The beauty industry is constantly growing and changing; therefore, becoming an eyelash technician is a popular career choice with many benefits. Being a technician allows you to be self-employed and run your own company, giving you ultimate control over balancing work and personal life. With various alternatives available, a broad clientele may use eyelash extensions and lash lifts, which are popular salon services. Let’s talk about how long it takes to become a lash tech.
Several flexible and accommodating options are available to help you acquire the knowledge and credentials required to work as a lash technician. See below for all the information you need to become an eyelash technician.
What is a certification for eyelashes?
In the beauty business, an eyelash certification attests to your proficiency in applying tints and extensions to clients in a formal setting. After obtaining their cosmetology license, cosmetologists and estheticians usually pursue additional courses to obtain eyelash certifications. You can study proper hygiene, safe methods for applying and removing eyelash extensions, and various application techniques in an eyelash technician training and certification course.
Completing an eyelash extension certification programme might take a few days to many months, depending on the kind of course and certification programme you select. Many states even offer specialised licencing for lash technicians, each with its own set of regulations. Before working with paying clients, courses allow you to practise on models, learn from an instructor, and get experience.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Certified Lash Technician
Step 1: Look for a Recognised Training Facility for Eyelash Extensions
The first step is locating a recognised institution that provides instruction in eyelash extensions. After your training, the certificate you receive will be just as valuable as the school that issued it. Therefore, if you want to pursue that route—starting your own business is also a terrific avenue—you need to ensure that the institution is well-known and respectable to potential employers.
Obtaining a certification in classic eyelash extensions is an excellent initial step for those just entering the field. A quality course should, at the very least, address the following subjects:
- The fundamentals: growth cycle, natural eyelashes, ocular structure, etc.
- Health and safety: cleanliness and disinfection, posture and workstation ergonomics, allergies, etc.
- Eyelash extension services include consultation, styling, correct application method, and lash preparation.
- Product theory: glues, tweezers, eye pads, lash extensions, etc.
- Specific certifications may even include business-related subjects such as price theory, self-promotion, company registration, etc.
More sophisticated qualifications for volume lashing are now offered. Still, starting with these is a mistake. Walking is a prerequisite for learning to run.
Step 2: Acquire an Initial Kit
The eyelash extension certifications come with a starter kit built right in or available as an extra.
Typically, a beginner kit will come with the necessities to get you going:
- Extensions for eyelashes
- Tweezers
- Mascara wands with glue
- pads for the eyes
- Cutlery
- Glue reservoir
- E.g., Lash Primer, Lash Remover
Currently, purchasing one is not required; they are optional. But they are well worth it. The majority of academies offer their students steep discounts on their starter packages. Usually, they are provided at cost or even less. Academies don’t get their money from that and don’t want that to be a barrier to admission.
Step #3: Participate in your training and keep practising.
Now that the big day has come, learning everything you can is essential.
There are two parts to a standard classic eyelash extension course: theory and practice.
You will typically be given a guidebook during the theoretical portion of the class, where the instructor will go over things like tools, application theory, and the growth cycle of a natural lash. The magic happens in the course’s practice section, where you’ll next go. In addition to learning how to apply extensions to natural lashes, you’ll also learn how to inspect your work, isolate natural lashes, and pick and apply extensions from a tray.
Step 4: Attend the Certification Exam and Get Passed
A complete set of lashes on a model must always be completed for the Certification tests. You may also need to complete a minimum of lash extension practice hours to obtain your certification. Lastly, though it is less common, certain schools may demand a written exam.
- Written Test
Studying and rereading the extension certificates is crucial as they contain all the vital information covered on the written exam.
The written exam typically includes topics including lash extension theory, application methods, safety, and sanitation,
- Practical Test
In the practical section, you will put a complete set of eyelash extensions on a model (or be asked to bring a friend). You may be assessed based on the following standards:
- consultation with clients
- Hygiene and disinfection
- Choose a Lash type
- Choice of Lash Styles
- Technique of application
- Total health of the lashes, etc.
