To have them or not to have them? I say yes because it doesn't hurt anyone to have them and it covers your bases. Every professional and legitimate business has some sort of "form" for you to sign before they proceed with your appointment. You will look much more professional if you do the same. There are a ton of templates found online, just google "eyelash extension waiver form". Browse through the templates and make up your own, grab sections of each that you find applies to your business and tweak it around. If you find one that works for you, copy the whole thing! Your options are endless, really.
My waiver form consists of the first portion explaining to the client the procedure that I will be performing on them: applying individual eyelash extensions to their natural lash using a semi-permanent glue. This is great for clients who have never had eyelash extensions done before because it informs them of what you'll be doing to them and gives them a bit of comfort and understanding. I have the client sign off on this section stating that they agree to having the procedure done to them. Next is the risks associated with eyelash extensions (ex. allergic reactions, irritation, etc.) This section explains the risks briefly and I have them sign off again so they understand the risks before proceeding with the appointment. I have a section explaining basic aftercare instructions as well as instructions to lay still, keep their eyes closed during the appointment, etc. I inform the client if they fail to follow these instructions then it is possible for the extensions to fall off prematurely due to poor aftercare or if the client is constantly moving around, possible bad placement of the extensions. You can put any precautions you want on your waiver form. For example, if you are not comfortable with the client talking during the appointment because you find there is too much movement and you can't comfortably lash with them talking, state that in the form. It is way less awkward putting it on the waiver compared to telling them mid-appointment to stop talking! The next section is a yes or no checklist asking questions regarding lash health, past/current eye infections/disorders, allergies to lash glue or anything that may affect the eye area, medications or treatments that might affect the eye area or hair loss, as well as some lifestyle questions like if they work out constantly, tan, wear makeup every day etc. which may weaken the glue retention. If they check yes on any of these I just discuss it with them before starting the appointment to make sure extensions are a good fit for this client. The last section is a "anything else I need to know" section to give the client an opportunity to state anything that wasn't already on the form. Lastly, they are asked to put their full name, date, contact number, and signature at the bottom.
I read through each waiver form and have a mini consultation with the client at this time. Any issues or concerns I have I will voice to the client and I'll also ask them if they have any concerns or questions for me. If we are good to proceed with the appointment I'll also discuss styling and looks with the client and will jot down their preference, curl, look, etc. on the form in case I ever need to refer back to it.
There you have it. Simple as that! This whole process should only take about 10 minutes or less, and I only have new clients fill the form each time. There is no need to have clients fill out the same form at every appointment. You'll want to hang on to these waiver forms for reference or incase someone decides to take legal action against you. It doesn't completely win your case in the court of law BUT it gives you some leverage because they technically signed off on the liability.
Heres one last tip for you guys: If you are able to, or if you already have one, get an iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil so that your waiver forms can be signed electronically. This saves you from having to have stacks of forms being printed constantly and then trying to find a place to store them. I have an iPad stand set up in my lash room for this sole purpose. Because it is used for your business you can write this off (Win!). There are also websites and apps where you can pay to have electronic forms sent to your clients to sign on their phone or computer so that is an option too. Way easier to file and organize your forms this way but I am aware it is the pricier option so the old fashion paper method works just as well!
Hope you guys found some of this information useful! Let me know your thoughts + your own tips/tricks!
