If you’re new to lash extensions and thinking of training in these lucrative treatments, it can be very confusing with all this lash terminology. We’re often asked what’s the difference between these different lash techniques?ย Classic Lash Extensions
Classic lashes involve the technique for isolating one natural lash using tweezers and then applying one individual false lash to it. This can add length and some limited extra volume to the natural lashes. Classic lashes usually give a very natural look, with greater definition to the eye area for an open-eyed, youthful look.
Russian Volume
Russian volume lashes technique involves selecting a group of typically 2-8 individual false lashes to create a fan. The technician then isolates one natural lash using tweezers and applies this fan to the natural lash. This technique is repeated to create anything from a nice, fluffy lash to very dramatic volume. This technique adds volume and length to the lashes for a dramatic lash look.
Hybrid Lashes
Hybrid lashes combine the classic lash technique (one single false lash to one natural lash) and Russian volume technique (applying a lash fan to one natural lash) at a 70-30 ratio for a more defined, volume look that can look wispy, textured and more natural than a Russian volume lash look. The technician will first go in with the classic technique to create a framework in which to then fill with fans. This look gives the best of both worlds in terms of Classic and Russian volume – greater length, greater volume and more definition to the eye but still maintaining a natural looking balance to the lashes.
Given the benefits of each technique to help you meet the needs of your various clients, it makes sense to learn all 3 techniques.
Our 3 Day Complete Lash Technician Package provides training in all of these techniques. Achieve an ABT Accredited Diploma in each technique allowing you to gain insurance to start your own lash business!
If youโd prefer to learn conveniently online from home, we also offer an equivalent Online Complete Lash Technician Package which provides IPHM Accredited Certificates on completion to start your new lash career!
Lash Extensions are still on the of the most popular and lucrative beauty services to be offering right now. While DIY false lashes may have come a long way, there is nothing that can beat a professionally applied set of semi-permanent eyelash extensions for creating the WOW factor to your look. During lockdowns, many turned to stick-on strip lashes but many have learnt to their peril the damage poorly applied lashes can do to your natural lashes. With the festive party season nearly upon us too, there has never been a better time to get into offering eyelash extensions. But how do you get started?
How much will it cost to learn to offer lash extensions?
A lot less than you might think!
We have an accredited & insurable Online Classic Eyelash Extension Course for only ยฃ99, or if you prefer to learn face to face, our 1 Day Classic Eyelash Extension Course is only ยฃ199. You will need to start with Classic Lashes to ensure you master the basics and fundamental skills, isolating a natural lash, picking up a false lash and applying to the natural lashes โ plus lots more, before you can progress to more advanced lash techniques. Starting with Classics lets you try out lashes, see if it is a good fit for you and you can always do further courses from there.
If you know you lash extensions is the career for you, we have packages to save you money allowing you to book your Classics and more advanced training in Russian Volume and Hybrid Lash Extensions all together. Choose from our 2 Day Pick & Mix Package (to combine Classics, Russian Volume or Hybrids) at ยฃ349 or our Complete Lash Technician 3 Day (Classics, Russians & Hybrid Lashes) Package at ยฃ449.
Flexible payment options are available to help spread the cost. Learn more here.
How do I get confident in Lash Extensions?
Completing your training is only the first step. Lashing will take time to master and get your treatment application times down. Initially it make take you around 2-2.5 hours to complete a full set with those first few attempts, but with patience and practice youโll soon get this down to around 45-90 minutes depending on the look being created. Youโll also get used to your products and tools, working with two sets of tweezers at a time sure does take practice! We recommend working on a training head to begin with and then after 2-3 sets on the block, move onto live models. You could ask friends or family, or advertise on social media offering your first sets at cost price. Ensure you have at least student insurance in place while practising, youโll need full therapistโs level (public liability) insurance in place once you begin charging for your treatments. Practice certainly makes perfect!
How much will my eyelash extension kits cost to get started?
We do not tie you in to buying any expensive kits with our courses, our courses teach you the general techniques but are non-brand specific. Once youโre ready to begin practising or even offering your treatments, youโll need products and tools to start lashing. We offer the following optional starter kits all from the ProSpa brand, available to purchase on our website. All are only ยฃ109!
Weโd recommend starting with the Classic Eyelash Extensions kit to get you started with the fundamental skills. The main differences between the kits are the type of tweezers included and the lash curls/lengths/thicknesses depending on the lash look the kit is intended to create. Once you have your Classics kit with the essentials, you may wish to purchase additional lashes and tweezers separately from your preferred supplier to keep your start-up costs lower.
