Can I lash a pregnant client?
Lash Extensions on Pregnant Clients: What Lash Artists Need to Know
In this blog, we’re talking about lash extensions on pregnant clients. This is a topic that often raises questions for both lash artists and clients, so hopefully this helps you get a bit more clarity.
Regulations and guidelines can vary between suppliers and insurance providers, so we wanted to share our advice, explain potential risks, and outline some guidelines when it comes to lashing pregnant clients.
Insurance & Supplier Guidelines
Before carrying out any treatment, it’s essential to check with your insurance provider. In most cases, your insurer will advise you to contact your lash supplier for their official guidelines.
If that happens, you should always follow your supplier’s advice and document that you’ve done so. This protects both you and your client and ensures you’re working within professional boundaries.
Can I Lash a Pregnant Client?
Guidelines around lash extensions for pregnant clients differ between suppliers.
At LashBase, our guidelines state that it is possible to carry out a full set of lash extensions on a pregnant or breastfeeding client. However, the final decision should always be made jointly by you and your client, once all potential risks have been clearly explained and understood. Again, it could be worth making sure you have documented that you have run through the risks and that your client has understood them.
Are Pregnant Clients More at Risk of a Reaction?
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can occur that may increase the likelihood of sensitivity or allergic reaction. Hormone imbalances can also affect lash retention, which is something that should be explained to the client in detail before treatment.
Clear communication allows your client to make an informed decision and helps manage expectations around both results and retention.
It’s also important to remember that pregnant and breastfeeding clients are often limited in the medication they can take. If a reaction were to occur, the client must seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Can Pregnancy Affect Lash Retention?
Every pregnancy is different, and hair growth or hair loss can vary from person to person.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and after childbirth can significantly affect natural lash cycles. This may lead to increased lash shedding, meaning eyelash extensions may not last as long as usual.
Because of this, some clients may need to visit you more frequently for infills. Educating your client in advance helps avoid disappointment and ensures there are no surprises later on.
Important Reminder for Lash Artists
You are not medically trained and should never advise on medication or medical conditions. Always encourage your client to speak with their midwife or healthcare provider before booking a lash treatment, and ensure you are following your insurance guidelines at all times.
Treatment Tips for Pregnant Clients
After the first trimester (12 weeks), it is generally not advised for a pregnant client to lie flat on their back, as this may restrict blood flow.
To improve comfort and safety, you may consider:
- Placing a wedge or cushion under the right-hand side to gently tilt the client onto their left side
- Propping the client up slightly rather than laying them completely flat
- Allowing extra time for the appointment, as breaks may be needed
- Booking shorter but more regular appointments
- Offering a post-treatment cleansing wash, which may help reduce the risk of irritation
Educating your client on all of the above points allows them to make an informed decision about whether lash extensions are right for them during pregnancy.
As always, depending on your insurance policy, the final decision lies with you and your client, once all potential risks have been discussed and understood.
If you have any questions, feel free to send us a DM on Instagram @LashBase_UK. We’re always happy to help.
