How to Become a Lash Technician

Not to be confused with an eyebrow technician who focuses on eyebrows instead of eyelashes, lash technicians offer treatments, services, and procedures on people’s eyelashes to make them look and feel the way that the client wants. These services can include: 

These treatments require a lot of training and skill to perfect, and lash technicians need to know how to get different results depending on what the client wants. As well as knowing how to give a mega volume lashes, dramatic, classic or natural lash look, all lash technicians must know the health and safety protocols to follow whilst conducting these services. 

Alongside the beauty services, lash technicians also need to book appointments, carry out consultations with clients, educate clients on appropriate aftercare, upsell products, replenish stock and keep the salon clean and hygienic at all times.

According to the National Careers Service, lash technicians earn an average of £25,000 per year, with salaries starting at around £16,000 and senior technicians potentially earning more.

Lash technicians need to complete a recognised training course in order to be able to carry out lash services. There is no specific licence needed to be a practising lash technician, however, to protect your clients as well as yourself against legal claims, it is highly advised to gain a training qualification, so you are educated on safely carrying out lash services. 

Salons will also require a qualification or for you to be open to on-the-job training before working as a lash technician. Qualifications such as a makeup artist diploma or cosmetology degree can help your lash tech career. However many technicians have more specific training courses unless they are already in the industry. 

There are a variety of hair and beauty courses available online, which offer expert education and training on different beauty procedures and how to carry them out. You can get started with a Complete Beauty Diploma or a Complete Eye Diploma, which will give you a solid overview of the key skills you need to become an accomplished lash technician. If you’re looking for more in-depth lash extension training, a Lash Lift Diploma, Strip and Individual Lashes Diploma, Brow Lamination Diploma, Threading Diploma, or an Eyelash Extension Diploma.

Courses like these will help you become a certified lash technician and provide high-quality eyelash services at home or in a salon. You can build your reputation as a trusted lash technician as your customers spread the word via social media or word of mouth that you are an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for lash treatments.

Many of these lash courses are online and provide a flexible and affordable way to embark on your dream career as a lash technician. Although these courses are conducted online, through webinars and assignments, you can learn the practical beauty techniques alongside the important underlying anatomy and health and safety theory to help you thrive in the beauty industry. Qualifications or training in business can also help if you want to own your own lash technician or beauty business.

Some of the key skills associated with a successful career as a lash technician include: 

It is always preferable to have work experience if you want to go into a practical career such as becoming a lash technician. However, many salons do offer on-the-job training, as well as the opportunity to shadow other technicians. The best way to get these training opportunities, and work your way to becoming a lash technician in a salon, is by studying a course beforehand so you have the theoretical and practical knowledge before diving into conducting lash services on people. 

Working in beauty environments under stylists and in customer-facing environments is also a great way to build up your knowledge of the industry and confidence working with people. Whether it is volunteering in a charity shop or getting a part-time job at a hairdressing salon as a receptionist, this real-world experience of working with clients will help prepare you for your role as a lash technician.

Most lash technicians begin by working in a salon, and as they build up experience, some then choose to become self-employed and work as independent lash technicians. This means that you can build your own client base and visit clients in their own homes, in your home, or in your own salon. There is also the opportunity to own your own salon and be a salon manager, employing other beauty technicians to offer a range of services. 

It is also much easier to branch into other areas of beauty and fashion when you have knowledge and experience in one area. For example, with further training, you could expand your skill set and services you offer to include eyebrow tinting, makeup, hair styling, facials, and other beauty therapy treatments.