Being a lash tech means your day is focused on creating beautiful lash sets for your clients. However, the nature of our work often demands long hours in front of a lash bed, which can have a negative impact on physical health and mental well-being.
Poor posture and prolonged sitting can cause repetitive strain injuries, so it's important to include simple stretches in your daily routine.
In this blog post, we’ll share five daily stretches that will keep you limber, happy, and thriving on your lash journey!
Why Stretching Is Important for Lash Technicians
Spending long periods of time in the same position can cause muscle stiffness and tension throughout the body, especially in the upper body and spine.
Stretching helps alleviate these issues by improving spinal mobility and releasing tension in muscles used repetitively during our work.
Stretching benefits our physical health and can positively impact our mental well-being. Taking a few minutes to stretch between clients can provide much-needed relief and relaxation for our overworked bodies and minds.
How Do I Keep My Body From Hurting While Doing Lash Extensions?
To keep your body from hurting while doing lash extensions, it's essential to maintain proper posture and schedule time between clients for regular stretching. Be sure to hold all stretches for 20 to 30 seconds for the best effects.
Here are five effective stretches lash artists should do several times a day:
1. Neck Rolls
Neck rolls are a simple stretch that helps release tension in the neck and shoulders.
Begin by sitting or standing tall with your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Slowly drop your ear towards your shoulder, then gently roll your head forward, bringing your chin to your chest.
Continue rolling your head to the left, bringing your opposite ear towards your opposite shoulder, and then complete the circle by lifting your head slightly as you roll it back.
Repeat this motion 5–10 times in each direction, moving slowly to avoid straining your neck.
2. Reverse Table Top
Reverse table top is a good stretch for the whole body. It helps open the chest, gives the shoulders a deeper stretch, and stretches the front of the abdominals and legs.
Here is how to do it:
- Sit on the floor with knees bent and feet hip-width apart.
- Place hands behind, fingers pointing towards feet, and press palms into the ground.
- Press feet into the floor, engaging leg muscles.
- Inhale deeply and lift your hips off the ground to form a reverse tabletop position.
- Align hips with knees and shoulders with wrists.
- Keep the chest open and gently squeeze the shoulder blades together.
- Engage core for stability.
- Relax the neck and gaze forward or slightly upward.
- Hold the pose for 5–10 breaths, focusing on deep inhales and exhales.
- Gradually increase holding time as you become more comfortable.
- To release, slowly lower hips back to the ground, releasing tension in shoulders and wrists.
3. Prayer Stretch
The prayer stretch is an excellent exercise for improving wrist flexibility and relieving wrist strain.
Begin by placing your palms together in front of your chest, just below your chin. Slowly lower your hands towards your waistline while keeping your palms pressed together and close to your body. You should feel a gentle to moderate stretch along the underside of your forearms.
4. Seated Twist
Stretch out your spine with the seated twist.
Sitting tall with your feet flat on the ground, place one hand behind you and twist your upper body in that direction, gently pushing your other hand against your thigh for support.
Hold for 20 to 30 seconds before repeating on the other side.
5. Cat-Cow
The cat-cow stretch is a gentle yoga sequence that improves spinal mobility and relieves back, neck, and shoulder tension.
Begin on your hands and knees with your wrists lined up under your shoulders and knees under your hips. As you breathe in, arch your back, lowering your belly towards the ground and lifting your head and chest for cow pose. Then, as you breathe out, tuck your chin to your chest while rounding your back towards the ceiling for cat pose.
Repeat for five breaths.
For an added mobility stretch for your spine, move your body in a circular motion, arching on the inhale and rounding on the exhale.
Additional Tips for Lash Artists
Aside from incorporating stretches into your daily routine, here are a few additional tips to help maintain good physical health while doing lash extensions:
- Invest in a lash bed and an ergonomic seat that promotes proper posture and supports the entire body.
- Keep the room well-lit with natural light or proper lighting to avoid straining your eyes and neck.
- Take breaks between clients to stretch, walk around, and give your body a break from sitting for long periods.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent muscle stiffness and fatigue.
- Practice proper posture while working. Sit tall with your shoulders relaxed and feet flat on the floor.
Stay Happy on Your Lash Journey With Lashin’ Out
It's important to take care of yourself to continue creating stunning lashes for your clients with a happy and healthy body!
Are you ready to elevate your lash artistry and learn how to stay happy and healthy while creating stunning sets for your clients?
Join our 1:1 mentorship program at Lashin' Out! Our tailored mentorship will provide lash artists at any stage in their careers with personalized guidance. Invest in yourself and your career—sign up today, and let’s thrive together on this lash journey!
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