How to Take Paternity Leave as a Lash Artist

Taking Parental Leave as a Lash Technician

If you’re self-employed or work in a salon where building a loyal clientele is central to your role, taking an extended break from work can feel difficult. Even planning a holiday can become stressful if you are worried that clients may find another Lash Technician while you are away.

Parental leave is an important and rewarding period, but planning a longer absence can understandably cause stress for Lash Technicians. Here are some practical ways to prepare your clients, protect your business and make your eventual return to work more manageable.

Preparing Your Clients

Before beginning your parental leave, put clear arrangements in place so your clients continue to feel supported while you are away.

• Create loyalty: Build your client base and offer promotions that fit within your budget. This could include a loyalty scheme, a discount after a certain number of treatments or another suitable reward. A strong client relationship can encourage clients to return while also helping you build additional savings before your leave.
• Provide continued support: Build professional relationships with other reputable Lash Artists so you can refer clients to someone you trust while you are away. If you work in a salon with several Lash Technicians, you may be able to transfer appointments to your colleagues. If you work independently, recommending another trusted professional shows clients that you care about the quality of treatment they receive.
• Offer return rewards: Encourage clients to book with you when you return by offering a treatment reward, discounted infill or reduced-price aftercare bundle such as the Clean Lashes DUO. You could allow clients to select their preferred reward so the offer feels more relevant to them.

Returning to Work After Parental Leave

Returning after a long period away can be daunting, particularly when you have formed a close bond with your new baby. Making phone calls, updating social media and reopening your booking system or website can feel like a job in itself. A gradual, structured return can make the transition easier.

• Take it easy: Begin by working fewer hours. The pressure to immediately return to your previous schedule may feel significant, but you do not need to fill every appointment slot straight away. Take on a manageable number of clients and gradually increase your workload as your routine becomes more comfortable.
• Make lashing easier: Consider using products that can reduce treatment times and make your setup more efficient. Easy Fanning Lashes, Premade Volume Fans and Premade Lash Spikes can save time compared with creating every fan or spike by hand. This may give you more time between appointments or allow you to finish work earlier.
• Expect some changes: After an extended break from a skill-based treatment such as lash extensions, it is normal to feel slightly out of practice. Before returning fully, spend some time practising fan-making and placement techniques if you offer Volume or Hybrid lashes.
• Adjust your adhesive if necessary: Your placement speed may initially be slower, so you may benefit from using a more gradually drying lash glue. Select an adhesive that suits your current speed and treatment-room conditions.
• Review your workstation: An Attached-to-Hand Lash Palette can reduce unnecessary turning, leaning and reaching. Leave enough time between appointments to sit upright, stretch and reset your workspace.
• Listen to your body: Pay attention to when you need a break, snack or lunch. Maintaining your nutrition and hydration is important for your energy and concentration at work, as well as for caring for your baby when you return home. Keep a reusable water bottle nearby and take short walks or stretching breaks when needed.

What If Some Clients Do Not Return?

Some clients may not return after your leave, but this can happen for many reasons and should not discourage you. Even Lash Artists who do not take an extended break can experience changes in their client base.

Continue promoting your business through your website, social media, local marketing and suitable introductory offers. Read our guide on how to gain new lash clients for ideas on attracting and retaining new customers.

Parental leave can be a rewarding but understandably stressful period in your professional and personal life. Prepare your clients, maintain trusted industry relationships and return at a pace that works for you. With careful planning and realistic expectations, you can rebuild your routine and return to creating beautiful eyelash extensions with confidence.