
How to Start a Brow Business: Equipment, Training & Branding
From bold, sculpted arches to natural, fluffy brows—eyebrows have become one of the most defining features in beauty today. The need for competent brow artists is greater than ever, with millions of social media users looking for #browgoals and beauty consumers giving brow treatments top priority in their self-care practices.
Why is the brow industry booming?
- It’s low-overhead compared to other beauty businesses
- It offers repeat clientele and long-term relationships
- You can start from home, a suite, or offer mobile services
- There’s room to specialize in everything from waxing to microblading to brow lamination
Whether you’re a certified esthetician ready to branch out, a makeup artist wanting to expand services, or a total beginner dreaming of your own brow studio, this guide will walk you through every essential step.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to:
Understand the different types of brow services you can offer
- Get trained, licensed, and insured properly
- Choose the right business model (home studio, suite, mobile, or salon)
- Invest in the equipment you actually need—without overspending
- Price your services to profit and grow
- Build a memorable brand that clients rave about
- Master marketing through social media, SEO, and referral programs
- Automate bookings and streamline your business
And most importantly—you’ll learn how to turn your love for beauty into a professional, scalable business that aligns with your lifestyle.
This book will provide you the clarity, direction, and confidence you need whether you have been considering launching a brow company from home or are only investigating the concept of how to be a brow technician.
Let’s get started—and bring your brow business dream to life.
Brow Services and Specializations
One of the first steps in launching your business is deciding what brow services you want to offer. The brow industry has expanded far beyond simple waxing or tweezing. Today’s brow technicians offer a full range of services tailored to each client’s aesthetic preferences, skin type, and maintenance routine.
Whether you’re building a brow menu for a home studio or a high-end salon, knowing your specializations helps you stand out—and build a loyal clientele.
If you’re wondering how to become a brow technician, it starts with understanding what services exist, which require certification, and what matches your style of work.
Popular Brow Services
Here’s a breakdown of the most in-demand brow treatments you might include:
- Brow Shaping (Waxing, Tweezing, Threading)
The foundation of any brow business. Most clients start here before moving into more advanced treatments.
- Brow Tinting
Temporarily dyes brow hairs (and sometimes skin) for definition. A quick add-on that boosts profits and results.
- Brow Lamination
This semi-permanent treatment “sets” brow hairs in a uniform direction, creating a fuller, feathery look. Often paired with tinting.
- Henna Brows
A natural alternative to tinting, henna stains both the skin and hair for a filled-in, semi-permanent effect.
- Microblading
A form of cosmetic tattooing using a handheld blade to create hair-like strokes. Lasts 1–2 years. Requires special licensing and advanced training.
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- Nano Brows
Similar to microblading, but uses a machine to deliver pigment with finer precision. Offers longer-lasting and softer results.
Choosing Your Service Focus
You don’t need to offer every service right away. Start with 1–2 core treatments and expand as you gain experience and certification.
Ask yourself:
- What am I naturally drawn to? Precision shaping? Tattoo artistry? Natural looks?
- What services are trending in my area?
- Do I want to specialize in one technique—or offer full-service brow transformations?
- Am I licensed or certified for advanced services like microblading?
If you’re just becoming a brow technician, starting with brow shaping and tinting can be a fast, low-barrier entry point. Once you’re comfortable, you can grow into higher-ticket services like lamination or PMU (permanent makeup).
Keep an Eye on Trends
Brow styles evolve. Right now, fluffy “soap brows,” soft arches, and bold but natural looks are in demand. Clients are also leaning toward low-maintenance options that enhance their brows without daily effort—making services like lamination and hybrid brows more popular than ever.
By choosing a focused menu of services aligned with your skills and goals, you’ll be better positioned to build trust, master your craft, and stand out in a saturated market.
Training, Certification, and Licensing
No matter how great your eye for symmetry is, becoming a professional brow artist takes more than natural talent. If you’re serious about building a legal, trustworthy business—and want clients to feel safe in your hands—then training and proper certification are non-negotiable.
Whether you’re just exploring how to become a brow technician or you’re ready to enroll in a program, this section will walk you through the basics of getting qualified and staying compliant.
What Certifications Do You Need?
