCE. However, “before lash extensions grew in popularity to the masses, the standard lash set was $300 dollars as it was hard to find someone that did lash extensions to begin with.”
At that time, extra-full one-length lashes were all lash techs offered, making it difficult to find looks other than classic, hybrid and volume lashes. Now, with education significantly more accessible, it has allowed many techs to expand their services. But, not without a cost. “The almost over-accessibility in knowledge has made it so some people will jump into the lash industry without proper training,” Sahaba says. “It has given such a bad reputation to extensions as a whole,” she explains, citing the “get-rich-quick” lash courses cluttering the market.
Other than the techs only concerned with a quick buck (often at the expense of quality service), the generational shift from a traditional 9-5 to entrepreneurship is not cheap. “Inflation has made it increasingly difficult to maintain low prices,” Houston lash tech and wispy specialist Aria Smith says. “When clients see a higher price tag, they often assume we’re overcharging, unaware of the many expenses we face,” with services in HTX ranging from $100 to $120 dollars. From rent and taxes, to the cost of supplies and professional training, “the financial burdens of running a lash business are significant.”
With that, it makes it more difficult for clients, particularly in expensive, high volume cities, to find a lash tech that can provide a service that is worth the cost. This is why they may prefer to do it themselves. Statistics show strip lashes account for 65.9% of the global false eyelashes market, a market expected to grow from $1.50 billion in 2024 to $2.70 billion by 2032. “There are options in every industry,” says Jas Imani, a licensed esthetician in New York. “DIY lashes aren’t new and they will get better and better, that is a fact.”
Having to compete with DIY lashes and an oversaturated market, lash techs are more susceptible to burnout, unable to turn clients away even if their books are full. “There’s a pervasive culture of hustle that can lead to burnout,” Smith says. Sahaba agrees, saying the hardest part about being a lash tech is not being able to say “no” to new clients. “I end up working on my off days or at the most insane times to get everyone in,” she says. ”It is so important to have strong boundaries and set off days as a lash tech, especially if you want to do it long term because it is a very physically taxing job.”
Known for their affordability, convenience, and easy application, drugstore lashes are the quick fix we’ve even seen on celebrities for red carpets and award shows (think: KISS lashes). However, their popularity may be behind the perceived decline, weeding out inexperienced lash techs that only offer simple services. “I think [DIY lashes] are the main cause of the decline in business for lash techs that still offer the same ‘copy/paste’ lash >Valencia Koger, the rise of custom designs is replacing standard sets. “”I think the most difficult part of being a lash tech starts with how much you know and how confident you are in the craft,” Koger says. For example, her most popular lash service called “lash color matching” includes clients with albinism who may not be able to find DIY lashes in their shade. “The technique is popular because it’s inclusive,” she says. “It opens up the opportunity for anyone to wear lash extensions even if it is a one time thing.”
Imani notes lash services are just like selling any other product. “If a lash artist feels they are losing clients then they need to adjust the treatment or experience around it,” she explains. From offering all original lashrel="tag">Beauty Business eyelash extension false eyelahses KISS eyelashes
The post Are Lash Businesses On The Decline? Here’s What Techs Say appeared first on Essence.
Rick Gomez / Getty Images
As nail care turns into spring and summer’s big beauty trend (cue the popular “no-nicure” nails), building strong nails are a can’t miss step for mani-pedi season. Whether you’re into the Lori Harvey-approved micro-French tip, or prefer decorated, extra-long Nicki-like nails, a healthy cuticle, nail bed, and fingernails are always a must. “Nail health can affect the longevity of a manicure,” celebrity nail artist Aja Walton tells ESSENCE. “Stronger nails are less prone to chipping or lifting, resulting in a longer-lasting manicure.”
Below, Walton shares her top tips to strengthen your nails this summer.
What causes weak nails?“Weak, brittle nails are often the result of dehydration, poor nutrition, too much water exposure, or other serious medical conditions like thyroid issues or psoriasis,” Walton says. Although the key to healthy nails are regular manicures, according to CND, using improper techniques creates a fine line between strong and weak nails. “90% of my encounters with brittle nails are the effects of improper removal and/or application of nail enhancements including gel color, gel extensions, acrylic or glued on tips.”
Other causes such as “a lack of essential nutrients like biotin, iron, and vitamins A, C, and E can lead to brittle, discolored, or weak nails.” Meanwhile, frequent exposure to cleaning products, acetone, and other harsh chemicals can weaken and damage nails. Excess nail biting, and improper trimming can also impact how your nails look with “fungal or bacterial infections causing discoloration, thickening, or separation of the nail from the nail bed.”