How much can I expect to earn as a lash technician?
How much you earn depends on how what basis you work, how many hours and how much you charge per lash treatment. If you rent a space within a beauty or hair salon for example, your footfall and potential clients may be greater but so will your business costs. Whereas, if you start out working mobile, while you have to factor in your travel and product costs, youโll typically have lower costs and therefore earn more at least initially. You will need to research the competition in your local area to establish your pricing structure and costs for a full set, infill etc. Think about the product brands youโll be using and take care with your kit to avoid unnecessary wastage to keep your margins high.
Consider that you can typically charge ยฃ35-ยฃ100 per lash set once youโve gained a little experience, you can vary quickly earn back the cost of your training and kit within the first 10-15 treatments.
Once youโre confident in classic lashes, it is well worth learning more advanced skills like Russian and Hybrid Lashes so that you can create WOW lashes that really stand out on social media and word of mouth by clients, to promote your work. You can usually charge a much higher rate for advanced lash work such as Hybrid Lashes over a set of standard Classic Lashes. Volume Lashes and advanced lash mapped looks inspired by the celebrities are all the rage and will have your clients staying loyal to you and coming back time and time again for your expert level work.
You might also want to trial retail products to boost your earnings further and ensure clients maintain their lash results for healthier natural lashes and to avoid contra-actions occurring. Typical retail products include lash serums to help seal the extensions and nourish natural lashes.
Do I need to know how to run a business to be a successful lash technician?
The most important thing firstly is that you are confident and skilled in providing your lash services. The second most important thing is that you actively promote your new business. Social media โ namely Facebook and Instagram are best for this. Set up a business page immediately, but do take time to consider your business name, logo and pricing. You want to project a professional image from the start so also consider your personal presentation. Our Online Starting a Business Course will equip you with useful information and opportunity to plan your brand before launching your business.
Youโll need to register with HMRC once you begin offering your services to paying clients. Make sure you keep accurate records of any money earnt and any money spent (receipts for products, traning etc.) as this will be essential for self-assessment purposes for tax. A basic ledger or excel spreadsheet will suffice initially.
Make sure you are completing client consultation forms and hold complete records of client contact details for future reference. These will need to be kept confidential at all times in a secure locked cabinet or on a password protected device. This is essential to meet insurance obligations and for data protection.
Set up an appointment diary and block out any times you donโt want to work or have other commitments. This will make it much easier to plan your working hours. Plan in at least 1 hour per week for business purposes including creating posts or promotions for social media, maintaining client records and day to day accounts etc. Encourage clients to book their next appointment before they leave their current appointment. Have a clear rescheduling / cancellations policy, perhaps included on your appointment cards for clients to keep. You may want to charge a deposit or cancellation fee (charged when rebooking) to help guarantee your earnings each week and build a regular, profitable client base.
Plan future marketing whether that is seasonal events in your beauty space / salon, discounts or promotions that you promote on social media and think about future proofing your business by adding on further treatments with time, based on client feedback of other services they are currently having elsewhere such as brow lamination and shaping. You always need to keep your business growing and fresh! Take time each appointment to do a before / after photo of your work (with client permission) and encourage clients to engage with this on social media to build your brand profile and help attract new clients.
Growing your own lash extensions business will take time and patience, but with hard work and determination is is a very real possibility to achieve your dreams whether that is financial freedom, a positive work/life balance or just doing a job that you are passionate about!
“All of your dreams can come true, if you have the power to pursue themโโ โ Walt Disney.
Never has this quote been truer than in Abbie Strettonโs career journey. Abbie had the courage to overcome her challenges and make the jump into the beauty sector and hasnโt looked back. In the last two years Abbie has grown a successful business and received award nominations for her work.
We first met Abbie back in 2019 when she attended her very first eyelash training course with us. Back then she was on a different path. Having graduated from University, Abbie found herself in a job that she hated and feeling depressed. She knew she wanted a change but was unsure of the path to take. Beauty had always been a passion of hers, she decided to take the leap and hasnโt looked back since.
Now busy with regular clientele, her own website and looking into creating her own lash brand.
