The Top 5 Concerns of Lash Artists: Tips to Overcome Daily Challenges

Posted by Maryann Matykowski on March 13, 2018

12 Comments

Yes, we are a happy crew! In fact, the majority of us lash techs are satisfied with our careers and enjoy being creators of beauty, according to the 2016 Lash & Brow Artists' Industry Survey. However, we do face challenges each day, and in the growing and evolving world of lash artistry, the same questions are often on the minds of lash artists. In this post, we are going to explore the top five concerns and look at tips to overcome them. Common themes gathered from the survey included client aftercare, fixing the work of other technicians, getting quality products at affordable prices, competitive pricing and attracting new clients. Let's dig into those now!

Client Aftercare

It can be downright exhausting trying to get your clients aboard the cleanliness regime. As lash artists providing the best quality service we can, we take our time doing a full consultation, discussing the process and describing the aftercare requirements. Many of our clients make the usual head bobbing gestures when we explain lash aftercare. They agree that they will use the proper products, clean their lashes daily, and promise to return with their lashes squeaky clean. Sadly, many clients just don't follow through! They come in for their appointments with dirt, debris, and makeup packed into the lash line. This is unfortunately very common. I, like you, use magnifiers and can see everything! Now I have to spend twenty minutes of my lash time cleaning up first. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I will clean the lashes before proceeding. I give these clients three chances and then I will refuse service. It's just not worth it if clients continually disregard the aftercare instructions. I know it sounds a bit harsh, but I go through so much in prep that I don’t feel I can do a proper fill and add enough lashes in the allotted time if I have to do a major clean-up first. I will not go into the next client’s appointment to compensate. Now, with all that said, let's get into how to get your clients on the same cleaning page. The first thing I did was ask former clients a few questions. I asked them if they were afraid that water or cleansers would affect the lash retention, or if the cleaning routine was too cumbersome. I was surprised at a few of the answers! Most clients were under the assumption that the cleaning process would cause the lashes to fall off sooner. They also said they didn’t want to use the products I retail because they thought the products they used at home were adequate. In my business, every client gets a travel-sized cleanser, a lash brush for cleansing, a mascara wand and a few micro-brushes. I provide this aftercare kit to every new client. I explain the process and actually finish my service with a cleansing. I dispel the myth of not getting the lashes wet, and detail the importance of lash hygiene. By including the products in the price of your set, you guarantee that they have the products to do the job. You can also try retailing an After Care Kit to your clients as standard procedure. Give this a try and see if you can get 100% compliance.

Fixing Another Technician's Work

I will only do a fill on someone else’s work if they come in for a consultation first. I need to get a good look at the isolation and former application. I will work over another technician's set only if their work is of good quality. If you are not going to do this, please do not trash the former lash artist. It is not professional, and honestly, clients aren’t always upfront with us. State your policy, and stick to it. Use verbiage that states why you will only fill your work (ex: Guarantees, products, pricing etc). Be firm but friendly in your approach.

Source: Lash and Brow Artists's Industry Survey 2016.

Product Value for Money

This one is a bit more challenging. Lashes, glue, patches, tape, so much to purchase. Who do you go to? My best advice is to do your homework. There are so many product providers in the marketplace. It took me awhile to find the things I love. Some are pricier than others, but once I found my go-to product provider, I developed a relationship with them. I value their customer service and appreciation of me as a customer. To me, that is more important than saving a few dollars here and there. Just recently, I switched glue, based on a recommendation from another lash artist. It was a disaster. Lashes fell everywhere. I had to redo some clients. Back to my tried and true glue. Establish yourself with your supplier and don’t worry about what others are doing.

Competitive Pricing

This is the one topic that gets everyone going. How do I set my prices? This is based on a few things. First, how long have you been a lash artist? If you are a newer lash artist, chances are you have some growing to do. Growing in perfecting your technique, service timing, enhancing your product quality and honing in on your marketing. Going back to the Survey, most lash artists are charging between $81-$120 for a full set. If you set your prices somewhere in this area, you should be competitive. Fill prices will average $40-60. Of course, those who live in a more affluent area will probably fall outside these guidelines.

Attracting New Clients

I encourage everyone to get a referral program in place. I give my existing clients cards offering $10 off any service for every referral they send me. I also have a quarterly drawing, where clients who have sent me referrals are added to this drawing for an additional discount. I post the names of these clients in the Salon, which is an easy and inexpensive way to generate buzz! Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and Yelp are also great ways to get your name out there. I have even seen postings on Letgo and OfferUp for lashes. Get creative, and consider approaches such as creating a competition among your staff members, hosting an open house or showcasing lash demos. Be persistent in keeping your name out in the social sphere, and you will begin to see results! Consider investing in marketing help if you need an extra push.

Lash On!

Keep up the great work, Lash Lovers! Your dedication and passion for your craft, along with a little help from your fellow artists, will always see you winning at the end of the day! If you've got any tips that I missed to deal with these issues, be sure to leave a comment, or ask a question.