Requirements vary by country, state, and even city, but here’s a general breakdown of what to expect based on the services you plan to offer:
- Brow Shaping (Waxing, Tweezing, Threading)
- May require a general cosmetology or esthetician license depending on your location
- A short course or workshop in brow design or shaping is often sufficient for foundational skills
- Brow Tinting / Henna Brows / Lamination
- Most states require a basic esthetician license
- Manufacturer certifications are strongly recommended for product-specific safety and use
- Some areas treat tinting as a chemical service—check local health board rules
- Microblading and PMU Services
- Requires bloodborne pathogens training (BBP)
- State license as a tattoo or permanent makeup artist
- Certificate from a recognized microblading training program
- Some areas require an apprenticeship or supervised hours
Always verify with your state board of cosmetology or local health department before offering any service to the public.
How to Choose the Right Training Program
When looking for a training course—especially for advanced services like microblading or lamination—make sure it offers:
- Accreditation or recognition by industry or state bodies
- Hands-on practice (live models preferred)
- Hygiene and safety protocols
- Business setup and marketing education
- Ongoing support or mentorship
Red flags to avoid:
- No reviews or testimonials
- No hands-on training
- Outdated curriculum
- Programs promising certification “with no experience needed” in under 4 hours
Insurance and Legal Protection
Even before you offer services, get insured. Types of insurance to consider:
- General liability insurance – Covers slips, accidents, and property damage
- Professional liability insurance – Covers claims related to your services or advice
- Product liability insurance – Covers reactions or issues caused by products used on clients
Also make sure to use client consent forms and medical intake forms—especially for tinting, lamination, or microblading services. Bookeo allows you to collect and store these securely online before each appointment.
Stay Educated and Up-to-Date
Trends change. Regulations evolve. And new techniques emerge all the time. Reinvesting in continuing education is the mark of a true professional. Look for:
- Annual refresher courses
- Brow conferences and trade shows
- Advanced certifications (i.e., color theory, nano techniques, machine work)
With the right training and licensing in place, you’re not just doing brows—you’re building trust, credibility, and a sustainable beauty business.
Choosing Your Business Model: Home Studio, Salon Suite, or Mobile
Before your first client ever lies down in your chair, you need to decide where your brow business will live. Your setup affects everything—how much you spend, how you market, how you price, and what kind of client experience you deliver.
Whether you dream of a sleek studio, a cozy home setup, or traveling with your tools, there’s no “one right way” to run your brow business. Let’s explore your options.
1. Starting a Brow Business from Home
Best for: Beginners, part-time artists, or those on a tight startup budget
Pros:
- Low overhead costs (no rent, utilities, or front-desk staff)
- Flexible hours, work-life balance
- Great for building experience and clientele before expanding
What to Consider:
- Check zoning laws, city permits, and HOA rules
- You may need a separate entrance or a dedicated treatment room
- Keep the space clean, professional, and welcoming (no laundry baskets or pets in sight!)
- Purchase liability insurance specifically for home-based services
Pro tip: Many brow artists build loyal followings from home before upgrading to a suite.
2. Renting a Salon Suite or Booth
Best for: Professionals ready for a more polished, independent setup
Pros:
- Private, branded space without the full cost of opening a salon
- Access to amenities (lobby, utilities, security, parking)
- Professional feel that justifies higher prices
- Potential walk-in traffic from the building or salon
What to Consider:
- Lease agreements and booth rental terms
- Liability and property insurance are still required
- You control your branding, pricing, and schedule—but also manage all responsibilities
3. Offering Mobile Brow Services
Best for: Special events, high-end clients, or on-location convenience
Pros:
- Unique value proposition for luxury or busy clients
- Great for bridal prep, pop-up events, or house calls
- Lower fixed costs and more flexible hours
What to Consider:
- Travel time and fuel costs
- Sanitation standards while mobile
- Portable equipment and lighting
Insurance and business licensing for mobile operation
Your business model can evolve as you grow. Many successful brow artists start small—from home or as mobile pros—and eventually expand into full studios or even hire additional technicians.
Choose what aligns with your current lifestyle, financial comfort, and long-term vision.
Must-Have Equipment and Supplies
Setting up your brow business requires more than just talent and training—you’ll need the right tools to deliver safe, consistent, and professional results. But with so many products on the market, it’s easy to overspend on fancy gear or overlook essentials.
