The Ultimate Guide to Lash Trays
Eyelash extensions have become a vital part of the beauty industry, offering clients the ability to enhance their natural lashes with added length, volume, and curl. At the core of this process are lash trays, which are essential tools for lash artists, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and professional-quality results. Whether you are a seasoned lash technician or just starting in the industry, understanding lash trays and their different types can help improve your application process. This guide explores everything you need to know about lash trays, including their types, materials, benefits, and how to choose the right ones for your business.
Lash trays are carefully organised containers that hold rows of synthetic or natural eyelash extensions. They are designed to maintain the curl, length, and thickness of the lashes, ensuring they remain in perfect condition until they are applied. The structured design of lash trays allows technicians to work efficiently, selecting the appropriate extension size and type with ease.
Lash trays come in various types to accommodate different application methods and desired lash looks. Classic lash trays contain individual lashes that vary in thickness, length and curl to suit different client preferences. These are used to create natural-looking eyelash extensions by applying one extension per natural lash. Volume lash trays contain ultra-thin lashes that can be applied in fans, ranging from 2D to 6D, to create a fuller appearance. These are ideal for clients looking for a more dramatic, voluminous look.
For those who want an even bolder lash effect, mega volume lash trays offer finer lash fibres that allow lash artists to create dense, dramatic sets with large volume fans. Pre-made fan lash trays simplify the volume lashing process by providing ready-to-use lash fans, making application quicker and easier. Flat or ellipse lash trays have a slightly flattened base, which gives them a wider appearance without adding extra weight. These provide a darker, fuller lash line while maintaining comfort for the client.
Not all lash trays offer the same quality. When selecting lash trays, it is essential to look for certain characteristics. A high-quality lash tray should provide a range of lengths, usually between 6mm and 25mm, and curls such as C, CC, D, or L to accommodate different eye shapes and styles. The material of the lashes also plays a crucial role. Premium lash trays are typically made from polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) fibres, a high-performance material known for its durability, lightweight feel, and ability to maintain curl over time.
Lash thickness also varies depending on the desired effect. Standard thickness options range from 0.03mm to 0.20mm, with thinner lashes being ideal for volume applications and thicker lashes for classic sets. Another important feature is the quality of the adhesive strip that holds the lashes in place within the tray. A well-made adhesive strip will allow for easy removal with tweezers while keeping the lashes secure and free from tangling. The layout of the lash tray should also be well organised, with clearly labelled rows and sizes to ensure efficiency and precision during the application process.
Lash trays offer several advantages for both lash technicians and clients. The organised structure of lash trays keeps extensions neatly arranged, allowing lash artists to work efficiently without the hassle of sorting through loose lashes. With a structured layout, every lash extension remains uniform in length, curl, and thickness, resulting in a polished and professional final look.
In addition to improving efficiency and consistency, lash trays contribute to better hygiene. By keeping extensions securely stored in a clean and protected environment, the risk of contamination is minimised, ensuring the safety of clients. Lash trays also reduce product waste by helping technicians manage their lash inventory more effectively. Compared to loose extensions, lash trays make it easier to keep track of the number of lashes used and minimise unnecessary wastage.
Customisation is another key advantage of using lash trays. Since lash trays come in various lengths, curls, and thicknesses, lash artists can create fully customised lash sets to suit each client’s individual eye shape and personal style.
When selecting lash trays for your business, it is important to consider the type of lash service you offer. For a natural look, classic lash trays are the best choice, while those specializing in dramatic and voluminous styles may prefer volume or mega-volume trays. It is also important to stay up to date with the latest lash trends and stock up on the most in-demand lengths, curls, and thicknesses.
The quality of the lash tray also matters. Investing in high-quality trays from reputable suppliers ensures that the extensions maintain their shape, curl, and durability over time. In addition, cost-effectiveness should be taken into account. Purchasing mixed-length lash trays or extra-large trays that contain more rows can be more economical, especially for high-volume lash businesses.
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintaining the quality of lash trays. They should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent heat and humidity from affecting the curl of the lashes. Keeping trays closed when they are not in use prevents dust and debris from settling on the extensions. To maintain hygiene, lash extensions should only be handled with clean tweezers, reducing the risk of contamination. When removing lashes from the adhesive strip, technicians should avoid excessive bending or pulling to prevent damage to the extensions.
Lash trays are an essential tool in the eyelash extension industry, offering organisation, efficiency, and high-quality results. Whether working with classic, volume, or mega-volume lashes, investing in well-organised, premium lash trays can enhance the application process, streamline workflow, and ensure beautiful, long-lasting results for clients. By choosing the right lash trays, lash artists can deliver exceptional services, maintain high hygiene standards, and create customised lash looks that keep clients coming back for more.