Have you had your own lashes done, or caught yourself looking at someone else’s set of lash extensions and thought, “I could do that!”? Then becoming a lash tech might be the perfect career for you. So where do you even start? Do you need qualifications? What are the steps to becoming a professional lash technician? There are so many questions that spring to mind when looking into starting a new career. But don’t worry, this blog is here to take you through everything you need to know to launch a successful lash career and learn more about eyelash training courses.
Why Become a Lash Tech?
The beauty industry is ever growing and expanding, and lash technicians are in high demand in all areas of the UK. Whether you’re looking to start a side hustle, work from home, or set up in a salon, becoming a lash tech offers flexibility, creativity, and, of course, the opportunity to make people feel beautiful. Build a solid client base and have the potential for a very lucrative career.
Essential Qualifications to Be a Lash Tech
Although requirements can vary depending on where you live, there is one particular qualification that’s required to start your career as a lash technician. Getting a lash extension certification is crucial to becoming a competent lash tech. A certification course will teach you the theory and hands-on skills needed to safely and beautifully apply lash extensions. So to start off, you will need to obtain a Classic Eyelash Extension qualification by sitting an accredited Classic Eyelash Extension Course.
Once you have completed this, and obtained your certificate, you can then move on to more advanced treatments like Russian Eyelash Extensions by completing a Russian Eyelash Extension Course.
What Will You Learn During Eyelash Training Courses?
– Anatomy & Physiology: Understanding the anatomy of the eye, proper hygiene, and how to avoid damage to the natural lashes.
– Styling & Mapping: Learning what types of extensions and products are available and how to use them to achieve your clients desired look.
– Application techniques: How to apply individual lash extensions, isolate properly and use glue safely.
– Client care: How to consult with clients, assess lash styles, and give aftercare tips.
Pinkfishes Classic Eyelash Extension Course is a 1 day in-person training course. Upon completing the day course, you will be set a number of case studies to complete in your own environment at home, at your own pace. With each submitted case study, constructive feedback will be given to develop your skills to a level in which can be passed off and qualified.
Health and Safety Certifications
You may also need to complete health and safety courses that cover general salon safety, sanitation practices, and infection control. These certifications can help reassure your clients that you’re providing a safe, clean environment. It’s best to ask your local council or research your government’s business guidelines to ensure you are meeting all requirements before launching your lash business.
Business License (If Working Independently)
If you’re planning to start your own lash business, you’ll likely need to obtain a business licence. Requirements vary depending on your country and locality, but it usually involves registering your business and ensuring you’re following all necessary legal and health regulations.
Optional Qualifications and Skills to Level Up
Once you’ve covered the basics, you could consider adding to your skillset with some additional qualifications or specialised courses. This will help to expand your portfolio of treatments on offer, resulting in a larger client base.
– Advanced Lash Training: Learn new techniques like Russian lashes, Mega Volume lashes or textured lash looks. This training may be attending in-person training courses, or by taking part in online or in-person masterclasses. These can help you stand out in a crowded market.
– Brow Training: Offering complimentary services like brow tinting, waxing, or lamination can boost your income and attract more clients. Clients often prefer to have all of their beauty treatments done at one place in one go, so if you are able to offer all treatments under one roof you will stand out from other technicians offering only the basic treatments.
– Marketing and Business Courses: As a lash tech, you’re also an entrepreneur. Learning how to market your business on social media, manage finances, and grow your client base is key to long-term success. You could also take a look at our free business plan, designed to help guide newly qualified beauticians in setting up and marketing their new business.
The Importance of Practice and Experience
Becoming a great lash tech takes time, practice, and lots of patience. While courses will give you the foundational knowledge, nothing beats hands-on experience. Practising on friends, family, and various models will help you fine-tune your technique and build confidence.
Remember, every lash set is different, and learning to customise your approach for each client is part of the artistry – it is the difference between being a good lash tech, and a great one!
Building a Portfolio and Client Base
Once you feel confident in your skills, it’s time to build a portfolio. Start by taking high-quality photos of your work and sharing them on social media. Instagram and Facebook are great platforms for showcasing your skills, and many lash techs attract clients through these channels. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth will also help grow your reputation.
