As consumers embrace a “high-maintenance to be low-maintenance” lifestyle trend, businesses that offer long-lasting or semi-permanent beauty treatments have an opportunity to thrive. With the right training, tools, and business plan, lash technicians can open a successful salon. Learn more about lash businesses and how to start your own.
What is a lash business?
A lash business is a beauty salon that offers professional treatments that add length, volume, curl, and color to eyelashes. These businesses offer semi-permanent lash enhancements that negate the need for daily makeup. Common lash services include:
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Lash extensions. Lash technicians apply individual synthetic, mink, or silk fibers to natural lashes using a special adhesive.
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Lash lift. A semi-permanent treatment that curls and lifts natural lashes using a chemical solution.
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Lash tint. A dyeing process that darkens natural lashes.
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Lash fill. A maintenance service for lash extensions to replace any outgrown or fallen extensions.
Many lash businesses also offer other beauty services, such as brown tinting, waxing, or permanent makeup.
How to start a lash business
- Get certified
- Research your competitors
- Name your business
- Choose your entity type and register
- Create a business plan
- Open a bank account and insure your business
- Find your studio
- Set up your lash space
- Create marketing materials
- Set up a payment and booking system
- Provide excellent service and keep learning
Follow these steps to get your eyelash extension business off the ground
1. Get certified
Certification is essential for your credibility—and it’s a legal requirement in most states. For example, in California, the California Board of Barbering Cosmetology requires that lash artists have a cosmetology or esthetician license, which you can apply for after studying at a state-approved school, completing the required training hours (1,000 for a cosmetologist and 600 for an esthetician), and passing the board exam.
If you aren’t certified already, you can find training programs through beauty schools, established lash academies, or industry-recognized organizations. Look for comprehensive courses covering classic lashes, volume lashes, hybrid techniques, and safety and sanitation protocols. Quality programs should include both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience with live models.
National organizations like the American Association of Cosmetology Schools offer accredited programs that meet most state requirements. Industry-specific credentials from the National Eyelash Education & Safety Association can offer further credibility.
Document all training to show new clients, insurance providers, and any other entity that might need proof of your accreditation as you set up your business.
2. Research your competitors
Conduct a competitive analysis to identify what local lash salons and beauty businesses are doing right and what could be better. Gain an understanding who their customer is and how they are positioning themselves in the market. Then, determine how you want to set yourself apart—whether that’s offering more reasonable prices, unique lash designs, such as fun colors or premium materials, or a spa-like treatment room experience.
3. Name your business
Next, choose a memorable business name that clearly reflects what you do. Your name could also nod to what differentiates you from competitors. If you need help brainstorming, try experimenting with Shopify’s name generator tool.
Bear in mind that your name must not be used by any other business in your state in order to be viable. You also won’t want a name that’s so similar to a competitor’s that customers might get you confused. Check your state’s business registry; then check domain registrars and social media platforms to understand what URLs and social handles are available.
4. Choose your entity type and register
Once you have a name, think about how you want to legally structure your business. There are four common types of business structures, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
1. Sole proprietorship. A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business owned by one person, and it’s the simplest structure available. This type of business is easy to set up and inexpensive to get started. The downside: It doesn’t offer liability protection, which means you could be personally liable for debts and lawsuits.
2. Partnership. A general partnership is an unincorporated business owned by two or more people. It works like a sole proprietorship, except the partners share profits and liabilities equally.
3. Limited liability company. A limited liability company (LLC) offers some legal protection from debts and liabilities. To raise money, you might sell an ownership stake in the business to another person or entity. You can’t sell shares.
4. Corporation. A corporation separates the individual owners from the business, protecting personal assets from financial and legal liabilities. Corporations can issue stock, allowing businesses to raise funds from investors for expansion, development, and more.
Once you have a name and an entity type, make your lash business a reality by registering it through your state’s Secretary of State website. At this stage, you may also decide to get an employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This isn’t required for sole proprietors, but it’s necessary if you have employees on payroll.
5. Create a financial plan
Develop a business plan for your lash business. Make sure to hit on the following:
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Startup costs. How much money do you need to get your business off the ground? Will you be investing in your own space? Figure out how you will fund it, whether by personal savings or a business loan.
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Pricing. Based on your competitive analysis and your estimated costs, determine how you’ll price your services.
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Monthly budget. Create a realistic projection of the revenue you can generate each month; then outline your monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, supplies, insurance, and salon software, such as a booking app and payment processes.
