Indiana Code § 16-19-3-4.5 became effective July 2021 and requires the Indiana Department of Health to eyelash proposed rules regarding eyelash extension certification. The rules establish standards of operation for eyelash extension services, which were previously exempt from regulation for cosmetologists and estheticians. The law and proposed rules require certification training for all individuals who wish to practice eyelash extension services. The primary takeaway is that any licensed esthetician or cosmetologist who cannot provide evidence of previous eyelash extension-related training must complete a certification program recognized by the department.
The Department of Health instituted emergency rules regarding eyelash extensions that became effective April 1, 2022, and are largely the same as these proposed rules. The proposed rules must have a public hearing, which is why they have been released.
ASCP and AHP have summarized the proposed rules for you below, including definitions and requirements for certification training, client consultations, policies, sanitation expectations, and facility environments for those who wish to receive an eyelash extension certification.
The purpose of the proposed rules is to protect the public from the hazards of unsanitary or unskilled eyelash extension services, such as trauma to, or infection of, the eyelid or cornea, allergic reaction to glues, and permanent or temporary loss of eyelashes.
There will be a public hearing addressing the proposed rules that members may attend on May 20, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. EST at the following address:
Public Hearing
Indiana Department of Health
2 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Definitions
The proposed rules add new definitions relevant to the practice of eyelash extension services:
Eyelash extensions—strands of silk, mink, or another synthetic or natural material that are applied one at a time to an individual’s natural eyelashes.
Facility—any room, space, or business where eyelash extensions are applied to the public.
Intermediate level disinfection—a process that inactivates mycobacterium tuberculosis, vegetative bacteria, most viruses, and most fungi, but does not necessarily kill bacterial spores.
Sterilize or sterilization—a physical or chemical procedure used to eliminate all microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial endospores.
Work unit—an individual area where eyelash extensions are applied, including chairs, tables, booths, or beds.
Certification and Training
Certification training in the proposed rules apply to all individuals who wish to practice eyelash extension services. Any licensed esthetician or cosmetologist who cannot provide evidence of previous eyelash extension-related training must complete a certification program recognized by the department. To apply to be recognized as a certified program, see the requirements in section 12 of page 3 in the linked document. This rule does not apply to licensed estheticians or cosmetologists who can provide evidence of previous eyelash extension-related training that meets the requirements below.
Certification training requirements:
- Theory and Demonstration: 15 hours
- Actual Practice: 30 hours
Total: 45 hours
In essence, if a cosmetologist or esthetician has previously completed a 45-hour eyelash extension training course, they can continue to perform the service. If not, they must complete a certification program.
Certification programs must include training on the following topics:
- Proper eyelash extension application techniques
- Eyelash extension application methods and procedures
- Appropriate sanitization and disinfection
- Cross-contamination prevention
- Proper safety practices
- Adhesives, including ingredients and contraindications
- Client consultation processes
Professionals must display their eyelash extension certification in a location within their business easily viewed by the public. Program recognition must be renewed every four years by submitting documentation to the department that proves the program an individual completed continues to meet the requirements outlined in this rule. The department may investigate a program if it receives information that a program no longer meets requirements.
Client Consultation
To protect clients from potential risks, such as infection of the eyelid or cornea, allergic reaction to glue, and permanent or temporary loss of eyelashes, the proposed rules suggest all potential clients receive a consultation prior to service. Consultations must include a physical observation of the client—any client suspected to have one of the following conditions cannot receive an eyelash extension service:
- Lack of, or very sparse, natural lashes
- Alopecia areata
- Chemotherapy hair loss
- Mechanically damaged lashes
- Trichotillomania (stress or anxiety-induced urge to pull out the hair)
- Poor lash health, including short, thin, or fragile lashes
- Allergies to adhesive or adhesive ingredients
- Thyroid condition treated with medication
- Eye infection
- Recent eye procedure or surgery
Policies
The proposed rules would require eyelash extension facilities to develop a written policy requiring those performing eyelash extension services at the business to use gloves, disinfect or sterilize contaminated and reusable items, and be disciplined or dismissed for failure to adhere to the written policy.
Cleanliness
The proposed rules outline in detail sanitation requirements that must be followed by eyelash extension providers and facilities. For the complete list of requirements, view page 6 of the linked document. Below is a summary:
- Professionals performing eyelash extensions must:
- Wear a clean, washable outer garment
- Wash their hands with antimicrobial soap or use alcohol-based hand rub immediately before serving each customer
- Wear disposable gloves during each eyelash extension service. Gloves must be changed and properly disposed of every time there is an interruption in the application service or when the gloves become torn/punctured. Disposable gloves cannot be reused.
- All reusable instruments must be sterilized prior to use on a customer. Gloves must be worn when sterilizing equipment. Sterilized instruments must:
- Be washed in a low-residue detergent and rinsed prior to sterilization
- Be disinfected using an EPA-registered bactericide, viricide, and fungicide disinfectant
- Be sterilized using either a steam autoclave or a dry heat sterilizer
- Non-reusable items must be discarded after each client. This includes:
- Cotton swabs and cotton balls
- Eyelash/mascara wands
- Lashes
- Adhesive and tape
- Facilities where eyelash extension services are performed must:
- Keep floors, walls, and furniture clean and sanitary
- Have clean towels, linens, and headbands for each client
- Store clean linens in a closed cabinet or drawer
- Store soiled linens in a covered hamper
- Have at least one covered waste receptacle
There are many other amendments that have partially been addressed in the rules we noted. The entire copy of the proposed rules can be found here.