Your Lash Tech Journey Starts Here
Becoming a lash tech is a rewarding career that offers creativity, flexibility, and the chance to help others feel fabulous. With the right qualifications, practice, and a bit of hard work and creativity, you can launch a successful business in the beauty industry.
To recap on the first steps in becoming a lash technician:
1. Book on a reputable lash extension course that has a nationally recognised accreditation.
2. Keep up with health and safety standards, as advised by your local council.
3. Start practising and building your lash portfolio.
Now that you know what qualifications you need to become a lash tech, you’re one step closer to starting your lash career. For more information, visit our lash courses page, or get in touch by calling us on 01245475912.
If you’re passionate about beauty and thinking about becoming a lash technician, one of the first questions that might pop into your mind is, “How long does a lash course take?”. The good news is that you can learn the art of lash extensions in a relatively short amount of time. However, the duration varies depending on the type of course, your location, and how in-depth you want to go.
Let’s break down the different types of lash courses available and what you can expect in terms of time commitment.
What is a Lash Course?
A lash course is a course that teaches you the skills needed to apply lash extensions professionally. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced beauty professional looking to expand your services, lash courses cover a variety of topics. Topics such as; lash application techniques, health and safety protocols, lash styling, and client care.
These courses are essential if you want to become a qualified lash tech and start offering lash extension services, either in a salon or independently.
Types of Lash Courses and Their Duration
There are several types of lash courses you can choose from, depending on your goals and availability. Let’s take a look at the most popular ones that we offer here at Pinkfishes and how long they take:
1. Classic Lash Extension Course
This is the most popular type of lash course for beginners. A classic lash extension course focuses on classic or individual lash application, where one extension is applied to each natural lash. This course covers the basics in lash application, including everything you will need to know to provide that treatment:
– Lash anatomy and health
– Hygiene and safety protocols
– Lash extension application techniques
– Client consultation and aftercare
Course duration: Pinkfishes Classic Eyelash Extension Course is a 1 day course. You will spend the day learning everything you need to know to complete a treatment. Then at the end of the day you will be set a number of case studies to practise and build on the skills you have learnt. The amount of time completing the case studies takes, depends on how quickly they are completed by you. These short courses are designed to get you trained quickly so you can start practising on clients soon after.
2. Russian Eyelash Extension Course
If you’re looking to advance your skills, a Russian or Volume lash course is the next step. In this type of course, you’ll learn how to apply multiple lightweight extensions to each natural lash, creating a fuller, more dramatic look.
Volume techniques (such as Russian volume) require more precision, so the training tends to be a bit more detailed than a classic course. You need to have done a classic course before you are able to gain a Russian qualification, as it builds on the techniques learnt in a classic course.
Course duration: A Pinkfishes Russian Eyelash Extension Course is a 1 day course. You will spend the day learning everything you need to know to complete a treatment. Then at the end of the day you will be set a number of case studies to build on the skills you learnt that day. The amount of time completing the case studies takes, depends on how quickly they are completed by you. These short courses are designed to get you trained quickly so you can start practising on clients soon after.
3. Combined Classic and Volume Lash Course
You can book our Advanced (Combined Classic and Russian) Eyelash Extension Course to learn both classic and volume lash techniques. This is a great option if you want to master a wide range of lash treatments from the start. Thus allowing you to offer more services to your clients.
Course duration: Our advanced course is a 2 day course – 1 day for Classics and 1 day for Russians. You can opt to do these consecutively, or to have a bigger gap between the courses. Students opt for either option regularly, so it depends on what you think will work better for you. To complete both courses and practice the techniques all together, or to master the technique of classic lashes first and then come back 1-2 months later to learn the Russian volume technique.
4. Lash Lift Course
Lash lifts are becoming an increasingly popular treatment, providing clients a much more natural and easily maintainable look. A lash lift treats the natural lashes to create the appearance of longer, darker and potentially thicker natural lashes. Perfect for the client wanting a low maintenance natural enhancement. Pinkfishes Lash Lift and Tint Course teaches you how to complete a treatment and covers knowledge on the products you will be using to do so. It is a great addition to your portfolio to attract a whole new type of clientele. And as a short treatment, of only 30-45 minutes, it is perfect to fill any gaps you may have in your day.
