If you’re considering a career in beauty, becoming a lash technician is an exciting and rewarding option. Not only does it allow you to be your own boss or work in a salon, but it also gives you the chance to enhance your clients’ confidence and help them look their best. But how much does it cost to become a lash technician? Here’s a breakdown of the typical expenses you can expect as you embark on this beauty journey.
The Cost of Training and Certification
The first step to becoming a lash technician is completing a lash extension course, which typically ranges from £200 to £600.The cost depends on factors such as the course’s length, whether it’s in-person or online, and the reputation of the school or trainer. Many courses cover the essentials—lash application, client safety, and business tips—and provide hands-on practice. You can view all of Pinkfishes Lash courses here, starting from £195 for a half day Lash Lift and Tint course, going up to £545 for a 2 day Classic and Russian course.
While there may be some cheaper options, it’s essential to ensure the course is accredited and provides thorough training. Pinkfishes courses are accredited with either Professional Beauty Direct or ABT. Proper education is critical, as it ensures the quality of your work and helps build client trust.
Lash Kit Prices
Most beginner courses will come with a basic lash kit, but you’ll likely need to upgrade or replenish supplies as you start working professionally. Pinkfishes lash kits include all the essentials like tweezers, lash trays, adhesive, remover and various accessories. A complete lash kit can cost anywhere from £50 to £200, depending on the quality of the products and the contents of the kit. Pinkfishes lash kits are worth up to £160 and will give you everything you require to complete the course, including your case studies.
It’s a good idea to invest in high-quality tools and lashes from the start, as this will ensure better results for your clients and make your job easier. Keep in mind that as your business grows, you’ll need to continue restocking lash supplies, but you’ll also gain the experience to determine what products work best for you.
Insurance Costs
Business and liability insurance is essential to protect yourself and your clients. Insurance costs for lash technicians range from £60 to £200 annually. Here at Pinkfishes, we have partnered with PolicyBee to offer you a discount on your insurance policies, starting with beauty insurance cover from £5.95 a month. Find out more information, and get your free quote in under 2 minutes here.
Workspace Setup
If you’re planning to work from home, you’ll need to set up a professional and comfortable space for clients. Basic equipment includes a lash bed or reclining chair (which can cost anywhere from £100+) and good lighting, like a ring light or pro light, which ranges from £50 to £200. You might also want to invest in storage for your lash supplies and some simple décor to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Alternatively, if you plan to rent space in a salon, booth rental fees can range from £300 to £1,000+ per month, depending on your location.
Marketing and Branding
Getting clients in the door is essential to growing your lash business. You’ll want to invest in branding, which can include a logo, business cards, and a simple website. A professional logo can cost anywhere from £50 to £300, while business cards and flyers might cost £50 to £150. A basic website can be set up for as little as £100, especially if you use affordable website builders.
Don’t forget social media marketing! It’s a cost-effective way to show off your work and attract clients. While social media is free, you might want to consider paid ads, which can range from £50 to a few hundred pounds depending on your budget.
The Cost of Ongoing Education
As the beauty industry evolves, it’s important to stay up to date with new techniques and trends. Many lash technicians choose to invest in advanced training or 1-2-1 mentoring sessions, which can range from £300 to £500 per course. Not only does this help keep your skills sharp, but it also allows you to offer more services to your clients, such as volume or hybrid lashes, which can increase your earning potential.
Final Cost Breakdown
Here’s a rough estimate of the initial costs you might incur when becoming a lash technician:
- Training and Certification: £200 – £600
- Lash Kit: £50- £200 Depending on whether this is included in your course or not.
- Insurance: £60 – £200
- Workspace Setup: £150 – £1,500
- Marketing and Branding: £50 – £600
- Ongoing Education: Optional, £300 – £500
In total, you can expect to invest £500 to £4,000 or more to become a lash technician, depending on the depth of training, workspace, and tools you choose. While it may seem like a substantial investment, the beauty industry is booming, and lash extensions are in high demand. With dedication, skill, and good marketing, you can quickly recoup your initial investment and build a thriving lash business. And a great thing about this industry, is you don’t absolutely need all of the above to start making money. So long as you have the basic essential products, a certificate and insurance, you can set up from home and start earning. You can then reinvest any profits you make to further the business development by spending it on marketing or further education and watch your business grow.
Investing in quality education and tools is key to your success, but more importantly, have fun as you embark on this creative and fulfilling career!