How to Start a Lash Business

Starting a lash business sounds like an exciting, lucrative business - and it definitely can be if you go about it the right way! But so many aspiring lash techs underestimate the amount of work that goes into getting their business off the ground. So, we decided to create this guide.

We’ll walk you through how to start a lash business in Australia - covering not just the basic supplies and training you’ll need, but all the stuff that maybe isn’t so glamorous that nobody is telling you. We want to leave you feeling confident in the next steps by the time you finish reading. Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • Business structure, name, and bank account
  • What insurance you’ll need
  • The type of training you should get
  • Choosing home vs salon setup
  • Sourcing all your inventory
  • Designing a logo 
  • Setting up your website and social media accounts
  • Getting your first few clients
  • Running ads, collecting reviews, and collaborating to get your name out there
  • Hiring more lash artists and adding services as you scale
  • Selling your own retail products to earn more money

Yeah, it’s a lot - but it’s not nearly as stressful when you follow the right blueprint. After all, Envolash is the trusted choice for lash supplies in Australia. We’ve helped countless lash techs get their business started, so let us guide you through how to start a lash business below!

Is Starting a Lash Business a Good Idea?

Becoming a lash tech could be the perfect path for you if you love beauty, have a steady and meticulous hand, and enjoy helping people feel their best. Lash techs apply semi-permanent extensions to natural lashes so clients get fuller, longer, more defined eyes without the need for daily makeup.

It’s precise work that takes practice and training - but it can also be a flexible, rewarding, and highly profitable career. It’s whatever you’re willing to make it! Like any business, it takes planning and dedication. First things first - find out if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros 

  • Low startup cost: You can start with a small lash kit and home setup. No need for a massive investment up front.
  • Flexible hours: You control your schedule. Work part-time, evenings, or full days.
  • High earning potential: Lash sets can bring in $80-$200+ per client depending on your experience and location.
  • Creative, fulfilling work: You get to style, sculpt, and transform your clients' confidence.
  • Loyal repeat business: Clients return every 2-4 weeks for fills, meaning consistent bookings and income. If you do a good job, they may even tell their friends!

Cons

  • It takes practice: Classic sets, isolation, retention, and speed all come with time.
  • Your body matters: Long hours bent over can be tough without good posture and breaks.
  • Client expectations: You’ll need to handle no-shows, lash shed cycles, and sensitive clients with professionalism.
  • Hygiene + compliance: You’ll need to meet council and health regulations, especially if you're operating from home.

The bottom line, though, is the lash industry is oozing with opportunity if you’re willing to put in the work and follow our advice on how to start a lash business in Australia. Let’s talk startup costs.

How Much Do You Need to Start a Lash Business?

Starting a lash business in Australia is one of the more affordable paths in the beauty industry - but you do need to budget smart and plan realistically. While you don’t need a full salon or fancy setup to get going, quality products and proper training matter from day one.

Most new lash artists should budget anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000 AUD to get started. That range depends on how simple or polished your setup will be. Here’s what to factor in:

  • Lash Course (Classic + Volume Certification): Expect to spend $800-$1,500 depending on the educator and whether it’s in-person or online.
  • Starter Lash Kit: Around $300-$500. Envolash has student and educator kits with adhesives, lash trays, tweezers, tools, and disposables so you can start lashing straight after your training.
  • Lash Bed, Chair, and Lighting: A basic home setup might cost $300-$600. If you’re renting a room, you might already have some of these covered.
  • Business Essentials: ABN registration is free, but insurance, website, booking software, and branding materials (logo, content, etc.) may run another $200-$400.

We know it sounds like a lot of money, but hear us out. Training and tools are two areas you can’t cut corners on if you’re serious about learning how to start a lash business. 

Paying a premium often leads to faster success. On the other hand, skimping on quality training or tools will lead to lackluster client results - and you may not ever reach your full potential. Think about it like this: you’ll earn back your startup costs within the first 5-10 clients!

How to Start a Lash Business: Step-by-Step Guide 

You can fuel your creative and entrepreneurial passions simultaneously by starting a lash business. While it may sound daunting, it’s really as simple as following a step-by-step process - and who better to learn from than the #1 choice for professional lash supplies in Australia?

Here’s an overview of how to start a lash business, starting with the essential supplies you’ll need to source.

What You’ll Need to Start a Lash Business

Before we get into the nitty-gritty steps, here's what you’ll generally need to get up and running:

  • Lash trays: Classic lashes ( CC curls, various lengths and thicknesses) + promade volume fans
  • Lash adhesive: Choose one that suits your skill level and matches your room’s humidity
  • Tweezers: Isolation and volume tweezers (plus backups - you’ll drop them, trust me)
  • Eye pads & lash tape: For secure under-eye coverage and taping back layers
  • Lash cleanser & primer: Clean lashes = better retention
  • Micro wands/lip brushes: For applying cleanser, primer, and remover with precision
  • Glue rings or glue wells: Holds your adhesive during sets
  • Lash tile or palette: Keeps your lashes organised and speeds up application
  • Lash mirror: To check top-line symmetry before clients open their eyes
  • Nano mister: Helps cure the adhesive faster and reduces fumes
  • Lash wands: For brushing through lashes (give one to each client)
  • Aftercare kits: Retail-friendly lash cleanser + brush in a branded pouch
  • Lash removal cream or gel: For safe and gentle removals
  • Disinfectants & hand sanitiser: Keep your station clean and council-compliant

While it sounds like a lot, you can simplify the process by sourcing one of our eyelash extension kits. These come with everything you need to hit the ground running, from promade lashes to eyelash glue, eyelash tweezers, lash extension aftercare, and even eyelash extension tools!

