Lashologist Council of America

The Lashologist Council of America, is a non-profit trade organization that promotes safety, professional development and education for the eyelash and eye cosmetics industry. The group was formalized by Ellie Malmin and John Sasson in 2008. Lashologist Council is best known for the development of the Certified Lashologist credential, a trademarked certification that promotes practitioners in the industry as expertly skilled at a number of procedures, including eyelash extensions, eyelash tinting, eyelash perm and hygiene safety.
Leadership in the Eye Cosmetics Industry
Although not a government authority, the group is very active in working with the public to promoting the the industry. It is a private, membership based non-profit organization. At the end of February 2010, LCA had several hundred members from across the country. LCA works to promote the professional components including manufacturers, salons & spas, , practitioners and the public. To achieve this it has developed a variety of programs and services, and works closely with the industry to develop a set of guidelines and best practices.
Eyelash professions are at a disadvantage in protecting themselves with , as most cosmetics policies will have an exception for eyelash procedures. LCA works with carriers to provide protection covering these procedures.
Educational Model
LCA also offers a host of educational opportunities, including workshops, DVDs, and seminars to educate the public and industry professionals on different elements of the the eyelash and eye cosmetics industry, from the basics to more technical information. The group recognised leadership through its annual Lashologist Bright 50 List of Exceptional Eyelash Professionals.
According to the industry journal Les Nouvelles Esthetiques, LCA has created a set of recommendations to assist patients address treatment related hair and eyelash loss. The Group has also created a set of educational tools that train the blind and apply their own makeup.
LCA began its development in 2008 founded and spearheaded by Ellie Malmin, led a broad-based consensus process which included non-profit organizations, manufacturers and other industry and education leaders. As interest in LCA grew, the group began an international expansion membership under Lashologist Council International.
The Certified Lashologist credential consists of several exams interrelated exams covering all aspects of the lashologist profession.
Certified Lashologist
LCA established benchmarks for the Certified lashologist program and Clinical Eyelash Workshop. Each is a framework for individual performance. The certification does not negate state cosmetology licenses but demonstrates beyond mandate, a specialization. Certification is generally voluntary, but somemtimes required to fulfill some certain job descriptions.
LCA updates an annual reference and study guides to help promote education industrywide. This included an interactive web tool, events, and forums.
Controversy
As the eyelash cosmetics industry has grown, the industry has received some attention for not having a consistent set of guidelines and best practices in place. Ther has been a call for greater public awareness, as in rare cases untrained or unlicensed individuals may perform the procedure. The council encourages manufacturers to insure animal testing does not occur on products entering the marketplace.
Increasingly, to the eyelash extension industry's detriment, unqualified individuals perform the procedure incorrectly and extensions begin to fall out immediately or within a few days. The Lashologist Council has embarked on a public awareness campaign to inform the public to seek out quailified, trained and certified lashologists.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu