How to start a lash salon in your home

If you're feeling exhausted by the mundane routine of daily life and looking for ways to transform your career/life balance, then becoming an Eyelash Extension Artist with a home-based salon could be the solution you're looking for.

Join Jodi and Alicia on our podcast as they reveal insider tips and step-by-step guidance on starting your very own home-based lash salon:

Mastering Lash Artistry: All about Lash Training and Certification

Becoming a Lash Extension Artist is a true art form, so before we get into building your home-based salon, let’s talk about how to learn and perfect the Art of Lash Artistry.

The safest and most supportive way to get you started is for you to do your research and find a reputable Lash Training Academy or training provider.

To help you get started, let’s look at the most important things to look for when selecting a reputable Lash Training organization.

Although Industry accreditation and certification vary depending on where you live, the foremost consideration when choosing an appropriate provider is to ensure they are qualified and accredited based on your location. It’s always wise to check with the local authorities to see what’s required, then look for institutions that meet the regulations and high-quality standards set by your local authorities.

If you’ve never “had a go” at applying for lash extensions, you’ll probably be tempted to take an online course, thanks to the influential power of social media, which makes the art of application look so easy.

However, I’d strongly advise you not to do that because, without the guidance of an experienced expert Artist, you can develop bad habits that will cause you and your client grief once you’re up and running. Accessing the support of an experienced Lash Artist to train you will set you up for success in your newly chosen career.

It’s critical to keep this first step in mind when you’re starting out on your Lash Artistry journey because developing this skill requires support from your peers, commitment, dedication, and practice. Learning the art of lashing is not unlike learning a musical instrument, so unless your desire to succeed and commitment to your goal is stronger than your fear of failure, then you’ll potentially set yourself up for failure.

Setting Up a Professional Lash Salon Space in Your Home

Once you’ve mastered your Lash Artistry skills to confidently work on “real clients,” not just friends and family, it’s time to build your first Lash Space. Your “at-home mini salon” is a fantastic, low-risk, low-cost place to begin your new career.

Again, it’s always a good idea to check with your local authorities on the legal, safety, and health requirements that you must meet when setting up an “in-home salon, as the requirements vary depending on your location.

Transforming a spare room or corner of your home into a cozy and inviting lash salon is essential for creating a professional atmosphere. Ensure your space is well-lit, comfortable, and equipped with all the necessary tools, equipment, and supplies. Invest in a comfortable lash bed or chair for your clients to recline during their appointments.  This is your opportunity to express your personality and showcase your brand by adding personal touches that make the space uniquely yours.

Selecting your Eyelash Extension Suppliers

It’s critical that you invest in high-quality supplies and products, and remember now that you’re an authentic Artist, your tweezers are your magic wands, your precious tools of the trade. So, choose tweezers that are highly rated and the best quality tweezers you can afford. Always! always! Have a spare set aside for the tragic situation where you drop those babies; yes, it happens!

Your suppliers should not only offer high-quality products, lashes, glues, lash supplies, and premium eyelash extension aftercare. But they should be your industry support partner, reach out, and build a relationship with suppliers that offer not only products but also provide open communication and support for whatever you need. Your suppliers should be your partners and your eyes across the industry to help you stay on top of your game with trends and the best of the best; after all, you’re going to be so busy lashing your clients that you’ll need and should expect that level of support.

Consider Prolong Lash products, which are designed to enhance the longevity and health of lash extensions. Prolong Lash Cleanser, for instance, is a versatile product that can be diluted with distilled water, allowing lash artists to create their own branded lash shampoos. By investing in Prolong Lash products, you ensure that you’re providing your clients with top-tier aftercare solutions that promote lash health and client satisfaction.

Designing Your Lash Service Menu and Pricing

Now that your in-home salon will be competing with other salons, you should establish your menu of services and pricing. Creating fun names for lash sets like Classic, Natural, Hybrid, Cats Eye, Wispy, Dramatic, and Volume Lash, just to name a few, is the starting point that enables you to determine the associated pricing for your effort. A menu gives your clients the ability to choose their desired service and helps them compare your offerings and pricing with your local competitors.

Consulting with your clients to determine their desired outcome helps you gain a better understanding of what they’re expecting from you and manage that expectation.  In my experience, having an allocation of time against each service you provide gives you the ability to plan and allocate your appointment times accordingly so you’re not running over time, which can cause undue stress for both you and your client.

Marketing Your Home-Based Lash Salon

To effectively market your new in-home lash business, you should start by identifying your target audience and creating your own unique brand identity. Building a simple but effective website to launch your brand identity is your next challenge, but don’t despair; this task can be outsourced, and the cost should not be inhibitive if you reach out to sites like Fiverr, Bark, Airtasker, Upwork, Reddit or any other outsourced provided sites to help you.

When designing your site, consider minimum capabilities, like bookings online and the ability for you to add a few unique brand products of your own, like your own aftercare range.

Once you’re clear on your brand identity, you can get active on social media to showcase your work and reviews and offer special promotions. If that’s all a bit overwhelming, this can also be outsourced by hiring a marketing/social media specialist. Collaborating with local influencers and networking with neighboring businesses to expand your reach can be effective. You could consider hosting events and workshops to attract potential clients and demonstrate your expertise. Encourage satisfied customers to leave testimonials to build credibility and engage with the community through sponsorships and event participation.

Remember to continuously monitor your marketing efforts and adjust strategies based on performance metrics such as website traffic and social media engagement etc. Consistency, creativity, and exceptional service are crucial for attracting and retaining clients in the competitive beauty industry. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively promote your in-home lash salon and establish a strong presence in your local market.

Providing Exceptional Customer Service in Your Lash Business

Exceptional customer service is key to building a loyal client base and growing your lash business. From the moment clients walk through your door, make them feel welcome, valued, and pampered. Take the time to listen to their preferences and concerns, and always go the extra mile to ensure they leave feeling satisfied and eager to return.

Make a habit of obtaining and adapting to client feedback. Even if it’s uncomfortable, it’s impossible to stay at the top of your game without evolving to the ever-changing needs of your clients.

Continuing Education and Staying Ahead in the Lash Industry

The beauty industry is constantly evolving, with new trends, techniques, and products emerging all the time. Stay ahead of the curve by attending advanced training courses, workshops, and industry events to expand your knowledge and skills. Embrace change, experiment with new styles, and continuously strive to elevate your lash game.

Embrace Your Passion as a Lash Artist

Above all, stay fresh and passionate about your craft! A passionate Lash Artist exudes excitement that is simply contagious and makes you someone your clients just can’t live without being around.  

Remember that starting a lash salon in your home is not just about making a living—it's about indulging your creativity, empowering others, and making a positive impact on their lives. Embrace every challenge, celebrate your successes, and never lose sight of why you embarked on this exciting journey in the first place.

In a nutshell, embarking on the journey to become an Eyelash Extension Artist with a home-based lash salon offers not just a career change but a transformational experience. Mastering the artistry of lash extensions is a commitment requiring dedication and proper training from reputable sources. Setting up your home-based lash salon involves careful planning, creating a welcoming space, selecting quality suppliers, and defining your service menu and pricing. Effective marketing, exceptional customer service, continuous education, and unwavering passion are essential elements for success. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and never lose sight of the profound impact you have on your clients' lives.