Course duration: Pinkfishes Lash Lift and Tint Course is a half day course, generally running over around 4 hours. You will be required to work on 2 models throughout this course to ensure you are fully confident with completing the treatment on your own.
5. Advanced Lash Courses
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might want to consider an advanced lash course like Mega Volume lashes. This course is designed for experienced lash techs who want to fine-tune their Russian lash skills and learn new fanning techniques to accommodate making bigger fans. Allowing them to expand their services to include treatments like mega volume lashes.
Course duration: Advanced courses can range from 1 to 2 days, depending on the specific technique or treatment being taught.
In-Person vs. Online Lash Courses
Another factor that can affect how long a lash course takes is whether you choose to learn in-person or online.
In-Person Courses
In-person courses are generally preferred because they offer hands-on experience and real-time feedback from instructors. Most in-person lash courses are structured over a couple of full days, and some will include live model practice to help build your confidence.
Duration: In-person courses are typically 1 to 2 days long, depending on the content and the training provider. Most courses will also set case studies to complete at your own pace.
Online Courses
Online lash courses offer flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. They often include video tutorials, written materials, and sometimes even live virtual classes. While they don’t offer the immediate hands-on guidance of in-person courses, they can be a good option for busy individuals or those who don’t live near a training centre. However, it can be hard to get specialised feedback when the trainer is not there watching you in person. So if you think you will need a lot of support you may find that in-person training courses are better for you.
Duration: Online courses can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your learning pace. Many online courses allow you to access the material for an extended period, so you can spread the training out over time if needed.
How Much Time Should You Set Aside for Practice?
While the lash course itself might only take a few days, mastering the technique will require dedicated practice. After completing your course, it’s essential to spend time honing your skills on practice models (friends or family can help with this!).This will sometimes be expected as part of the course as a ‘case study’, where you will be required to send in photos of your work for assessment. However, you should always factor in plenty of practice time regardless.
Expect to practise for several weeks to a few months before you feel fully confident in your abilities. Remember, every client’s natural lashes are different, and practice is key to improving your speed, precision, and artistry.
Do You Need a License or Certification?
In some regions, simply completing a lash course isn’t enough. You may need a business licence to legally offer lash services. Check with your local regulations to see if additional licensing is required.
That said, lash courses typically provide you with a certificate of completion. This certificate shows that you’ve been trained in lash extension techniques and are qualified to offer the service professionally, and will enable you to gain the proper insurance.
So, to sum everything up, how long does a lash course take? It really does depend! If you’re just starting out, you can expect to complete a basic lash course in 1 to 2 days, while more advanced or combined courses might take up to 5 days. Whether you choose in-person or online learning, the important thing is that you invest time in practising and perfecting your skills.
Ready to Become Lash Technician?
Becoming a successful lash tech is about more than just the length of the course—it’s about commitment, patience, and a passion for the art of lashes. With the right training and practice, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding career in no time! Book a course today via our lashes courses page or call us on 01245 475912.
If you’re interested in beauty and love making people feel confident. Becoming a lash technician may be the perfect path for you, to build a flexible, creative career. Eyelash extensions have taken the beauty industry by storm, and skilled lash technicians are in high demand. Whether you’re looking to start a side hustle or a full-time business, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of becoming a certified lash technician and building a thriving career.
1. Understand the Role of a Lash Technician
Before diving right into a training course, it’s important to know what a lash technician actually does, to see if it is the right career for you. Lash techs specialise in applying semi-permanent eyelash extensions to enhance the length, fullness, and curl of a client’s natural lashes. They also provide maintenance services, such as lash infills and removals. Beyond technical skills, lash techs need a steady hand, an eye for detail, and good people skills. Making clients feel comfortable and beautiful is just as important as mastering the art of applying lashes.
2. Research Certification and Licensing Requirements
Depending on where you live, becoming a certified lash technician may involve specific training and licensing requirements. In many places, you must first obtain a certificate in lash extensions before. Look into your local regulations to make sure you’re following the right path from the beginning.
3. Enrol in a Lash Extension Training Course
Once you know the requirements in your area, it’s time to get trained. Look for reputable, accredited lash extension courses that offer hands-on practice. These courses will teach you various application techniques, how to choose the right lash style for different eye shapes, proper sanitation practices, and how to ensure client safety. Many courses offer both online and in-person options, so you can choose what works best for you. But we always recommend trying to go with an in-person course if you can, as we believe you will get a better level of feedback when the tutor can really see your work and how you are applying lashes. You can find out more about our Pinkfishes Lash Courses here. During your training, you’ll work with real clients under the supervision of a trainer. This hands-on experience is crucial for building confidence and perfecting your technique.
4. Invest in the Right Tools and Products
To perform high-quality lash extensions, you’ll need to invest in professional-grade tools and products. Pinkfishes Lash courses all come with an extensive starter kit, but you’ll want to ensure you top your kit up as you go with lash extensions in various lengths and styles, lash adhesives, tweezers, eye pads, and sanitising supplies. With each course, you will also get a discount code off of Pinkfishes products that lasts for 3 months. Over time, you’ll discover which products work best for you and your clients, but always prioritise quality to ensure client safety and satisfaction. Take a look at our blog post ‘Top 10 ‘Must Haves’ as a Beginner Lash Tech’ for our top tips on what you should look at buying after your course.
5. Build a Portfolio
As you gain experience, start building a portfolio of your work. Take clear, high-quality before-and-after photos of your clients’ lashes to showcase your skills. A strong portfolio will help you attract new clients, whether you plan to work at a salon or run your own lash business. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok are great places to showcase your work and reach potential clients.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice
Becoming a great lash technician takes time and lots of practice. The more lashes you apply, the more confident and precise you’ll become. Practice on friends, family, or models during your training to refine your technique. Pay attention to detail, as even the smallest adjustments in lash placement can make a big difference in the overall look – especially with classic lashes.
7. Create a Client-Friendly Space
Whether you’re working in a salon or setting up a home-based business, creating a clean, relaxing, and welcoming space for your clients is key. Comfort is a big part of the client experience, as lash extension appointments can take an hour or more. Invest in a comfortable bed or chair, soft lighting, and calming décor to help your clients feel pampered and at ease during their appointment. It is essential for health and safety purposes to ensure the room is clean and tidy, however a clean and sterile looking environment will make clients feel more comfortable and give off a more professional ambience.
8. Market Your Services
Once you’re ready to take on clients, it’s time to get the word out! Start by offering discounted or free services to friends, family, and social media followers in exchange for honest reviews and referrals. Build a professional website or social media page to showcase your portfolio, highlight your skills, and offer easy online booking. Word of mouth and positive online reviews are powerful tools for growing your lash business. Take a look at our free Business Plan for more tips and tricks on how best to market your business.
9. Stay Up-to-Date with Trends and Techniques
The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and lash trends are no exception. To stay competitive, invest in continuing education and advanced lash courses. New techniques, lash styles, and products emerge regularly, and staying updated will help you provide your clients with the latest and greatest in lash extensions. If you are currently trained in Classic extensions, why not look at expanding your portfolio and offering fuller Russian lashes, by sitting a Russian Eyelash Extension Course. Or maybe offering something a bit different like a Lash Lift and Tint course, to offer your clients a treatment that will beautifully enhance their natural lashes in an extremely low maintenance way.
10. Take Care of Yourself and Your Business
As with any career in the beauty industry, lash technicians can experience physical strain, especially on the hands, wrists, and back due to long hours of detailed work. Practise good ergonomics and take breaks to ensure your own well-being. One of the best pieces of equipment you can invest in, is an ergonomic stool that is on wheels. This will allow you to keep good posture while applying lashes, keeping your spine in a comfortable and neutral position and the wheels allow you to move around your client throughout the treatment to make use of better application angles. If you’re running your own business, remember to take care of the administrative side of things as well—keeping track of finances, scheduling, and inventory management is just as important as perfecting your lash technique and growing your clientele.
Become a Lash Technician by Booking Today
Becoming a lash technician is a rewarding and creative career choice. It allows you to express your artistic side while helping others feel confident and beautiful. With dedication, the right training, and a passion for the craft, you can build a successful career as a lash technician and enjoy the flexibility and satisfaction that comes with it. So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step, and soon you’ll be helping clients flutter their way to confidence with stunning lashes! You can book onto one of our courses by visiting our lash courses page. Alternatively, you can call us on 01245 475912 or email us at training@pinkfishes.com, we look forward to seeing you soon!
Angel lashes are a new trend that are becoming more and more popular. They are essentially a soft, light and wispy set of classics – three words not usually used to describe a set of classics! They are great for clients that are looking for a soft and natural look but want to add some extra length or volume to their natural lashes.
Angel lashes are created using 0.03 Mega Volume Lashes. 3-5 lashes are used as a spiked/closed fan and applied in the same way a classic lash is applied to the natural lash, creating a wispy effect. The technique is extremely similar to the ‘wet lash’ technique, but much lighter to mimic the depth of a set of classics.
As you are applying more than 1 extension to each lash, the extensions create a wrap around the natural lash. This means that Angel lashes tend to last longer than the standard classic lashes and so are great for clients that may struggle with retention.
Top tip: use your Pink Creation primer on a Microfibre Stick to run some product along the top of the strip & brush through with a Mascara Brush to create small spikes along the strip. This will then make it much easier and quicker for you to pick up the spikes of lashes. *Note: this can also speed up the curing time of your glue.
How do I style a set of Angel Lashes?
Angel lashes are perfect for a client who loves the look of classic lashes, but is looking for something a little lighter and wispier. This style will suit most eye shapes and most mapping styles, however due the lighter, more natural effect of this style of lashes, it would go perfectly with an open eye or doll eye map. For this particular set, we have used a doll eye lash map, in lengths 9-13mm. This really compliments our model’s eye shape and gives a subtle opening effect by bringing the length of the extensions upwards towards the arch of the eyebrow.
This new trend of lash extensions gives you so much freedom to play around and be creative, and creates a beautifully natural look – which is becoming more and more popular nowadays. Have you tried this trend yet? Don’t forget to tag us in your sets @pinkfisheslashco!
For more styling tips, why not take a look at our newest e-learning masterclass – Styling & Mapping!
At Pinkfishes HQ, based in Chelmsford Essex, we offer a massive range of beauty training courses from lash extensions to brow lamination. Our team of highly experienced trainers, with over 45+ years of combined experience, are here to guide you through the process and help you learn a new treatment to offer to your clients. So let’s take a look at what exactly happens when you book a course with us, and what your day will look like when attending a training course here at Pinkfishes.
When you first book a course with us at Pinkfishes, you can either book your space by paying a £1000 deposit, or by paying the full balance. *Finance options available* Once you have booked your space, you will receive an email from one of our team sending you all the details about your course day. Keep an eye out for this email as it can sometimes go into your Junk folder! This email will include information like; address, timings for you and your model(s), patch test information and FAQs. Make sure to read this email fully before attending your course!
You will then receive your patch test in the post (this can take a few days to arrive). This is so that you can test your models for any allergies to the products you will be using on the day. It is SO important that you do this, at least 24-48 hours before your course. We recommend that you do the patch test as soon as it arrives with you however, to prevent it from drying out. Once you have patch-tested them, ask your model to sign the card that arrived with the patch test & bring this with you on the day of your course.
On your course day, make sure to arrive on time or 5-10 minutes early to ensure we can have a prompt start. There is so much information to get through on the day, so getting started on time is super important. You will see this building when you first turn into The Bringey…
This is Pinkfishes HQ! Here you will find our shop reception, so if you need to purchase any products before your course, please enter here. Otherwise, you will need to keep driving round and following the road until you see our training academy – here!
All parking is free and unallocated so park wherever you can! Once parked, you can enter Pinkfishes via the white double doors. You will find a waiting area as soon as you walk in, please make yourself comfy here until the course begins.
One of the lovely Pinkfishes team members will greet you here in the waiting area & you just need to let them know your name and that they are booked on to the course. They will then guide you through to the training room …
Here you will find 5 treatment beds to choose from & this will be your home for the day. Each bed will have a manual, discount card & your kit for the day* (unless it is your 2nd day). If it is your 2nd day, make sure to bring your kit back in with you! You will be offered a drink and shown where the toilets & water fountain are, should you need them. Your lunch order will then be taken and the course will start!
