Starting a Lash Business: The Ultimate Guide to Success
Table of Contents Hide
The eyelash business industry is booming due to the demand for semi-permanent beauty solutions that save time while enhancing natural features. In the article below, join NextSky to explore in-depth tips for making a mark in the market and building a successful eyelash extension brand.
What is the eyelash business?
An eyelash extension salon is a beauty establishment specializing in services that enhance eyelashes' length, thickness, curl, and color, delivering a captivating look without the need for daily makeup. These services are typically semi-permanent and performed by trained technicians. Standard eyelash services include:
- Eyelash extensions: Attaching individual synthetic, mink, or silk lashes to natural lashes with specialized adhesive for a fuller, longer effect.
- Lash lifting: Using chemical solutions to curl natural lashes, creating a lifted look that lasts for weeks.
- Lash tinting: Darkening natural lashes to enhance eye appearance without mascara.
- Lash maintenance: Replacing or touching up lashes that have fallen out or grown unevenly over time.
Beyond lash care, many salons expand into other beauty services like eyebrow tinting/lamination, waxing, or cosmetic tattooing, adding value for clients and diversifying revenue streams.
Read more: Top 26 Best Online Business Ideas Worth Trying Today
Why start an eyelash business?
The eyelash industry is a lucrative niche within the beauty sector, with services like extensions, lifts, and tints appealing to clients seeking low-maintenance beauty solutions. Here are three key reasons to consider launching your own eyelash business:
- Flexible schedule: As a business owner, you control your hours, balancing work with personal priorities like family or self-care.
- High earning potential: Without splitting profits with a salon, you can charge premium rates for specialized services and boost revenue by selling aftercare products.
- Strong client relationships: Personalized services foster loyal clients who spread your reputation through referrals and positive reviews.
Learn more: TOP 10 Promising Cat Business Ideas for Pet Lovers in 2025
Step-by-step guide to starting an eyelash business
1. Obtain certifications and build expertise
A professional certification is essential for establishing credibility and complying with legal requirements in the eyelash industry. In the U.S., most states require a cosmetology or esthetician license, involving 600–1,600 hours of training at an accredited school and passing a state exam. For example, California requires 600 hours for estheticians, while Texas mandates 750 hours.
When choosing a training program, ensure it covers:
- Classic, volume, and hybrid extension techniques
- Strict safety and hygiene standards
- Hands-on practice with live models
To boost credibility, additional certifications from organizations like NEESA should be considered. Stay updated with advanced courses or workshops on trends like mega volume or wispy lashes. Keep all certifications on hand to build client trust and meet insurance requirements. Complementary services like lash lifts or eyebrow lamination can expand your client base and service value.
See more: Find Out The 30 Attractive Wholesale Business Ideas
2. Conduct thorough market research
Understanding your local market is critical for positioning your business. Analyze competitors by answering:
- What services do they offer (e.g., classic, volume, or lash lifts)?
- What are their pricing and target demographics?
- Are there market gaps, like late-night services or vegan lashes?
Review competitors' websites, social media, and Google My Business profiles to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Use tools like Google Trends to identify rising demand for keywords like "eyelash extensions near me" or "wholesale lash supplies."
3. Choose a memorable business name
Your business name should be short, memorable, reflective of your brand, and unregistered. Avoid names already in use in your state or too similar to competitors to prevent confusion. Use Shopify's free name generator for inspiration, then verify:
- State business registries to confirm name availability
- Domain registrars (e.g., GoDaddy) for available URLs
- Social media platforms for consistent handle availability
For example, "Empress Lash Studio" evokes luxury, while "Lash Me LLC" feels approachable and trendy. Ensure the name aligns with your brand vision, whether bold, elegant, or playful.
Read more: How to Test Business Ideas for Success: A Comprehensive Guide
4. Select and register a business structure
The proper legal structure sets a foundation for sustainable growth and legal compliance.
- Sole proprietorship: Simple and low-cost to set up, but the owner is personally liable for business debts.
- LLC: Ideal for small businesses, offering flexibility and personal asset protection from legal risks.
- Corporation: Suitable for scaling or raising capital, but requires stricter legal and administrative processes.
Register your business through your state's business portal and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if hiring employees. Check local regulations for additional permits, such as health or zoning permits for home-based salons.
Read more: TOP 16 Healthcare Business Ideas You Can Start Now
5. Create a detailed business plan
A solid business plan is your roadmap for staying on track and growing sustainably. Include:
- Startup costs: Estimate expenses for training, equipment (lash beds, tweezers, adhesive), rent, and marketing. For a small or home-based salon, fees typically range from $5,000 to $15,000.
