
How to Start a Lashes Business and Attract High-Paying Clients
There’s something incredibly powerful about helping someone feel confident the moment they open their eyes. Lash artistry is about improving someone’s inherent beauty, fostering confidence, and providing a tailored experience they can’t wait to rebook, not just about attaching extensions.
If you have ever received praise for your attention to detail, appreciation of beauty, or soothing demeanor, starting a lash company might be your ideal fit. And the best part? You can build it around your own schedule, your own style, and your own space.
But let’s be clear—success doesn’t come from just being good at lashes. It comes from running your business like a professional from day one. That means more than just having the right tweezers or glue. It means knowing how to attract loyal clients, price your services with confidence, and create a seamless experience from the first message to the final lash fill.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to:
- Choose a lash specialty that fits your strengths and ideal clientele
- Get certified, licensed, and insured the right way
- Set up your lash studio—whether it’s at home or in a salon suite
- Source high-quality tools and lash products without overspending
- Deliver a luxurious experience that keeps clients coming back
- Price and package your services to reflect the value you bring
- Build a strong brand and social presence that attracts high-paying clients
- Automate your booking, forms, and follow-ups using technologies
Whether you’re starting from your bedroom or planning a full-service studio, this article will give you the exact steps to build a lash business that’s both profitable and personal.
If you’ve been wondering how to start a lashes business—or how to level up your current one—this is your blueprint.
Let’s dive in.
Choosing Your Lash Niche
Before you pick up your first pair of tweezers, it’s important to decide what kind of lash artist you want to be. The lash world is more than just extensions, it’s a range of styles, techniques, and experiences that appeal to different types of clients. When you define your niche early on, you make everything else—branding, pricing, marketing- much easier.
If you’re learning how to start a lashes business, clarity around your niche is the first step toward attracting the right clients and becoming known for what you do best.
Explore Lash Service Types
There are several types of lash services, each with its own aesthetic and maintenance level. Popular options include:
- Classic Lashes: One extension per natural lash. Ideal for subtle, everyday enhancement.
- Hybrid Lashes: A mix of classic and volume. Offers more texture and dimension.
- Volume Lashes: Multiple lightweight extensions per natural lash. For a fuller, fluffier look.
- Mega Volume: Ultra-fine lashes applied in dense fans. High-impact, dramatic sets.
- Lash Lifts: A perm for natural lashes to create curl and lift. Low-maintenance clients love this.
- Lash Tints: Dyeing natural lashes for added definition without extensions.
You don’t have to master every service. In fact, many successful lash artists build their reputation on one or two specialties and expand later.
Consider Your Ideal Client
Your niche isn’t just about the service—it’s about who you’re serving.
Think about:
- Do you want to work with brides and event clients who need glamorous sets for photos?
- Are you more drawn to working moms or professionals who want natural, low-maintenance lashes?
- Would you love to be the go-to tech for influencers or local beauty personalities?
Choosing a focus helps you speak directly to your target audience in your branding and marketing. It also positions you as an expert in their eyes, which is key to charging premium prices.
Stand Out With Style or Specialty
You can also differentiate yourself with:
- A specific styling aesthetic (i.e., “the softest natural lashes in [City Name]”)
- Custom lash maps designed to flatter each face
- Specialization in sensitive eye clients or correction sets
- A reputation for flawless retention or fast, efficient fills
Clients are more likely to book when they know exactly what you’re known for—and what kind of results they can expect.
Don’t worry if your niche evolves over time. Start with what you’re passionate about and what your early clients are asking for. With a strong identity, you’ll attract the right audience, build word-of-mouth, and grow faster without trying to be everything to everyone.
Licensing, Training, and Legal Setup
Being talented with tweezers isn’t enough—you need to be legally certified, properly trained, and protected as a business owner. Whether you’re working from home or in a salon suite, clients expect professionalism and safety, especially when you’re working near their eyes.
If you’re serious about learning how to start a lashes business that lasts, these are the non-negotiables.
Know Your State or Local Licensing Requirements
Licensing laws vary, but in most places, you need:
- An esthetician or cosmetology license to apply lash extensions
- In some states, lash-specific licenses are available (like Texas or Kentucky)
- Additional health department permits if operating from home
You’ll likely need to complete a set number of hours of hands-on training and pass both a written and practical exam.
