The beauty industry is absolutely booming at the moment. As someone who is interested in the subject, your Insta feed is probably filled with ads for different salons, artists, equipment, and whatnot.
So it’s very possible you’ve been considering a career in the beauty industry, but you might be wondering is being a lash tech worth it? It may even seem that the space is oversaturated, but, trust us, the lash treatment world is still expanding.
Let’s try to get to the bottom of why doing lashes is a good career option.
What Does a Lash Tech Do?
A lash tech is a beauty professional who does semi-permanent lash enhancement treatments: lash extensions, and usually lash lifts, too.
Both these procedures last between 45 minutes and 2 hours.
Typically, the client will first come in for a consultation, where you help them decide on the best method to get the results they want. Then you can do the actual treatment.
Afterward, it’s good to provide them with tips for aftercare, to make sure they maintain their results properly, plus build trust and turn them into a returning customer.
Let’s quickly brief you on these procedures.
Lash Extensions
The most popular lash treatment by far is lash extensions. This involves the client lying down as you glue false lash fibers one by one onto their natural lashes to create more volume or length – it depends on what style the client is looking for.
The extensions stay on the natural lashes until the lash finishes its growth cycle and falls out, so this treatment requires maintenance every 3-4 weeks to keep the results fresh.
Learn all you need to know about lash extensions in our guide.
Image source: Instagram @lux_lash_lounge
Lash Lift + Tint
Another trend that’s rising in popularity is the lash lift. The goal is the same – to create a fuller and more luscious look, but the method is different, and the results are more subtle. Here, you use chemicals to curl the natural lashes upwards, so some technicians also call it a lash perm.
The lash lift is often paired with a lash tint. This treatment is exactly as it sounds – you use a tint to dye the lash a darker color to achieve a fuller look.
The lashes are chemically treated for both lifts and tints, so they keep their new look until each individual lash falls out. The full growth cycle is 6-8 weeks, at which point the treatment can be repeated.
Learn all about lash lifts in our guide.
Image source: Instagram @lashista_official
But, Is Being a Lash Tech Worth It?
Let us save you some time – yes! Like we said, the industry is still expanding and new talents are always welcome. The treatments we just described are super popular and don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.
The fact that they last for 5-8 weeks means that your client will want to come back for a touch-up, generating demand. So, if you build up a good relationship with your customers, you’ll never be out of work.
Still not convinced? Here are our top 5 reasons to answer the main question… Why is being a lash tech a good job?
It’s Flexible
You’re the one booking the appointments.
Not a morning person? No problem, book your afternoons. Got kids? Book your mornings while they’re at school. Got a party to go to on a Friday? Take the whole day off to get ready and book your clients for Thursday and Saturday.
One of the biggest benefits of being self-employed is that you choose your own schedule. You know and understand your life and your tempo best – work when you feel most productive, and the results will speak for themselves.
PRO TIP
It may be safer to start your lash tech career at a salon. It’s less flexible (although you can still reason with the manager), but that’s a great way to start building up your client base!
It’s Fun
Let’s be honest here – working with dozens of different people can be really cool. Each of your clients will be hanging out with you for up to two hours, which is enough to get to know them.
Who knows, maybe your next bestie will be a client first!
PRO TIP
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: good relationship = returning customer. So don’t talk badly about your other clients and stay friendly.
You Can Make a Lot of Money
Lash treatment prices depend on a lot of factors, such as the technique you use or your location. You’ll need great-quality equipment and materials before you can be the highest-paid artist in your area.
Maybe even more importantly, you’ll need reputation – but that comes with time and experience. As you grow as an artist and improve your skills, feel free to raise your price.
Here’s what you can expect to earn on average:
| Treatment | Average Price |
| Lash Lift | $50 – $250 |
| Classic Lash Extensions | $150 |
| Russian Volume Extensions | $230 |
| Hybrid Lash Extensions | $190 |
For a more in-depth look at the earning potential, check out these articles:
PRO TIP
Organizing promo events and lowering prices for a short amount of time will actually bring in more money by bringing in more customers.
It’s Not Very Stressful
On top of being able to manage your own time, you also get to control where and how you work.
Creating the best conditions for yourself is a huge benefit – as long as you keep everything sanitary, there are no limits to how you decorate your space and what you wear to work.
The treatments are not that challenging once you get the hang of it, they’re low-risk, and there’s very little that can go wrong as long as you work carefully and keep your space clean.
PRO TIP
Carve out some free time each day to practice to minimize your risk of error and reduce stress.
@chiclashesla Let me know what else y’all want to see. #tips #help #lash #practice #tweezer #lashextensions #prime #fyp #tricks #lashtech ♬ She Share Story (for Vlog) - 山口夕依
There’s So Much Room for Growth
Getting certified and started isn’t too hard to do. Most lash-related courses take a few days to a few months to complete.
But once you’ve got all the basics down, honing your skills doesn’t take too much time or effort. By learning new techniques, you add more services and can raise your prices.
Like you saw earlier, the Russian volume treatment pays almost twice as much as the classic one!
PRO TIP
Other than quality equipment, your biggest investment should be additional certificates you can display in your work area to make yourself and your salon seem more professional.
Ready to Get Started? Here’s How
Starting a career as a lash tech is 100% worth it! You can work on your own time, meet cool people, keep your stress at a minimum, and grow as an artist all the while making good money.
To start out, you’ll need a certification, and some time to practice, practice, and practice. Here are a few tips and tricks on finding a good course and starting your business.
The most important thing you’ll need is good equipment and marketing – after that, it’s up to you to build lasting relationships with your clients and keep them coming back.
Good luck!
Cover image source: Freepik
