Same as any other beauty field, starting out as a lash artist can feel overwhelming. There are so many products, gadgets, and tools on the market that make you think you need everything right away. But the truth is, you actually don’t. What you do need is to prioritize comfort and a solid lash tech kit that will actually allow you to apply lashes properly, work efficiently, and start building your clientele.
In this blog post we will break down exactly what to invest in as a beginner in lash tech. These are the tools you’ll use right from the start whether you’re practicing on a model, a friend, or your very first client. Each item on this list is designed to make your work easier, keep your clients comfortable, and set you up for success in the lash industry.
This is not exactly part of the equipment, but without it you cannot even dream about starting a lash business. Before you pick up a single tweezer, there are three things needed to land in your inbox: an active license (cosmetology, esthetic, or specialty lash, depending on the state), liability insurance that actually spells out “eyelash extensions”. You can also do a short blood-borne pathogens course that gives you the knowledge to prevent cross-contamination and handle your tools safely. Plus, being able to flash that certificate if an inspector shows up unannounced positions you as a professional who prioritizes hygiene and client safety. Since we’re talking about paperwork, don’t skip client consent and intake forms. These protect you in the event of allergic reactions or other issues that could put your business at risk. Normally, keeping track of these forms feels like a hassle, but with the Goldie app, clients complete their intake forms automatically when they book online, and everything is stored securely in one place.
You might think it’s important for clients how beautiful your salon is, but mostly they will remember how your salon made them feel. That’s why you should make them feel as comfortable as possible. Start with a bed that reclines to 35 degrees and lets you slide your knees underneath to work more comfortably. Amazon’s basic facial beds work until you can upgrade to the Master Massage Montclair Pro that has built-in memory foam and a little heater keeping clients still.
Also a proper lash pillow improves comfort while giving you a flat surface for palettes and tools. Skip the cheap versions with awkward dips that limit your space. Instead, look for flatter, wider designs such as the London Lash Pillow which provides client comfort and workspace practicality.
It’s also important to invest in a good saddle stool to keep your spine neutral and supported. A stool that swivels easily, adjusts in height, and makes long lashing days much more manageable. Budget versions exist around $60, but they wear out quickly and can become uncomfortable. But since you spend almost all your day in the saddle, investing in a Work Smart Backless Stool with Saddle Seat is a worthwhile upgrade.
Good lighting is everything in lashing. Without it, you’ll strain your eyes and risk missing those fine baby lashes. Many beginners start with a desk lamp, but investing in a Glamcor Light will make a massive difference. It has adjustable brightness, shadow-free illumination, and is designed specifically for beauty professionals. A ring light can also be helpful, not for lashing, but for taking professional photos of your work because your next 100 clients will decide whether to book based on social media photos and not by what they see in the mirror.
You actually need only three good types of tweezers: a 45-degree curved for isolation, a straight 90 for picking up fans, and a 120 boot for those annoying inner-corner baby lashes. As a lash artist, you’ll be sanitizing your tools constantly, maybe using an autoclave which is a sterilization machine that kills bacteria and viruses with high-pressure steam. That’s why when looking to buy good tweezers look for something like the Lashbox LA titan series which go up to 1,000 autoclave cycles while maintaining their grip and accuracy. They are a reliable long-term investment for your business. Instead of replacing cheap tweezers every few months, a pair that’s built for durability ensures consistency in your work and reassures clients that you’re following top-level hygiene practices.
💡Pro tip: Always keep backup pairs. Dropping tweezers mid-appointment is inevitable, and having a spare keeps you moving.
Having a good adhesive in your lash tech kit is a must. You should buy 5 ml lash adhesive bottles so you can use them up before they degrade a few weeks after opening. Also when choosing the lash adhesive, look for glue that has ethyl cyanoacrylate as main ingredient which creates a super-strong bond, but for clients with sensitive eyes look for butyl or alkoxy cyanoacrylate ingredients in the adhesive. Store your glue in an airtight container with silica packs and a small hygrometer to monitor humidity.
Your lashes are your main product, so quality is non-negotiable. When you’re a beginner you want to skip the mixed-length starter packs as they seem fun at first, but rarely what you actually need. Instead, invest in single-length trays: 12, 13, 14, and 15 mm to start. Once you’ve mastered mapping a set consistently, you can experiment with fun curls, spikes, or trendy colors inspired by TikTok.
💡 Pro tip: Stick with one or two eyelash brands while learning because being consistent and using the same product will help you perfect your technique.
Grab two digital hygrometers and calibrate them against each other. The glue’s sweet spot is 45–55 % humidity and 71–79 °F. If your room swings like a mood ring, grab a desktop humidifier or a mini dehumidifier depending on your needs. Your future five-star reviews depend more on that tiny appliance than on any magic lash glue.
Most beginners overlook business tools thinking they are not worth their while. But as a lash artist, you can’t interrupt an appointment to answer texts or phone calls. That’s why it’s important to have an online booking app like Goldie. It saves you time by letting you focus on your appointments while clients can book themselves 24/7. You’ll minimize interruptions and your schedule will stay organized automatically.
Consumables are small, inexpensive items that make a huge difference in client comfort, hygiene, and the overall professionalism of your lash business. Stock up on foil-packed under-eye gel pads, since jars tend to dry out quickly, micropore tape for securing lower lashes. You can also give each client three disposable mascara wands as a tiny investment that doubles as one of the cheapest marketing tools you can have. Include microbrushes, lint-free applicators, and a creamy glue remover that smells pleasant instead of harsh chemicals.
Hygiene in a lash salon is non-negotiable and your beginner lash kit should reflect that. It should include hospital-grade disinfectants to keep your tools and workspace clean, along with disposable items like mascara wands, microbrushes, and lint-free applicators.
💡 Pro tip: Invest in sterilization equipment, such as a UV cabinet to show your professionalism and reassure your clients that their health and safety are a top priority in your lash business.
Think of social media tools as part of your lash business investment since building an online brand takes both time and strategy. The good news is, you don’t need a professional camera. Your phone is more than capable of capturing stunning photos and videos, especially when paired with the right accessories. A ring light and tripod give you consistent, flattering lighting and stability, while a clip-on 10× macro lens allows you to highlight every delicate lash detail.
Consistency is just as important as quality. Set aside time for content batching, like Sunday afternoon, so you have a week’s worth of posts and Instagram reels ready. This beats scrambling at 2 a.m. when you realize it’s been four days since your last post. It may be time-consuming but showing your artistry attracts new clients and helps you build a professional online presence that reflects the high standard of your lash work.
Beyond hygiene, consider the little details that enhance the client experience. You can offer your clients aftercare kits containing lash shampoo, brushes, and spoolies to help clients maintain their lashes between visits. These thoughtful touches improve client satisfaction and encourage repeat bookings building up your loyal clientele.
As you’ve seen, there are many important aspects you need to keep in mind when thinking about your lash equipment besides tweezers and lashes. You need to create a safe, ergonomic, and professional environment for you and your clients. Some tools are worth splurging on right away because they protect your body and elevate your client experience, while others like humidifiers help you avoid beginner mistakes.
Start with the basics and invest in quality where it matters most, such as bed, stool, lighting, and glue storage. Don’t overlook the essentials like disinfectants, acetone, and a booking software that keeps your clients coming back.
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