A huge well done to you Abbie from all of us at the Beauty Academy. Follow Abbie’s success on Instagram @abbeauty_xo
โโThis course changed my perspective of myself, I had this burst of confidence. I was so intrigued by The Beauty Academy, it looked so professional from the website. I thought this is the training place for me. I’m so glad I made that decision!โโ โ Abbie
If you’d like to share a success story please email us at [email protected]
Coloured mascara has been around for decades, flash back to the 80’s and blue mascara was all the rage. Fast forward 40 years and coloured lashes are back!
As more people invest in lash extensions, the classic black lashes are pretty standard but coloured lashes are gaining serious popularity as more clients seek something different to their standard lash enhancement. Fashion dictates bolder lash looks and coloured lashes are the perfect way to stand out from the crowd…
Clients may want to accentuate their eye colour, match an outfit or occasion, or just make a fashion statement.
The effects can be subtle such as a few carefully weaved in blue lashes to get that blue-black look many of us are already familiar with through tinting. Or you can go for a bright rainbow effect with ombre lashes. Our new Rapid Lashes, Tinting & Brow Shaping Course covers not only the quick lash extension application process suitable for beginners (and taking only 20-30 minutes for a full set); but also introduces the use of coloured lashes which you can incorporate across all lash extension services.
What are coloured lashes?
Lash extensions come in a range of curls, lengths and thicknesses, but now they are also more readily available in a wide range of colours too. Black lashes remain the standard lash but coloured lashes can be mixed with black lashes for a subtle effect, come in ombre options that allow you to apply a pre-selected complementary range of colours or selected in a chosen hue like blue or pink for desired effects. Every colour you can imagine is now available as a lash from subtle shades of brown to neon bright pinks and blues.
What are the benefits of coloured lash extensions?
Create the perfect graduated ombre look that can be as subtle or dramatic as desired, simply apply more or less coloured lashes. That isn’t possible with a coloured mascara which just applies uniformly to all lashes.
A quick, easy way to get ‘look at me’ lashes that stand out and get your work as a Lash Tech talked about.
Easy word of mouth and new client recommendations guaranteed once you introduce coloured lashes!
Coloured eye lash extensions can enhance natural eye colour.
How toโฆ
To enhance eye colour:
Go for shades which complement their natural eye colouring or provide a contrast. Applied as an outwards flick from a third of the way inwards all the way to the outer corner of the eye. Keep the inner third of the lash line to dark lashes to give definition and open up the eye area.
Green eyes are great with purple lashes.
Blue eyes really glow with blue lashes.
Brown / hazel eyes look great with most shades but especially purple, green or blue lashes.
To create a fashion statement:
Bright shades to match an outfit or occasion make a bold statement. Applied either interspersed through a full set of black lashes or entirely in place of black extensions. You can create some bright, beautiful looks with extra time and creativity.
Top Tips for Coloured Lashes
Remember to factor in some extra time if considering coloured lashes both for the consultation stage to agree the look and for application. Let your client know this will add a little time to their appointment but is well worth it for the results!
Careful lash mapping is key โ decide where youโre going to apply the coloured lashes, how many etc. and make sure you work evenly acros both eyes in stages to get a professional, symmetrical look.
Consider using a clear lash adhesive. Typically lash extensions have a black colour to them to optimally help blending of standard black lash extensions but when going to the effort of using coloured lashes, this may be spoiled through use of a standard black adhesive. Clear adhesive is perfect when using lighter coloured lashes or when applying only coloured lashes; but can sometimes be less effective or most costly due to the thinner formulation. It may also take a little getting used to in terms of different glue drying times. Black adhesive will still work well for darker coloured lashes applied among standard black lashes. Remember if using a different adhesive, the client will need to have been patch tested with it 24-48 hours prior.
Charge extra for coloured lashes to reflect the artistry involved in their application. This will cover your additional treatment time and some possible extra cost for materials. It will also stand the service out ahead of your competition as many lash techs are not yet up to speed with coloured lashes and signal a premium service to your clients.
Advertise the option well on your social media, website and price lists so that clients know it is available and can let you know they want this when booking so you can factor in sufficient time and theyโll know the treatment cost ahead of the appointment. Also whether they need a patch test for a clear adhesive, you might want to start patch testing with both glues as standard anyway.
Book your place now on our Rapid Lashes, Tinting & Brow Shaping Course. Click below to Book Online, or have questions? Call our friendly team on Freephone 0800 999 2277.
