Eyelash extensions are the fastest-growing part of the beauty business, with salons internationally now offering lashes as a standard service. And lash technology has improved over the past years, with techniques and innovative lash products allowing more creativity than ever before. So is now your time to jump on the lash wagon and become a certified lashmaker?

If you’ve been considering learning eyelash extensions, there are some important things you need to know.

Firstly, lash extensions are no walk in the park. Whether you are salon-based or own your own business, every lashmaker has to work hard at their craft every day. And the more clients who discover you, the more hours you’ll be working!  But that’s exactly why lashes are so addictive. Once you know the basics, it’s such a thrill to see yourself getting better and better and creating truly special lash sets. That moment when you sit back and look at a great set of lash extensions, properly isolated and neatly placed, is a magical one. I’ve been lashing for many years, and I still get that fabulous feeling every time a client walks into the salon!

It’s important to start your new career right by undergoing proper training. Back then, eyelash extensions were often ultra thick and only applied in one style, and most courses didn’t require any practical work at all. Luckily, many of today’s lash stars have learned from these early missteps and started their own training academies specially geared towards lash education. During our lash courses, we teach our students the techniques that we have learned throughout our experience. By giving our students a solid base of lash theory and practice, we can be confident that their lash journey is off to the best possible start (Link HERE). Learning how to do things right the first time is the key to a successful career. You wouldn’t just start cutting someone’s hair after watching one tutorial, would you?

Before you choose your lash course, do your research. Check how many days the course lasts. Beginner eyelash courses should be two-three days long, whereas techniques like Russian volume should only be attempted by experienced lash stylists and can therefore be shorter. Make sure that live models are used. With live models, you can gain practical skills by watching your trainer work and using those techniques on an actual person with real lashes. If you’re willing to travel for your lash course, check that your model can travel with you or advertise locally for a reliable pair of eyes. Our top tip? Check out the Instagram or Facebook of your training course to get a feel for the program and whether it’s for you.

Lash education shouldn’t just end in the classroom. The truly top-notch courses usually offer after-course support. At Shiakidi Beauty, we offer after-course support especially when you get those questions after the course. When you are by your own we got you covered. We comment on your job and still give you tricks and tips after you leave the course. We encourage students to send us photos of their job and in that way, we can send you feedback about how you’re travelling and correct any errors that might come up along the way. The best way to practice? Gather your friends, family, co-workers or search on Facebook for willing models. Often these people can turn into your first paying clients! Using live models gives you the confidence to work with clients, and will bring you into contact with different sorts of eyelashes. Though this often seems like the most difficult part of eyelash training, it’s also the most empowering.

If you’re still not sure about eyelash extensions, go and treat yourself to a set in a specialized lash boutique. Take in the atmosphere, relax and then check your new lashed-up look in the mirror. How does it make you feel? If you want to make your clients feel that extra-special ‘fresh lashes’ feeling, then go for it.

For further details or course enquiries at Shiakidi Beauty, check out our trainings section.