There’s no better place to jumpstart this journey than here at Envolash, where you’ll discover quality supplies, affordable pricing, and world-class customer service for aspiring Australian lash artists. Take the first step now as we continue walking you through how to start a lash business.

Set Up Your Business

You’ll need to decide whether to operate as a sole trader, company, or trust. Most lash artists start as sole traders because it’s simple and affordable. You can move to a company structure for tax and liability help as you grow - or, get it taken care of early on. The choice is yours.

Then, you’ll need to register your ABN (Australian Business Number). This is essential for invoices, suppliers, and tax. It’s free to register online. If your annual turnover exceeds $75,000, you’ll also need to register for GST.

Register your business name with ASIC, and consider trademarking your logo and name to protect your identity if you’re serious about building a brand out of this venture. 

This is also a good time to set up a separate business bank account. It’ll save you headaches come tax season as you can more easily track income and expenses. 

The final thing to think about is insurance, which will protect you from risks like allergic reactions, accidents, or damages. The key ones are:

  • Public liability
  • Product liability
  • Professional indemnity 

It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind, and it’s one of those things you hope you never use - but if you DO, you’ll thank yourself for thinking ahead.

Meet Regulations and Set Up Your Space

Clients expect certified lash artists. So, start with classic lash training, then move into volume certification. Look for accredited educators with hands-on practice. There are plenty of great options here in Australia.

Once you’re certified you’ll want to start thinking about where you’re going to work. There are three main options:

  • Work from home (check council regulations first)
  • Rent a space (independent room or within a beauty salon)
  • Share space with a complementary business (brows, nails, etc.)

There are pros and cons to each approach. Working from home is obviously the most cost-effective, but also the least professional. We’ve found that sharing a space with complementary businesses works really well.

Every council has health and infection control requirements. You may need an inspection or specific cleaning protocols for your space, so check early on to avoid costly mistakes or wasted time.

Then, it’s time to get ready for your first client. We talked about the supplies you’ll need for starting a lash business earlier, but you’ll also need to source a lash bed and client chair, set up good lighting, and figure out how you’re going to store your essentials.

Even if you decide to work from home and are just serving friends and family early on, comfort and cleanliness are non-negotiable for both compliance and client experience.

Build Your Brand

If you haven’t already, now is a good time to create a logo, choose your colour palette, and decide on your brand’s style. Are you luxe and glam, minimalist, or fun and playful? Consistency matters, from your logo to your space and your website.

Set clear goals for your business as well. How many clients do you want in your first month? Where will they come from? Decide early on how you’ll reach people. Maybe you have some friends who you know are looking to make a change from their lash tech! 

The best advice we have to offer, though, is to get online. Here’s what you should set up:

  • Instagram & TikTok for showcasing sets and building trust
  • Google Business Profile so locals can find you
  • Website with booking system (Fresha, Timely, Square all integrate easily)

In 2025 and beyond, your digital presence is everything for growing your business. 

Launch Marketing

Now it’s time to attract clients. Here are some tips once you’ve checked every box so far in our guide on how to start a lash business:

  • Post consistently on social media. Share before/after photos, lash maps, behind-the-scenes content, and journey as a lash artist
  • Collect client reviews and feature them in your marketing
  • Run local SEO and Google Ads targeting “lash extensions [your city]”
  • Collaborate with influencers, salons, and local businesses for cross-promotion
  • Offer promotions like intro discounts, referral programs, or loyalty rewards

Getting those first few clients is usually the hardest part of starting a lash business. But it’s a snowball effect. Once you have a few good testimonials and happy customers, more clients will start trickling in. 

Grow and Scale!

Eventually, you’ll have to decide how much you really want to work - and how far you want to take this business. There are no right or wrong answers. Some lash techs want to build a bustling salon. Others want to work on their own terms, and enjoy plenty of free time.

You can consider hiring more lash artists at a certain point, removing yourself from the service delivery so you can focus on growing the business and getting back some of your time.

Or, you can look into hiring someone (or training yourself) for complementary services - maybe that means picking up some waxing supplies, or looking into lash lifts or brow lamination.

A lot of Australian lash techs even offer their own retail products as a new revenue stream. You can sell your clients aftercare kits, cleansers, or lash serums to boost income.

Don’t be afraid to reinvest your profits into training, marketing, or better equipment. Like we said from the start, you get out of this business what you’re willing to put in!

Wrapping Up Our Guide to Starting a Lash Business From Home in Australia

That does it for our guide on how to start a lash business in Australia. Hopefully you’re excited and confident in getting started as we bring this conversation to a close. 

The key takeaway is that starting your own lash business from home in Australia is a pathway to creative freedom, flexible income, and genuine client connection - you just have to take it seriously to make the most of it.

But whether you're doing it part-time or dreaming of opening a salon one day, it all starts here at Envolash, the #1 choice for lash supplies in Australia. Build your business from scratch with beginner-friendly bundles today!

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