Check with your state board of cosmetology to get the exact requirements in your area before taking on clients.
Get Certified by a Reputable Lash Training Program
While your license covers the legal basics, specialized lash extension training gives you the techniques, product knowledge, and confidence to offer safe, high-quality results.
A strong lash training course should include:
- Theory: Lash cycles, eye shapes, lash types, adhesives, allergies
- Application: Isolation, placement, fan making (for volume), lash mapping
- Safety: Sanitation, patch tests, glue safety, proper removal techniques
- Business skills: Client intake, aftercare, marketing, and consent forms
- Live model practice with trainer feedback
Avoid “fast-track” courses that promise too much too quickly. Look for:
- Certified educators with industry credentials
- Strong reviews and testimonials
- Ongoing support or community
Accreditation or state recognition (if applicable)
- Protect Yourself Legally
- Working near the eye area carries risks—accidents, reactions, and even infections can happen. That’s why proper insurance is a must.
Recommended coverage:
- General liability insurance: Covers injuries, property damage, or accidents
- Professional liability (malpractice) insurance: Covers service-related claims like allergic reactions or irritation
- Product liability insurance: Covers adverse effects from lash glue or remover
Make sure all clients sign:
- A Client Consent Form (acknowledging risks and aftercare responsibilities)
- A Medical History Form (especially if they have eye sensitivities, allergies, or wear contacts)
- A Photography Release Form (if you want to use before/after photos for marketing)
These forms can be collected and stored digitally using Bookeo, making intake smooth and paper-free.
Lashing is an art—but it’s also a profession. Starting with the right training and legal protections gives you peace of mind, builds client trust, and positions your business for long-term success.
Setting Up Your Lash Studio
The space where you lash matters—a lot. It’s not just about having a bed and some good lighting. Your studio should feel clean, calm, and professional while reflecting your brand’s vibe. Whether you’re working from home, renting a suite, or setting up in a salon, your environment helps shape your client’s perception—and their decision to rebook.
Let’s explore your options.
Home-Based Lash Studio
Best for: Beginners, side-hustlers, or those with low startup capital
Pros:
- Low overhead and full control over your hours
- Comfort and convenience
- Great for building a client base before expanding
Essentials:
- A dedicated, enclosed space (not your kitchen or bedroom)
- Clean, neutral decor
- Soundproofing (if possible) for a spa-like feel
Separate entry, if allowed (check local zoning laws)
Insurance and permits specific to home-based businesses
Make sure the space reflects the level of professionalism you want your clients to experience. Think minimal, relaxing, and immaculately clean.
Renting a Studio or Suite
Best for: Lash artists ready to elevate their brand or charge premium pricing
Pros:
- More professional setting
- Often located in beautiful buildings with foot traffic
- Private control over branding, music, scent, and lighting
Consider:
- Lease terms and cost
- Inclusions like water access, Wi-Fi, and shared reception areas
- Personalizing the space with wall art, mirrors, and scent diffusers
Working hours and appointment flexibility
- Salon suite rental apps and companies (like Sola Salons or Phenix) often cater specifically to beauty professionals.
- Salon Booth or Shared Room
Best for: Starting out with support or offering lashes alongside another beauty service
Pros:
- Built-in client base from salon traffic
- Lower rent split or commission-based
- Potential cross-referrals with stylists, estheticians, or nail techs
Make sure you still:
- Have a private area or screen for lash services
- Bring your own tools and organize them neatly
- Maintain your own standards of hygiene and setup
Regardless of where you work, invest in comfort:
- A quality lash bed with memory foam or a heating pad
- A lash stool that supports your posture
- Soft lighting paired with a pro-grade ring light
- Blankets, neck pillows, and music for client comfort
The space is part of your service—and clients will notice the details.
Essential Tools, Kits, and Products
Your lash kit is your toolkit, your art box, and your mobile salon all in one. Whether you’re launching from home or in a suite, investing in quality lash tools and products is critical—not only for achieving great results but also for ensuring safety, retention, and client comfort.
You don’t need to buy everything at once, but you do need the right foundation. Here’s what every lash tech should have in their setup.