Additionally, some schools may have a time limit for this section. If so, be sure you have enough experience to be able to cross that boundary. These limits are typically reasonably low since academies recognise the superiority of correct technique over speed.
- Number of Hours Completed
A minimum number of hours may be required to complete an online course before completing a certificate. If so, enter your hours worked in a log. Usually, in-person classes don’t request this. Seldom have I seen a course taught, after which the student is instructed to practise for X hours at home and then return for the test.
Usually, the exam is taken right away following the in-person training.
Step 5: Attract Customers!
It’s time to start growing your customers now that you have your certification!
Hold on, how are you able to achieve that? Here are some ideas to get you going:
- Verbal communication
Telling your friends and relatives that you’ve recently received certification and can apply eyelashes for free is the most excellent approach to getting started. This enables you to gain a great deal of experience.
- Internet Guides
You can list your company and services in a lot of web directories. I’ve personally had great success using Google Business. Once your company is registered with Google, it’s straightforward to get going, and you can begin to appear on local maps.
3. Social Media
It should go without saying, but social media is essential for those who want to become lash artists. Facebook and Instagram are the most significant platforms for showcasing your work and drawing in new customers. Instagram has done far better for my business than Facebook, and we consistently receive business from Instagram users.
- Become a Member of a Trade Association
A fantastic approach to remaining current on the newest eyelash trends and networking with other lash artists is to become a professional association member.
In the United States, some common associations are:
The Association of National Eyelash Professionals
The Lash Association of America, Inc.
- Obtain Employment at a Reputable Salon
So, if you’re certified, you have two choices:
A salon hires you.
You launch your own company.
Remember the prospect of working in a salon immediately after you want to launch your own business.
The advantages of earning a certification in eyelashes
Earning an eyelash certification has several advantages. Among them are:
Establishing trust
By demonstrating your expertise in lash treatment and care to clients, certification fosters confidence in your abilities. Your qualification attests to your proficiency in securely handling a client’s lashes, which is crucial given that the eyes are delicate body parts. When clients know you have had formal training on applying adhesives and other chemicals near lashes during extensions and tints, they will be more comfortable making an appointment.
Focusing on
Certification is crucial if you want to specialise as a lash technician. Most lash businesses’ employers demand certification, so enrolling in a course can help you land a job and advance your career in the specialisation of your choice. As your career progresses, certification can also help you learn sophisticated lash techniques and offer clients opulent services.
Getting more money
Acquiring an eyelash certification could boost your income prospects by showcasing your advanced esthetician credentials to potential companies. While some organisations offer certified lash technicians, others may pay cosmetologists more if they provide lash services to their clientele. As a lash technician, it’s critical to have access to other revenue streams since they enable you to buy superior supplies.
Establishing connections with other experts
During your certification course, you can broaden your professional network and network with other professionals in the beauty industry. Beyond what you learned at beauty school, your professors can offer you further expert guidance and information. By earning a lash certification, you can expand your network of colleagues and clients while furthering your beauty education.
Frequently requested inquiries
What distinguishes a lash technician from an artist applying lashes?
Experience is the main distinction between an eyelash technician and an eyelash artist. Although technicians are qualified and skilled in working with lashes, artists are frequently the most experienced professionals in this field. You will probably work as an eyelash technician at some point in your career if you want to become an eyelash artist.
What is the salary range for eyelash specialists?
According to Indeed Salaries, the average yearly income for eyelash specialists is $47,450. This can change depending on your location, professional background, and the particular organisation you work for. You can also increase your income in this field by obtaining your eyelash certification.
Is working as an eyelash technician, specialist, or artist a decent career?
This is a great job choice if you enjoy working with and interacting with people to make them feel better about themselves. If you enjoy doing makeup for yourself and others, you could also prefer this line of work.
Conclusion:
How long does it take to become a lash tech? A state licence may need to be obtained in addition to completing training, earning certification, and becoming a lash technician (lash tech). Would you like to expand your knowledge of beauty to include another area? A common addition to eyelash procedures is lash lifting. It’s ideal for those who want to improve their lashes organically and seek an alternative to extensions.