Lash techs in the industry don’t want you to discover the benefits of working with mature clients, who typically have more disposable income and can become some of your most loyal, regular clients. Techs circulate ideas that lashing mature clients is difficult or even near impossible and yet with the right know-how it can be profitable and an enjoyable challenge.
Mature clients can have hooded eyelids which make application of the lashes more difficult. However correct placement of your lash tape to the upper lids to help โliftโ the lid to give better access to the lashes will help with application. Use two thin strips of tape applied vertically from above lash line to brow area, sitting approximately 0.5cm from the inner and outer corners of the eyes to get this lift and improve ease of lash application.
Mature clients may have naturally more sparse or even thinning lashes due to many reasons including hormonal changes brought about by menopause. Using the Russian Volume technique can help to build the appearance of greater lash thickness and disguise any gaps in growth although care should be taken with the size of fan utilised. Stick with 3D lashes, no greater or the effect will not be optimally flattering and will look unnatural. If using pre-made, stick with short root styles or keep the base shorter if creating your own.
Top tip: combining both the classic individual and Russian volume techniques to create a โhybridโ lash look is ideal for mature clients. The individual lashes will give a framework to help give definition and open up the eye area, while fans will help give fullness and youth to the lash line.
Avoid use of D curl lashes which give a very dramatic look, stick with C or CC curls for a flattering look which most mature clients will prefer.
Donโt be tempted to go overboard and apply too many lashes. Select shorter lash lengths to compliment the natural lashes, longer does not mean thicker and using shorter lengths will detract from spareness and avoid over-defining the lash line. Avoid long lash lengths to outer corners too which will make the eyes appear to droop, a few shorter lengths to outer corners will lift the eyes and give a more open-eyed, youthful look. The same goes for lash thickness, using thicker lashes will not create fullness but over-emphasise any gaps.
Top tip: Using a lash that is too thick will be poorly supported by the natural lashes and lead to premature lash loss or even breakage and damage. 0.10mm lashes are usually best for mature clients
Ensure your mature clients, in particular, are rigorous with the lash care. Suggest a lash safe serum to help improve natural lash growth and strength and ensure they return every 2-3 weeks for infills to ensure lashes remain looking their best. Lost lash extensions will only exaggerate any sparsity to lashes so it is key they upkeep their infills.
Expand your skills today with our Fast track, Accredited Courses or benefit from our recognised Online training coursesโฆ
We highly recommend the following courses for those looking to offer lash extension treatments. If you need any advice on the best course for you, give our friendly Advisors a call on 0800 999 2277 or connect through Live Chat now.
As any amazing lash and brow tech knows, youโre only as good as your products and tools will allow you to be. Not storing these correctly, not only shortens the lifespan of these causing wastage and extra costs but also limiting the results you can achieve. Here we discuss how you should be storing your kitโฆ
Wax Pot
It goes without saying that your wax pot should be wiped over after each use to remove any stray wax. There is nothing worse than going for a treatment and seeing a gunky looking wax pot and wondering just where your wax will be dribbled. Where possible use wax pots with an insert to allow you to remove the wax from the heater and reseal with the tub lid, but the wax heater lid should be on when not in use at the very least. If working mobile, ensure the wax heater remains upright if wax is to be left inside the heater to avoid spillage. Allow wax to cool down sufficiently before moving the heater so for mobile therapists, turn off the heater as soon as it is no longer required. Wax is typically good for 6-12 months from date of opening โ check your product for the specific use by.
Tint & Oxidant
Always used and disposed of in line with COSHH, you should only mix your tint once ready for use and never before your client arrives as it will not be effective by the time it is used. Always replace the lids tightly immediately once decant particularly as products will react with the air on contact and overexposure will reduce its efficacy.
Lash Adhesive
Only ever decant as much as you need to avoid wastage. Replace lids tightly once decanted to avoid the adhesive reacting with the air and setting hard. Keep adhesive stored upright at stable room temperature. Some adhesive brands suggest storing in the fridge but this can cause moisture to develop inside the product bottle causing it to be ineffective. You can purchase vacuum storage bags or jars which help to prolong the life of your lash adhesive once opened and also protect them from falling over and spilling in transit for those who work mobile. If products must be stored in a cooler or hotter area than where you are working, allowing up to an hour for the product to return to ambient temperature before using for best results. Working environment temperature will affect the current viscosity (thickness) of your product so consider this when deciding where to offer your treatments, for
Tweezers
Always ensure tweezers are thoroughly wiped after use to remove any stray hair or wax/lash adhesive residue before sterilising. Avoid leaving tools standing in barbicide continuously as this will corrode tools over time. Sterilise for the recommended time then remove. Store in a sealed plastic case or bag taking care to protect the tweezer tips, never store points down in a jar. Then simply place back in sterilising fluid prior to use once setting up for your client. Take care never to drop your tweezers as this could blunt the points. Replace tweezers roughly every 3-6 months depending on how often used. Keep lash tweezers separate from those used for brow treatments to avoid misusing these and always keep a spare pair handy just in case.