Core Lash Extension Tools
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- Lash Tweezers: Precision is everything. You’ll need at least two types:
- Isolation tweezers (straight or curved)
- Volume/fanning tweezers (for picking up and placing extensions)
- Lash Trays: Stock various lengths (8–16mm), curls (C, D, L), and thicknesses to customize sets
- Adhesive (Glue): Choose a fast-drying, humidity-compatible formula with low fumes
- Glue Rings or Glue Wells: Help reduce waste and speed up application
- Gel Pads or Medical Tape: Used to isolate lower lashes and protect the under-eyes
- Lash Tweezers: Precision is everything. You’ll need at least two types:
- Lash Brushes (Spoolies): Essential for brushing during and after the service
- Microbrushes and Lip Wands: For applying primer, sealer, or remover
Sanitation and Safety Essentials
- Disinfectants: Barbicide or medical-grade wipes for tools and surfaces
- Disposable Masks & Gloves: Protects both you and the client
- Hand Sanitizer and Alcohol Wipes: Keep everything sterile
- Lash Tile or Palette: Keeps lash strips organized for faster pickup
- Sharps Container (if using needles for advanced PMU services)
- Lash Remover Gel: For safe removal of extensions
Keeping a clean and organized lash area isn’t just about professionalism—it’s a legal requirement in many regions.
Comfort + Equipment
- Adjustable Lash Bed: Choose one with a comfortable headrest and height control
- Memory Foam Lash Pillow: Supports the client’s neck and helps with lash angle
- Ring Light or LED Lash Light: Clear lighting is essential for visibility and precision
- Lash Fan or Nano Mister: Helps dry lashes and soothe eyes after application
- Organizer Cart or Drawers: Keeps your tools clean and within reach
- Ventilation or Air Purifier: Especially important in small or home-based studios
Refill Supplies + Smart Stocking Tips
- Buy consumables (glue rings, pads, microbrushes) in bulk to save
- Keep a restocking calendar to monitor glue expiration and inventory levels
- Track which lash trays run out fastest and reorder proactively
- Maintain backups of core items in case of emergencies or supplier delays
Where to Buy
Look for professional lash brands known for quality, safety, and retention. Some popular industry go-tos include:
- LashBase
- Borboleta Beauty
- London Lash Pro
- Untamed Artistry
- Lash Affair
Avoid sourcing glue or lashes from unverified marketplaces—cheap tools often lead to poor results and client issues.
Your tools are an extension of your artistry. Choose wisely, care for them properly, and they’ll help you deliver flawless results every single time.
Creating a Premium Client Experience
Flawless lashes get people in the door. But it’s the experience that keeps them coming back—and turns them into loyal, high-paying clients.
In the beauty world, word-of-mouth is gold. When clients feel pampered, safe, and seen, they’ll talk about you, tip generously, and book their next appointment before they leave. That’s the difference between a basic lash tech and a luxury lash artist.
Let’s build that experience from start to finish.
The Moment They Book
- The client experience starts before they arrive.
- Use an online booking system like Bookeo, so clients can schedule easily
- Send automated confirmations and intake forms
- Share prep tips (i.e., arrive with no makeup, avoid caffeine)
- Make sure your booking page reflects your brand tone and professionalism
Welcoming & Consultations
From the second they walk in:
- Greet them warmly and by name
- Offer a beverage, light music, and a clean, relaxing waiting area
- Have a cozy blanket, neck pillow, and lash bed ready
During the first visit:
- Discuss their lash goals and lifestyle
- Educate them about lengths, curls, retention, and aftercare
- Recommend a style that flatters their eye shape and suits their needs
Keep notes in your client profile (Bookeo lets you store preferences for rebooking)
During the Appointment
While working:
- Maintain a calm, focused atmosphere
- Use soft background music or noise-canceling headphones (if they prefer quiet)
- Talk them through what you’re doing during first visits—but don’t overshare
- Handle any discomfort with care; reassure, adjust, and offer breaks if needed
Remember: clients often fall asleep during lash appointments. Take it as a compliment.
