Can you do lashes with just a certificate in California?
Only licensed cosmetologists or estheticians should be applying lashes. Make sure your technician is licensed with the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
To be certified as an eyelash extension artist in California, you need to take the National Eyelash Education and Certification Association exam. The exam is available at any location that the NEECA approves. The State of California requires that you pass an exam to receive a certification in eyelash extensions.
- Ask for Reviews. Ask clients for reviews! ...
- Offer Client Incentive. Create an incentive or referral program. ...
- Seek Support from Friends and Family. Ask your friends and family to help get your name out there! ...
- Be Prepared to Build your Lash Clientele.
The biggest difference between a certified and a licensed lash tech is: a certification is through an accredited institute. a license is from a state's cosmetology board.
Only licensed cosmetologists and estheticians are allowed to apply eyelashes, eyelash extensions, eyelash strips, and make-up to anyone.
Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $75,890 | $6,324 |
75th Percentile | $57,774 | $4,814 |
Average | $46,753 | $3,896 |
25th Percentile | $34,273 | $2,856 |
How much does a Lash Esthetician make in California? As of May 11, 2023, the average annual pay for a Lash Esthetician in California is $41,419 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $19.91 an hour. This is the equivalent of $796/week or $3,451/month.
As a beginner lash tech, you should charge somewhere in the $50-$75 range. For each additional year of experience, you want to raise your price by $10-$20 until finally hitting $100+ for someone who has had 5 or more years of experience.
Here's my go-to formula to walk you through the finding your way to the number of regular touch up (or fill) client's you need to sustain your lash business. So your initial goal is to get to 4 clients a day, 5 days a week. Not a terrible goal and a manageable place to start.
Becoming a good lash tech is all about practice, practice, practice, and finding the right application technique for you. On average, it takes technicians three to six months of practice before they are able to call themselves a lash expert, though this is dependent on the individual.
Where do lash techs make the most money?
- Mesa, AZ. $34.69 per hour. 19 salaries reported.
- Kansas City, MO. $33.37 per hour. 9 salaries reported.
- Raleigh, NC. $31.03 per hour. 13 salaries reported.
- Henderson, NV. $27.34 per hour. 20 salaries reported.
- Los Angeles, CA. $25.54 per hour. ...
- Show more nearby cities.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Lash Tech? Some certification programs can be completed in as little as 2 days, while others might take up to 2 weeks.

- Complete a Program of Esthetics through an Approved Institution. ...
- Complete and Submit the Esthetician Application for Examination. ...
- Take and Pass the Written and Practical Esthetician Examinations. ...
- Cultivate your Esthetician Career in California.
The average lash artist salary in California is $48,750 per year or $23.44 per hour. Entry level positions start at $38,025 per year while most experienced workers make up to $66,000 per year.
The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology requires the following school hours, depending on your license type: Cosmetologist = 1000 hours, Barber = 1000 hours, Esthetician = 600 hours, Electrologist = 600 hours, Manicurist = 400 hours.
According to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, in order to legally perform lash extensions, the minimum requirement is that your artist must be a licensed esthetician or a cosmetologist.
California law requires you to secure a cosmetology or barber license prior to opening a shop. To obtain the license, you must complete the state's education requirements, which must be completed at a state-licensed barber or cosmetology facility.
Tax Requirements
But don't worry because we have you covered. When it comes to filing taxes as an artist, most lash artists are considered “self-employed” in the eyes of the IRS. This means that your personal and business taxes are intertwined. You must meet the IRS's criteria to distinguish yourself as a business.
Most lash artists are also small business owners, meaning that they set their own hours, work schedule, pricing, and more. That means there's a wide variety in lash artist income. For most artists who are five days a week, taking three clients per day, income ranges between $75,000 to $150,000 per year.
The beauty business boasts a plethora of niches, but the eyelash business is definitely a lucrative one. According to Grand View Research, Inc., by 2025, the global false eyelashes market is expected to reach $1.6 billion… that represents a lot of potential customers.
What is the difference between a lash tech and a lash artist?
The difference between a lash tech and a lash artist is this: Training. It's what sets every business apart in this industry - or any industry! It's no secret that the more qualifications, or in the lash business, certifications, the more sought after you become because your work will speak for itself.
As you can see, working full time, an average Lash Artist can make well over $100,000 per year. The obvious question is, why are there still so few Lash Artists out there? While there is no simple answer, based on years of industry experience, our team has some insights.
Starting your own eyelash extension business isn't easy, but it will be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. If this is your dream, don't give up on it just because there are a lot of hoops to jump through. Once you're the proud owner of a successful lash business, you won't look back.
- #1 A Dairy or Online Booking System. ...
- #2 Tweezers & Lash Wands. ...
- #3 Lash Tape or Pads. ...
- #4 Eyelash Adhesive. ...
- #5 Lash Primer. ...
- #7 Beauty Salon Bed and Pillow. ...
- #8 Lash Tile. ...
- #9 Lash Remover.
Beginners will take anywhere from 120 to 180 minutes to apply a full set of classic eyelash extensions. A refill will take 60 minutes so that the beginning stylist can apply enough extensions.
