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Are Eyelash Businesses in Crisis? Here’s What Technicians Say – Essence

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Shutterstock / Sofia Zhuravetc.

After being attacked for her eyelash extensions, Texas congresswoman Jasmine Crockett went viral for her response over the weekend. Naturally, it sparked an ongoing conversation in regards to the price we pay for our lashes.

WITH Maintenance costs as grass-wall salons offering less for more grow and grow across the United States, justifying the worth of eyelash services might be harder now than it was 4 years ago. And while native Texans (hint: Megan Thee Stallion and Revlon collaborate on eyelashes) might be covered out of pocket, New York and California clients can go for reasonably priced at-home eyelash extension treatments in its place.

According to Alanah Sahaba, a lash specialist in Los Angeles, lashes exploded in popularity in 2020, the 12 months the pandemic began. “With masks covering most of our faces, we focused on our eyes, which made lash extensions much more desirable,” Sahaba tells ESSENCE. However, “before lash extensions became popular among the masses, a standard set of lashes cost $300 because it was hard to find someone who even did lash extensions.”

At the time, all lash technicians offered extra-full lashes in one length, making it difficult to search out styles beyond classic, hybrid, and volume. Now, with education becoming more widely available, many technicians have been in a position to expand their services. But not and not using a cost. “The almost overabundance of knowledge has led some people to jump into the lash industry without the proper training,” Sahaba says. “That’s given lash extensions as a whole such a bad rap,” she explains, citing the “get rich quick” schemes that litter the market.

Aside from technicians who’re only interested in making a fast buck (often on the expense of quality), the generational shift from traditional 9-to-5 jobs to entrepreneurship isn’t low-cost. “Inflation is making it harder to keep prices low,” Houston-based eyelash and hair tech Aria Smith she says. “When clients see a higher price, they often assume we’re overcharging, unaware of the many expenses we face,” and services at HTX range from $100 to $120. From rent and taxes to the associated fee of materials and skilled training, “the financial burden of running a lash business is significant.”

As a result, it’s harder for patrons, especially in expensive cities with high traffic, to search out a lash technician who can provide a service price their money. Therefore, they might prefer to do it themselves. Statistics show, strip eyelashes make up 65.9% The global false eyelash market, which is anticipated to grow from $1.50 billion in 2024 to $2.70 billion in 2032. “There are options in every industry,” says Jas Imani, a licensed esthetician in New York City. “DIY lashes are not new and they’re only going to get better, that’s a fact.”

Competing with DIY lashes and an oversaturated market, lash technicians are more prone to burnout, unable to show away clients even when their schedules are full. “There’s a culture of rushing around that can lead to burnout,” says Smith. Sahaba agrees, saying the toughest a part of being a lash technician just isn’t with the ability to say “no” to latest clients. “I end up working my days off or the craziest hours to get everyone in,” she says. “It’s really important to have strong boundaries and set aside days off as a lash technician, especially if you want to do it long-term, because it’s a very physically demanding job.”

Known for his or her affordability, convenience and straightforward application, drugstore lashes are a fast fix that we’ve even seen on red carpets and celebrity awards shows (think: KISS lashes). But their popularity could also be behind a perceived decline, removing inexperienced lash technicians who offer only basic services. “I think [DIY lashes] are the main reason for the decline in business for lash technicians who continue to offer the same copy/paste styles that don’t require a lot of expertise,” says Sahaba. “I think these lash artists are becoming less common and they won’t be very successful in this industry for a long time.”

By Miami Lash Tech Valencia Kogerthe rise of custom designs is replacing standard kits. “I think the hardest part of being a lash technician starts with how much you know and how confident you are in your craft,” Koger says. For example, her hottest lash service, called “lash color matching,” includes clients with albinism, who may not give you the chance to search out DIY lashes in their shade. “This technique is popular because it’s inclusive,” she says. “It opens up the possibility of anyone wearing lash extensions, even if it’s a one-time thing.”

Imani notes that lash services are identical to selling every other product. “If a lash artist feels like they’re losing customers, they need to adjust the treatment or experience to accommodate that,” she explains. From offering all-original lash styles like Sahaba to Koger’s eyelash color-matching service, “the treatment is an experience and usually a luxury for most people,” Imani says. So scheduling appointments with lash technicians who offer a service that DIY lashes don’t, and having them in locations apart from only a salon, will keep these artists afloat.

“The beauty community can support lash techs by including us in spaces that makeup artists and beauty influencers have access to,” Koger says. After all, their influence, as seen this week with Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s viral moment, is what makes lash extensions an unparalleled detail in black beauty. “Lashes are typically the last step in a routine, and with our expertise, we can add so much value to the entire beauty industry.”


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

“Get Lifted” by John Legend (twentieth Anniversary Edition) [Interview] – Essence

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Photo credit: Danny Clinch

When John Legend unveiled his debut album in 2004, he couldn’t have predicted the extraordinary legacy it could construct over the following 20 years. Now, with the discharge the singer returns to the project that launched his profession and redefined the boundaries of R&B, hip-hop and neo-soul. Available now, the digital Deluxe Edition offers fans a refreshed tackle timeless classics with remixes, rare tracks and collaborations that bring latest energy to the music.