Aftercare & Rebooking
Send clients home feeling taken care of by:
- Giving them a cute aftercare card or digital follow-up
- Offering an optional aftercare kit with lash wash, spoolie, and mini cleanser
- Recommending their next fill based on growth cycle and wear
Booking their next appointment before they leave (Bookeo makes this frictionless)
The Little Extras That Wow
High-paying clients notice the details:
- Personalized messages or birthday discounts
- Loyalty cards or surprise upgrades (i.e., free tint or lash bath)
- Scented warm towels or essential oils
- Curated playlists or aromatherapy diffusers
- Branded packaging for aftercare products
When your lash service feels more like a luxury retreat than a routine appointment, your business becomes more than just transactional—it becomes indispensable.
Clients don’t just want great lashes. They want to feel valued, relaxed, and taken care of. Master this—and you’ll never have to fight for loyalty again.
Pricing and Packaging Your Services
You’re not just selling lash extensions—you’re selling time, skill, precision, and an experience that helps your client look and feel incredible. That’s why pricing your services correctly from the beginning is key to profitability and client loyalty.
If you’re learning how to start a lashes business, this is your opportunity to set the tone. Price with intention, and you’ll attract clients who respect your work—and happily pay for it.
Know Your Worth (and the Market)
Start by researching:
- Local competitors with similar experience and setup
- What high-end lash studios in your area charge
- How your unique skills or service extras differentiate you
Then consider:
- Your product costs (glue, lashes, pads, aftercare, disposables)
- Time required per set or fill (don’t forget prep and cleanup)
- Overhead expenses (rent, booking software, licensing, insurance)
Don’t base your pricing on fear. If you charge too little, you’ll attract bargain shoppers, burn out, and limit growth.
Sample Lash Service Menu
Create clear tiers based on style and service:
- Classic Full Set: $100–$150
- Hybrid Full Set: $130–$180
- Volume Full Set: $150–$220
- Mega Volume Full Set: $180–$250
- Lash Lift & Tint: $70–$120
- Fills (2–3 Weeks): 50–70% of original price
- Lash Removal: $20–$40
Adjust based on your area, reputation, and demand.
Premium Pricing = Premium Experience
Clients are willing to pay more when they get more. Elevate your pricing with:
- Extended consultations or custom lash mapping
- Lash aftercare kits included with full sets
- Complimentary add-ons (lash baths, brow shaping) for loyal clients
- Memberships or packages (i.e., monthly fills at a set price)
Smart Packaging Ideas
Try bundling services to increase value:
- “New Client Bundle”: Full set + aftercare kit + $10 off next fill
- “Lash + Brow Duo”: Lash lift + brow lamination
- “Monthly Lash Club”: 1–2 fills/month with product discounts
These keep clients returning—and boost your average income per booking.
When your pricing reflects your value, you don’t have to compete on discounts. You’ll attract the right clients, charge what you deserve, and build a business that respects your time and talent.
Marketing Your Lash Business
No matter how skilled you are, if people don’t know you exist—they won’t book. Smart, consistent marketing isn’t about selling. It’s about building trust, showing proof, and creating a brand that makes clients say, “I want to go to her.”
If your goal is to attract high-paying lash clients, marketing isn’t optional—it’s your secret weapon.
Step 1: Make Instagram Your Digital Portfolio
Instagram is a lash artist’s best friend. Most clients want to see your work before they book, and they’ll judge you based on your profile in seconds.
How to optimize your profile:
- Clear name and niche in your bio (i.e., “Luxury Lash Artist | Miami”)
- Professional logo or photo
Link to your Bookeo booking page
Story highlights: before/after, FAQs, prices, policies, testimonials
What to post:
- Before/after photos (get consent!)
- Video reels of lash mapping or fan creation
- Time-lapse fills or full-set transformations
- Client testimonials, rebooking reminders, behind-the-scenes
- Educational content: lash care tips, retention advice, myths busted
Pro tips:
- Use local hashtags: #miamilashes #miamilashtech
- Tag your location and add alt text to posts for SEO
- Post 3–5x/week and use stories daily to build familiarity
Step 2: Dominate Local SEO with Google Business Profile
If someone types “lash extensions near me,” you want to pop up first. A well-optimized Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is crucial.
How to optimize:
- Add your services, hours, contact info, and a booking link
- Upload photos weekly (studio, results, signage, etc.)
- Ask every happy client to leave a review—this boosts visibility
Respond to all reviews with gratitude and keywords (i.e., “Thank you for trusting me with your hybrid lashes!”)
You don’t need a full website to rank—just this profile and great photos can drive steady traffic.
