Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1174214
66 ascp skin deep november/december 2019 T The lash extension business has grown to a $200 million industry in the US, and it shows no sign of slowing down. If you are an esthetician looking to add to your "tool belt" of services, lash extensions could be the answer. When you become certified in eyelash extensions, you will invest in a rapidly growing industry, increase your clientele, increase your income, and see a high return on investment. WHY YOU SHOULD OFFER EYELASH EXTENSIONS Lash extensions can be a great upsell for existing guests, such as brides, those with short or fair lashes, or someone looking for that "wake up ready to go" look. You can turn the clients you see every few months into clients you see every few weeks for a new service. Full sets can range anywhere from $100 to $400 and require regular maintenance. Because of the 2–3 week recommended lash fills, you have the opportunity to see just one guest twice a month, resulting in recurring revenue. This provides a lash artist/ esthetician with income stability and the ability to better predict their month-to-month income. AVERAGE COST OF TRAINING AND SUPPLIES The cost to become lash extension- certified varies from city to city and company to company. Lash companies will price their lash extension certifications to include the training fee and the supplies needed to get you started. Lash training kits tend to range from a starting price of $200 and offer upgraded kit options that range from $300 to $1,000. Overall certification training costs, including a kit, can range from $600 to $2,000. Most certification programs are 1–3 days and include theory of lash extensions along with hands-on practice with live models overseen by a trainer. There are a lot of lash extension suppliers and trainers out there; it is important to research the company and lash brand hosting the training to make the best decision for you and your career development. RETURN ON INVESTMENT If you are a contractor or rent out a space in a spa, you probably need to purchase your own supplies. The cost of lash training and supplies you originally need to purchase may seem daunting, but you will quickly see a return on your investment—the cost of eyelash extension services highly outweighs the cost of eyelash extension supplies. This results in a high return on investment. For example, let's say the lash certification is $1,500 and the cost of your kit is $350. The kit has enough product for 40 services, equaling just $8.75 per service. If you are charging an introductory rate of $100 for a full set that takes two hours, that is $91.25 in profit, or $45.63/hour. The training cost minus the kit cost is $1,150. At the rate of services listed above, you will make back your investment in just 13 full sets. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE OFFERING LASH SERVICES Lashing is a fine motor skill that takes time, practice, and patience to develop. The more consistently you practice, the easier it will come to you. Almost 100 percent of new lash artists get extremely frustrated when first learning the art of lash isolation and placement—you essentially have to become ambidextrous. Stay the course when learning this new skill set! Lashing can cause strain on your body if proper posture isn't maintained, and you have to sit in one position for long periods of time. It can also be straining to your eyes to focus on such a delicate fiber (the extension) and the natural lash. This is why lighting and magnification tools are essential for a lash artist, even if you have seemingly perfect vision.