According to Vogue, over 88,000 people type the term lash extensions into their search bar every day. This beauty procedure is one of the most popular in the world, and it is quite lucrative for technicians.
With the market growing at a fast rate, more and more people are looking for quick but effective lash extension courses they can take. If you are one of them, read on. Here are the best beauty academies that offer lash extension classes online.
Top Lash Extension Courses Online
1. The Beauty Academy
The Beauty Academy offers an excellent lash extension online course. It is equally useful for both beauty professionals and complete newbies. As long as you want to learn and you’re ready to fully dedicate yourself to the task of becoming a lash technician, you will enjoy this course immensely.
The best thing about these classes is the fact that you receive lifelong access to all the learning materials. So, you can go back to them even after years have passed and refresh your memory anytime. The materials include both videos, articles, books, and step-by-step instructions.
This academy believes that theory is the best foundation for all practical skills. Thus, you will first cover some theory on chemistry and eye anatomy, then move on to applying the lashes. The video modules also follow this plan, rounding up the materials nicely. Finally, you will also learn how to style the lashes after the application process is over.
If you enroll in this online course, you’ll be getting two certificates. The first is the SugarLash PRO Academy’s Classic Eyelash Extension Class, and the second is the Beauty Academy’s Rock Your Beauty Biz. These two certificates are all you need to take your beauty business to the next level and attract new customers effortlessly.
Finally, training at this academy will also give you the supplies you need to get started. Namely, you will receive a complete lash kit that includes implements, lashes, and all the tools for their safe application.
Taking part in this course costs $695. However, there are certain discounts that you can take advantage of from time to time. That’s why it’s good to keep an eye on the academy’s site at all times.
2. Sassy Wink Academy
The Sassy Wink Academy founder, Amber Arrington, is one of the most influential people in the industry. A few years ago, she did a lot of work to make lash extensions a safe experience for everyone. Her efforts resulted in the founding of NEESA (the National Eyelash Education and Safety Association).
Therefore, if you apply to this course, you can expect to learn how to do lash extensions while keeping your customers safe at all times. However, artistry is just as important, so your training will consist of styling exercises as well.
To ensure you know what you’re doing, you will spend a bit of time learning about the anatomy of the eye, different eye shapes, and lash curling patterns. Everything is included in 27 modules and spread over PowerPoints and 70 videos that you can access at any time within a year of enrolling.
If you find that you need in-person classes, after all, the academy lets you schedule them. However, you will have to travel to Arizona to be able to work with Amber and her highly qualified staff.
Just like the Beauty Academy, Sassy Wink also gives you a full lash extension kit. Every piece is premium-quality, meaning that you’ll be able to learn using the best materials on the market.
At the moment, enrolling in the Sassy Wink Academy costs $797. Discounts and different payment plans are available, so you might be able to pay in installments or get a price reduction.
3. Xtreme Lashes
Xtreme Lashes is one of the pioneer companies in the eyelash industry. Founded by a registered nurse, this academy offers extensive training for all lash technicians, including both theory, practice, and styling.
The greatest thing about this company is the versatility that it offers to applicants. Namely, you can find classes that suit every level of experience. Whether you are a seasoned technician or just entering the industry, the academy will have you covered.
The pricing for the classes goes from $700 to over $1,000. However, you can use different payment options and some discounts as well. That way, the course won’t drain your budget too much.
What separates this academy from all the rest is its focus on live and interactive teaching. Thus, you will not simply get pre-recorded videos of technicians teaching you what to do. Instead, you’ll take part in live stream classes where you can ask questions, get the teacher to repeat anything you need, and so on.
There is even an option for certified technicians to come to your salon. There, they can teach your employees in person and ensure that your entire team gets the best education available. Of course, this type of training is also the most expensive option you can go for.
However, you will get $1,900 worth of lash supplies, tools, and implements, regardless of which program you choose. Thus, you will have all the necessary equipment to get your business off the ground in the best way possible.
4. Elite Lash Society
Elite Eyelash Society offers both in-person and online classes. If you opt to take the course online, you’ll receive dozens of videos containing all the necessary info a lash technician needs to learn.
This course is organized so that it begins with the basics. If you already have experience, you can skip it. After these introductory classes, you can move on to specialized courses. When you finish each level, the team takes photos of your work so that you can have a photo journey of your learning experience.
Aside from learning how to apply and style lashes, this company also gives you the chance to find out more about the business side of things. Thus, you get to learn how to start your own salon and attract new customers.
What users love most about this academy is how well-organized its site is. You can easily browse through each of the courses and learn more about every one of them. In addition, you can also read about industry-related topics on the company’s blog, so you can stay up to date with what’s relevant to the profession.
The prices for attending these classes range from $495 to $1,390, depending on which starter kit you opt for. Either way, you will gain access to premium video materials that will serve you for years to come.
5. The Glam Beauty Academy
The Glam Beauty Academy offers its applicants one of the best online courses for lash and brow technicians. The team designed the course to last two full days. However, people can learn at their own pace and spread the materials out in any way they like. All the materials are available for six months from the day of enrollment.
