How to start a lash business in 10 steps (2025 Guide)

Have you always wanted to start a lash business? Whether you’re a trained lash artist or an enthusiast, starting your own lash business in 2025 is both exciting and financially rewarding. The booming beauty industry offers services like extensions and lifts, making now the best time to convert your skills into a profitable business.

In this guide, we’ll provide a clear roadmap on how to start a lash extension business, right from the ground up. Whether you wish to operate from home or have plans for a full-service salon, we have ten crucial steps that will ensure your success.

Step 1: Enroll in a Certified Lash Extension Course

Before offering lash services, one must get certification from a reliable provider. To offer lash services, you need to complete a certification course which is mandatory in most jurisdictions and earns you the trust of your clients.

Importance of certification:

Proves knowledge of safety and professionalism

Adds to your credibility

Takes value for your services to new heights

Helps with mastery of lash techniques (classic, hybrid, volume, mega volume)

Pro tip: Always check reviews and trainers with more hands on practice. The more certification you acquire, the greater your services’ value to your clients. 

Step 2: Research Local Lash Businesses

Don’t underestimate effective market research. Check your local area and figure out what your competitors are doing. This is helpful in finding a gap you can fill.

Here’s what you need to focus on:

Lash styles (classic, hybrid, volume, etc.)

Service pricing (initial sets vs. infills)

Target demographic (young adults, professionals, mature women, etc.)

Branding style and Instagram presence

Promotions or loyalty programs

Bonus tip: If you are the only lash artist in your neighborhood, take that as a cue to open a business there.

Step 3: Choose Your Lash Space

Decide whether to operate from home, rent a chair in a salon, or open your own studio.

Option 1: From Home  

Best for beginners, budget-friendly, and cost-effective.  

Requires landlord’s approval if renting.   

Think about safety and privacy when it comes to clients.  

Option 2: Salon Space  

Gives you professionalism along with potential for walk-in clients.  

Navigating restrictions on the layout. Less control over space design.  

Can have high monthly rent.  

Option 3: Own Studio  

Unrestricted control on branding and layout.   

More suited for seasoned artists wanting to scale up.   

Total branding and layout control comes with high startup and maintenance costs.  

Location Tips:  

Look for available nearby parking or public transportation.  

Make sure the room is equipped with suitable humidity control and good ventilation (extremely important for lash adhesives).   

Step 4: Set Up Your Lash Room  

Make it snug, tidy, and welcoming for clients. A significant investment is not required, rather start with a few basic furnishings and enhance as you go along.  

Main furnishings:  

Massage or lash bed.  

Ergonomic chair for the lash artist.  

Task and ambient lighting.  

Ring light.  

Hygrometer and Thermometer.  

Warm blanket and pillow for client coziness.  

Client soothing aids.  

Tools trolley or cart.

You can discover gently used items from secondhand beauty supply stores or online platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.  

Step 5: Stock Up on Lash Extension Supplies  

To achieve exceptional service, having suitable tools is a necessity. Reordering supplies works according to your client load. Start with essentials.

Lash products and tools essentials:

Shampoo and primer for lashes

Tweezers (straight and curved)

Gel patches for under-eye and lash tape

Classic lash trays (C, CC, D curls)

Premade expansion fans (for volume sets)

Lash glue and rings

Lash tile or jade stones

Spoolies and micro applicators

Gel solvent

Air blower or mini fan

Tip for Starter Kits: To streamline the process while placing your first order, consider purchasing a comprehensive starter kit designed for classic, volume, or premade fan lashes.

Step 6: Build Your Lash Business Name & Brand

Your lash business name and brand will create the first impression potential customers will see. Make sure you choose something memorable, unique, and easy to say.

Tips on how to create the brand name:

Make use of ChatGPT and other name generation tools

Look for checks on the domain and the name on Instagram

Do not pick names that are complicated to spell or say

Keep in mind the business expansion—don’t restrict yourself with names like “ClassicLashesOnly.”

Branding advice: Use the same logo, colors, and branding tone on Instagram, website, flyers, and business cards.

Step 7: Achieve Legitimacy with Business Registration and Retain a Business Bank Account

Legitimizing your business opens a whole new avenue of opportunities. Depending on your country or state, you may need to:

Apply for a business license

Get insured (liability and beauty treatment insurance)

Register your business name

Open a separate business bank account

It is highly advisable to keep your personal and business expenses apart and build your business credit history.

Step 8: Set Up an Online Booking System

In this modern date and age, clients enjoy convenience, set up a booking system that lets clients book 24/7.

Popular lash booking apps:

Fresha

GlossGenius

Square Appointments

Vagaro

Saves you tons of admin time because this handles appointment reminders, deposits, and reviews.

Step 9: Promote Your Lash Business Online

Focusing on building a strong digital presence is and will always be essential alongside the use of referral discounts and first-time client deals to attract new clients.

Key Takeaways:

Consistent Instagram posting (before/after shots, reels, behind-the-scenes)

Viral educational TikTok videos

Targeted local ad campaigns on Facebook & Instagram

Google My Business and beauty directories

Happy businesses boost audience trust becomes relies tag business selfie user generated content.

Step 10: Budget & Plan for Growth

Establish a budget for your expenses by monitoring your startup and monthly operating costs. Your simple business plan should consist of:

Startup costs (supplies, furniture, courses, etc.)

Ongoing expenses (rent, insurance, website hosting)

Income goals (monthly clients, average service price)

Expected profit margins

Pro tip: Refrain from lower pricing. Instead of setting super-low prices, run limited-time promotional sales while still preserving your perceived value and skillset.

Final Thoughts: Your Lash Journey Starts Now

Your lash business aspirations in 2025 is not just a wish, but an opportunity to take charge of your business, forge long-lasting client relationships, and achieve sustained income. With the right tools, training, marketing, and commitment, success is inevitable.

Make sure to acknowledge tentative changes to steps, trust your capabilities, and embrace learning. Whether you choose to work from home, or plan to set up a boutique lash salon, your journey as a lash entrepreneur starts now.

FAQs – How to Start a Lash Business in 2025

Q: What is the estimated cost for starting a lash business in 2025?

A: Generally, estimated to range from $1,000–$5,000, depending on whether you are a home-based or studio-based business.

Q: Is it possible to start a lash business without experience?  

A: Yes, but you must complete a lash extension training course and practice consistently.  

Q: Is a license required to be a lash technician?  

A: It is based on your geographical location. In the United States, the majority of states mandate that you hold a cosmetology or esthetician license in addition to a certification for lashes.

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