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How do I become a Lash Technician and start a business?

A guest blogpost from Britta Kruegerhttps://www.flirties.co.uk

 

To start your own lash business (no matter if you want to offer lash extensions or lash lifting or any other lash enhancement), you will be very excited. But there are so many things to do and consider, so we want to help with a few tips and tricks to help you get off to a good start!

How do I choose a lash course?

Step 1– Choose and book your training!

You should have expectations for your training day, the educator and, of course, what you will get out of the training. After all, this is your first step towards your own lash business, and of course, you want the best you can get to turn your dream into a successful business.

Learn how to become a lash technician

Your first decision will have to be WHICH course you are booking!

 

 

Do you want to start with lash lifting, or are you more interested in lash extensions so you can then later advance into volume or lash art? You can always add other treatments at a later stage, so at the moment, you just need to decide on the FIRST course as this will be your start into the lash world.

 

 

We have put together this overview of the most popular courses which might help you to decide the course is perfect for you. The most crucial part is that you are passionate about the treatment, but some also require an amount of practice, and you must be aware of so have a look at this overview.

 

We are dedicated to not only supplying highest quality products but also to providing an excellent service. With our accumulated experience we source, create and produce innovative products for the professional health and beauty industry in order to make your life easier.

•Step 2-Find the right trainer

This can be easier said than done. With so many different training providers, brand-specific training and independent tutors, you must do a bit of research.

 

Try and put a list of questions together that you want to ask your trainer. No matter if the trainer is independent or associated with a brand, there are things you need to check before you book.

 

Here are just some of the questions you want to ask:

Is your lash course accredited?

→Is the course accredited?

Each country has its own legislation and regulations that are specific to setting up your own business, so you might have to do a bit of research to ensure you comply with local rules and regulations.

 

In most cities or countries, you will need to have a certificate to get insured for the treatments, which means finding an accredited course. Don’t just assume that all programs will automatically be accredited! It is essential to check the details to avoid paying twice for the same training. Remember, “if it looks too good to be true, it maybe is?”

Should I choose a brand or an independent trainer?

→Do you want to train with a brand or independent trainer?

Generally speaking, if you train with a brand, you will be able to use the products, get marketing materials and ongoing support. If anything happens, the company will be there to help and advise you. In most cases, you will also have support from the brand, and it will back you up.

 

Some brands (Flirties included) also feature your work and offer loyalty schemes and discounts to help you get started. All these little things add up, and you will be surprised what a difference it can make to have a full support package in place to help you build your business and become successful.

 

 

Individual trainers might have a lot of experience and know-how but might be limited in what they can offer. In contrast, networks or training companies usually have a better support system to help you get the most out of your training. Please do your research as not all companies offer the same level of support.

What is included in your lash extension course?

→What is included in your program?

Is it just the training you are booking or is there more? How difficult could it be!?
You will be surprised how different the training experience can be from one trainer or company to another, and you surely want the BEST!

 

 

Don’t dismiss this vital part of your journey as it can set you back weeks or months and be very costly if you get this part wrong.

Have you ever thought of becoming a lash technician?

Some therapists think they can just book “any” course to get a certificate and then learn the rest via YouTube or self-taught methods…… BUT why would you?
If you are paying for training, why not make sure that you get the best start? Why waste money and time as it will only delay you getting started…

 

 

If you book the right course, learn, improve and pass the requirements with the tutor by your side, you will be up and running in no time. You will be confident and competent in taking paying clients.

Quote from Flirties

 

Now, on the other side, imagine you try and cut corners, which means that you will have to watch videos, browse groups and ask for help online. Then you start doubting if the products are the reason when things are not working out for you. So you change products, ask more questions, challenge yourself and read even more only to find out that you might have picked up bad habits along the way, which made it even harder for you.

 

 

Can you afford to get this crucial part wrong when all you want is a successful business?
It is not JUST the training day you should be worried about……the day in itself is, of course, essential. PLEASE look closely at the course details as some trainers might offer class training with 1-4 students, and others will allow 20 or more students on the course. Guess which one will provide better training?

How long is lash extension training?

→How long should the training be?

