Lash Extension Studio in a Rented Suite

Rent a small suite or salon space and book clients for lash extensions, fills and lash lifts.

Technician applying individual eyelash extensions to a client's lashes.
Startup cost$3k to $12k
Monthly revenue$2k to $9k
Time needed20+ h/week
First incomeMonths

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

84,176 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.5% in a year

NAICS 812112 “Beauty salons”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

A private lash studio where you apply individual lash extensions, do regular fills and offer lash lifts. You work from a rented suite, a salon-suites building or a small storefront.

Your first three steps

  1. Check your state board of cosmetology for the license needed to apply lashes, and book a lash training course that meets it
  2. Tour salon suites or small rental spaces near you and compare monthly rent with the number of clients you could realistically book
  3. Practice on models at a discount, build a before-and-after photo portfolio and open an online booking page
Who pays

Women and men who want a low-maintenance look, plus brides and people getting ready for events.

How it makes money

A set price per full set, a lower price for fills every 2 to 3 weeks, and extras like lash lifts, tints and removals. Repeat clients keep the calendar full.

Skills that help
  • Steady hands and fine detail work
  • Customer service and hygiene habits
  • Booking and time management
  • Basic social media marketing
Watch out for
  • Many states require a cosmetology or esthetician license to apply lashes, and rules differ by state, so check with your state licensing board
  • Your space may need to pass a state or local inspection; check with your board and city or county
  • General liability insurance, and often professional liability, to cover allergic reactions or eye injuries
  • Allergic reactions and infections are real risks, so follow strict sanitation and use patch tests and consent forms
  • Check local business license and sales tax registration rules for services and retail products

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a lash studio?

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your suite or space, supplies and equipment. Treat these as estimates and compare rent and supply quotes before committing.

How much can a lash technician earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many clients you book and how often they return for fills. Many people start at around 20 hours a week. These are revenue estimates, not profit.

Do I need a license to do lash extensions?

Many states require a cosmetology or esthetician license to apply lashes, and rules differ, so check with your state licensing board. Also check space inspections, local business license, sales tax registration and insurance, including professional liability.

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