All of our courses begin with going through the manual and covering the theory first. Depending on the course depends on how long this goes on for, but it’s generally between 30-90 minutes. Then we move onto practicing the techniques for that treatment. This varies for each course so let’s look at the main categories below:
- Lash Extensions Course: You will continue on from the theory by practicing the techniques on a mannequin head first. This will continue for the rest of the morning until you break for lunch. Then after lunch, your models will arrive and you will complete the treatment for the duration of the afternoon – using all of the techniques you learnt in the morning session.
- Lash Lift Course: Once going through the theory, your trainer will explain how the treatment is going to run. Then your first model will arrive. Your trainer will then go through each step with you slowly to ensure you master each technique before moving on to the next step. They will guide you through it, so you don’t worry about doing anything wrong to begin with! Then, once complete you will break for lunch. After lunch, your 2nd model will arrive and you will complete the same treatment again, using everything you learnt that morning. Your trainer will still be there to guide you, however this treatment will be a lot more independent to show that you have taken everything from the morning on board.
- Eyebrow Course: Our eyebrow courses run very similarly to the way that our lash lift courses run. If you are booked onto a shaping course, you will often be asked to practice mapping the brows with the other students on the course – taking turns to work on each other. Don’t worry though, this is just with pencil and so can be wiped off very easily. Then your first model will arrive and your trainer will then go through each step with you slowly to ensure you master each technique before moving on to the next step. Once complete, you will break for lunch & then complete the treatment again on your 2nd model in the afternoon session.
Depending on which course you have completed, you may be issued your certificate on the day. However this is completely dependent on the trainer’s professional judgment of your work on the day, and dependent on how many models you have completed. If you have only had 1 model on the day we will ALWAYS ask you for further case studies. If we have asked you for further case studies, we will always give you feedback for things to work on for your next case study.
If you have been asked for more than 1 case study, ALWAYS send them in 1 at a time. This gives the trainers a chance to look through it and give you some constructive feedback, allowing you to improve for your next set. Otherwise, you may not understand how to fix the things you are doing wrong and risk being asked for even more case studies than originally asked for.
We will only pass you if we are confident that you are completing the treatment well and safely. We understand that you’re only just starting out, so will never be expecting your case studies to be perfect. However we do need to ensure that all the basics are covered and we will always give you feedback and tips on how to improve your treatment to ensure you become the best (with some practice of course!).
There is never a time limit to send in your case studies, but the quicker you do, the quicker you’ll pass. We will never fail you on the course either – we want to get you passed off as much as you do! So if you are struggling with getting the treatment right via case studies, we will always invite you back to spend time with the trainer. We pride ourselves on a 100% pass rate… even if life does get in the way and it ends up taking you longer to pass than you’d have hoped!
So, not only will you always have the lifetime support of the Pinkfishes Team – what else will you get out of one of our courses?
Every student will receive a 15% discount card that can be used on any full priced Pinkfishes products. This discount lasts for 3 months after your course and can be used in-store or online.
You will also receive 1 hour of FREE 1-2-1 Mentoring with one of our experienced trainers. This can cover anything you wish to go over, and can be combined with purchased mentoring sessions if you did feel you wanted longer than 1 hour. If you have booked multiple courses with us, you can also combine your free sessions from each course to bag yourself a longer session too.
On the day, you will also be given your training kit, which includes everything you need to get started in the new treatment. Depending on the course you book, your kit could be worth up to £200+. *Note: some courses do not have kits included, however equipment is provided on the day for use, and we will recommend suppliers for you.
Lunch is also provided on the day, and this usually entails a hot or cold sandwich with your choice of filling *allergen dependent*. If you do have any dietary requirements, make sure to let us know so we can provide you with alternative options. Hot drinks and water are also provided throughout the day to keep you hydrated!
Now you know everything to expect on one of Pinkfishes Training Courses, what’s stopping you from getting booked onto a course?! Click here to see our full range of courses available.
Ok ok… I can see that you are still unsure, but maybe a discount code will help sway you? Use code BLOG15 to get 15% off any of our courses*. This can only be used once though – so if you are looking to train in more than 1 treatment, make sure to book them all at once to make use of the discount! Deposit and finance options are available. *T&Cs apply, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.
So now what’s really stopping you? We hope to see you soon on one of our courses!
Any questions, just pop them in the comments below! Xx