Whether you’re working from home, a suite, or on the go, this checklist will guide you through the core equipment and supplies needed to get started—without blowing your budget.
Core Tools for Every Brow Technician
No matter your setup or service menu, these basics are non-negotiable:
- Brow Mapping Tools: Measuring calipers, brow pencils, string mapping kits
- Tweezers: Slanted and pointed for precision shaping
- Scissors: Small, sharp, and stainless steel
- Magnifying Mirror or Ring Light: For accuracy and client comfort
- Disposable Wands/Brushes: Essential for hygiene
- Facial Tissues & Cotton Pads: Cleanup and comfort
- Alcohol, Barbicide, and Sanitizers: For surface and tool disinfection
- Gloves & Masks: For hygiene and client protection
Brow Tinting, Lamination & Waxing Kits
If your services include tinting, lamination, or waxing, you’ll need:
- Professional Tint Kits: Developer, color bases, mixing bowls, application sticks
- Henna Kits (if using plant-based color): Powder, activator, and stencils
- Lamination Supplies: Lifting cream, setting lotion, nourishing serum
- Wax Warmer & Wax: Choose hard wax for brows, plus strips (if using soft wax)
Pre- and Post-Wax Products: Cleanser, oil, and soothing cream
Always use professional-grade products from trusted brands. Avoid cheap, uncertified suppliers—especially for products that go near the eyes and skin.
Microblading & PMU Equipment (For Advanced Artists)
If you’re offering permanent brow services like microblading or nano brows, invest in:
- Manual Microblading Pens
- Disposable Blades or Sterile Cartridges (if using a PMU machine)
- Pigments: Match skin tone and undertones
- Numbing Creams (check local laws for topical anesthetic use)
- Sharps Container & Biohazard Disposal Bags
- BBP-Compliant Workstation Setup
Note: Only purchase this equipment once you’ve completed accredited training and obtained the required licenses and insurance.
Furniture and Environment Setup
Make your studio feel professional and comfortable with:
- Adjustable Brow Chair or Bed
- Rolling Stool (for you)
- LED Ring Light or Articulating Lamp
- Sterilization Station or UV tool cabinet
- Storage Carts or Drawers for organization
Client Mirror so they can admire their results
Sourcing Your Supplies
Look for:
- Wholesale beauty suppliers with esthetician discounts
- Subscription refill services for items like gloves and disposables
- Starter kits from your training program or preferred product brand
Don’t forget to budget for:
- Initial bulk orders
- Replacements (tweezers dull over time!)
- Consumables like wax sticks, cotton pads, and pigment rings
Invest wisely in quality tools from the start—they’ll make your work easier, your results better, and your clients safer.
Pricing Your Services and Packages
Pricing your brow services can feel tricky—especially when you’re starting out. Charge too little, and you’ll burn out quickly. Charge too much, and you risk scaring off potential clients. The key is to price with confidence based on your skill level, the value you deliver, and the market you’re in.
If you’re learning how to start a brow business, developing a smart pricing strategy from the start is essential for both sustainability and scalability.
Consider these pricing factors:
- Service Type
- Brow shaping and tinting typically range from $20–$50 per session
- Brow lamination often falls between $60–$100
- Microblading and nano brows can range from $300–$800+ per procedure
Location
- Urban or high-demand areas often support higher price
- Consider your local competition, but don’t undercut just to win clients—value matters
Experience Level
- Newer techs may offer “model pricing” at a discount while building a portfolio
- As your skill and results improve, raise your rates accordingly
What’s Included
Does your price include mapping, consultation, aftercare, or follow-up appointments? Be clear about what clients are paying for
Create Value-Packed Packages
Bundling services or offering series pricing encourages repeat visits and increases client loyalty. Try:
- Brow Bundle: Wax + Tint + Lamination at a reduced rate
- First-Time Client Intro Offer
- Brow Maintenance Packages: Buy 4 shaping sessions, get the 5th free
Annual Microblading Touch-Up Package
- Retail add-ons like brow pencils, growth serums, or aftercare kits also increase your average sale per client—without adding time to your service.
Offer Loyalty & Referral Perks
- Referral Program: Give $10 off to both the referrer and new client
- Loyalty Rewards: Free tint or mini wax after 5 visits
- Seasonal Specials: Great for slow months or holidays (i.e., “Back-to-School Brows” or “Holiday Glam Package”)
As you grow, revisit your pricing annually. Track your hourly rate (including prep, cleanup, and admin time), adjust for rising supply costs, and don’t be afraid to charge what your service is worth.
