How to Tape Down Lower Lashes for a Lash Extension Set

To tape down lower lashes for a lash extension set, tear a strip of lash tape a little longer than the eye, reduce its tack on the back of your hand, and lay it over the lower lashes just below the waterline while the client looks up. Smooth it from the inner corner outward so every lower lash is held flat against the skin. Tape can be used on its own or over an under-eye pad to catch lashes the pad missed.

Why tape the lower lashes?

• To stop lower lashes bonding to upper lashes or extensions. This is the main reason. A stuck lower lash means the client cannot open the eye comfortably.
• To clear your working area, so you see only upper lashes.
• To protect the under-eye skin from adhesive and tweezers.
• To fit eyes that pads do not suit, since tape can be cut or torn to any shape.

Tape, pads, or both?

What kind of tape is used?

Lash artists use gentle, skin-safe tapes made for delicate skin, not office or household tape. Common types are paper tape, silicone gel tape and soft perforated tape. Silicone tape is known for a gentle release from the skin. Small perforations make a tape breathable and easy to tear by hand.

The Uexim eyelash silicone tape is a gentle, breathable silicone tape designed for eyelash extension application. Its small-hole design allows airflow while holding the lower lashes in place, and it tears easily for quick use. There are two rolls per box, in widths of 1.25 cm or 2.5 cm, in pink or blue.

Which width should you use?

• Narrow, about 1.25 cm: for the lower lash line itself, small eyes, inner and outer corners, and for lifting the upper lid.
• Wide, about 2.5 cm: to cover the whole under-eye area in one piece, or to secure a pad.

Before you start

1. Ask about tape or adhesive sensitivities during consultation.
2. Wash and sanitize your hands.
3. Cleanse the lashes and under-eye skin, and dry them fully. Tape will not hold on oil or moisture.

How to tape the lower lashes, step by step

1. Tear a strip slightly longer than the width of the eye.
2. Reduce the tack. Press the strip onto the back of your clean hand once or twice. This makes removal gentler on thin under-eye skin.
3. Round the inner end with scissors, or fold the corner under, so there is no sharp point near the eye.
4. Ask the client to look up.
5. Place the inner end just below the inner corner.
6. Lay the strip along the lower lid, over the lower lashes, with its top edge one to two millimeters below the waterline.
7. Smooth outward to the outer corner, pressing the lashes flat beneath the tape.
8. Check for strays and tuck them under with tweezers, or cover them with a second small piece.
9. Ask the client to close their eyes, and check from above that the tape has not ridden up.
10. Confirm comfort. Nothing should poke, pull or sting.

Other uses for tape during a set

• Lifting the upper lid. A small strip from the lid up toward the brow exposes the lash line on hooded eyes. Use very light tension.
• Holding back layers. Tape the top layer of lashes back while you work on the lower layers.
• Securing pad corners that lift.
• Keeping finished lashes separate from those still to be done.

Common mistakes

• Tape touching the waterline or the eye. It irritates and makes the eye water.
• Full-tack tape on thin skin. It can pull on removal.
• Stretching the tape as you apply it. It springs back and tugs the skin.
• Taping over damp or oily skin. It lifts mid-set.
• Leaving a sharp corner pointing at the eye.
• Pulling the lid too tightly when lifting. The eye may not close fully.

How do you remove it?

1. Keep the client's eyes closed.
2. Support the skin beside the tape with a fingertip.
3. Peel slowly from the outer corner toward the nose, keeping the tape low and close to the skin.
4. If it resists, dampen the edge slightly and wait a moment.
5. Check that no lower lash is caught in the upper lashes.

Hygiene and safety

• Use fresh tape for every client.
• Handle the roll with clean hands, and store it covered.
• Do not tape over broken or irritated skin.
• Stop and adjust if the client reports any discomfort.
• Follow the hygiene and licensing rules that apply where you work.

Frequently asked questions

Is tape better than under-eye pads?

Neither is better in every case. Tape fits any eye and holds strays. Pads are quicker and more cushioned. Many artists use both.

Why press tape on my hand first?

It takes off some of the stickiness, so removal is gentler on delicate skin.

Can I use regular medical tape?

Use a gentle tape intended for delicate skin or for lash work. Avoid strong-adhesive tapes.

How do I stop lower lashes popping out from under the tape?

Clean and dry the skin well, place the tape with the client looking up, and add a small second piece over any strays.

The bottom line

Clean skin, de-tacked tape, placed just below the waterline and smoothed outward with the client looking up. Check with eyes closed, and peel gently toward the nose at the end.