Don’t book the first available course just because it’s in your town, and it fits in with your schedule. Hey, a 3-hour class to learn Russian lashes from scratch. It sounds like a steal, doesn’t it?

 

 

Actually no! Stay away from those courses! You simply cannot learn a high skill like this in 3 hours, let alone if there are 19 other students on the course too!

What is included in your lash kit?

→What is included in your lash kit?

Find out what is included, do you get a kit, or do you have to source and bring your own kit?
Do you have to do case studies afterwards, or do you get your certificate straight away?
Does the trainer offer a support group to help you through the first few months (and beyond), or is it just the training day you are paying for?
Can you have a chat with the trainer beforehand?
This might help to get a better feel, and you get an idea if the trainer will cover all the aspects you are looking to include with your training.

How experienced is your lash extension educator?

→How experienced is the educator?

Is he /she experienced in the treatment itself? This is a valid question. A lot of therapists think they can pass on their knowledge when they have just finished their schooling. You will find out that there is a lot more to learn than a few tips and tricks!

 

 

It isn’t important how long the trainer has been working. Time in the industry doesn’t necessarily guarantee knowledge and experience. Someone who has just qualified a few years ago might have built up a respectable portfolio in a short space of time through hard work, dedication and skill. Look at the feedback for the trainer or the company and see how they support their students and customers.

Becoming a lash tech and starting a lash business

Is there a full team of trainers who is at hand to help, or is it just a single trainer? Do they offer support groups? Loyalty schemes? What about marketing and business advice?

 

 

You might think this is not important, but it all adds up, and you want the best you can afford to get a good start in your new venture.

How many case studies do you have to do to become a lash technician?

→Do you have to do case studies?

You might think this is a hassle; after all, you just want your certificate to take on paying clients, right?

 

 

Case studies are an essential and crucial part of your training! Just imaging you have done your practice, and off you go, you book your first client, and there she is…..spare lash line, frizzy or criss-cross lashes and you are stumped. Where to start?

How to become a lash tech

Case studies help you gain experience with the support of your trainer by your side. (Even if it is just by chat, email or phone) You can safely learn how to deal with a problematic situation or awkward clients. Take all the feedback you can, and you will see improvement with each set.

 

 

Those students who take this in their stride and work through the case studies tend to turn out as amazing therapists. They find it much easier to progress.

 

 

It will take a bit of time, but if you want to be the best therapist and offer superb treatments, then this is the way to do it!

What product line should I use in my lash extension business?

•Step 3-Choose the right products

So, assuming you have booked your course, the next question is which products you are going to use?

Most trainers have a preference. Reputable companies or academies will offer you the starter kit along with your training, which is the best option as you will learn how to use the products correctly to get the best results. Imagine booking a course and the trainer tells you to buy your own kit….how would you know what to buy and where? Which products are suitable, and what do you look out for?

 

 

Let’s assume you do go out and buy your own kit, how would the trainer be able to advise on those products? Every product works slightly differently, and you need to know how to use it for the best results.

 

 

It makes perfect sense to choose a trainer who will offer you a starter kit with products that he or she has been using and is experienced in. This way, you are guaranteed that the trainer will be able to help with any queries regarding application, removal, handling and storage, AND you will have the back-up of the brand too.

Starting a lash business

 

You might find that if you do your research into companies and brands first, it would be your best option to train with the brand you want to use afterwards as you will get the full package and learn how to use the products to get the desired results.

We are dedicated to not only supplying highest quality products but also to providing an excellent service. With our accumulated experience we source, create and produce innovative products for the professional health and beauty industry in order to make your life easier.

Just think, why would you want to book with trainer A and learn how to use those products if you then want to use product B, doesn’t make sense, does it?

 

 

It is much better to decide on a brand based on the support, thorough training, aftercare, loyalty schemes etc. so that you get the most out of your training AND the products you are using.

What you need to be a lash tech

Most companies have trainers they recommend so you can rest assured that they comply with the guidelines of the brand. That they have a good track record of training and excellent student feedback too.

 

 

Have a look at this link to see where your nearest Flirties would be (and you can also see that Flirties lists therapists who trained through the network, so there is a marketing opportunity for you and advantage before you even start!)

