When considering a career in the beauty industry, many aspiring professionals often ask, “What license do you need to be a lash tech?” The requirements can vary depending on your location, but in most states, you will need to obtain a cosmetology or esthetician license to legally provide lash services.
This leads to another common question: “Do you need a license to be a lash tech?” In many areas, the answer is yes, as having a valid license not only ensures that you are trained in safe practices but also helps build trust with your clients. To get started on your journey, it’s essential to research your local regulations and enroll in the necessary training programs.
Beauty and cosmetics are the fastest-growing sectors today, spearheaded by eyelash extensions. But a certified and licensed lash tech is what?
The terms float around loosely, and generally people use them to mean the same thing, but in reality, they have totally different meanings, especially concerning legality and quality of service.
Knowing the difference can help you better pick who to deal with or which way to go if you’re considering going into the business on your own.
Certified vs. Licensed Lash Tech
A certified lash tech has likely graduated from a lash application course, usually offered in a private institution or brand.
These courses focus on technique, safety, and product knowledge. Certification can be obtained relatively quickly, sometimes in as little as a few days, but it doesn’t carry any legal weight.
It shows that the individual has been trained but doesn’t guarantee state or government oversight.
On the other hand, it is a licensed lash tech if he or she would have passed formal education in a cosmetology or esthetics program.
It has a much more extensive curriculum, and state boards control this kind of profession.
It does not just deal with lashes; hygienic and sanitary regulations as well as safety rules apply, which are very vital to handle the client’s fragile area around their eyes.
Certified vs. Licensed Lash Tech Reddit
If you frequent the beauty forums on Reddit, you are likely to encounter this debate regularly.
Many experienced professionals argue that while certification is a good starting point, licensing is fundamentally important to ensure exemplary standards of safety and sanitation.
Client opinions on Reddit are mixed when they respond by saying some think experience is more important than the license while others “will not entrust their lashes to anyone who hasn’t passed licensing requirements.
Certified vs. Licensed Lash Tech Cost
Prices of certified and licensed lash technicians vary widely. Generally, the certified courses are very cheap, but they will still range from $300 to $1500 dollars, depending on the course provider.
Licensing comparatively becomes very expensive and will consume time—thousands of dollars in tuition fees and sometimes months or even years spent in school.
Understanding Lash Tech Licensing Requirements by State
Licensing for lash technicians is highly varied from state to state in the United States. Some states fully license a technologist as an esthetician or cosmetologist, while others merely certify someone specifically as a lash technician.
The difference is tremendous. This information would be valuable for people looking to become a lash technician or for clients looking for someone qualified.
Do You Need a License to Be a Lash Tech?
In most states, yes. A license means that the lash tech was taught not only how to apply lash extensions but also health and safety. This is super important in handling sensitive areas like the eyes.
Licensed Lash Tech
Licensed lash techs have completed a state-approved cosmetology or esthetics program and passed an exam.
They’ve met rigorous state standards, making them more trustworthy in the eyes of clients and regulatory bodies.
Licensed vs. Certified Lash Tech Washington State
In Washington, a lash tech must be licensed as either a cosmetologist or esthetician. Certification alone won’t cut it.
This ensures that the technician knows the ins and outs of safety protocols, sanitation, and client care.
Certified vs. Licensed Lash Tech California
California is strict about licensing. A certified tech cannot legally apply lashes without a cosmetology or esthetics license. This is enforced to maintain hygiene standards and client safety.
Do You Have to Be Licensed to Do Lashes in Texas and Pennsylvania?
Yes, both Texas and Pennsylvania require lash techs to be licensed cosmetologists or estheticians. A certificate alone cannot legally make lash extensions.
Do I Need a License to Do Eyelashes in California?
In California, you can get monetary fines and face legal consequences absolutely for applying eyelash extensions without a license. Always ensure that your lash tech holds a valid state license.
Do You Have to Be an Esthetician to Do Lashes in Maryland?
In Maryland, you do not need to be an esthetician, but you do need to be licensed. A specific lash technician license is required, ensuring that techs have met the state’s health and safety standards.
What Do You Need to Do Lashes in NC?
North Carolina requires lash techs to be licensed under a general cosmetology or esthetics license. Certification courses alone won’t meet the state’s requirements for practicing lash application.
How to Become a Certified Lash Tech
Becoming a certified lash tech is relatively straightforward. Many beauty schools, brands, and private companies offer certification courses.
These courses usually last anywhere from one day to a week, covering everything from lash types to proper application techniques.
Lash Tech Certification Online
Online certification courses are becoming more popular. These allow students to learn at their own pace, often combining virtual lessons with in-person practice sessions.
However, online certification alone might not be enough if your state requires a formal license.
Certified Lash Technician Course
These courses focus on training you in the art of applying eyelash extensions. They cover everything from classic lashes to more advanced techniques like volume lashes.
The course usually ends with a certification, but remember, this doesn’t replace state licensing requirements.
Certified vs. Licensed Lash Tech Online
Many online courses offer certifications, but few meet the legal requirements for state licensing.
If you’re pursuing a career as a lash tech, make sure you know whether your state requires a license and what kind of training counts toward that.
Certification and Licensing Costs for Lash Technicians
Certification varies from licensure. A certification course can range from $500 to $2,000. Licensure courses, though, like esthetician school, will run you over $10,000, all depending on the requirements for tuition, materials, and exam fees.
Lash Tech Certification Online Cost
Certification courses online are usually less expensive; in fact, these courses tend to fall in the range of $300 to $800. This is seldom going to meet state requirements should licensing be by mandate.
Certified Lash Tech vs. Licensed Lash Tech California Costs
In California, certification courses may cost around $500 to $1500, but licensing involves going through a cosmetology or esthetics program, which can cost $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the school.
What Certification Do You Need for Eyelash Extensions?
There are various lash extension certifications available. The most common types are for classic lashes, volume lashes, and mega-volume lashes.
These certifications demonstrate your proficiency but don’t necessarily qualify you to work legally without a license.
What Does 3x Certified Lash Tech Mean?
A 3x certified lash tech means the individual has completed three separate certification courses, likely in different techniques or styles, such as classic, volume, and mega-volume.
Lash Tech Regulations by State
As mentioned earlier, regulations differ from state to state. Always ensure you know the laws in your state before beginning a lash career or booking a service.
Can You Do Lashes with Just a Certificate in Florida?
No, Florida requires lash techs to be licensed as estheticians or cosmetologists. A certificate alone is not sufficient.
Is Becoming a Lash Tech Worth It?
Being a lash tech is a very rewarding occupation; it allows for great flexibility, creativity, and financial reward.
However, the time and cost involved in getting proper certification and licensing have to be considered. For the beauty enthusiast, it’s well worth the effort.
What Is the Difference Between a Lash Artist and a Lash Tech?
A lash artist may be considered a master at creating detailed designs with lashes and believes that lash extensions are a form of art.
While a lash tech usually keeps their focus on more of the technical procedures for application and maintenance of lashes.
What Category Does Lash Extension Fall Under?
Lash extensions can fall under esthetics or cosmetology, usually depending on the state regulation.