best results. Also ambient environmental humidity will affect the drying times of your adhesive. Lash adhesive is usually good for 3-6 months dependent on the brand once opened (usually for up to 12 months prior to opening) but check product packaging to confirm as it does vary depending on the formulation.
Brow Powder Compacts
Always store these where they will be safe from knocks or dropping to avoid gut wrenching moments where your palette crumbles. Ensure you decant powder onto a spatula using a make up scraper or only ever use a clean applicator / brush (never double dipping) or use a special make sanitiser spray for powder compacts between each client to keep products hygienic. Many brands now offer refills for powder palettes to allow you to replace the shade you use up quickest, rather than having to replace the entire palette so it is worth considering this when buying your products to avoid having to have multiple part used palettes or powders at any one time.
By following the above advice, you will ensure you are not only working safely and hygienically but also reducing your costs (boosting your profits) and getting the very best results from your products and tools for the longest time possible.
With so many lash treatment options now pinging up in the beauty sector, it’s hard to keep up with what the differences are. But having a good understanding will ensure you can give the best advice to your clients and maximise your treatment sales…
The six main lash enhancement treatments are…
Classic Lash Extensions
Russian Volume Lash Extensions
Hybrid Lashes
Lash Lift & Tinting
Strip or Flare Lashes
Express (Party) Lashes
Classic Lash Extensions:
Most clients are now familiar with these โ simply put youโll be applying one false lash to one natural lash to extend the lash length and give greater lash definition.
Russian Volume Lash Extensions:
Many clients confuse the effects of these with strip lashes or even classics. Youโll be applying anything from 2-6 false lashes to one natural lash, applied by picking these up to form a fan of lashes. Give natural lashes more volume (thickness) and length for a more dramatic lash look.
Hybrid Lashes:
A way of combining both the classic and Russian volume techniques to achieve a dramatic but structured and defined look to the lashes. You will set up a framework to work within which to extend the natural lashes by applying the classic individual extension technique to every 3-4 natural lashes along the lash line. You then apply fans of Russian volume lashes between these individual lashes to boost volume.
Lash Lift & Tinting:
Working on the natural lashes only, with no false lashes applied. A way of lifting and opening the eye area by straightening and lifting the natural lashes to give the appearance of greater natural length. Tinting darkens the lashes from root to tip giving further enhancement in the appearance of lash length. Also gives superb definition but without the commitment of having to maintain false lashes i.e. infills. Also great for those unsuitable for lash extensions e.g. those allergic to lash adhesive, who swim regularly etc.
Strip or flare lashes:
Temporary lashes applied using a temporary lash adhesive (different to that used for lash extensions). Typically last from 1-7 days and are easy to remove. Applied either as small bunches of false lashes attached to a bulb (flare) or as a full or part strip of false lashes. Great for those who want to enhance the benefits of a make up treatment for example, for special occasions and canโt or donโt want to commit to long term care or cost of lash extensions. Another good option also for those with more sensitive eyes.
Express or โpartyโ lashes
Often confused with Russian volume lashes, these give a quick but effective lash extension treatment but are applied using pre-made lash fans rather than using individual lashes applied as a fan which the lash tech must form. Speeds up the treatment allowing you to charge less and fit in more clients, shorter time on the treatment bed needed for clients and no infills (simply remove and apply a new full set each time). Great for those who want a dramatic lash look without the cost of a premium lash service such as Russian volume or hybrid lashes.
The Beauty Academy are excited to offer training options within all of these in-demand lash treatments ranging from accredited fast track 1 day courses up to recognised online courses allowing you to learn from home, online at your own pace. Discover our courses TODAY and begin earning up to ยฃ50 an hour!