Products are essential as traing in the lash extension industry

Make no mistakes; the products are as essential as training and vice versa!
The most thorough training won’t help you if you are using inferior products. Likewise, if you have a full kit of the best products but don’t know how to use them, you won’t achieve the desired results either. Both go hand in hand, and you must understand this.

 

 

If you find that the products you got with your initial training are not what you want to use, then have a look at different providers. Most brands offer sample packs so that you can try their product.

Lash technician requirements

 

Bear in mind that each product works slightly differently, so you need a bit of patience when you are trying new things. It could just be that you might have to adapt your technique, or the products might need a slightly different working, so don’t dismiss a product after only trying it once. Even the most experienced therapists will tell you that they had to tweak things until they have found the way it works for them!

•Step 4- Check Regulations

→Product regulations.

In Europe, you also have something else to consider……Do the products comply with the legislation? In 2008 the Cosmetics regulations came into force. With it, the CPNP (Cosmetics Products Notification Panel) where suppliers must register their products to comply (this supersedes the need for any salon or therapist to hold MSDS sheets).

 

 

Sadly, a lot of therapists don’t know this OR have chosen to ignore it and decide that it might be a good idea to buy an adhesive or any other products from other countries. Unfortunately, this causes a multitude of issues as you become the “responsible person” (this is a term from the cosmetics regulations), which ultimately means you are liable for the products, its safety and cosmetic testing, the assessments and quality.

How do I become a lash technician
As you can imagine, this is very time-intensive and costly, so would you do it or just chance it?

 

 

Failure to comply can result in severe penalties for you and your business. Still, your insurance will also not cover you for any treatments as you are in breach of their policy, so in effect, it becomes void. Now, some even ignore this and think they can get away with it, however, if you have a claim from a client. Your insurance won’t pay, so you still have to find the money to pay for the application so it could affect your assets, including your car, home and any other possessions. Do you think it is worth it?

Starting a lash business

→Licencing regulations

Check the regulations for your area to learn what licences or certificates you need to open a business in your area.  You may also have to check with the city health inspector.

 

 

Now, I am not writing this to scare you but to make you aware so that you can make the informed decision whether you want to put your business and those around you at such a risk.

Check out this free business plan template pdf

•Step 5-Setting up your business

You have decided on the course you want to book, the company or educator you want to train with, and you have also decided which brand you want to use. Those are pretty big decisions, so you are well on your way now.
There are some more thoughts regarding your new setup, though, and we will have a look at the different options to help you decide what might work best for you:

 

→Set up

Have you decided whether you want to be working from home, go mobile or join a salon? Each one of these options has its advantages and disadvantages, and we have a blog post that you might find useful to decide which choice is right for you.
(you will find a lot of other blogs and help articles here too)
The perfect lash bed for your nnew business

→Choosing a name for your business?

It is tricky to select a name for your business. You want to show your name but also what you do, so for example, Emma’s Lashes or Nails by Jenny. It is good to be quite specific as you want clients to see straight away what you have to offer, but likewise, you want to keep it open for future growth.  Check out this name generator!

 

 

A lot of therapists start with one treatment and then add more and more until they find that their business name doesn’t work for them anymore, which then means changing your business name. While it is possible, it isn’t ideal as it takes a long time for people to remember your name, email or social media handles etc

 

 

Try not to be too complicated with your name and as silly as it sounds, try and keep it simple. Aishyasbeautiliciousnailsandbeauty is most likely too long for a business name, and any client looking for you on social media or the internet is bound to mistype the name!

What you should know before you start your lash business

 

The same goes for email addresses and websites. You want to ensure that clients and those looking for you can find and, more importantly, remember your business to rebook.  

 

 

Some therapists name their business according to their address, for example, Beauty at No. 21, but if you ever move or relocate your business, you will have to change the name or keep it like that at the new address. With our accumulated experience we source, create and produce innovative products for the professional health and beauty industry in order to make your life easier. Our products enable you to an easier and more efficient treatment that is comfortable and enjoyable for the client at high margins for you.

→Setting up email

If you want to be set up a business, you also need to think about your email address, by all means, be creative, use something funny but PLEASE make it professional! Vodkafairy @ internet.com or Bunnyhopper@internet.com are hardly professional and/or suitable as a business email, and your clients might get the wrong idea and NOT book! Keep the email similar to your business name, so it provides consistency and clients will find it easier to remember too!