If none of these factors affect you, aging might. “As we age, nails can naturally become thinner and more brittle,” she says.
How to tell if your nails are weakIt may be difficult to tell if your nails are weak, especially under nail enhancements. “You should consider strengthening your nails if they are constantly peeling, breaking, or have visible signs of damage, such as ridges or splits,” she says. Splitting is the tell tale sign of weak nails, so “it may just be time to change up your nail shape to a more tapered or rounded look,” as square nails may chip more easily.
How do you strengthen your nails?Noticing if your nails are weak is just the first step. Implementing a routine to help rebuild your nails is the key to a healthy mani-pedi. “My tips for strengthening nails include keeping the nails hydrated with cuticle oil, steering clear of harsh chemicals, using nail strengthening treatments, and accessorizing with gloves for chores,” she says. Other than avoiding excess drill use and poor application techniques, “don’t forget to indulge in a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.”
Adding products packed with powerhouse ingredients like keratin, biotin, calcium, and vitamins A and E are essential for healthy nails. “My ride or die picks are Essie’s Hard to Resist Advanced Nail Strengthener and Essie’s Hard to Resist in Glow & Shine, which, as a bonus, has a beautiful sheer pink tint.”
TOPICS: at-home gel nail care fake nails healthy nailsThe post How To Strengthen Your Nails This Summer appeared first on Essence.
Funko have announced a whole host of exclusives for the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con 2024. Scroll down for images of the exclusives:
Pop! Batman
/ Superman Fusion
Pop! Godzilla
Pop! Snoopy
Pop! Papa Smurf
Deluxe Pop! 001 (Vaporizing)
Bitty Pop! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (black-and-white deco variant)
Pop! Proto Zoa
Pop! Edna Mode
Pop! Kermit
Pop! Zero
Pop! Zero (Show-only Glow-in-the-dark Variant)
Super Pop! Baymax and the Show-only Glitter Variant
Project Fred Deadpool Edition
Pop! Mister Sinister
Pop! Spider-Boy
Pop! Darth Vader and Pop! Grand Admiral Thrawn
Pop! Grand Admiral Thrawn (Show-only Glitter Variant)
Pop! Sugar
Pop! Satoru Gojo with defeated Jogo
Pop! Shinobu Kocho
Pop! Gaara
Pop! Elemental Hero Flame Wingman
Jumbo Pop! Arceus
Pop! Marvin the Martian
Pop! Super Voltron
Pop! Elmo with Rocco
Pop! Lord Soth
Pop! Harry Potter
Pop! Moment of Wednesday and Enid
Pop! Wicked Witch of the West with a Winged Monkey
Pop! Dig ‘Em Frog
Funko Airways Pop! Tee
Can-O-Corn Freddy SODA
Funmart Freddy SODA
4-Pack of Bitty Pops!
Pops! Pizzario Proto & Roller Drive-In Franny
Pop! Mayor Freddy
SDCC Shared Exclusive Locations – North American Retailers
SDCC Shared Exclusive Locations – LATAM Retailers
The post Funko Announce Exclusives for SDCC24! appeared first on The Nerd Element.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surround by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
The shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, is being investigated as an attempted assassination, according to law enforcement officials. The shooter has been killed. One rally attendee was also killed, andtwo other attendees have been critically injured, The Associated Press reports.
The former president was rushed off the stage just minutes into his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday after loud sounds were heard. Trump had blood on the side of his head and his ear. Trump was speaking when he reached for the side of his face as popping sounds rang out over the rally. He then crouched down as Secret Service agents rushed the stage and surrounded him.
“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” Trump wroteTruth Social.
“I want to thank The United States Secret Service and all of Law Enforcement for their rapid response to the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured,” the former president added.
According to a senior White House official, President Joe Biden, who is in Delaware for the weekend, has been briefed on the situation. Biden called the attack “sick” and thanked law enforcement in on-camera remarks. “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick. It’s sick,” Biden said. “It’s one of the reasons why we have to unite this country. We cannot allow for this to be happening.”
“Everybody must condemn it,” Biden added.
Vice President Kamala Harris said that she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, “are relieved that he is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting.”
She added that “violence such as this has no place in our nation,” urging everyone to “condemn this abhorrent act.”
Donald Trump Jr., one of the president’s children, wrote on X that his father will “never stop fighting to Save America.” His message was accompanied by a photo of his father pumping his fist with blood on his face.
Law enforcement officials have not yet released details on the identity of the shooter.
This is a developing news story and will continue to be updated as more details become available.
TOPICS: Donald Trump PoliticsThe post Donald Trump Shot During Campaign Rally, Incident Being Investigated As Assassination Attempt appeared first on Essence.