How to Become a Lash Tech: A Step-by-Step Guide to Doing Eyelash Extensions

As the lash extension industry continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled and certified lash technicians. So, if you love detailed work, making people feel confident, and turning a lash lift into a full-blown confidence boost, becoming a lash artist might be the perfect path for you. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to become a certified lash tech to booking your first clients. Consider this your roadmap to success for your salon or even as a solopreneur.

Step 1: Learn What Lash Artists Actually Do

Lash artists, also known as lash techs or lash technicians, apply individual synthetic or natural lash extensions to a person’s natural lashes using a special adhesive. The goal? Longer, fuller lashes that can last for weeks.

Eyelash specialists are trained professionals who focus on the art and science of lash application, while making sure it’s safe and giving beautiful results to their clients. Lash techs often offer services like:

• Classic, hybrid, and volume lash sets
• Lash fills and touch-ups
• Lash removals
• Lash lifts and tints

It’s a mix of creativity, precision, and customer care all wrapped up in a cozy lash bed session.

Step 2: Check Your State’s Licensing Requirements

Here’s the deal: rules vary depending on where you live, and the specific requirements for becoming a lash tech vary based on state regulations. How to become a lash tech in California may look totally different from how to become a lash tech in Minnesota. Some states require you to have an esthetician or cosmetology license before you can apply lash extensions professionally. Others offer a specific lash technician license. Always check your local guidelines for the requirements, as some states require a cosmetology license, but others only require a certification.

In these states, you must hold a cosmetology or esthetician license to legally perform lash extensions, or an esthetician or cosmetology license:

1. California: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
2. Florida: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
3. Georgia: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
4. Hawaii: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
5. Illinois: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
6. New York: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
7. Texas: Cosmetology, esthetician, or eyelash extension specialist license required.
8. Washington: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
9. Oregon: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
10. Pennsylvania: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
11. North Carolina: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
12. Nevada: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
13. Arizona: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
14. Colorado: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
15. Utah: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
16. Virginia: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
17. South Carolina: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
18. Tennessee: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
19. Louisiana: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
20. Massachusetts: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
21. Michigan: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
22. Minnesota: Cosmetology, esthetician, or eyelash technician license required.
23. New Jersey: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
24. Ohio: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
25. Oklahoma: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
26. Wisconsin: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
27. Indiana: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
28. Iowa: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
29. Kansas: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
30. Kentucky: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
31. Maine: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
32. Maryland: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
33. Missouri: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
34. Montana: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
35. Nebraska: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
36. New Hampshire: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
37. New Mexico: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
38. North Dakota: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
39. Rhode Island: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
40. South Dakota: Cosmetology or esthetician license as well as a lash extension training course is required.
41. Vermont: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
42. West Virginia: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
43. Wyoming: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.

States with Specific Lash Technician Licenses or Permits

Some states have specific requirements or permits for lash technicians:

1. Connecticut: Requires a specific eyelash technician license.
2. Texas: Offers a dedicated eyelash extension specialist license.
3. Minnesota: Offers a specific eyelash technician license.

States with No Specific Licensing Requirements

A few states do not have any specific licensing requirements for lash technicians, although it’s highly recommended to still attend a course for safety and skill.

1. Alabama: No specific licensing requirements.
2. Delaware: No specific licensing requirements.
3. Idaho: No specific licensing requirements.
4. Mississippi: No specific licensing requirements.

Source: American Lash Association

Earning a lash tech certification prepares you with all of the essential knowledge and hands-on skills needed to safely and effectively apply lash extensions, setting you apart in the competitive beauty industry. Understanding the licensing process is crucial for any beauty pro concerned with how to become a licensed lash technician.

Step 3: Get Trained by a Certified Lash Educator

Even if your state doesn’t require training, getting properly certified in lash extensions is a must. You’ll learn:

• Lash safety and sanitation
• Different types of lashes and curls
• Lash mapping and styling
• Isolation and placement techniques
• How to run your lash business

Many training courses are one or two days long and come with a certificate of completion. You can also find online lash courses, but hands-on training is highly recommended for when you’re just starting out.

Pro Tip: Search for “lash extension training near me” or find a trainer through brands like Borboleta, LashBox LA, or Xtreme Lashes.

Step 4: Build Your Lash Kit

Once you’re certified, you’ll need to purchase essential supplies for your beginner lash kit. A basic lash extension kit includes:

• Lash trays (different curls, lengths, and volumes)
• Professional-grade adhesive
• Tweezers (isolation and volume)
• Eye pads and tape
• Lash cleanser and brushes
• Lash fan or nano mister

Quality matters here, especially glue and tweezers. Don’t skimp on the supplies you use every day.

Step 5: Practice, Practice, Practice

Before you start charging clients, get as much practice as possible. Ask family or friends to be your lash models and take lots of photos to showcase your work! Focus on:

• Lash symmetry
• Retention (how long lashes stay on)
• Speed and Comfort

Before-and-after photos are incredibly important during this phase of starting your lash business. These will become part of your portfolio and help you attract more clients on social media or your booking site. Use this guide for captions and quotes to use for social posts.

Step 6: Set Up Your Business

Now that you know how to become a lash technician, gotten certified, and practice more than your hands can handle, it’s time to take some clients! To get your business in order, start with:

• A business name
• Booking software (like Vagaro, which handles appointments, payments, reminders, and reviews)
• Social media accounts and branding
• A clean, licensed workplace (home studio, salon suite, or rental booth)

Need help opening a salon? We have a step-by-step guide for that, too!

Step 7: Market Yourself

Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. But it is required to grow your lash business. Start by:

• Post photos and videos of your work consistently
• Share client testimonials and reviews
• Run a lash promotion with email marketing
• Ask happy clients to leave a 5-start review on Vagaro

Your first clients will likely come from word-of-mouth and Instagram. Be consistent, friendly, and professional. You’ve got this!

Step 8: Stay Educated and Grow

The lash industry is always evolving, and so should you. Keep learning new styles, trends, and techniques by taking advanced courses, attending beauty trade shows, and following other lash artists for inspiration.

You can also grow by retailing aftercare products or expanding into brows, waxing, or skincare. Lashes are a great service to add-on to an existing service menu, as well as a gateway service to enter the beauty industry.

Ready to Start Your Lash Career?

Becoming a lash tech takes patience, practice, and passion. It can lead to a flexible, creative, and rewarding career. Whether you’re working out of a salon suite or dreaming of opening your own lash studio, the steps above can help you build a business you’re proud of. Want to make booking and business management easier? Try Vagaro free for 30 days and let us help you grow!