If you’re new to lashes, I’m going to go out on a limb and assume you’ve probably got a lot of questions roaming around in your head right now.

Deciding to embark on this lashing journey is exciting, but it’s also a little daunting. I mean, lashing is still a relatively new business and finding the answers to your pressing questions can be a real struggle if you don’t know where to look.

But, right here is a good place to start!

In this Lessons of a Lashpreneur, we answer this important question from newbie lash artist, Casandra Isaac, who asks:

“As someone that is just starting out with no experience applying lashes but does have experience in the beauty department; What are some things that I can do to prepare for my journey?”

I love this question because I’ve been in Casandra’s shoes. Heck, I think we all have! In my case, I was bitten by the lash bug in 2013 and I’d like to think I’ve got enough experience and credibility to be able to offer advice for new lash artists.

So, here are my top tips for what to do when you’re new to life as a lash artist!

When you’re new to lashing and you’ve officially entered what I like to call, the Lash Thunderdome, the first barrier you need to cross is moving from synthetic lashes to human lashes.

Working on mannequin lashes is great when you’re training. You don’t have to worry about some of our worst fears as a lash artist. A few terrifying ones that come to mind include accidentally gluingsomeone’s eyes shut or stabbing a client in the eye with your tweezers.

But once you’re a certified lash artist and you’ve thrown your (metaphorical) graduation cap up inthe air in triumph, you’ll need to start practicing on REAL lashes.

It’s scary, I know. However, you’ll be doing yourself a massive disservice if you keep working with synthetic lashes because they’re nothing like human hair.

Human lashes are different. Some are thick and straight. Others are sparse and short. So, it’s very rare that you’ll come across a pair of “perfect” natural lashes.

Plus, the adhesive works differently on human lashes than synthetic lashes.

It’s true that lashing comes with a big learning curve. But, you can limit your learning curve to one time by learning how to apply to actual human hair instead of synthetic strip lashes.

You need to learn as much as possible and to do that, you need somewhere to go where you can get support and ask questions. This can be somewhere online or offline. If your existing trainer offers ongoing support, it’ll be a worthwhile investment for you to partake in it.

When you’re a member of a supportive group, you’ll always have someone to turn to when you run into an issue or have any questions.

Another great option is to work for someone else and train on the job. That way, you can learn from other lash artists, practice your artistry and improve your lashing skills. As you continue to practice, your muscle memory will develop further too, and it won’t be long before you’re lashing like a pro.

If you’re struggling to find a lash mentor within your local community, don’t let that stop you! Try reaching out to a local lash artist that you admire, why not ask to pay them for a mentoring session to show you their ways?

When it comes to finding a lash business mentor, my advice is to find an educator that offers ongoing support. It’s great having someone to turn to when you have questions. But, if your educator offers a one-time course and as soon as you’re done, they shut their door to you, that’s probably not the right mentor for you anyway.

My next tip may seem obvious but it’s important to never stop learning.

There’s no such thing as a perfect lash artist.

You’ll never find that one lash artist who’s above everyone else and sits on a throne overlooking the entire lash industry. No matter if you’re new to lashing or you’ve been at it for years, there’s always room for improvement.

Take me as an example. I’ve only ever taken one official in-person training session. But, that doesn’t mean I stopped there. I continued to invest in my ongoing education. Then, I took online courses…I even participated in groups, conferences, trade shows, communities, and forums to expand my knowledge and understanding.

Never stop learning. If you can, try and take at least one new continuing education course each year.

It doesn’t have to cost you a fortune or leave you broke and living off microwavable noodles for months.

It could be something simple like an online adhesive training course or something inexpensive, but educational.

New styles and methods are constantly being introduced to our industry. A new trend might pop up in a few weeks and your clients will expect you to know how to replicate it.

So, keep learning so that you can keep up with our evolving industry. Become a student of your artistry and your craft.

 4. Don’t be afraid to try

Starting out as a lash artist is fun, exciting and incredibly scary. But if you’re new, you’re probably going to jack some people’s lashes up. I’m sorry, but the sooner you can accept that, the better.

You might transform your sweet grandma into a diva drag queen. You’ll likely get some glue on someone’s skin. But, it’s not the end of the world. And, it doesn’t mean you’re a terrible lash artist.

Lashing is a learning process. It’s all too easy to let yourself get caught up in what other lash artists are doing. You scroll through their newsfeed and see one perfect set of lashes after the other and it’s enough to leave you doubting yourself.

But, don’t compare your chapter one to another lash artist’s chapter 30.

No matter how good you think they are, everyone started right where you are now. We all had those wonky lash days with droopy outer corners, clumpy glue and isolation struggles. But, we kept trying and eventually found our way.

And, you can do the same. Remember that perfect does not exist. The only way that you can move from where you are right now to where you want to be is by practicing. As long as you continue to evolve and grow, there’s no reason why YOU can’t be the next Maven or Loreta or Megan Bradley. It’s just going to take a lot of practice and dedication to get there.

Download my FREE Prep and Planning Guide!

If you’re new to the lash world and you’re wanting to learn how you can start to prepare yourself to go into business if that’s your goal, be sure to download my free prep and planning guide here to learn the steps you need to do to get yourself ready for Lashpreneur-ship!

Have a Good One!

Tara Walsh