Eyelash Extensions Courses
Enrolling in an eyelash extensions course allows you to be trained professionally about the techniques for applying and removing these extensions. You’ll also have the opportunity to get certified and licensed for it to increase your credibility as a professional. Whether you’re aiming for salon employment or putting up your own business, getting professional training is key. To understand what to expect from taking the course, here are the important details about the eyelash extension program.
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions are lash fibres attached to a person’s natural eyelashes using semi-permanent glue to make them look even better by increasing their length and fullness. They aren’t applied at one go. Every eyelash extension is attached to each of the client’s natural eyelashes.
The materials eyelash extensions are made of vary, but there are three most commonly used types:
Mink
Mink eyelash extensions are made with the fur of minks, which are species of mammals that include ferrets, otters, and weasels.
Since they consist of actual hair, mink eyelash extensions are the most natural-looking among all the different types of eyelash extensions.
They are also remarkably light. Being so not only makes them last longer. It also lets you apply more than one to each of your clients’ eyelashes, giving them a much more gorgeous look.
That doesn’t mean such eyelash extensions don’t have any downsides. They aren’t available curled, so you have to perm them first.
Silk
Made of luxurious thread, silk eyelash extensions are light but thicker than most of the other types, so their distinctive black colour stands out the most.
Unlike mink eyelash extensions, this type is available in various curls, making them easier to work with. They also keep their curls particularly well.
Since they’re a bit on the thick side, silk eyelash extensions are the least comfortable to use.
Synthetic
Synthetic eyelash extensions consist of poly-fibres made to resemble natural lashes as closely as possible. They have good flexibility and are available in a wide variety of curls, lengths, and diameters. Their curls are permanent, making them the easiest to maintain.
A great example of the currently available synthetic eyelash extensions on the market is the faux mink ones, which is also the most popular among the types.
Aside from being made of a variety of different materials, eyelash extensions are available in many different lengths, weights, and thicknesses. The treatment itself can be done in several different styles, four of which are the main ones:
Classic
Classic eyelash extensions are applied on a 1:1 ratio, meaning each one is attached to an individual natural eyelash. They don’t add as much volume as the other eyelash extensions, but they do add length, creating a simple but naturally beautiful look.
Volume
Volume eyelash extensions kick natural lashes’ fullness up a notch. This type uses two to five lash extensions applied to each natural lash, making eyelashes strikingly full. It’s done using the lightest eyelash extensions on the market. The style is also called Russian as the technique was invented by Russian eyelash technicians.
Mega Volume
For those who want gorgeously dark and dense lashes, mega volume eyelash extensions are the way to go. They are applied in 6-16 lash extensions to each natural eyelash, creating sweeping and wonderfully full lashes.
Hybrid
Hybrid eyelash extensions are a combination of classic and volume/Russian eyelash extensions. They give clients the best of both worlds by striking just the right balance between the fullness of volume/Russian eyelash extensions and the natural beauty of classic eyelash extensions.
What Is an Eyelash Technician?
Also known as eyelash stylists or eyelash specialists, eyelash technicians are professional individuals who have studied how to perform cosmetic treatments that greatly improve people’s eyelashes. They’ve undergone eyelash enhancement training under accredited providers and got certified. They also have the option to take a licensure exam for esthetics or cosmetology to increase their professional credibility.
What Do You Learn in an Eyelash Extensions Course?
You’ll basically learn how to properly apply eyelash extensions, so your clients can enjoy having longer and thicker lashes. But to give you the best possible chance of becoming a successful eyelash technician, you’ll also learn the other aspects of your work that let you offer truly great service:
Individual Lash Application
It goes without saying that attaching individual eyelash extension to each natural eyelash is hard. You need to learn how to do it efficiently without hurting your clients or yourself. The course will teach you professional techniques and best practices to successfully attach each extension.
Identification of Different Types of Lashes
Just as your clients will each have different expectations on the eyelash extensions they want to have, the shape of their eyes also differs. It’s your job to determine which type suits each of them best. You are also expected to explain to them why you chose a specific lash extension type, so they understand its benefits.
Refilling the Lashes
Since the glue used to apply eyelash extensions is only semi-permanent, it won’t stay forever. The lashes’ bonds will inevitably weaken, causing them to naturally fall off. When this happens, unsightly gaps will be left in your clients’ lashes. You can fix this by refilling them.
Removal
It will be just as hard to remove your clients’ eyelash extensions as it is to apply them, so you need to learn how to do it safely. This procedure also includes making sure that there are no irritations or allergies occurring. Otherwise, you need to apply necessary treatments to ease the symptoms and advise customers on the proper aftercare.
Maintenance
As important as it is to know how to keep their eyelash extensions clean, your clients also need to learn how to keep them in tip-top shape to make them last. Again, you’ll provide pieces of advice on the best practices they should follow.
Health, Safety, and Good Hygiene
Since their eyelash extensions aren’t a natural part of their bodies, your clients will need to be taught how to keep them clean. This is also to ensure that harmful microorganisms are prevented from growing in the eye area and potential irritations or infections are avoided.
Different Consultation Techniques
When it comes to providing eyelash extensions, consultation techniques refer to the most effective ways you can find out the type of eyelash extensions that works best for each of your clients. You can discuss in detail why a specific extension is ideal for a specific customer and know how your client feels or thinks about it.
Aftercare Advice
You need to ensure your customers understand that the few days after the extension application are the most crucial part. Accidents can happen that may damage the extensions, and potential irritations may develop. This is where they need your expert advice on what to do or how to avoid these circumstances from happening as much as possible.