- Pricing strategy: Set prices based on operating costs and local market rates. For example, complete lash sets may range from $100–$200, with touch-ups at $50–$80.
- Revenue projections: Calculate potential income based on average daily clients. For instance, five clients/day at $150 could generate $3,750 weekly.
- Marketing plan: Outline strategies like social media campaigns, referral programs, or partnerships with local businesses.
Pro tip: Use Shopify's free business plan template to streamline the process.
6. Secure funding and insurance
Fund your startup through personal savings, small business loans, or crowdfunding. Use the SBA's startup cost calculator to estimate financial needs. Invest in insurance to mitigate risks like allergic reactions or equipment damage:
- General liability insurance for protection against client claims
- Equipment insurance for tools like lash beds and ring lights
- Professional liability insurance for service-related complaints
Partner with insurers specializing in the beauty industry for tailored policies.
See more: How to Start a Reseller Business: A Comprehensive Guide to Success
7. Choose the perfect location
Decide whether to operate from home, rent a chair in an existing salon, or open a standalone studio. Each option has pros and cons, so consider:
- Accessibility: Prioritize locations with easy access, parking, or proximity to public transit.
- Legal requirements: For home-based salons, verify zoning regulations and obtain landlord or mortgage approval if needed.
- Client experience: Ensure a clean, quiet space with good lighting and a professional atmosphere.
For home-based setups, maintain a separate client entrance for professionalism and privacy. Opening a salon in a high-traffic area can boost brand visibility and attract walk-in clients.
8. Set up your eyelash salon
Transform your workspace into a blend of professionalism and relaxation, ensuring every client interaction is memorable and every work hour is productive.
- Ergonomic equipment: Invest in adjustable lash beds ($300–$1,000) and high-quality magnifying lamps ($50–$200) to work comfortably without eye strain or back pain.
- Premium materials: Stock high-quality synthetic, mink, or vegan lashes, diverse adhesives, and sanitizing solutions for safety.
- Branded ambiance: Use neutral tones for a spa-like feel or bold colors for a modern, trendy vibe.
- Efficient inventory: Source wholesale supplies from reputable vendors, prioritizing single-length lash trays and adhesives with a 6-month shelf life unopened (1 month after opening).
9. Build a strong online presence
A professional website is crucial for showcasing services, building trust, and attracting new clients. Use platforms like Shopify to create a modern, user-friendly site with:
- Detailed service descriptions and transparent pricing
- Online booking integration (e.g., Appointly or GlossGenius) for easy appointment scheduling
- Before-and-after photos to highlight your skill
- Client testimonials to boost credibility
Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to amplify your brand. Share engaging content regularly to build a community and retain clients.
Read more: TOP 15 Breakthrough Logistics Business Ideas
10. Deliver outstanding service
To retain clients and generate positive word-of-mouth, focus on personalized experiences and consistent professionalism.
- Personalization: Tailor lash styles to client preferences, like hybrid lashes for office workers or dramatic volume for bold looks.
- Aftercare guidance: Provide written instructions on lash cleaning and avoiding oil-based products.
- Continuous learning: Stay updated on trends like colored lashes or advanced techniques through workshops.
Pro tip: Use scheduling software with automated reminders to reduce no-shows and streamline bookings.
5 key factors for a successful eyelash business
Ready to launch? Invest in these essentials for smooth operations, impressive results, and loyal clients.
- Professional scheduling software: Streamline appointments, payments, and client records with platforms offering automated reminders, online payments, and personalized notes.
- Premium lash extensions: High-quality silk, mink, or vegan lashes deliver lightweight, natural-looking results. Stock various lengths, curls, and styles for versatility.
- Professional-grade tools: Enhance your craft with precision tweezers, high-quality adhesive, and ergonomic lash trays. Keep tools clean, maintain backups, and stock sanitizing solutions.
- Organized storage: A tidy workspace boosts efficiency and professionalism. Use labeled trays, containers, or carts to organize lashes, adhesives, and tweezers.
- Clear lighting and magnification: LED or ring lights paired with magnifying glasses ensure precision and reduce eye strain, improving service quality and long-term comfort.
Starting an eyelash business is an excellent opportunity to combine creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and customer dedication. The above sharing from NextSky will help you build a prominent brand and a strategic approach, and your eyelash business can become the ideal destination for beautiful, long-lasting lashes.
