Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a trained lash technician? In the state of California, you need a Cosmetology or Esthetician license before you can perform any sort of lash artistry. This is great news for clients, who can put their trust in licensed and certified hands, but what exactly is involved in getting your certification specifically for eyelash extensions?

We’ve put together a helpful list for you to check off below.

What are eyelash extensions? Why do people choose them over strip lashes or falsies for example? The theory portion of the course covers everything you need to know about the lash extension industry, why it’s so popular and what types of lash extensions are available, e.g. classic, volume and Russian. It also explains how long they last, the life cycle of the lash and how to care for them once they’re applied.

During the course, you’ll learn all about the materials used to create natural lashes, such as mink, synthetic or faux hair, plus the pros and cons with each. You’ll also learn about the various types of glue used to keep the lashes in place and which ones are recommended.

This is an important part of learning to apply lash extensions, especially since eyes are involved. Being aware of the potential hazards – such as mistakes with glue and placement – and how to minimize risk is essential to avoid hurting a client (and your business!)

There are various products on the market, such as tweezers, glues, lash trays etc., and this part of the course is about teaching you which ones are essential for you to be able to offer eyelash extension services. With the right products you can maximize your productivity, quality and customer base.

Every Lash Artist has their own style, but teaching the right technique centers around the various types of lash extensions available. For example, when a client decides they want a subtle or dramatic look, your technique needs to shift to accommodate their wishes. Learning different techniques is also useful for improving speed, accuracy and correct attachment and placement. You’ll learn tricks such as using tape to reveal the 2nd and 3rd layers of lashes when creating a ‘full’ look, and how to work with sparse lashes.

Once you have a greater understanding of the lash extension process, this part of the course focuses on teaching you how to apply them in the real world. You’ll generally practice on a real-life model (under supervision) so you can gain hands on experience of what it’ll be like with genuine clients. It also gives you an opportunity to ask questions, find your preferred technique and either perfect or greatly improve your skills.

Quality is measured by how well you’ve met your client’s needs. Do they have a full, even set of lashes on both sides? Are there any touch-ups needed? Have you made sure the glue hasn’t touched their eyelids or has any “stickies”? Are they smiling? The quality checks are an important finishing move that determines whether a customer will return to you or not. A good lash course will thoroughly cover all of the potential quality control checks that you should perform with each set of lashes.

If you’ve already completed a classic course and are looking to improve or upskill your technique, then most providers offer advanced training courses that generally focus on greater volume, such as Russian lashes (mega-volume) and techniques such as fan making, glue dipping, tweezer usage and how to work with sparse lashes. These courses are designed for people who already have experience in lashing.

Customer care and customer satisfaction is the most important part of any service that you will provide as a Lash Artist. If you’ve delivered a quality product whilst maximizing your client experience, you’re going to have a happy customer. The course will teach you ways of providing the best customer service, how to deal with an unhappy customer, and things not to do if you want to maximize your business.

Best practice encapsulates the entire lash extension procedure from start to finish, ensuring anyone who’s completed a course is fully effective and confident in taking their newfound skills forward. It wraps up exactly what’s been taught, how to maximize output and ensure your lash extension business is as successful as it can be.