What All Lash Artists Need to Know

First of all, I would like to give YOU a warm welcome and congratulations for taking the first step in becoming a lash artist… researching! I commend you for being prepared and wanting to learn more about the industry! You’re already on the right track.

I view lash technicians and lash artists as two different things. What will set you apart from a lash technician is being an artist- having a keen eye to details, being passionate, making others feel beautiful inside and out, dedicating to providing a luxurious experience, and getting out of your comfort zone. The lash industry is constantly growing at an exponential rate, and no one is ever too skilled to stop learning or take more classes. Youtube videos can only take you up a booster seat. If you are serious in becoming a successful lash artist and want to take the right steps, here’s are some valuable tips to know as a beginner and to help you avoid making unnecessary/expensive mistakes:

1. INVEST. INVEST. INVEST.

This is going to be your career, and going off of that, you need to be a professional! We are service providers, and every experience should have your clients coming back for more. So what’s the first step? Take a Classic Course from a well-reputable lash company. (Hi!) If you take the right course, you won’t need to take a refresher class! Woo! As tempting as it looks, 2-in-1 Classic & Volume Classes are not the answer. Classic lashing is the building block of lashing. Take the time to fully understand the fundamentals and high standards of lashing from the start and this will carry onto the rest of your career. This can take months or even years! I say this all the time when learning a new skill. You need to start from the beginning of its theory and slowly build. If you skip steps or mix 2 steps in 1, you’ll get stuck, start second guessing yourself, and make more mistakes than you need to. Start from the beginning and become advanced at it before you move onto the next step(Volume). I can tell you confidently that the ones who advance in Classic Lashing and follow all the right steps are the ones that produce the most exceptional work and feed. Not all classic courses are the same so do your own extensive research about the company, their message, testimonials, and well-executed, clean lash work!

Lashing is a specialized service that requires endless amounts of education and practice. There’s a reason why lash prices are at a high price point!

2. TAKE YOUR TIME. THERE IS NO FINISH LINE

Go at your own rate and don’t compare your progress with others because everyone’s path is all unique and special in their own way! If someone else started with learning volume or just went straight into learning mega volume with no classic experience, don’t mind them! It doesn’t mean one is better than the other. This isn’t a race and the only competitor should be yourself! Be better than you were yesterday, even if it’s little progress! No one ever started from the top and instantly flew through success. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them! Lashing is a craft that requires patience and an immense amount of skill. Speed will always come with time and experience. Keep at it, and you will improve without a doubt!

3. STAND YOUR GROUND, AND SHARE KNOWLEDGE

Never settle for less. Once you are comfortable to take your very first clients, know and charge your worth. Don’t forget that. You may come across tough clients along the way, but don’t let that stop you from moving forward. If you show them that you’re a beginner, clients will take advantage of that and may devalue you. Going back to taking classes… if you take a well reputable course, you should have great mentors that will lead you along the way! Education isn’t only for yourself; spread knowledge towards your clients! Let them know that you care and set high expectations for them. Let them know that you are the professional, and you know exactly what you are doing. People will respect that and you will undoubtedly receive a different breed of clientele(in the best way possible)! I always say “FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT.” If you are nervous as a beginner, brush up on your customer service skills and pretend like you’ve been doing this your whole life! Practice speaking in front of your family members, friends, pets, or plants! Do whatever it takes to get you where you need to be.

4. DON’T CHARGE RIGHT AFTER YOU’VE TAKEN A CLASS

Take practice models because you want to be better, not because you are money hungry. Take 10 or 20 if you need to. After my first classic class, I went straight into taking consecutive live models and charged them at NO COST for about 2 months. I wanted to work my way up on producing quality work that was actually worth charging. The money will come. In the meantime, focus on bettering your craft and remember, repetition is the key for improvement!

5. BE KIND TO YOURSELF AND STAY AUTHENTIC

Lashing is hard. I’ll tell you that. It will test your patience and work your body and mind in ways that you’ve never done before. It takes hard work, dedication, and commitment to improve your craft! You will be exhausted and your body will ache, however there should be a fine line between work and social life/self care. At the end of the day, it’s just lashing. It doesn’t need to be as stressful then it needs to be. Authenticity is so important in this industry. Get to know what you like… your style, your personality and translate that to your work and aesthetic feed!

6. HAVE A MENTOR, FOLLOW YOUR INSPIRATIONS, MAKE FRIENDS

Follow and chat with your favorite idols or mentor to keep you going! As someone who is stuck lashing in a room all the day, it’s nice to have interaction and connection with other like-minded people! I view the lash industry as a community, not a competition. If you are worried about the other lash technicians stealing your clients away from you, just know that there is only one of you and no one can take that away from you. You are so special and valuable. You may also come across individuals that will keep everything as a secret, don’t fret. There are other fish in the sea that are willing to help and support you!

If we can all come together as a whole, how great of a world would it be?!

I hope these tips helped you out and trust me, I’ve been through the struggles (still am)! I’m only human. I know that your time is valuable and I would want you to spend it being proud of your progress. As always I wish you the best on your future endeavors as a lash artist!

All my love,
Jo