This course is the most affordable on the list, as it is also the shortest. The classes cost $99, and you can pay an additional $100 to receive a premium lash kit. After completing the course, applicants get certificates, as well as lifetime access to mentors.
The fact that this course is so short often discourages people from giving it a chance. If you need convincing that it is indeed a serious option and that it will give you the knowledge you seek, you can check out the complete curriculum:
• Eyelash Extension Manual
• Mannequin Step by Step Tutorial
• Troubleshooting
• Marketing 101
• Eyelash Extension Products and Equipment
• Eyelash Extension Consent Form
• How to Do a Fill
• Eyelash Extension Test
• Eye Styling
• Live Model Step by Step Tutorial
So, if you need a quick course that will still cover all the basics you need to get started, this option is indeed an excellent one.
Learning About Eyelash Extensions Online: What You Need to Know
Now that you know which academies offer the best lash extension classes online, it is time to delve deeper into what taking such classes is actually like.
Is It Possible to Learn How to Do Eyelash Extensions on Your Own?
Eyelash extension procedures involve gluing artificial lashes to a client’s already existing ones. It is quite a long process, as you have to cover every single lash. As such, it requires a lot of patience, skill, and practice.
While you can try to learn to do all of it by yourself, it is best to do so within a certified training program. That way, a professional technician can give you advice, monitor your progress, and ensure you do your job safely. Otherwise, you could put a client at risk, either by using subpar tools and lashes or misapplying extensions and glue.
Moreover, you should know that application and styling are not the only topics you need to cover while learning about eyelash extensions. You also have to learn about the anatomy of the eye, the instruments necessary for proper extension application, and similar relevant topics. Thus, you need a course that will cover all of this without leaving any gaps in your knowledge.
Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Lash Technician?
As lucrative as this profession is, you shouldn’t become a lash extension technician just for the money. Working with lashes requires an eye for detail, excellent hand-eye coordination, and incredible focus.
In addition, you need to be good with people. Talking with them and being social is almost as important as having great lash skills because you need to build a solid group of clients for the venture to pay off.
So, you need to think about what you like and can do before you invest in online classes. Even though it’s always great to learn a new skill, it is better to invest that money into something you will actually love and be happy doing.
Can You Really Learn How to Do Extensions Online?
A lot of people are pretty skeptical when it comes to learning new skills online. After all, can you really learn to do something as delicate as lash extensions by simply looking at some videos?
Well, it is indeed possible to learn this skill online. In fact, that is the only way people have gotten certified in the past few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, most academies also send you professional lash kits, meaning that you get to learn using some of the best equipment in the industry.
The certificate you receive after taking online classes is just as valid as the one you’d get by attending an in-person course. An online certificate still requires that you complete tests, work a certain number of practice hours, and submit your work for checking while you’re in training.
Aside from getting certified, you can also go a step further and become an accredited lash technician. While anyone can get a certificate, you actually have to run a business and perform by standards set by the National Association of Lash Artists.
What Is the Usual Cost of Lash Extension Courses Online?
The answer to this question is not that simple, as it depends on the academy you opt for. Certain lash specialists offer courses for as little as $1900, while others might ask for over $3,000. The price mostly depends on the course duration, which equipment you receive when you apply, and how much course material you have to cover.
Though it is not always the case, it is usually best to invest a bit more money in this type of education. The longer the course is, the more you’ll be able to learn. In addition, the better equipment you get, the easier it will be to learn to do the job safely and professionally.
Can You Be a Lash Technician Without a Certificate?
In most US states, you can do lash extensions without a certificate. However, you do have to obtain some type of cosmetologist license instead. This license will allow you to open a salon and offer different types of services to your clients. Moreover, even some lash extension training programs require that you have this license to attend their classes.
Practicing without a license opens you to many possible risks. Since you work with formaldehyde-based substances (glues) and the eyes, injuries can happen. If any of your clients suffers an injury, no matter how minor, and you don’t have a license, they can sue you for damages.
Thus, it is essential to get a license before you do anything, be it lash extensions, makeup, or nail art. Check out what your state requires, and get your license before you open a salon or start working with clients.
How Do You Find a Reputable Certification Academy?
If you decide that you still want to get a certificate, it is important to find a reputable academy that offers training. It is essential to ensure you actually learn to do lash extensions, so you don’t waste your money on some shady program.
If you look up lash extension training online, you’ll find dozens of businesses offering you excellent deals. However, not all of them are reputable and worth your time. Thus, you need to do extensive research before paying for anything.
It is best to look for reviews online. You can look for beauty forums online, as well as groups on different social media platforms. There, you can get in touch with people who have already completed a training program and can recommend a certain academy.
Likewise, you can contact a particular company and ask it to tell you more about its programs. If the academy has an active and helpful customer support and can give you detailed information about its courses, you can be sure it is not a scam.
All in all, as long as you look for unbiased reviews and do a lot of research on an academy, you will be fine in the end.