With the nights drawing into the afternoon as the winter arrives and the busy festive period approaches, it is more important than ever to ensure you have the right lighting on hand as a lash technician to not only ensure your work remains to the highest standard, avoid strain on your eyes but also maximise your working hours to fit in just as many clients. But many lash techs have no clue when it comes to selecting the best lighting set up for their working space. Our blog highlights just what you need…
Benefits of Great Lighting:
Easier on the eye โ less risk of eye strain when working on back to back lash clients
Extend your working hours into the afternoons and evenings, even with darkness falling earlier
Achieve better lash results as you can work more precisely and better check your work
Get better photos of your work for sharing on social media
Look and feel more professional
What to look forโฆ You are looking for a light which provides;
Daylight quality lighting using LEDs to mimic that working by a window feel
Flexibility to adjust the light by height or angle to suit your way of working. Goose necked style lamp stems of a reasonable length are best for this.
Avoids creating shadows by lighting the whole face, with a suitably sized light splay
Functionality to adjust the light level intensity and with easy on/off controls within reach when working
Portability if you intend to work mobile, ideally one with a folding or collapsible stand. Always look for one with a travel bag option for safety and ease of carrying.
Ring lights with a great splay of light but can be bulky to work beneath and difficult to correctly position to fully light the face. Make up lights tend to be better for upright, static use and often lack the functionality to alter the intensity of light for different working conditions. This is where GlamCor lights or similar come into their own.
Our Recommendationsโฆ
GlamCor lighting has always been hard to beat in terms of the incredible quality and their reputation amongst lash techs. Their lights come in at around ยฃ175 for the most popular Classic Elite light. As another great rival, we absolutely love the lights provided by Lash Base. Two great options are their Lash Pro Light or Lash Pro Ring Light. Both coming in at around ยฃ140, they may not be the cheapest on the market however they are well made, will last you far longer than a cheaper alternative and will allow you to achieve excellent results.
Not already living the dream and working as a lash technician? (Why ever notโฆ?) An existing technician and want to further develop your lashing skills? Our fully insurable lash courses start from only ยฃ99 and allow you to begin earning up to ยฃ50 an hour as a Lash Technician. Discover the options belowโฆ
We have lots of students ask us about courses such as Eyelash Extensions, Highly Defined Brows and Lash Lift & Tinting. They are confused as they have seen courses offered by beauty suppliers, branded courses and online courses and they don’t know where to start in regards to what the key differences are. First let’s cover what the term trademark is as this is essential to understanding brand-specific courses…
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a way for a brand, company, producer or other legal entity to identify themselves and the products or services they produce, provide or source. It is a way for someone to recognise one entity (or brand from another) and for consumers to identify the origin of a product or service.ย Trademarks can be registered by the trademark owner and licensed in regards to specific types of usage. By registering a trademark, it can prevent use of the relevant name, logo, phrase or other ‘mark’ to be used without authorised licence from the trademark holder. Such unauthorised use can be considered trademark infringement and can open the person using such up to legal proceedings including prosecution or claims for damages. Brand specific training courses are those offered by such registered trademark owners and they often allow you to then go on to provide treatments using their products, to buy (or resell) their products and to use their logos/brand names within your own advertising.
The Beauty Academy Courses
All courses offered within our training centres are non-brand specific courses which teach you the fundamental knowledge and practical skills to deliver lash extension, lash lift or brow shaping and defining treatments. We teach the generic skills of these classic and in-demand beauty treatments. You achieve our in-house diploma certificate which is accredited by ABT and allows you to gain insurance to begin offering your treatments to clients. The beauty of our courses are that they are professional courses covering the core knowledge and skills for these treatments, they are accredited but they are much more affordable (starting from only ยฃ99) than many of the brand specific courses. They do not tie you in to any specific brand or supplier before youโre fully familiar and practised with the treatment. Many students find they complete brand specific training (which often require you to purchase their costly branded kits to attend the course) but once they begin offering their treatments on a regular basis and start speaking with clients, they find they prefer working with a different brand or clients are asking about other brand names. Often this requirement to purchase kits means half of the kit contents is also used up on the training day(s) themselves also leaving little product to go on to practice with. At The Beauty Academy, we provide all products and tools required to attend our courses at the centre on the day(s) at no additional cost. The only exception to this is where a patch test is required for which we keep the cost minimal.
