Do You Need a License to Do Lash Extensions?

Becoming a lash artist can be incredibly rewarding! 

It’s a career that offers exponential growth, the freedom to create your own schedule, and you get to make people feel beautiful all day long. 

But before you can start accepting clients, there is one thing you'll need beforehand: a license.

Nearly all 50 states require a license to do lashes, and Nevada (home of Lash Reality) is one of them. 

If you’re planning on starting your lash journey, there are a few things every soon-to-be-lash artist should expect. In this post, we’ll cover the differences in license requirements, why they are important, and how artists can further their training. 

Lash Extension Requirements

Before you can start your lash business, you’ll need to have your bases covered. And by that, we mean you must meet your state’s requirements for lash artists. These requirements vary state by state, so it’s important to consider where you’ll be practicing and if you plan on moving in the future. 

For the most part, states (including Nevada) require lash artists to hold either a Cosmetology or Estheticians license. 

The main difference between the two is the amount of time required to complete them. In Nevada, for example, esthetician school requires 600 hours, while cosmetology school requires almost triple the amount of time with 1600 required hours.

How to become a licensed lash artist  

To become a licensed lash artist, you must first complete a set number of hours at an accredited institution and then pass a final exam. You can find a list of accredited institutions by visiting your state’s Board of Cosmetology website. For a list of accredited Nevada schools, click here. 

Can you do lashes without a license?

Though we recommend extensive training and practice before applying lashes on clients, the following states do not have licensing requirements for lash artists: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, Missouri, and Wisconsin. 

License vs. Certificate

It’s important to note the difference between licensed artists and certified artists. A common misconception is that certification refers to a license. However, that is not always the case. 

Certifications are typically obtained through a private lash company and their courses. Only states can issue a license. 

Why Licenses Are Important

Whether or not they are required in your state, licenses are a worthy investment! These schools teach valuable information that you must know before accepting clients. For instance, standard topics include:

• Lash safety and sanitation
• How to handle allergic reactions
• Application techniques
• Aftercare tips
• And much more

Licensing also helps you come across as trustworthy to your clients. Everyone wants to feel confident that they are receiving a service from someone who is an expert in that field. Building a loyal client base and good reputation starts with having the necessary qualifications.

Lastly, a license allows you to further your lash career with training courses. Most eyelash extensions training courses require students to hold either a cosmetology or esthetician license before enrolling. That means if you truly want to develop your skills and become an expert, you need to start with the basics!

So, do you need a license to do lashes?

Long story short: Yes, you need a license to do lashes in most states. 

Once you have completed that, you can fine-tune your skills with Lash Reality’s Eyelash Extension Training Program!

Our intimate, hands-on training provides you with the skills AND tools to apply lashes to anyone with confidence. 

Learn how to use premade volume fans, different application techniques, lash business tips, and more!