We all know education is the key to success, but not all training is created equal. With so many Lash extension training options available to us, it’s hard to know which training will be worth our time and money. It's very disappointing when you work hard to invest in something and in the end feel like you didn't get all of the information or assistance that you needed to really be successful. What's even worse is starting your career and later finding out that you were misinformed or trained improperly.

As someone who hires lash artists, I often come across lash class graduates from different training methods who aren't prepared to take on real clients after investing time and money on sub-par education. It breaks my heart to tell these artists that they have been taught something that is unsafe or incorrect.  

My first question to an interviewee wanting to work in my salon is, “If Angelina Jolie were to walk in the door right now, would you feel comfortable doing her eyelash extensions?”. Most artists say “no”, and to me that says that they aren't as prepared or confident as they need to be, to charge what they are worth.

In order to help you find the right training for you, I broke down the essential questions to ask yourself and the training company before enrolling in a course. I hope that no matter what point you are in your career; beginner or expert, that these questions will help you navigate your way to the course that is best for you and most suitable to your career goals.

Education is the key to our success and I believe in continuing education always!

Q1. What type of school or course is it?

There are 4 basic types of training courses:

Salon school - this is a state board prep school that offers lash extensions classes as part of the curriculum or as an add on to an aesthetics or cosmetology program. Examples are the Aveda Institute, Paul Mitchell School, or trade schools and community colleges.

PROS:

• Lash training at a salon school can possibly count toward hours for your license, if part of main curriculum.
• It may already be included in the price of your tuition
• Some states like Minnesota offer a lash license which requires less hours than an aesthetics or cosmetology license. (Side note, many of add on services still require an aesthetics license in order to perform)

CONS:

• Often the instructors don't specialize in eyelash extensions. This means although they are professional instructors, they may not actually have professional lash experience.
• The instructors may be out of touch with real world practices
• Hours of the course can be varied and may not be enough

Brand certification - This is a training offered by the manufacturer of a brand of products. LAshX Trainings, for example, are a Brand Certification. This is the most popular type of certification class and the most recognized currently in the industry.

PROS:

Q1. What type of school or course is it?

There are 4 basic types of training courses:

Salon school - this is a state board prep school that offers lash extensions classes as part of the curriculum or as an add on to an aesthetics or cosmetology program. Examples are the Aveda Institute, Paul Mitchell School, or trade schools and community colleges.

PROS:

• Lash training at a salon school can possibly count toward hours for your license, if part of main curriculum.
• It may already be included in the price of your tuition
• Some states like Minnesota offer a lash license which requires less hours than an aesthetics or cosmetology license. (Side note, many of add on services still require an aesthetics license in order to perform)

CONS:

• Often the instructors don't specialize in eyelash extensions. This means although they are professional instructors, they may not actually have professional lash experience.
• The instructors may be out of touch with real world practices
• Hours of the course can be varied and may not be enough

Independent trainer - This is basically any private individual that offers training

PROS:

• Availability and location
• They could be partnered with great brands and give unbiased feedback

CONS:

• No regulation on what is being taught and how.  Just because someone can do lashes doesn't mean they are necessarily qualified to educate others.
• If your certification is not given by a recognized or reputable brand it may not be recognized by the industry, which could make purchasing high quality products more difficult
• No marketing and or continued support

Online class - Any course given online and not actually being taught in person with an educator.

PROS:

• Convenience and cost
• It may be beneficial for areas such as marketing, tips and tricks

CONS:

• Not having someone to actually in person to analyze your work, help regulate your posture and tweak your technique   
• Not suitable for initial certification because there is no way to REALLY analyze your work
• Missing out on the opportunity to practice on real models over several days in order continually improve with live help.
• If something dangerous happens there is no instructor there to assist.

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Q2 How long is the class

This one is simple. You want to make sure you are comparing apples to apples in regards to how many hours of instruction are you receiving. Watching someone else work does not count because although lashing looks really easy, once you start you realize very quickly that it is actually quite difficult. If the class is not long enough, many students leave frustrated and give up. Usually you want a class that gives you at least 2-3 days of practice to perfect your work before going into the real world.

It’s not just about how many hours you will be in class; you also have to consider how many hours will you be actually doing practical work on models. Other things to consider is how much time is spent on marketing and business, lash design, legal considerations, theory, and how many models will you be working on.

Do you need to be a model? Although getting free lashes may be exciting, do remember this is time you're not practicing. I personally think it's best to utilize the whole class practicing, and get your lashes done later.

Q3 Who is the instructor

Who are you learning from?

What is their experience, and background? You should look at photos of their work, and even more important photos of their students work.  

Will this instructor provide you with continued education options, follow up guidance, marketing and most important, is a certification from them adding value to you?

Q4 What is the student to teacher ratio

Are there a lot of students being trained by only one instructor?

How much hands on time will you receive?

Q5 Are you a hands on learner or can you learn from reading or watching videos?

This question is for advanced classes for tips and tricks or supplemental classes only.  You CANNOT learn how to properly and safely do eyelash extensions solely from watching videos or reading.

Q6 Will you receive a certification? If so, is it recognized by other companies and salons that you want to work in? 

For example, if you get a certification from suzie smith at lash salon X, but no one has ever heard of her, it may be hard to purchase products from other companies or get a job at a higher end salon / spa

Q7 WIll you be working on models or each other, a doll head or a combination?

As I mentioned above, any hands on time time spent without an instructor coaching you, is really a loss. You don’t want to lose out on hands on instruction time because you are sitting as a model. You can only learn so much on a doll head.  Part of the reason my trainings have so many models is because every human has different lashes and thus different challenges. We want to discover those challenges in a class setting and learn together as a group. I feel that if you don't get to practice on enough people, you will most likely not be as comfortable  or confident in the real world. 

Q8 What makes this brand different from any others and is that important to you?

When choosing a brand to become certified in, evaluate whether you want to be committed to that brand and believe in the products. Because most trainings tailor to the brand they are using, if you switch brands later, some of the information and technique could be outdated and may  not work in synergy.

Q9 What kind of marketing or business support is provided after the course

Although you may not be focused on this yet, you just want to learn how to do lash extensions, marketing and support are going to be very important to you when you are growing your business.

It could also be costly if you find out later that you will need to pay for more classes, because you didn't get a comprehensive understanding, if your trainers do not offer free follow up support. Also, if your training offers free support and follow up classes,  this is a sign that the instructors stand behind their students and the course.  Click here to read 20 Secrets to a profitable lash business 

What about business advice or coaching? LAshX, for example offers free Webinars and business coaching for our accounts. 

Are there marketing materials to help you launch your business, and if so are the complimentary or is there a fee? Is there a professional directory to send you new clients? This can be very valuable.  

CHECK OUT THE LASHX PRO KIT HERE 

Q10 What is included in the cost of the course?

Is there a supply kit, and if so, is it included or offered at a discount? Is there an additional charge and what is included in that kit? Are the quality of the products consistent with your brand or the clients you hope to have? Do you utilize your own kit for class work or are additional supplies included or an additional cost? How many full sets will the kit cover after the class?

Q11 Besides the technical instruction what will be covered in the course?

Some very important topics to look for in addition to technical instruction are; consultation, consent forms, business building, sales and marketing strategy, aftercare education and information on design.

Q12 Who else has been trained through your perspective course?

It is important to research what caliber of spas and salons are currently using this training method or the brands products. Make sure the lash brand is a match for your brand. Ask for, and actually call a few referrals!

What is important to you when looking for a lash class? Leave your comments below. 

Love your lashes, Love your life. XO, Mandy