Branded Courses
There are many brand names for specific treatments such as lash lift, lash extensions, and highly defined brows treatments. We donโt need to list them since you will have heard of most of them along the way when searching for a training course. These courses are usually significantly more expensive but this additional cost is attributed to the fact that you will be able to advertise using their brand names, as a brand specific trained therapist. This may be advantageous for salons who benefit from large shop front window displays using the recognisable brand logos and who can command much higher treatment prices to reclaim the cost; but the additional cost is not usually viable for mobile therapists, those just starting out in beauty (and so who donโt know what brand they prefer yet) or necessary for those who are already very established therapists with an existing client base.
The pros of a non-brand specific course such as The Beauty Academy courses:
Much lower initial course cost (from only ยฃ99 for courses with The Beauty Academy)
The Beauty Academy face to face courses are all accredited with ABT & online courses recognised by Radius insurance
No starter kits are required to attend our training day(s) unlike most brand specific courses
No commitment to any specific brand, get qualified, get experienced & then decide whatโs right for you once you understand the treatment and your clientโs needs
Great, quick and affordable way to learn something new, try out a new treatment service & see if itโs for you and your client base.
The cons of a non-brand specific course:
You canโt use any trademark protected brand names to describe or advertise your treatment services, however you can use a wide range of treatment related non-brand specific terms. If you later wish to utilise brand names, a simple conversion course can assist with this (see more about this below).
You might not be able to purchase branded products directly from the brand themselves, however you will be insured to use any brand of products to deliver your treatments. Similar professional (and cost effective) products can be purchased from large beauty wholesalers like Beauty Express.
OR
The pros of a brand specific course:
You can advertise your treatments using their brand name / trade mark / brand logos
In some areas you may be able to charge a small premium on โbrandedโ treatments but often applicable only to salons or established therapists. Generally treatment price ranges are reasonably fixed by treatment type and area regardless of brand of products used as you must remain competitive to attract new, and maintain regular clients.
The cons of a brand specific course:
Much higher course cost with branded training providers (usually from around ยฃ399 per 1 day course)
Often requires commitment to purchase an expensive brand specific kit to attend the course (as they want to โtie you inโ to their brand)
Much of the kit is used on the training day itself & when starting out, rarely are students optimally economical with product so makes initial practice costly also
You may begin offering branded treatments with little knowledge of your clientโs needs or preferences. You may then find yourself tied to that specific brand with additional cost to retrain within an alternative brand to buy different products or indeed be insured to use other brands as many brand specific courses are not accredited.
Conversion Courses
Remember that once you have completed a generic, accredited training course such as those offered by The Beauty Academy and are insured within those treatments, you will be able to purchase professional products from most leading beauty wholesalers including Beauty Express (just not always direct from the specific product brand). You always have the option to complete a shorter โconversionโ course with most leading branded course providers from only ยฃ99 (depending on the brand), if you later wish to become brand specific and to use their brand name as part of your advertising. These courses also help you refresh and occasionally advance your skills once you have had some time within the industry providing treatments and once youโve gained insight into the available brands and identified the one best for your budget and clientโs needs through experience of the industry. Most quality branded providers offer these courses to attract your business to purchasing their products, build their community of brand qualified therapists and raise their brand profile.
Generic Terms for Advertising Treatments
Many successful salons and independent therapists have huge success in promoting and offering their treatment services including lash extensions, lash lift and brow treatments charging the โgoing rateโ for their location and type of offering e.g. mobile, home based or in-salon. Anyone can describe and advertise using generic terms to promote your services (or indeed be creative with the naming of your treatments to stand out from the crowd). Just take care not to infringe upon existing registered trademarks and brand names unless you are brand trained or otherwise authorised by the brand to do so. Doing so can open you personally as a therapist or indeed your salon/business up to legal action from the trademark owner or brand which is bad for business and could be expensive. Generic terms for treatments as follows, are great ways to promote your services:
Eyelash Extensions โ Classic Lashes, Semi-Permanent Eyelash Extensions, Volume Lashes, Russian Volume Lashes, Celebrity Lashes, Volumised Lashes, Eyelash Extensions, Lash Extensions, American Lashes, American Volume Lashes, Lash Enhancement etc.
Brow Treatments โ Highly Defined Brows, Defined Brows, Ultimate Brows, Enhanced Brows, Brow Shape & Tint, Brow Redefining etc.
If you have any questions about brand names, your course or certification or how best to advertise your treatment services, please donโt hesitate to contact our Support team at [email protected] and they will be happy to help!