A well-thought-out pricing structure doesn’t just protect your time—it communicates value and professionalism to your clients.
Creating a Memorable Brow Brand
Your brow skills are the foundation—but your brand is what attracts, connects, and keeps clients coming back. It’s how your business looks, feels, and communicates across every touchpoint, from your Instagram profile to your booking confirmation email.
If you’re learning how to start a brow business, crafting a memorable brand isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s about building trust and recognition in a competitive beauty space.
Start with Your Story
Every great brand starts with a why.
Ask yourself:
- Why did you become a brow artist?
- What makes your approach different?
- Who do you love serving—busy moms, bridal clients, first-timers, professionals?
Turn that story into your mission and messaging. Your clients should immediately understand who you are, what you offer, and what they’ll gain by booking with you—not just “a brow service,” but confidence, empowerment, ease, or beauty on their own terms.
Choose a Name That Sticks
Your business name should be:
- Easy to pronounce and spell
- Memorable and brandable
- Reflective of your style or vibe
Examples:
- The Brow Boutique (upscale, minimal)
- Arch & Soul (emotive, creative)
- Bold Brows by Bri (personalized and friendly)
Make sure your name is available as a domain and on social platforms before finalizing.
Visual Identity: Look Like a Pro
Great branding is consistent. Choose:
- A color palette (2–3 main colors + neutrals)
- A logo (keep it simple and scalable for Instagram, flyers, or website use)
- A font pairing (one for headings, one for body text)
Your visuals should reflect your style:
- Luxury? Go neutral with gold accents
- Bold and playful? Use bright colors and modern fonts
- Earthy and holistic? Think soft tones and natural elements
Design tools like Canva or hiring a brand designer on Fiverr can help you create a polished look—even on a budget.
Define Your Client Experience
Branding isn’t just visual. It’s also how your clients feel when they interact with you.
Consider:
- What’s your tone on social media? Friendly? Educational? Luxe?
- How do your booking confirmations and reminder emails sound?
- Do you offer a beverage, a welcome card, or a personalized aftercare guide?
Even small touches—like a hot towel before shaping or a thank-you note in an aftercare bag—build brand loyalty and elevate the experience.
Be Consistent, Everywhere
Use your brand visuals and tone on:
- Your website and booking page
- Instagram profile, feed, and stories
- Business cards, menus, and client forms
- Packaging, aftercare kits, or retail products
When your branding is clear and cohesive, you build trust instantly—and look like the pro you are.
Marketing and Social Media
You’ve built your brand and mastered your services—now it’s time to get noticed. Marketing isn’t about “selling” in the traditional sense—it’s about building relationships, showing your value, and staying top-of-mind when someone says, “I need my brows done.”
If you’re learning how to start a brow business, this section will help you master client attraction—especially with free or low-cost tools like social media, referrals, and search visibility.
Build a Powerful Instagram Presence
Instagram is the #1 platform for beauty professionals—and for good reason. Clients want to see your work before they book. Your feed becomes your portfolio, and your stories become your daily brand voice.
What to post:
- Before/after transformations (always get permission!)
- Time-lapse or short Reels of shaping, tinting, or mapping
- Educational content (i.e., “3 signs you need a brow touch-up”
- Client reactions and testimonials
- Behind-the-scenes looks at your setup or supply restock
- Special offers, last-minute openings, or giveaways
Tips for growth:
- Use relevant hashtags like #browtech, #browshaping, #[yourcity]brows
- Tag your location in posts and stories
- Reply to every DM and comment
- Post consistently (aim for 3–5x/week)
- Link your booking system (like Bookeo) directly in your bio
- Leverage Local SEO and Google Business Profile
Many clients search “brow shaping near me” or “microblading in [city]” when looking for new services. You can capture that traffic by setting up a Google Business Profile—it’s free and powerful.
Optimize your profile by:
- Adding high-quality photos of your work and space
- Listing your services, hours, and contact info
- Linking directly to your Bookeo booking page
Encouraging happy clients to leave reviews (offer a small incentive if needed)
Replying to every review. Yes, even the one-sentence ones and negative ones.
