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Wednesday Wink - The Etiquette for Social Media Criticism

Wednesday Wink - The Etiquette for Social Media Criticism

3 min read

Posted by Maryann Matykowski on March 29, 2017

8 Comments

Splashed over social media sites, time and again, are photos with the caption, "Not My Work”. These posts often include before and after shots of inferior work done by a supposedly careless lash artist. The photos and descriptions are, in my opinion, mean-spirited, hurtful, and largely unnecessary - especially when they are oftentimes not expressed within the context of a given situation. Most salon professionals start their day with a genuine desire to do their very best work. We put our heart and soul into our work, always striving to produce that perfect set. Are there days when the lash Goddesses are with us? Absolutely. Does this mean our work is perfect? No! Are there days when we are not at our best? Sure. Days when we struggle? Of course! I'm sure we all can relate to those times when we leave our workplace thinking, “I could have done better”.

To Criticize, or Not to Criticize - That is the Question!

Seeing photos of unflattering work shared on social media might be helpful to some, but it's extremely rough if it happens to be your work. Let's think about how this can impact the person whose work is on the receiving end of these posts. Before deciding to leave a comment, based largely on assumptions, here are a few things to take into consideration:

We Don't Know the Skill Level of the Lash Tech

Perhaps they are a lash newbie. They may have worked for a few hours to get a set they feel confident enough to post for others to see, and were feeling proud enough to share. There could be a budding lash tech who is on the verge of giving up. They are struggling with lashing the inner and outer corners, or are having retention problems. They can't seem to find the perfect tweezers, glue, etc. Maybe they are having trouble with their wrists, or maybe they don't have the best lighting or magnification. If your lash confidence is suffering, check out this article to help get your mojo back!

Each Situation is Unique

There might be that client who hasn’t followed the advice of a professional lash tech. Whether the photos are posted by the tech who created the work, or are posted by another tech who is dealing with the work of another, we often aren’t aware of all the possible variables surrounding those posts. So, when considering adding a critical remark about another's work, tread lightly, as there is always room for compassion, kindness, and support.

Is Your Criticism Constructive and Supportive?

Lash techs need encouragement. We need help with tips and tricks. We need to be a supportive community for one another. When we feel comfortable enough to post our work, we are looking for support, approval, and a gentle critique, followed up by positive reinforcement. This is the best way to help support a struggling lasher. Consider if you really want to be that person who points out the inferior work of others. We are not all rock stars, but that doesn't mean it's okay to criticize. Just take care of your clients, do your best, and work with a passion. Be an inspiration to others by lifting up a lash tech - and not by tearing them down! If it’s a case of someone having posted his or her own work, find one positive thing to address. Leave them encouraged, be part of their support system, part of a solution. Lash on, with kindness!

Maryann Matykowski

Maryann Matykowski

Maryann has an accomplished, 30+ year background in the beauty industry. As a cosmetologist she opened her first salon in ’83. She has specialized as an educator since 2006. Maryann knows what it takes to create successful salon businesses and is here to share her experience with you.


8 Responses

Candace Parton-Seibert
Candace Parton-Seibert

April 04, 2017

This was undoubtably the way we should look at it. It takes practice, hard work and long hours to achieve a good set. We all can encourage each other to become great lash artists. There are enough lashes for all of us

GladLash
GladLash

April 06, 2017

We couldn’t have said it better, great comment Candace!

GladLash
GladLash

March 30, 2017

Hi Raquel,

I’m glad you enjoyed the article. We should always do our best to encourage fellow lash artists. We were all beginners at one time. Thank you for your feedback!

Raquel Lopez
Raquel Lopez

March 29, 2017

Wow!! I really love this post‚Ķ Even before reading it I always feel bad about how others criticize with no filter in their words sometimes‚Ķ All of us that are in this industry try to do our best, why not instead of criticize try to help others with our technique, I remember when I first try, I feel like never will come a reality for me, now I’m not an expert, but I can tell you that people is happy with my work, thank you for this, I’m sure will be a good lesson for many out there that need to have more compassion for others!

GladLash
GladLash

April 06, 2017

We couldn’t have said it better, great comment Candace!

Candace Parton-Seibert
Candace Parton-Seibert

April 04, 2017

This was undoubtably the way we should look at it. It takes practice, hard work and long hours to achieve a good set. We all can encourage each other to become great lash artists. There are enough lashes for all of us

Raquel Lopez
Raquel Lopez

March 29, 2017

Wow!! I really love this post‚Ķ Even before reading it I always feel bad about how others criticize with no filter in their words sometimes‚Ķ All of us that are in this industry try to do our best, why not instead of criticize try to help others with our technique, I remember when I first try, I feel like never will come a reality for me, now I’m not an expert, but I can tell you that people is happy with my work, thank you for this, I’m sure will be a good lesson for many out there that need to have more compassion for others!

GladLash
GladLash

March 30, 2017

Hi Raquel,

I’m glad you enjoyed the article. We should always do our best to encourage fellow lash artists. We were all beginners at one time. Thank you for your feedback!

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