Your Guide to Becoming a Lash Artist
Hey there, lash lover! It's your Lash Mama, and today I want to chat with you, the one who feels that flutter of creativity – the one who feels too constrained by an average workday and schedule – I want to chat with the one who is good at detailed work and loves transformation. You may have been a client who's fallen in love with the confidence lashes bring, or perhaps you've got an artist's eye and a desire to make people feel beautiful. Whatever the reason, welcome! This world of lashes is full of growth, and I'm here to be your guide on the path to becoming a lash artist.
So, how do you turn that passion into a fulfilling career? Let's break it down into three steps, filled with all the love and knowledge I've gathered over the past 12 years.
1. Find Your Foundation: Education & Certification
Just like a gorgeous lash set, your journey starts with a strong foundation. This means enrolling in a reputable certifying lash technician course. This is where your lashing career begins! Do your research, my love! Look for programs that offer hands-on experience with live models, covering lectures such as eye anatomy, eye health, and safe application techniques, with an award of recognized certification upon completion. This not only equips you with the skills to lash like a pro but also demonstrates your dedication and professionalism to future clients. When you are starting out, you will take a classic eyelash course. From there, you will expertise your lashing technique for at least three months before moving on to a volume eyelash course. It is not recommended to jump right into volume eyelashes as the basic foundation, classic techniques are crucial to know and apply! In some states, you may have to acquire a license as well as certification. Be sure to look up your local laws and regulations if this applies to you.
2. Blossom with Practice: Hone Your Craft
Now comes the truly exciting part – practice, practice, practice! Gather your lash besties (or a mannequin head, no judgment here!), and get comfortable with the tools of the trade. This part of your lashing career takes some dedication. Doing eyelashes is not an easy task. It is very meticulous work in small detail that is beyond rewarding. To get to a place of most fulfillment with your lash work, you have to practice. The more you practice the better and faster you will become. With every single eyelash set you do for the first two years you will have the most growth. Master the art of isolation (separating those natural lashes for seamless application), become a speed demon with tweezers (but gentle, remember, we're working around delicate eyes!), and experiment with different lash styles. The more you practice, the more your confidence and technique will blossom, like a perfectly placed lash crown.
3. Bloom into Business: Building Your Dream
With your skills honed and your heart overflowing with lash love, it's time to consider the business side of things. Decide if you'll work from a salon or create your own lash oasis. Network with other beauty professionals, perfect your social media presence to showcase your stunning work and let your passion shine through in every interaction. Remember, lashing isn't just about applying extensions; it's about creating an experience that empowers your clients and makes them feel beautiful.
The journey to becoming a lash artist is filled with creativity, dedication, and lash love. Embrace every step, hone your skills, and let your passion guide you. And remember, this amazing community is always here to support you! So grab your tweezers, spread the lash love, and get ready to watch your dreams come true. Every lash artist’s journey is different. No two artists will have the same career path. I became a beautician and even more specifically a lash artist because I am a great therapist but in my heart, I am also an artist. Doing eyelashes puts those two together without the long years in college taking classes I will never actually use (Trig). If you feel the same way wanting to help out your community of women in more ways than one, lashing may be the perfect fit for you!
The beauty industry can be a great place to work, but it also has its challenges. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if it's a good fit for you:
Pros
Creative and rewarding: Helping people look and feel their best can be very rewarding. You'll get to use your creativity and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
Variety and flexibility: There are many different specializations within the beauty industry and even specifically lashes. You can choose to work in a salon, spa, or even freelance, which can offer more flexibility in scheduling (which is my favorite for my travel bug).
People person perks: If you enjoy interacting with people and making them feel great, this can be a fulfilling career. You'll build relationships with your clients and help them feel confident.
Potential for high earnings: With experience and a strong client base, lash professionals can earn good incomes. You can become a brand ambassador or a lash franchisee!
Entrepreneurial opportunities: If you're driven and ambitious, you can eventually open your own salon or spa. This comes with a lot of personal motivation and drive. If you do not want to open your own place, nothing is wrong with that. We all have the perfect work environment options for us to choose from that fit our personalities best.
Cons
Physically demanding: Salon work can involve a lot of slumped shoulders, bending, and repetitive motions, which can take a toll on your body. Taking care of your physical self outside of work is essential.
Long hours: Especially when you're starting out, you may need to work evenings and weekends to accommodate client schedules.
Challenging clients: Not everyone is easy to please. You may need to deal with indecisive clients or those who are unhappy with the results. This doesn’t happen often, but that is the experience you will gain over time. Learning to stand up for yourself is very important.
Keeping up with trends: The lash industry is constantly evolving, so you'll need to be committed to ongoing education to stay on top of the latest styles and techniques. Conventions are hosted all around the world as well as lash competitions. Look up one by you and attend for instant inspiration.
Competitive: Breaking into the beauty industry can be competitive, especially in certain areas. Word of mouth is key. Find your signature services and styles to show off the town.
Ultimately, whether the beauty industry is a good fit for you depends on your personality, interests, and goals. Consider these pros and cons carefully to see if it aligns with what you're looking for in a career.
The lash industry is beyond rewarding if you put the dedication into it. Lash artists have the hands of a surgeon, the ears of a therapist, the heart of a saint, and the eyes of an artist. I hope this helps with your lash journey and deciding if lashing is for you. Let’s make your lashing career more crystal clear together!
If you are looking for a lash course that is in-depth and will educate you on the luxury service of eyelash extensions head over to the training tab and book a training. This is the start of a new freedom career path!
With a wink and a flutter,
Asia Kay
P.S. Have any questions about your lash journey? Leave a comment below, and I'll be here to help you flourish!