Finding the best eyelash extension artist or lash salon can be a daunting task. I’ve been an eyelash extension artist for over 12-years in Wellington, Florida. I opened the original Eye Candy Lash Lounge, way before lash salons were in every strip mall and town. I will share with you my professional opinion and offer my seasoned advice. Believe it or not, I’ve been in your shoes too! Unfortunately, we cannot lash ourselves and nobody is pickier than a lash artist. Whether you are new to eyelash extensions, or you’ve recently relocated here is what I believe are the 9 best tips to finding your new lash home.

#1- Years of experience. This one is the most important. I have trained over 300 lash students and besides only two of them (literally) nobody can professionally lash after a training class. In my opinion it takes minimally 1-year of lashing full time to become good, 3-years full time to become great, 5-years to become excelled and 10-years to be come a master lash artist.

#2- Licensed & Certifications. In almost every state you need to hold a license in Cosmetology, Esthetics, or nursing to legally become certified to perform eyelash extension application services. (please note the licenses I did NOT mention). As for certifications, you want to make sure you are going to someone that has invested their time and money to learn their craft. There are so many things to learn in this growing field which is why continuing eduction is key.

#3-Social Media. You should definitely look on all of their social media for photos of their work. Make sure they are not heavily photoshopped or generic stock photos.

#4-Google Reviews. Yes you can look at Yelp but I must say as a salon owner I loathe Yelp. The Yelp algorithm is awful for business owners and if you refuse to pay for advertising they hide many good reviews. When you are looking on Google, stay within 4-5 stars that have more than 25 reviews. I think it’s helpful to read the “bad” reviews because you often learn more. See what really was the problem and how the owner/lash artist handled the complaint.

#5- Location, location, location. Where will you be lashed can tell you so much about the experience you will have. I need to have a relaxing, quiet space so I can relax and nap. When your eyes are shut for 1-2 hours, all of your other senses are heightened.

#6-Look for a full-time lash artist. Unless they have over 3-years of experience lashing full time and now do it part-time, you do not want to go to someone who does lashes on the side. This is because applying eyelash extensions is a highly skilled art and craft. It takes a full time commitment to become great enough to where you can then do it part time.

#7-Typically you’ll do better with a lash artist that works in an eyelash extension salon. This is because of the continued learning experiences. When someone simply takes a lash course and then goes on their own to lash out of their home, rent a salon suite or rent a room in a full service salon or hotel, they have no idea the mistakes they are making because nobody is there to mentor them and teach them. Unless they have years of experience working in salons with a mentor and then go on their own, I would use caution.

#8-PRICES!! Eyelash extensions are a luxury service. It is extremely difficult to do correctly. It takes years of practice, time, money and advanced certifications and skills to achieve. You often get what you pay for in this particular industry. A general rule is be weary if: they have an opening same day, they take less than 90-120 minutes for a new full set, or the price is 20% or more less than the average for the area you are looking in. Those are all red flags.

#9- Have a consultation. Either in person or over the phone you should expect an enthusiastic, well explained and thorough response to all of your questions. You should feel comfortable and confident, if not, listen to your intuition and find another lash artist.

I wish you luck on your journey, I hope you find this list helpful. There are plenty of fantastic, qualified lash artists out there and you’ll be so happy when you find them.

Peace, Love & Lashes,

Veronica