Collaborate Locally
Working with other small companies or influencers helps to establish confidence and increase your impact.
You can try the following:
- Hair stylists, lash artists, estheticians, etc. (referral swaps)
- Local spa, boutique (giveaway)
- Offering discounted services to influencers in your area in exchange for mentions and reviews
- Renting a booth at local markets or pop-ups
In-person events are also great places to hand out business cards, flyers, and client referral coupons.
Use Email to Nurture Clients
Social media gets the attention, but email keeps the relationship going.
Build an email list (Bookeo can help you capture email addresses,) and send:
- Appointment reminders
- Post-care information
- Seasonal offers or last-minute openings
- Client shout-outs or featured transformations
- Loyalty perks, birthday gifts, or referral rewards
Platforms like MailerLite or Mailchimp make email marketing easy to automate and brand to match your visual identity.
Run Promotions—But Strategically
Discounts can work, but don’t overdo them. Instead, try:
- Incentives for first-time customers. For example, 15% off your first brow shaping
- Loyalty benefits—for instance, schedule 4 brow treatments, get the 5th free
- Holiday-themed promotions (like back-to-school discounts)
- Referral incentives—for instance, $10 credit for each customer you send
Every campaign should nevertheless show your brand quality; you’re not a bargain service but rather a beauty expert providing value.
When you show up online with confidence and authenticity, your ideal clients will find you, trust you, and book with you—again and again.
Managing Appointments and Growing with Bookeo
Once clients start rolling in, the last thing you want is to get bogged down by messages, manual scheduling, or missed appointments. As a solo entrepreneur or small beauty business owner, time is your most valuable asset—and your client experience starts before they ever sit in your chair.
This is where Bookeo’s brow bar scheduling software becomes a total game-changer for brow professionals.
Why Online Booking Is a Must in the Beauty Industry
Today’s clients expect convenience. They want to:
- Book online 24/7—without needing to message you on Instagram
- See real-time availability
- Get automatic confirmations and reminders
- Reschedule or cancel without awkward follow-ups
- Pay deposits or in full before their appointment
If you’re still using a pen-and-paper calendar or juggling bookings manually, you’re losing time, energy, and potentially business.
What Bookeo Can Do for Your Brow Business
Bookeo is an easy-to-use online scheduling platform built for service-based businesses like yours.
It helps you:
Set up a branded, mobile-friendly booking page
- Offer different service types (i.e., brow shaping, lamination, combo services)
- Accept deposits or full payments securely through Stripe, PayPal and other major payment gateways
- Send automatic email and SMS reminders to reduce no-shows
- Manage waitlists, cancellation policies, and rescheduling without hassle
- Collect client forms and waivers before the appointment
- Offer gift vouchers, memberships, or packages (great for loyal clients!)
Bookeo also syncs with your Google Calendar, integrates with your website and social media, and helps you track your most popular services, repeat clients, and revenue trends.
Focus on Growth, Not Admin
When you’re not bogged down by back-and-forth DMs, you can:
- Spend more time on client care and artistry
- Launch new services or retail products
- Expand into group trainings or brow parties
- Offer flash sales or loyalty perks
- Strategically scale without burnout
A polished booking experience also builds trust—your clients will feel like they’re working with a professional from the moment they land on your page.
Let automation work behind the scenes while you focus on delivering flawless brows and building relationships. Bookeo helps make it effortless.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Starting your own brow business isn’t just a career move—it’s a creative, empowering path to independence, flexibility, and long-term success. Whether you dream of working from a cozy home studio or building a full-service brow brand, you now have the roadmap to get started with clarity and confidence.
We’ve covered everything from:
- Choosing your brow services and specialties
- Getting the right certifications and licenses
- Setting up your space and sourcing your supplies
- Pricing your services strategically
- Building a strong personal brand
- Growing your audience through marketing and referrals
Managing bookings, payments, and reminders with Bookeo. Now, it’s time to take action. Choose your first service. Order your starter kit. Set up your booking page. Don’t wait until everything is perfect—your clients are already out there looking for someone just like you.
Need a streamlined way to handle bookings, reminders, and client management from day one? Try Bookeo’s appointment booking software to simplify your operations and present a professional, polished experience to every client who walks through your door.
Brows shape faces. Your business can shape your future.