How to Become a Lash Tech
Are you interested in becoming a lash tech? If so, you're in the right place! In this blog post, we will discuss the steps that you need to take to become a successful eyelash extensions technician in the beauty industry. We'll cover everything from education requirements to licensing and certification per state. So, whether you're just starting out, or you're already offer beauty services but looking to further your career, this post has something for you!
What you should know before becoming a lash tech?
There are a few important things you should know before becoming a lash tech. First, you will have to invest your time and money. Next, depending on your state's requirement you may have to get your esthetician license or cosmetology license. This is in addition to paying for training programs and materials. The last, is that the lash extension industry is constantly changing. So, you must also be willing to learn new techniques and improve your lash application to stay competitive.
If you are serious and still have a strong interest in learning how to become a lash tech, then keep reading to learn more!
Licensed vs Certified Lash Tech
Here are two main ways to become a lash tech, licensed or certified. A licensed lash tech has completed an accredited program and is licensed by the state in which they practice. A certified lash technician has completed an eyelash technician training program and is certified by a professional organization. Most states require you to be a licensed esthetician or obtain your cosmetology license to do any type of beauty service. The first step is to check with your state board to see their minimum requirement. We have complied a list below for each of the 50 states with the requirements on how to become a lash tech where you live.
Eyelash extension state requirements
Here is a list of the requirements for how to become a lash tech in all 50 states. We last updated this list in April 2022 and this information is subject to change. Always make sure to verify with your local state's board for the most up to date information.
State |
Regulations |
Website for More Information |
Alabama |
No regulations |
https://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/faq/license-requirements/alabama |
Alaska |
Hairdressers, Estheticians, Medical License |
|
Arizona |
Aestheticians, Cosmetologists, Barber, Medical License |
|
California |
Cosmetologist, Estheticians, working under a physician |
https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/forms_pubs/eyelash_safetytips.pdf |
Colorado |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Connecticut |
No regulations |
|
Delaware |
No regulations |
|
District of Colombia |
Estheticians, Cosmetologist, Medical License |
|
Florida |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist, Facial Specialist, Medical License |
|
Georgia |
Esthetician, Master Cosmetologist, Medical License in Medial Facility |
|
Hawaii |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist, Barber |
|
Idaho |
No regulations |
|
Illinois |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Indiana |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Iowa |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist, must perform services in a licensed salon |
|
Kansas |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Kentucky |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Louisiana |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Maine |
Aesthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Maryland |
No regulations |
|
Massachusetts |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Michigan |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Minnesota |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Mississippi |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Missouri |
No regulations |
|
Montana |
Esthetician, Cosmetologists |
|
Nebraska |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Nevada |
Aesthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
New Hampshire |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
New Jersey |
Cosmetologist in a salon, Medical License must be under a doctor |
|
New Mexico |
Esthetician |
|
New York |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
North Carolina |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
North Dakota |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Ohio |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Oklahoma |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Oregon |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist, Medical License |
|
Pennsylvania |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Rhode Island |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
South Carolina |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
South Dakota |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist, must be in a licensed salon |
|
Tennessee |
Aesthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Texas |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist, Eyelash Extension Specialist |
|
Utah |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist, Barber |
|
Vermont |
Esthetician, Cosmetology |
|
Virginia |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Washington |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
West Virginia |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
|
Wisconsin |
No regulations |
|
Wyoming |
Esthetician, Cosmetologist |
Career Opportunities
Once you have completed your beauty school education and obtained your license and certification, you will be able to find work as a lash professional in a variety of settings.
Lash Salon & Spas
You can find jobs as an employee in salons, spas, a lash lounge, and other beauty establishments. If you are just starting out working for someone is a good option for many reasons. One, it is an opportunity to gain experience. Two, it can help you build your own client base if you do not have any lash clients yet. Three, you will get to learn tips and tricks from more experienced eyelash extension specialists. Four, it's a great opportunity to get some support until you feel comfortable working on your own.
Booth Rental for Lash Techs
You can also work as a self-employed lash technician and be your own boss. If you have built up a solid clientele, then you can rent a booth or space out of someone else's salon. The benefit of renting a booth is you get to control your own schedule and pricing without taking on the full expenses of owing your own location. You can also decide if you want to be a full-time lash technician or only work part-time.
Start Your Own Lash Business
If you are ready to take your eyelash extensions business to the next level, then you can open up your own business. There are a lot of things to consider when opening your own salon. You need to make sure you have the right commercial space, the right equipment, the right team, and a solid budget. Starting a new business can be hard work and expensive, however if you have a solid business plan then it can be very profitable and a rewarding career. The first thing is to find your state's requirements for opening your own eyelash extension business.
Lash Extensions Business Plan
Whether you are just starting to do lashes or ready to venture out on your own our Lash Extensions Business Plan can help you get organized and set up for success. It includes 15 pages to help you write, plan, and launch your lash business. There is even a business launch checklist with a list of supplies you will need to get started, start-up costs tracker, daily, weekly, monthly planners, and more!
More Tips on How to Become a Lash Tech
We hope this post has been helpful in building a solid foundation to starting your journey! If you have any questions, be sure to ask them in the comments section. And if you're interested in learning more about building a successful lash business then subscribe to our newsletter below. Thanks for reading!
Want to learn how get more clients and promote your business on social media the right way? Check out our article: 13 Marketing Ideas To Get More Clients & Grow Your Business

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