To place an under-eye pad for lash extensions, cleanse and dry the skin, ask the client to look up, set the inner end of the pad near the inner corner, and smooth it outward along the lower lid so that every lower lash is covered. The top edge must sit one to two millimeters below the waterline and must never touch the eye. Then have the client close their eyes and check the fit from above before you start.
Why does placement matter so much?
- Too high, and the edge can rub or scratch the surface of the eye, or irritate the waterline, for the whole appointment.
- Too low, and lower lashes escape and can be glued to the upper lashes.
- Crooked or lifting, and the pad shifts when the client relaxes, undoing your isolation.
A correctly placed pad is one the client forgets about within a minute.
What do you need?
- A fresh pair of under-eye pads
- An oil-free lash cleanser and lint-free wipes
- Lash tape, for stray lashes and corners
- Clean tweezers
- Good overhead light
Before you place the pad
- Consult. Ask about allergies, sensitivities to gels and adhesives, contact lenses and any eye conditions. Contact lenses are normally removed before a lash service.
- Wash and sanitize your hands.
- Cleanse the lashes and the under-eye skin. Oil, makeup and moisturizer stop pads from gripping.
- Dry the area completely.
- Look at the eye shape. Note whether the lower lid is flat, rounded or deep-set, and whether the pad will need trimming.
How to place the pad, step by step
- Ask the client to look up toward their forehead, without tilting the head. This draws the lower lashes down and exposes the lower lid.
- Peel the pad from its backing, holding it by the outer edge.
- Check left and right. Shaped pads have a narrower end for the inner corner.
- Set the inner end first, a few millimeters from the inner corner.
- Smooth outward along the curve of the lower lid, keeping the top edge parallel to the lash line.
- Leave a one to two millimeter gap between the pad's top edge and the waterline.
- Tuck in every lower lash. Use tweezers to guide strays under the edge.
- Press lightly along the pad so it sits flat.
- Ask the client to close their eyes gently.
- Check from above. With the eye closed, the pad should not ride up into the lash line or onto the eye, and no lower lashes should show.
- Ask how it feels. Any pressure, poking or stinging means lift it and re-place it.
- Secure the corners with a small piece of tape if the pad lifts.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Client's eyes water or sting | Pad touching the waterline, or eye not fully closed | Stop. Lower the pad and re-check closure |
| Pad slides down | Oily or damp skin | Re-cleanse, dry, use a fresh pad or add tape |
| Outer corner lifts | Pad too long for the eye | Trim the outer end, or tape it down |
| Lower lashes poke out | Pad set too low, or long lower lashes | Reposition slightly higher, or tape over the strays |
| Pad wrinkles at the inner corner | Curved lid, pad too wide | Snip a small notch, or trim the inner end |
How do you fit different eye shapes?
- Small eyes: trim the pad shorter and narrower before placing.
- Round or prominent eyes: place the pad a little lower, and add tape to hold the lower lashes.
- Deep-set eyes: trim the top edge into a gentle curve so it does not press into the socket.
- Downturned outer corners: angle the outer end slightly down to follow the lid.
- Very long lower lashes: use tape over the lashes first, then the pad.
A hydrogel option
The Uexim hydrogel under-eye patches are hydrogel gel patches used to isolate and protect the lower lashes during eyelash extension application. There are 50 pairs per pack, and they come in several style options, shown in the product photos.
During the appointment
- Glance at the pad every few minutes. Pads can creep as the client relaxes or falls asleep.
- If the client's eyes begin to open slightly, check that no pad edge or adhesive vapor is reaching the eye.
- Keep tweezers and adhesive away from the pad's top edge.
- If the client reports discomfort, stop and fix it before continuing.
How do you remove the pad?
- Wait until the adhesive on the extensions has set, as your adhesive's guidance states.
- Ask the client to keep their eyes closed.
- Lift the outer corner and peel slowly inward, toward the nose, supporting the skin with a fingertip.
- Check that no lower lash is stuck to the upper lashes before the client opens their eyes.
- Discard the pads.
Hygiene and safety
- Use a new pair for every client. Pads are single-use.
- Do not use pads on broken or irritated skin.
- If a client has reacted to gel pads before, use paper pads or tape instead.
- Follow the hygiene and licensing rules that apply where you work.
Frequently asked questions
How far below the waterline should the pad sit?
About one to two millimeters, with all lower lashes covered.
Should the client look up or close their eyes when I place it?
Look up while you place it, then close gently so you can check the fit.
Can I trim a gel pad?
Yes. Trim it with clean scissors before placing, while it is still on its backing.
What if the pad keeps slipping?
Re-cleanse and dry the skin, then use a fresh pad or switch to tape.
The bottom line
Clean, dry skin. Inner end first, smoothed outward, a small gap below the waterline, every lower lash tucked in. Check with the eyes closed, and ask the client how it feels.
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