How To Become A Lash Technician
Are you wondering how to become a lash technician? Then, you’ve come to the right place! A lash technician is a fun career in the beauty sector, allowing you to work with clients on their eyelashes and boost their confidence. You can take several routes to become a working lash technician, and which one you take is up to you. So, here’s our comprehensive guide on how to become a lash technician to help you get to where you want to be.
What Is A Lash Technician?
The primary role of a lash technician is to apply semi-permanent eyelash extensions to a client’s natural eyelashes. Professional eyelash extensions are a longer-lasting alternative to mascara and will stay on longer than home-use false eyelashes. As a result of this, lash technicians are often in high demand.
Most importantly, lash technicians must listen to what their clients require and help them get the desired results. Thus, part of the role involves advising clients on caring for their eyelashes and, eventually, taking them out if wanted.
Typically, lash technicians prefer to work under their own employment. Although working in an established beauty salon is an option, many lash technicians choose to work for themselves once they have the right qualifications and experience. This way, lash technicians can decide when they work, the type of services they offer, and the clients they take on.
Lash Technician Responsibilities
Fortunately, the role of a lash technician is more focused than other careers in the beauty industry. Their responsibilities concentrate on eyelash extensions, plus a bit of cleaning up once clients have left. As a lash technician, some of the duties you can expect to take on include:
- Advising clients on the types of eyelash extensions they can choose from, such as the different lengths, types, thicknesses etc.
- Mapping out different types of eyelash extensions
- Applying and styling different types of eyelash extensions
- Removing eyelash extensions
- Keeping work stations clean
- Sanitising necessary equipment[i]
Good Skills For A Lash Technician To Have
Although experience is vital to starting your’ how to become a lash technician’ journey, there are several skills that will help you excel in the role. Of course, these aren’t essential to becoming a successful lash technician, but they will undoubtedly benefit you in the part.
- Attention to detail – A lash technician must be attentive and accurate or risk a severe mistake. Being able to laser focus on the task at hand will ensure that your appointments carry through without a hitch.
- Creativity – As a lash technician, you will need a bit of flair to make yourself stand out. Lash techs may be in high demand, but there are plenty out there to choose from. You could be a cut above the rest if you have a creative mind and can help bring visions to life.
- Dexterity – Most of your everyday responsibilities will depend on a steady, capable hand. Dexterity will ensure that you finish your tasks without any issues.
- High stamina – You can expect to be on your feet for quite a large chunk of the day as a lash technician. On top of this, you will have to talk to clients, make them feel comfortable and gain a proper understanding of their needs, even if you’re feeling heavy-eyed. As such, high stamina is a must-have.
- Patience – Applying and removing eyelash extensions can be an arduous process, particularly when you’re just starting out. Plus, if your clients are struggling to explain or understand what they are looking for, it’s up to you to sit with them and listen. Having patience with yourself and especially with clients is essential.
- Active listening – A large chunk of the lash technician role depends upon good listening and understanding skills. You must be able to listen to your clients and understand their needs clearly, so active listening is vital.
- Strong communication skills – In case we didn’t hammer it home already, you will be incredibly customer-orientated as a lash technician! To keep up with this, you’ll need good communication skills to welcome your clients, understand what they are looking for and talk them through their options.
- Time management – If you plan on becoming self-employed, you’re going to need to be good at managing your time. You don’t want to keep your clients waiting because you haven’t planned your day correctly!
- Cleanliness – After every appointment, you must clean your work stations and the equipment you’ve used. Being able to do this deftly will be best for both you and your following clients.
How To Become A Lash Technician
There are a few different routes you can take to becoming a lash technician. Whatever you choose is entirely up to you, although a combination of two or three will make you stand out to employers and clients. Whether you prefer a training course set at your own pace, the educational pathway or some hands-on experience, there is a way for you to become a lash technician. Here is how to become a lash technician in a few different ways.
Lash Technician Training Courses
You don’t need any official education to become a lash technician. However, due to the specific skills required for the position, you must know how to place false eyelashes correctly, take them off safely, and care for natural lashes. One of the best ways of learning these essential skills is by taking an eyelash course.
Through an eyelash course, you can learn all these necessary techniques in your own time. So no matter whether you’re just starting out or want to brush up on your skills, one of the most popular answers to ‘how to become a lash technician’ is through an online course.
Further Your Education
Although you don’t need any official education to become a lash technician, employers would prefer an official certification of some sort. Since the role involves some delicate practical skills, a degree of some sort will show an employer that you have learnt and practiced elements of the role properly. Plus, professional education will make you stand out in job interviews due to the clamouring industry.
Fortunately, some several colleges and universities offer eyelash courses. Alternatively, you could apply to a specialist makeup or beauty school.
Gain Experience
Of course, first-hand experience is second to none. Experience is likely to be more beneficial than an educational degree if you’re looking for how to become a lash technician, however a mix of both would ultimately boost your career. After all, there’s a significant difference between being taught what to do and actually doing it yourself. If you want to impress potential employers and clients, gaining first-hand experience as well as the knowledge of applying and removing eyelashes is the way to go.
You can get lash technician experience in a couple of different ways. First, you could get an internship or apprenticeship. Applying for an apprenticeship allows you to gain knowledge from professionals and get paid for the privilege. Plus, some internships will send you to college to earn an education on top. Alternatively, you could volunteer at your local salon.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Lash Technician?
Depending on the route you take to becoming a lash technician, the time it takes to get there can vary.
For example, many online courses take around 6 weeks to complete. On the other hand, college and university courses can take 3 – 4 years. And, of course, the time it takes you to gain the right experience varies greatly depending on the type of person you are.
Overall, the time it takes to become a lash technician depends greatly on who you are and the way you choose to start your journey.
What Is The Average Lash Technician Salary?
Of course, the salary you will make as a lash technician relies heavily on your location and experience/education. However, on average, a lash technician working in In Australia, can expect to make around $31.37 per hour, or $47,381 per year[ii].
Becoming A Lash Technician
A lash technician is a fun, varied job that provides many benefits. If you have the right skills and are willing to work towards the proper education and experience, understanding how to become a lash technician will be a cinch! Have patience and confidence in yourself, and you’ll set yourself up for success.
Do you have any tips for those looking to become a lash technician? Give us your advice in the comments below.
Sources
[i] https://www.hairandbeautyjobs.com/article/eyelash-technician-profile
[ii] https://au.indeed.com/career/eyelash-specialist/salaries