Contraindications
Unfortunately, getting eyelash extensions isn’t advisable for everyone. When you get a client who would be better off not having the treatment, you need to know how to make them understand this. This requires training as well because you must achieve to have the client understand the contraindications without making them feel disappointed.
What Are the Different Ways to Study Eyelash Extensions?
There are a few ways you can learn how to do eyelash extensions:
Enroll in an Academy
Attending an academy to learn about eyelash extensions is like how it was back when you were going to school, except it only lasts a little over a month. Here, you’ll be taught by actual eyelash extensions specialists. You’ll get to practice under the guidance of pros, so you’ll have a great chance of becoming good even before you get a crack at your first client.
Take Short Classes
If you can’t afford or don’t have the time to go to school to take an eyelash extension course, you can take short classes instead. Each focuses on one area of the program, like studying volume/Russian eyelash extensions, so a class just takes a few hours to complete.
Take an Online Course
If you’d rather study eyelash extensions in the comfort of home, you can do so by signing up for an online course. This option is more convenient if can’t fully commit to attending on-campus classes. However, just make sure to spare some time to visit the campus or facility from time to time because many online courses require this for lab work or hands-on activities. Ideally, it’s better to enroll in a course with a provider near you.
Self-Study
There are a lot of online resources that let you study eyelash extensions all by yourself. You can watch video tutorials and read blogs to learn the processes of different lash extension applications. However, you must provide your own tools and equipment, which can be expensive.
What Are the Prerequisites to Study Eyelash Extensions?
The prerequisites you need to study eyelash extensions depend on the regulations of your area. But most places require age restrictions (at least 16 or 17 years old) and academic certifications, such as a diploma in high school. Other requirements may include passing the screening tests and paying for the needed fees.
What Accreditations Can You Get by Taking an Eyelash Extensions Course?
The accreditations you can get by taking an eyelash extensions course are also dependent on each country. They will be given by an independent third party or a local government unit of accreditations that will assess whether you can perform your craft to industry standards.
For example, here in the country, you can get an accreditation that proves you’ve passed a written health exam and that you can safely and accurately apply eyelash extensions.
While it’s prestigious to be an accredited eyelash technician, it won’t be enough to be a professional. You’ll need to get licensed first. The same goes for most other countries where this service is available.
But there are those where you might need to be licensed and certified to be considered a professional eyelash technician. One of them is the US, where certain states require their eyelash technicians to be so.
How Much Does an Eyelash Extensions Course Usually Cost?
While being an eyelash technician might seem like an ideal job, studying how to be one isn’t exactly cheap. The costs vary by location and program provider and structure. To give you an estimate, let’s use an example.
Let’s say you’ve signed up for a 4-week eyelash extensions course where classes will take up a day or two evenings per week. Your expenses may be as follows:
- A deposit, which can cost up to $500.
- Full, upfront payment, which can cost close to $1,500. When you enroll, expect to pay as much as 80%.
Included in the cost are the supplies you’ll need to finish the course:
- Your very own eyelash extension kit
- Other needed equipment
- Learners’ guides
The things you’ll also need but have to secure for yourself are:
- Towel headband for your practice model
- The school/academy uniform, which you’ll be required to wear
What Will You Be Able to Do After Finishing an Eyelash Extensions Course?
There are two career paths that will open up to you once you finish an eyelash extensions course:
Become a Professional Eyelash Technician
Working at a salon as a professional eyelash technician is the career path most graduates take after they’ve finished their eyelash extensions course. Having the requisite know-how and hands-on experience, you’ll have a great chance of getting hired since you’ll be qualified. You can apply to standalone salons and beauty service shops in malls, gyms, airports, cruise ships, and many others.
Be Self-Employed
While you stand to easily get hired at a beauty salon when you become a certified lash artist, you can do it independently instead if you like. You’ve learned the fundamentals of the craft, ensuring you can get it done. Many courses teach you the business side of putting up a beauty salon, so you can learn from that to start your own. Get the required certifications, and you’d be set.
You can also provide home service to people in your community if you don’t have the funds to start a business yet. Mobile service is another great option, too. You can travel to places and provide eyelash extension services to your clients in your vehicle. All you need is to secure the right type of vehicle for your service.
How Do I Find the Best Eyelash Extensions Course?
All eyelash extensions courses basically offer the same thing—the knowledge, skills, and experience to do the proper service—but there are things you need to consider to know you’re signing up for the best:
Will It Be Worth the Cost?
Since eyelash extensions courses can be expensive, make sure you’ll get your money’s worth from the one you’d like before you enroll. You can check by taking a look at how comprehensive or limited the program structure is. If you think it’s too narrow, find one that will provide you with everything you’ll need to learn the craft.
How Experienced Are the Instructors?
How well you’ll be able to learn all about eyelash extensions largely depends on your instructors’ expertise. You can find out how experienced they are by doing a background check. Know how long they’ve been teaching, if they actually work as eyelash specialists, and if they are active in their respective communities.
Do They Provide Ongoing Support?
While most institutions tend to their students only when they’re under their care, the cream of the crop supports them even after they’ve finished their courses. Some course programs offer career placement support to make sure their graduates land jobs successfully.
No matter how confident you’d be in yourself once you get your license, figuring out the next steps to take in your career can be pretty intimidating. Provided with continuous guidance and mentorship, you’d be well on your way to becoming a successful eyelash extension technician.