Should You Offer Eyelash Extensions At Your Salon?

Eyelash extensions are trending in the media right now, with celebrities like Beyoncé and Adele swearing by fake lashes’ magical properties. With so many endorsements, it’s no wonder that the eyelash extensions segment of the beauty industry grosses more than £45 million each year.

Despite being a popular and growing trend, offering eyelash extensions as a service can have a lot of other benefits to help your business grow and succeed.

But first, what are eyelash extensions?

Eyelash extensions are synthetic lashes that are attached to individual, natural lashes. They are applied with semi-permanent glue that does not damage the natural lash. Extensions can be used to completely and dramatically transform an appearance or they can be a subtle enhancement for fuller or darker lashes.

What are the benefits to your business for offering eyelash extensions as a service?

Competitive Advantage

It’s a good idea to capitalise on the eyelash extensions craze to boost your marketing, potential clients, and profit growth. If other salons in your area already offer eyelash extensions, you should in order to stay competitive. If they don’t have it, offering this service will give you a leg-up on the competition.

Similarly, presenting more menu items at your salon establishes credibility and professionalism. A variety of trendy services on your menu can transform your salon into a destination spot for all things stylish in the beauty world.

Client Loyalty

Women love the way they look and feel after they get their eyelashes done, and you want your clients leaving your salon happy. Since extensions need to be maintained year round, these customers automatically turn into long-term clients. With a recommended touch up every 3-4 weeks, you’ll see the same woman twelve times a year just for her lashes. That’s more often than women come for nail appointments, haircuts, hair colouring, and waxing.

The more you can get clients in the door, the more services they will get done, and the more money they will spend. If they are pleased with your service and become a loyal client, they will also tell their friends about it—free marketing!

Profit Margins

Eyelash extensions typically take two hours to complete and the cost upfront can be a little pricey. Despite the time and initial cost, though, eyelash extensions have some of the highest profit margins in the beauty industry, as customers will pay for quality service.

What kind of eyelash extensions should you offer?

If you’ve decided that the benefits of offering eyelash extensions meet the needs of your salon, now it’s time to determine the menu of services you will offer. Below are some things to consider when choosing your eyelash extension menu:

Material

There are three main types of eyelash extensions: synthetic, silk, and mink.

• Synthetic is dramatic but not very natural, and it is not the best long-term solution.
• Silk is mid-weight, finer, more flexible, and lasts longer than synthetic. It is it the most popular for brides who want to look naturally glamorous.
• Mink is made of real mink fur or faux-mink, and it is the finest, softest, silkiest, and most natural of the three. Mink takes the most time to apply, but it is the longest lasting and the most luxurious (this is typically what celebrities wear).

You should offer all three if possible. Some clients will want extensions at a lower cost, such as the synthetic, while others will want the more natural, best-of-the-trend mink. Be sure you consult with each client to determine which material suits their needs best.

Size/Shape

Eyelash extensions come in varying lengths, ranging from 6mm to 17mm, in order to best fit the natural lashes of the client. There are also a variety of curls and styles to be considered, from dramatic to funky to natural.

Glue

Although approved glues are safe to use and won’t damage the eye, clients may have allergies to certain ingredients. Therefore, you’ll want to stock a few types of glues just in case. Make sure that all of your glue is non-formaldehyde, and try to source locally, as shipping can often lead to a buildup of chemicals.

Half Set

You will likely want to offer both a full and half set of lashes. Many customers prefer using half the number of lashes for a more natural and subtle look. A half set is also a good introduction for new users who might be hesitant or those who are looking for an economical alternative.

Professional

The most important aspect is hiring the right professional to do the extensions. You want someone who is certified and knowledgeable, since it is such a delicate procedure.

The best way to determine your eyelash extension menu is to consult with your client base. Hold a focus group or conduct a survey to see which materials, styles, and look your customers would prefer.

Eyelash extensions are a great addition to any salon or spa as a competitive advantage and great source of profit. Research the best menu services for your salon, and you’ll “extend” your client-base in no time!