6. Open a bank account and insure your business
With your EIN, you can set up a dedicated business bank account to help you keep your business expenses and income separate from your personal finances. Compare business checking accounts from different banks, considering transaction limits, monthly fees, interest rates, and online banking features. You may also want to consider the bank’s lending offerings in case you need to access capital as your business grows.
You may also want to investigate business insurance to protect against accidents, allergic reactions, and customer disputes. Look for generalliability insurance that will cover potential claims from clients. An insurance provider specializing in the beauty industry can help you choose a policy that fits your needs. Many lash salons also invest in equipment insurance to protect their lash tech equipment from damage or theft.
7. Find your studio
If you’ve decided that your business will have its own space, it’s now time to go look for the right one. Consider location: Is there adequate parking available? Is it accessible by public transportation? Is there foot traffic in the area? What is the proximity to your target market?
Ensure any space you consider complies with local zoning laws for beauty services and has proper electrical outlets, ventilation, and lighting capabilities to support lash services. As your budget allows, prioritize studios that project professionalism and comfort to enhance the client experience.
8. Set up your lash space
Your lash space may be a chair in a larger studio, a room in your house, or an entire salon dedicated to your craft. However big or small it is, make it your own. Think about your brand: Is it bold and colorful? Calming and sophisticated? Your décor and branding should reflect that personality.
Invest in quality supplies, both for yourself and your customers—ergonomic adjustable lash beds, an ergonomic chair or stool, and professional lighting, such as magnifying lamps or ring lights, so you and other lash technicians can see their work. You’ll also need lash essentials like tweezers, lash brushes, lash taps or pads, and hygiene supplies.
Stock up on different kinds of lash adhesives to accommodate different sensitivities, allergies, and environmental conditions. Consider the shelf life of these products, as unopened adhesives typically expire in six months. If you open a lash adhesive, aim to use it within a month. Your inventory should include various eyelash extensions in different curls, lengths, and thicknesses to cater to diverse customer preferences.
9. Create marketing materials
Even though your business is in-person, an online presence can help you get clients in the door and build loyalty. You can create a user-friendly website through Shopify, adding an online appointment booking system, a portfolio with customer photos and testimonials, prices, and a bio.
You can also create social media pages to engage with your customers, talk about your lash journey, and share expertise on maintenance advice and new trends. You can either design your marketing materials yourself using simple copywriting and design tools or work with a graphic designer.
10. Set up a payment and booking system
Offering customers a smooth booking process is essential for the success of your lash extension business. Use a booking app, such as Appointment Booking Cowlender or Appointly Appointment Booking App, that integrates with your website and allows customers to schedule appointments online. You can also use it to send out automated reminders to help prevent no-shows.
You’ll also need to set up a point-of-sale system for processing customers’ payments. Shopify Payments allows for a variety of payment options, and you can use it digitally or in person.
11. Provide excellent service and keep learning
Once you’ve put in all this effort to get your eyelash business off the ground, the real work begins. As a new business, it’s important to do everything you can to provide top-tier lash services to encourage repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals.
Remember: Your customer’s experience with your business begins—not ends—when they get their lashes done. Help them get the most out of their lashes with aftercare tips. If they’re happy with your work, they might become repeat customers, refilling their lash extensions or renewing their lifts and tints on a regular basis. Consider incentivizing repeat business with a loyalty program.
To ensure the continuing success of your business, keep up with new lash styles and techniques. Network with other lash artists and follow competitors and technicians you admire. Invest in continuous learning by taking courses or workshops to master new techniques. As your own boss, it’s your responsibility to stay up to date on trends and hone your lash skills to keep your business thriving.
Lash business FAQ
Is a lash business profitable?
Yes, with proper pricing, repeat clientele, and efficient appointment scheduling, lash technicians can generate a steady income.
How do I start my own lash business?
To start your own lash business, you need to get certified, research your competitors, create a business plan, name and register your business, open a bank account and insure your business, find your studio, set up your lash space, create a website and social media pages, set up payment and booking systems, and provide excellent service and keep learning.
Can I run a lash business from home?
It depends on state and local regulations. In many cases, you can run a lash business from home if you have a dedicated, clean, and comfortable space that meets local health and safety regulations. For example, you might need a separate entrance and bathroom for your home salon. Be sure to check licensing requirements in your area and create a professional setup to attract and retain clients.
Do I need certification to open a lash business?
Yes, most states require certification or licensing to open a lash business. Check your state cosmetology board to determine the necessary training and credentials you will need.
What services do lash businesses offer?
Lash businesses typically offer services such as lash extensions, lash lifts, and lash tints.