Step 3: Build Referral and Loyalty Programs
High-paying clients often come from word of mouth.
Create a referral program like:
- “Refer a friend and you both get $15 off your next fill”
- “Bring a bestie” event for discounted full sets
Loyalty ideas:
- Lash punch card: After 5 fills, the 6th is free
- Birthday month discounts or mini gifts
- VIP lash club with exclusive perks for regulars
Step 4: Collaborate Locally
Partner with:
- Hairstylists, nail artists, or estheticians
- Bridal makeup artists and event planners
- Photographers, fashion stylists, or wellness coaches
Offer them a discounted service in exchange for a shout-out or cross-promotion. As a bonus, they may become long-term clients.
Step 5: Use Email and Text Marketing to Stay Top-of-Mind
Your Bookeo system can help you automate email reminders, rebooking nudges, and even last-minute opening alerts.
What to send:
- “Hey, you’re due for a fill!”
- Flash promos or seasonal specials
Education: lash care tips, FAQs, product recs
Client shoutouts or before/after galleries
Text messages (with consent) are great for time-sensitive updates like same-day cancellations or pop-up promos.
Step 6: Run Strategic Promotions
Avoid always-discounting. Instead:
- Offer value-packed bundles (not deep discounts)
- Run limited-time promotions tied to events or seasons
- Host giveaways (i.e., full set + aftercare kit) with entry rules that build visibility: “Follow, like, tag 2 friends”
Marketing isn’t about being everywhere—it’s about showing up consistently, showcasing your work, and making it easy for your dream clients to find (and fall in love with) your brand.
Booking, Automation & Growth with Bookeo
You became a lash artist to change lives with your artistry—not to spend hours juggling DMs, sending reminders, or chasing no-shows. The more your business grows, the more essential it becomes to automate the busywork so you can focus on what you do best: delivering amazing results.
That’s exactly where Bookeo comes in.
Why Lash Artists Need an Online Booking System
Your clients expect:
- A clean, easy way to book without going back and forth
- Real-time availability and instant confirmation
- Reminders so they don’t forget
Clear policies and options to reschedule if needed
If your booking process isn’t smooth, you’re likely losing clients before they ever make it to your lash bed.
How Bookeo Simplifies the Lash Business
With appointment scheduling software by Bookeo, you can automate everything from first contact to follow-up, all in one place.
Key features for lash artists:
- Online Booking Page: Embed it in your Instagram bio or website
- Custom Services: Set different durations, prices, and add-ons for classic, hybrid, volume, fills, etc.
- Deposits & Payments: Secure appointments and reduce cancellations
- Client Forms: Automatically collect consent, allergies, and preferences before they arrive
- Automated Reminders: Reduce no-shows with SMS or email alerts
- Waitlists & Last-Minute Fills: Keep your calendar full even when cancellations happen
- Memberships & Packages: Offer monthly fill plans or loyalty perks with ease
Scale Without Stress
As your business grows, so does the demand for:
- Better organization
- Fewer missed messages
- Smarter ways to manage rebooking and marketing
Bookeo helps you:
- Keep track of every client interaction
- Spot trends in what services are most popular
- Offer upsells or gift vouchers during checkout
- Automate birthday messages, promotions, or reactivation reminders
You can even use built-in analytics to track your most profitable services, busiest days, and client retention rates.
Clients feel the difference when your business runs smoothly—and they’re more likely to recommend you, rebook, and respect your boundaries. Lash salon scheduling software by Bookeo gives you the tools to run your lash business like the beauty boss you are.
Conclusion and Next Steps
You now have the whole strategy to launch a worthwhile, not just lucrative, lash company. Every action you take lays the groundwork for something great, from sketching out your niche and producing amazing outcomes to developing a brand that draws high-paying customers and running it all like a pro.
To summarize, you have discovered how to:
- Choose your lash specialty and ideal clients
- Get licensed, trained, and legally protected
- Set up your studio space and stock it with quality tools
- Price, package, and market your services with confidence
- Create a luxury-level client experience
- Automate and scale the number of bookings
So what’s next? Start where you are. Work on your lash fans. Establish your web presence. Set up your calendar for reservations.
And when you’re ready to grow with ease, online booking software Bookeo is here to help you simplify scheduling, elevate your client experience, and turn your lash business into a brand.