How to Start a Lash Business

Written By Courtney Buhler

Published May 21, 2021

Are you a lash expert, or do you want to become one? Are you the kind of person who everyone comes to for their lash needs? In that case, you need to look into how to start a lash business.

The lash business is booming, and it seems like the upward trend will continue through into the future. In 2019, 883,000 people searched for eyelash extensions and related terms per month! That's a huge market to tap into.

If you wish to learn more about how to start a lash extension business, keep reading!

Starting a Lash Business

A Good Certification Matters

Before you do anything related to a lash extension business, you need to get certified with a solid certification program.

Even if you have been putting eyelashes on yourself and your friends since you were a child, an eyelash certification program will give a solid foundation to start your business with.

When looking for a certification program, make sure that you choose one with care. You don't want one that is too one-dimensional.

Some topics that your eyelash extension certification should have are as follows:

The history and industry behind lash extensions
Theories behind eyelash procedures
Eye conditions and pathologies to watch out for
Safety and how to size lashes and extensions
Sanitation and hygiene
How to prep a client
How to set up a workstation for eyelash procedures
Advanced eyelash extension applications
Removing eyelash extensions
Aftercare
Appointment setting online or offline
Setting up a lash extension business
Marketing your lash extension business

Find a program that covers the basics, of course, but also one that teaches you about setting up a business, marketing, and the additionals involved with lash extensions.

Finally, do keep in mind that you want to be on a life-long learning plan with your business. You are never going to be an 'expert' in lash extensions. In fact, there will always be more to learn and more growth to partake in.

Create a Solid Business Plan Before You Start

You are probably excited about the possibilities right now, but don't jump into starting a lash business without writing out a proper business plan.

Even if you are not going to open a retail location, and even if you are working from your home, a good business plan will help with that.

It's not like everything you put into your business plan is set in stone, but it gives you a good jumping-off point to work with. With a solid business plan in place, you won't be running around trying to figure out your basics.

It also will help you understand the finances behind your lash extension business. You'll see how much money you will need to save up or how big of a loan you will need to request from your financial institution, family, or friends.

A business plan will also help you stay focused on the essentials. Once you have a business plan in mind, you won't be adding unnecessary items to your business.

Some things to keep in mind while you create your business plan are:

What you would like to accomplish with your business
A description of your eyelash extension business
What are your competitors like, both local and global
How much of an investment do you need to start with
What will the day-to-day functioning look like

If you are thinking about bringing in partners or investors into your business, then a business plan is an absolute necessity. Even banks or financial institutions will not give you a business loan without a solid plan.

Don't Forget About Marketing Your Services

Even if you already have a solid base of clients to work with, it's a great idea to set up a social media presence and a website. It is your business card that works 24/7 for you, without fail.

Your family and friends might give you enough business to last a little while, but what if you want to grow even further? Venture out of your comfort zone and start marketing with small measures at first, toward online leads.

It's quite easy nowadays to set up a website. You can use Squarespace or Wix to set up an easy one-page website that outlines your services and your contact details. That's all you need to begin with.

Also, having an Instagram account and/or Facebook, where you share before and after pictures of your lash extension customers, is a great idea.

Videos, images, and testimonials — this is the trifecta that will blast your business into the success you are searching for. Take advantage of it!

Offline Location and Online Presence or Both

This is something to consider as well. Are you looking to set up an offline location, perhaps at a mall near you or in some other commercial space?

Or are you thinking that you want to stay small at first, and only have people come into your home?

These are some questions to consider when you think about how to start a lash business. You don't need to know all the answers right away, but start the process of answering these questions.

This will also depend upon how much of a loan you will be able to gather, how much money or investment you will have to start with.

That's why a business plan is so useful because it gives you a headstart by allowing you to get a bigger business loan or investments.