As I lay there with my eyes masked in tape my mind fixed on the stranger looming over me, who told me to keep my eyes shut. I could smell her soft scent and hear the crunching of the mint she had put in her mouth before sealing my eyes. Her voice was slightly muffled by the brilliant white surgical mask she was wearing. The classical music was supposed to make me feel calm – but I felt the opposite. I kept asking myself, “Will this all be ok? Can I trust this person?” I knew that in any second two finely sharpened metal tools would be lowered towards my eyes – hopefully sterilised. I kept repeating to myself: “Do not flinch, do not flinch”… No I’m not in surgery, I’m at a lash appointment!
Over the last two years eyelash extensions have become ever more popular, prompting particularly females to try and cash in on the business. Girls as young as sixteen are becoming qualified eyelash technicians. The shortest training only takes a day, though you then need a hell of a lot of practice. On Instagram you only have to type in ‘lashes’ and hundreds of lash technician accounts will pop up.
But as with any new success, there are people who want to shoot it down. On social media there are memes mocking ‘lash techs’ as uneducated and lazy.
So I decided to ask my Uber customers what they think, and you can hear their answers in the video below.
Maybe if these mean meme mockers knew how much lash techs could earn, they might not be so quick to judge. And it’s not just about the money. Being a lash tech can promote independence; innovation and creativity. And what’s so bad about that?
For example, Shauna and Mike Jones, happily married and owners of ‘Sassy Lashes’, have gone from a couple not even being able to afford a coffee to now owning their own branded eight figure lash company.
So what do you need to set yourself up as a lash tech?
Before you’ve even seen a penny you have to do the following: finish the training; research and buy the best products; and market your brand to get customers.
If you want your own salon you also have to think about rent, wages, uniforms, and appropriate licences. And whether in a salon or on your own, to stay competitive you need to keep your equipment and training up to date.
But the rewards can be very good, especially if you move on to teaching other people how to do it. And it’s not easy! I don’t feel enough credit is given to the skills needed to be a good lash tech. These are people’s eyes and if it’s not done correctly things could go really wrong.
The four services offered are:
The Classic Set
This involves picking up an eyelash strip carefully and attaching it with some adhesive to the client’s real eyelash. This can take from one to two hours.
Russian Volume
The lash tech takes three to four strands of a classic set and twists them together. A dab of glue is carefully added to the tip to hold it in place, making one thicker lash. Then once all of those thicker lashes have been made, they are swirled into a beautiful fan-like shape. This process of fanning can take a long time.
Hybrids
Hybrids are a mix of classic and volumes. Prices for the above treatments range from £55 to £140 pounds, with some charging more in well-to-do areas.
LVL or Lash Lift
For a more natural look the lash tech can lift the client’s real lashes to make them more prominent. They glue a made-to-measure shield to the area just above the client’s eyelid and then attach their lashes to the shield with a special tool. This is the cheapest option, costing between 35 and 70 pounds.
Whatever treatment you have had, your lash tech needs to advise you about aftercare, or the whole thing could fall apart in 24 hours. If you’re lucky you’ll get an aftercare pack!
…
“Would you like an aftercare pack?” I was woken from my “lash nap” by the same muffled voice.
My new lashes felt heavy. She pulled the tape away slowly and said I could open my eyes. In the silver, antique, hand mirror I was given I was presented with a woman I had never seen before.
My new flutters made my eyes stand out in a way that gave me confidence. I had begun this experience full of nerves, but I ended it feeling a happier woman.
Four months later I embarked on my own journey to become a lash technician, with the ambition of opening my own salon. But I’m also at university, so just remember that to be successful in the beauty game also requires brain.
And lash still equals cash, so I for one am with the lash brigade, and will soon be lashing all the way to the bank!
