Top 10 Essentials Every New Lash Technician Needs
Launching your career as a lash technician is exciting, but having the right lash supplies and equipment is essential for creating beautiful, lasting lash extensions. Here’s your ultimate checklist, packed with insider tips from The Lash Store HQ to set you up for success.
1. Lash Extension Trays
Quality matters: Premium, cruelty-free synthetic fibres provide consistent curl, length, and retention—helping you offer premium lash services.
- Starter volumes & lengths: Begin with 3–4 popular volumes (e.g., 2D, 4D, 6D, 8D). Start lash sets at lengths 7, 8, or 9 mm, and finishing lengths 13, 14, or 15 mm. Aim to incorporate at least five different lengths in each set. Our lashes range from 7–17 mm.
- Mixed-length trays: Trays containing 8–15 mm allow you to offer many lash volumes without buying individual lengths.
- Grow gradually: Add volumes and lengths as your clientele expands.
- Tray sizes: Available in small or mega trays—mega trays contain more lashes at a lower cost per fan.
Recommended Starter Tray Options (small or mega trays):
Option 1: 2D 0.10, 4D 0.07, 6D 0.05, 9D 0.05
Option 2: 3D 0.07, 5D 0.07, 7D 0.05, 10D 0.05
Option 3: 2D 0.10, 4D 0.10, 6D 0.05, 8D 0.05
Option 4: 3D 0.10, 4D 0.07, 5D 0.05, 7D 0.05
Not sure what these numbers mean? Check out our [Understanding Lash Tray Terminology] blog for a simple explanation.
2. Liquid Essentials Kit
The right lash liquids can make or break any set. ALWAYS purchase lash liquids from a lash business that is an accredited AICIS registrant.
Lash Primer (Step 1)
- Removes oils, light mascara residue, and daily dust/dirt.
- Mattifies natural lashes for optimal bonding.
- Balances lash pH.
Lash Adhesive (Step 2)
- Quick-curing cyanoacrylate adhesives tailored to your room’s humidity.
- Explore our three proven adhesive formulas to find your perfect match.
Lash Bonder (Step 3)
- Seals, enhances retention, reduces sensitivity, and cures adhesive instantly.
Lash Remover
- Start with our gentle cream remover and move on to jelly remover as your skills grow.
Bundle tip: Try our Starter Liquids Bundle (primer, adhesive, bonder, cream remover)—everything you need in one convenient kit.
3. Lash Wash & Rinser Bottle
Proper hygiene ensures lash health and longevity:
- Purpose: Thoroughly cleans natural lashes and extensions, removing oils, makeup, and buildup.
- Client prep: Encourage makeup-free arrivals; perform a quick lash bath if necessary, and charge for it!
- Retail opportunity: Sell our 5-pack pre-filled lash shampoo bottles (with brushes)—add your salon branding and boost your retail sales.
4. Tweezers & Care Kit
Tweezers are your most essential tools—invest wisely:
- Dual-tweezer system: One isolation tweezer and one application tweezer.
- Maintenance: Keep tweezers sharp with our tweezer cleanser to remove adhesive residue, and use alcohol pads for client-to-client disinfection.
- Backup: Always keep an extra pair handy in case you drop or blunt your tweezers.
5. Gel Lash Pads
Protect delicate skin and lower lashes:
- Why gel pads? They’re lint-free, hypoallergenic, and comfortable for your clients.
- Adhesion hack: Prep the under-eye area with witch hazel or a gentle toner to ensure pads stick securely.
- Options available: banana-shaped, or V-cut, try them and find what suits you.
6. Lash Tapes
Two essential tapes to simplify your workflow:
- Lower-lash tape: Lightweight, sensitive-skin formulas in pastel pink or green—perfect for holding pads securely. Upgrade to premium sensitive tapes as your business grows.
- Skin-manipulation tape: P.E. tape or Japanese Nichiban gently lifts eyelids for easier inner-corner access.
- Efficiency boost: Using the right tape saves you time and prevents constant adjustments.
7. Lash Tile & Jade Stone
A good organisation boosts efficiency:
- Prep ahead: Lay out your lash strips before each client arrives.
- Glue handling: Place adhesive drops on non-woven tape or adhesive stickers, never directly on jade, preserving its properties.
- Fresh dots: Remove old glue dots before applying new ones to ensure consistent adhesive performance.
8. Drying Fan
A compact drying fan is a multi-purpose essential:
- Dries primer (mattifier) quickly.
- Sets lash adhesive faster at the end of your lash service.
- Perfect finishing touch after applying the bonder.
9. Disposable Brushes & Applicators
Disposable tools are vital for hygiene:
- Lash Brushes: Brush lashes throughout service—clients love taking them home.
- Lip Brushes: Perfect for precise application of lash mattifier (primer).
- Long-head Micro-brushes: Ideal for applying bonder and remover accurately.
- Micro-tipped Brushes: Great for detailed adhesive cleanup and spot removal.
Choose brushes you find most comfortable to work with.
10. Ergonomic Salon Setup
Protect your body and enhance client comfort with proper salon furniture:
- Adjustable Lash Bed: Start with quality second-hand or manual; upgrade to electric once established.
- Contoured Lash Pillow: Ensures client comfort and relaxation.
- Moon-shaped Mood Lamp: Soft, shadow-free illumination ideal for precision work and flawless Instagram photos.
Conclusion
Investing in these ten essentials sets a solid foundation for beautiful, professional lash sets. High-quality tools and products improve your retention rates, work speed, and overall client satisfaction.
Have questions or need personalized product recommendations? The Lash Store HQ team is always here to support you—visit us in-store, call us, or send a DM today!