Tip for Eyelash Extensions | Classic Lashes | Volume Lashes |
---|---|---|
Average Tip | 22% | 24% |
Minimum Tip | 8% | 9% |
Maximum Tip | 36% | 47% |
Takes a toll on the body - You'll find yourself getting a sore back, neck and hands if you don't take care of your body, I recommend taking up some kind of yoga or stretching to prevent injuries as lashing can be physically exhausting which many people probably wouldn't think of.
Depending on their individual lash growth cycles, a person can typically shed between 1 and 5 natural lashes every day. A new eyelash has already been growing to replace the lash that falls out and, for most of us, we don't even notice.
Budget-friendly: A tray can contain 12 to 16 lines of eyelashes. Usually, we would use one line per client. The real amount will depend on the thickness of the lash extension and the type. Lash trays are one of the best packaging for the eyelash artist to be efficient and to work faster.
How many clients can you do with one lash tray?
Let's break it down: A full sized mixed tray of lash extensions (16 lines) is enough for roughly 16 clients. (Knowing your cost per service is important).
Doing so may seem convenient, but you may actually be breaking the law by doing so. Nearly all states require a lash artist to have a cosmetology or esthetician license in order to apply lash extensions. The best way to find out the regulations in your state is to contact your state board of cosmetology.
- Create a Google My Business account. This is a guaranteed way to ensure your listing shows up on Google Maps! ...
- Design an engaging website. ...
- Try eyelash extension advertising on social media. ...
- Boost your business with online contests. ...
- Start a blog!
Can lash techs do their own lashes? No, not even lash technicians will do their own individual lash extensions because it's virtually impossible to have proper isolation of the natural lash when doing it by yourself. Instead, lash techs will get their lashes done by a reputable tech they know does good work.
A full set of eyelash extensions takes anywhere from 90 to 180 minutes to apply. It's a big chunk of time, right?
Treatment time takes from 35 minutes and you'll learn to add an upper and lower lash tint for that finishing touch. Whether you're completely new to lifting lashes, have previous experience with another training provider or looking for a course that will elevate your skill set, we have one just for you.
- Cavi or Barbicide Wipes.
- Barbicide Jar with diluted Barbicide solution.
- Cavi Spray.
- Hand Sanitizer.
- Paper Towels.
- Disposable bed coverings to change between clients (such as disposable bibs)
- A tool sterilizer or autoclave.
Are there any Required Qualifications to Become a Lash Technician? There are no qualifications required to become a certified lash technician or last artist in Australia. However, you can consider studying a lash extension course to gain lash tech certification.
The five states where Lash Tech jobs get higher salaries in the United States are: District of Columbia, California, New Jersey, Alaska, and Massachusetts. Compared with the average salary of a Lash Tech in the United States, the state of District of Columbia with the highest job income for this job.
- Upscale Your Skills. When you're beginning your lash journey, you offer the same basic lash set: classic lashes. ...
- Upsell Your Other Lash Set. ...
- Selling Products. ...
- Be A Mentor. ...
- Offer Other Services.
Is Lashes a good side hustle?
LASHES ARE IN DEMAND
†No matter how often you choose to work, your lash artist skills will always be in demand. Many artists in our community who started lashing on the side of another job end up going full-time because they couldn't keep up with the client demand!
The difference between a lash tech and a lash artist is this: Training. It's what sets every business apart in this industry - or any industry! It's no secret that the more qualifications, or in the lash business, certifications, the more sought after you become because your work will speak for itself.
- You must be between the ages 18-35 years old - You are not taking any medications - Your blood pressure is normal (not high) - Your skin is healthy - You have no existing lash extensions - You understand that you will be asked to read and sign all forms regarding before & aftercare including personal health ...
Do you need a license to do lash extensions? Yes! The Florida Board of Cosmetology is the regulatory body responsible for issuing licenses and setting standards for cosmetologists in the state.
Luckily, the state of Texas makes it pretty clear what you need to start lashing properly. The Texas eyelash extension certification requirements state that you need a cosmetology and esthetician license as well as possibly needing a specialty eyelash extension license.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $86,173 and as low as $21,543, the majority of Eyelash Technician salaries currently range between $34,273 (25th percentile) to $57,774 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $75,890 annually in California.
Costs vary wildly from salon to salon, but expect a starting point around $120 for the basics and up to $300. Because everyone's eyes are different, you'll want a set that complements your eye shape, lash length, and lifestyle.
Although the process is more time consuming, lash extensions can last up to 8 weeks, be completely damage-free, and save you time during your morning routine.
In order to perform lash extensions on the public, the Washington State Department of Licensing requires an individual to have a valid and current Cosmetology and/or Esthetics license. It is dangerous to apply eyelash extensions without being a certified tech.
To apply for a Texas eyelash extension license, you must first enroll in a beauty school licensed in Texas. Beauty school students will be issued a student permit while in training. To qualify for a license, you must have completed 320 hours of instruction in an approved eyelash extension training program.
Does Texas require a cosmetology license to do lashes?
Who can perform eyelash extensions? Eyelash extension services can only be performed by a licensed Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Eyelash Extension Specialist, Esthetician/Manicurist (combination license; a manicurist cannot perform eyelash extensions), Cosmetology Instructor or Esthetician Instructor.
How much does a Lash Tech make in Texas? The salary range for a Lash Tech job is from $25,748 to $33,475 per year in Texas.