The twentieth Anniversary Edition includes 11 bonus tracks, including remixes from iconic artists equivalent to Tems, Killer Mike, Lil Wayne, Simi and Black Thought. Two previously unreleased songs – “Do What I Gotta Do” and “Just In Time” – offer fans an intimate look into Legend’s creative process during this era. The album’s revival doesn’t end there; will even be available as 3LP vinyl in 2025, and all copies are signed by Legend.

Reflecting on the challenges of making an original album, the award-winning artist recalled the struggles of an aspiring artist trying to search out their sound. “I wrote a lot of this album when I wasn’t signed, so the big challenge was just figuring out what would work to give me a chance to get the music out there,” he explains. . “I’ve been trying to get a record deal for over five years, but record labels were turning me down both left and right.”

It was only when Kanye West took a likelihood on Legend and signed a contract with GOOD Music that all the pieces began to alter. Working with West and touring together opened doors for the University of Pennsylvania graduate. That same yr, he signed a record take care of Columbia and was able to hit the shelves. The album’s breakout single “Ordinary people” became the anthem that defined Legend’s artistry. “When it finally came out and made it work the way it did, especially with my second single, it was really beautiful to see it start to connect and connect with people,” she tells ESSENCE.

On the occasion of the anniversary edition, Legend collaborated with artists who provided a refreshing atmosphere to Legend’s debut – but remixes aren’t just repetitions of original songs. “I’m a fan of every artist we asked to be a part of the remix,” says Legend. “They have new beats, new energy, new vibes and of course new guest artists. It really brought a fresh perspective to music and excited me to reconnect with music.”

was a breakthrough album for the Ohio-born artist, combining multiple genres in a timeless and groundbreaking way. “I felt like it happened when neo-soul was already at its peak, so in a way it was almost like my reaction to neo-soul,” Legend reflects. “We also combine hip hop and gospel and create something fresh.” Legend’s commitment to songwriting is a thread that runs deep through his work then and now.

The physical format of music, especially upcoming vinyl releases, also plays a big role in maintaining the impact of the unique album. “There will always be people who want to hold something, read the sleeve notes, and play vinyl on their record players at home,” Legend states. “Especially when you’re celebrating an anniversary like this, it’s nice to have a commemorative thing that you can keep. This album means something to people because they remember 20 years ago when they started listening to it and what it meant to them then.”

Rekindling the magic of a pioneering debut, it also stands as a testament to Legend’s enduring craftsmanship. The album stays a masterclass in musical storytelling, connecting generations of fans and proving that great music, like great artists, only gets higher with time.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

US communities phase out fluoride use in public drinking water

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fluoride, water


There is a battle raging in American cities over whether to proceed using fluoride in water.

This is a process generally known as fluoridation that began around 1945. According to to the American Cancer Society became popular across the country after scientists noticed that individuals living in water with higher concentrations of fluoride had less tooth decay.

In 1962, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) advisable adding fluoride to public drinking water supplies to forestall tooth decay. The American Cancer Society estimates that fluoride is currently used in public drinking water supplied to roughly three in 4 Americans.

However, opponents have been warning for years that fluoride in drinking water is unsafe to devour. One of the organizations leading this initiative is Fluoride Action Network (FAN). The organization, whose mission is to lift awareness of what it claims is the “toxicity of fluoride compounds,” says many of the world’s developed countries don’t use fluoride in drinking water at the identical levels as America, or in any respect.

The organization says yes it helped over 500 communities successfully reject fluoridation, and there could also be more.

Federal leaders have gotten increasingly vocal in their support for ending the use of fluoride

While FAN says communities have rejected fluoridation for the past few a long time and the method has stalled in consequence, the fight has been thrust into the highlight over the past few months.

First, the National Toxicology Program, a federal agency throughout the Department of Health and Human Services, reported with “moderate certainty” that there may be an association between communities with higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children. According to the Associated Press, these communities use greater than twice the advisable limit.

A month later, a federal judge apparently ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because higher levels could affect children.

Robert F. Kennedy, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to direct the Department of Health and Human Services, announced an end to fluoridation.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Health and Wellness