 

 

There is a lot to think about when you start, and not all of it is straightforward. Some of the things become more apparent as you get busier or as you stumble across something that you want to change (or wish you had done differently). 

What you should know before you start your lash business

 

While most things can still be amended if anything changes in the future, it is worth thinking before you start to determine how you want to set up your business. It can also be beneficial to draft a plan or outlay of your long-time plan or vision for your business. 

•Step 6- Policies and terms

Now that you are almost ready to go, you also need to think about your policies. Yes, it sounds a bit dry and dull, but you want to make sure that you get paid for the treatments and, more importantly, that you are not out of pocket when a client cancels or worse if they don’t show up!

 

Here are some things to consider when putting your policy together.

Lash tech essentials

→Working hours

(This doesn’t need to be in writing; however, you do need to be firm with yourself.) Decide when you will and won’t answer emails or messages and how much time you block off for yourself. It is crucial if you want to maintain a healthy working life.

 

 

→Patch testing and consultation

It is a must as it allows you to meet the client before the appointment to provide essential information regarding the treatment and expected outcome. It will enable you to assess your client to check if he/she is suitable. A patch test only takes a couple of minutes so it can quickly be done at the same time, and these precious minutes will also help your client to gain trust in you as a professional.

→Booking fee and cancellations

It is imperative that you take booking fees to secure any appointment so that you are not out of pocket if your client cancels last minute or worse. They don’t show up!

 

 

Of course, you will argue that you won’t get bookings if you ask for money upfront, especially if you are just qualified, BUT this is the point….can you afford no shows and sit at home with no money? Can you afford to travel to someone’s house, and your client is not in, so it leaves you without the treatment fee AND having paid fuel and expenses to get there?

ash Extension Aftercare Cards | 50 Pack | Business Card Size 3.5 x 2" inches After Care (2-3 Week Fillers)

The answer is simple, NO!

 

PS you might also want to include late arrivals in this section. For example, if a client is late at what point do you class the appointment as a no-show or do you still take your client and only offer whatever is available in the remaining time slot? Check out this blog post on cancellation policies.

 

 

→Do you allow children?

You will get clients asking if they can bring their children. Supposedly the children are well behaved and happy to sit quietly, but what If not?

Lash tech essentials

 

Their mother will have her eyes closed so she can’t intercept or do anything, and it means that childcare is passed onto you! With tweezers in your hands, trying to focus on your client, you also have to have eyes on the back of your head to watch and control your client’s children.

 

 

Ultimately it is your decision (also check with your insurance as they might have restrictions in place), but for me, it’s a NO! It’s too dangerous, and it will distract you from your treatment.

«Bonus: TIPS AND TRICKS»

Last but not least, here are some housekeeping rules to help you stay on top of things.
Order in plenty of time

 

→Supplies

It is easy to forget, but if you run out of products, it causes unnecessary stress and pressure for you. Keep enough stock to see you through even if your delivery is a day late or two.

 

→Book yourself breaks!

We all need to eat and drink during the day, and you will also need some time with family or friends at night or on the weekends. Working 24/7 is not healthy, and eventually, you will hate it, and you will grudge your clients for messaging at night or on weekends. Start right from the beginning, and keep some “me” time to recharge.

→Invest in an online booking system

I would recommend a booking system so that your clients can book at any time (most remember at night when you are not available to mail or message). It also has the advantage that you can take a booking fee before the appointment is confirmed. The booking system will also allow clients to view and accept your policies so that everyone knows where they stand and what to expect.

 

 

→Marketing and social media

Try and stay on top of marketing and social media to promote and grow your business. A few well-planned minutes here and there can work wonders, and it means you don’t have to catch up with a heap of enquiries or posts all at once.

Check out this social media content app to help gain more lash clients

•Conclusion

It seems like a daunting process but all the steps are necessary to make sure you get everything right the first time.  Don’t waste time or money. Do your research.

 

Useful Links

If you want to take a deep dive into decore and other essential supplies take a look at the blog posts:

Spa beds

Spa Decore

Business Cards

Price Lists

Increase Service Value

Build Repeat Clientele