WATCH: Cynthia Erivo on the importance of being a sister – Essence

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“; } }); // Drag and scroll functionality const playlistContainer = document.getElementById(‘playlist’); let isDown = false; let startY; let scrollTop; playlistContainer.addEventListener(‘mousedown’, (e) => { isDown = true; playlistContainer.classList.add(‘active’); playlistContainer.offsetTop; scrollTop = playlistContainer.scrollTop; }); playlistContainer.addEventListener(‘mouseleave’, () => { isDown = false; playlistContainer.classList.remove(‘active’); }); ‘, () => { isDown = false; playlistContainer.classList.remove(‘active’); playlistContainer.addEventListener(‘mousemove’, (e) => { if (!isDown) return; e.preventDefault(); const y = e.pageY -List Container playlist.offsetTop; const walk = (y – startY) * 3; // quick playlistContainer.scrollTop = scrollTop – walk; }); } } if (” !== ‘efoc24’) { // Check DoubleVerify Quality Targeting signals before rendering the player if ( ‘undefined’ !== PQ type ) { PQ.cmd.push(function () { // If DVQT signals are not available after 500 ms, render the player anyway. const timeout_id = setTimeout( jwPlayerRender, 500 ); // Get “Authentic Direct” signals. PQ.getTargeting({ signals: [‘abs’] }, function(error, targetingData) { clearTimeout(timeout_id); jwPlayerRender(error? undefined: targetingData); }); }); } else { jwPlayerRender(); } function jwPlayerRender( dvqt_signals=”” ) { let jw_ad_tag ​​= {“client”:”googima”,”adscheduleid”:”G7hR9pQ2″,”schedule”:[{“tag”:”https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?correlator=&iu=/21698916284/ess/VideoNews&env=vp&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&sz=400×300%7C640x480%7C1000x1%7C1920x1080&description_url=__page-url__&tfcd=0&npa=0&vpmute=1&vpa=auto&vad_type=linear&url=__page-url__&vpos=preroll&unviewed_position_start=1&v=4QHYeDGA&pmnd=0&pmxd=60000&ad_rule=1&cust_params=ttid%3D4QHYeDGA%26frnch%3D__item-franchise__%26environment%3Dproduction%26kwblock%3DAbb%2CCapOne%2CLincoln%2CUPS%2CVG%2CATTCric%2CDisney”,”offset”:”pre”},{“tag”:”https://vid.springserve.com/vast/670880?url=https://www.essence.com/news/watch-cynthia-erivo-on-importance-of-sisterhood/h=450&w=800&cb=1535″,”offset”:”50%”}]”offers”:{“bidders”:[{“id”:”jw-video-4QHYeDGA”,”name”:”jwdemand”,”publisherId”:”evcxFIDZ”,”siteId”:”WT5iFegj”,”placementId”:”24399785″},{“id”:”jw-video-4QHYeDGA”,”name”:”connatix”,”siteId”:”WT5iFegj”,”placementId”:”23419a80-fc77-4fd5-bd0c-2a4807a66a6c”}]”settings”:{“disableConsentManagementOnNoCmp”:true,”mediationLayerAdServer”:”dfp”,”floorPriceCents”:200,”floorPriceCurrency”:”usd”,”buckets”:[{“increment”:0.1,”max”:30,”min”:0},{“increment”:0.5,”max”:50,”min”:30}]}}}; // Configure ad tag on the fly… let additional_params = {}; // Input DVQT signals. if ( dvqt_signals && dvqt_signals.ABS.length > 0 ) { additional_params.ABS = dvqt_signals.ABS.join(“,”); } // Create a string of additional_parameters. let extra_params_str=””; for (enter additional_parameters) { let value = additional_parameters[key]; additional_params_str += `${key}=${value}`; if ( key !== Object.keys( additional_params .pop() ) { additional_params_str += ‘&’; } } // Update ad tag cust_params (must be URL encoded). if ( Object.keys( additional_parameters ). length > 0 ) { let ad_schedule = jw_ad_tag.schedule; if ( ‘undefined’ !== schedule type ads ) { for (let i = 0; i < ad_schedule.length; i++) { let ad_url = new url(jw_ad_tag.schedule[i].label); let query_params = new URLSearchParams(ad_url.search); query_params.set("cust_params", query_params.get("cust_params") + `&${additional_params_str}`); ad_url.search = query_params.toString(); jw_ad_tag.schedule[i].tag = ad_url.toString(); } } } let playerId; if ("undefined" !== type jwplayerQueue) { playerId = 'jw-video-4QHYeDGA'; jwplayerQueue.push({ 'instanceId': 'playerInstance_4QHYeDGA', 'playerId': playerId, 'config': { pid: 't6KP9zcV', playlist: "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/4QHYeDGA", autostart: !jw_ad_tag, repeat: true, mute: true, aspect ratio: '16:9', share: {sites: ["facebook", "twitter", "email", "linkedin"]}, cast: {}, float: {disibility: true}, autoPause: {viewability: true}, displaytitle: true, displaydescription: true, controls: true, related: {displayMode: 'shelfWidget'}, interactive: {} , ad: jw_ad_tag ​​​​} }); } // Load video. jQuery(window).trigger("jw:loadplayers"); function waitForJWPlayer(callback) { if (type jwplayer !== 'undefined') { callback(); } else { setTimeout(function() { waitForJWPlayer(callback); }, 500); } } waitForJWPlayer(function() { jwplayer(playerId).on('adsManager', function (adsManagerLoaded) { let adsManager = adsManagerLoaded.adsManager; let videoElement = document.getElementById(playerId ); let config = { anId: '929481' , camp ID: '640x360', ias_xps: "autoplay", // autoplay status ias_xbp: "2", // video destination type ias_xar: "1" // autoplay status }; // Start IAS integration googleImaVansAdapter.init(google, adsManager, videoElement , configuration });

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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