How Much Do Lash Extensions Cost? 150 Lash Salon Study

I collected and analyzed pricing data from 150 lash salons in the U.S.

From a client perspective, it would also be really useful to know if the pricing you are getting is fair, cheap, or completely ridiculous.

And for me, as a lash tech, I wanted to make sure I’m competitive.

Sure, a quick Google search will yield some websites making claims about the cost of eyelash extensions.

However, these numbers are rarely backed up by anything or often represent one single salon.

So, in this article, I’ll share the results, but also the exact methodology I used when collecting the data.

I also made the video below if you prefer this format.

Eyelash Extension Prices

Eyelash Extensions Cost	Classic Full Set	Classic Refill	Hybrid Full Set	Hybrid Refill	Volume Full Set	Volume Refill	Lash Removal
Average Price	$164.00	$71.00	$192.00	$84.00	$227.00	$95.00	$40
Median Price	$150.00	$65.00	$183.00	$75.00	$215.00	$88.00	$38
Minimum Price	$80.00	$30.00	$100.00	$55.00	$113.00	$40.00	$25
Maximum Price	$375.00	$160.00	$345.00	$220.00	$400.00	$275.00	$60
Standard Deviation	$48.27	$21.28	$50.88	$24.95	$62.15	$34.05	$7.58

There’s a lot to unpack here.

As you can see, I didn’t want to just calculate the average prices.

I also calculated the median, minimum, and maximum prices.

Why bother?

Because statistically, an average can be heavily influenced by outliers

For instance, if one salon charges a ludicrous high price, then the average would be misrepresented as very high.

As you can see in the table, the median price is consistently lower than the average price across all categories.

That’s because there are a few salons that charge much higher prices, while the majority is closer to the median.

That’s why I think the median will actually give you a better idea of what to expect.

A few other things to note.

First, refill prices are significantly lower than the full set price.

This is completely normal and expected, as these appointments are shorter.

Second, the price increases as you go from classic to hybrid to volume lashes. This again makes sense, since the difficulty of the application increases with each technique – lash techs charge a premium for volume vs classic lashes.

Lastly, I find the standard deviation super helpful if you want to compare your local salon’s cost with the industry standard.

Statistically, 68% of prices should be within 1 standard deviations from the mean.

Let’s do an example.

Your local lash salon quotes you $200 for a full set of classic lashes.

Since the average is $164.00 with a standard deviation of $48.27, you are within the 1 standard deviation threshold ($212.27).

So you could say that’s reasonable.

However, if they ask for $250, you can start to question if it’s too much.

Study Methodology

To stay laser focused on my objective, I needed a clear game plan. I created a spreadsheet to help me organize all the data and keep track of my findings (more on that in a second).

Here are the exact steps I took.

#1 Review of Current Research

I used Google to find out if any similar study had already been done.

To my surprise, I couldn’t find anything!

The best I could find was some outdated articles stating anecdotal prices out of thin air.

They didn’t have anything to back up their claims.

I find this to be disingenuous.

#2 Collecting Data

For my results to be useful, I wanted to collect the following data points.

• Salon Name
• Salon Website
• State
• Classic Set Price
• Classic Refill Price
• Hybrid Set Price
• Hybrid Refill Price
• Volume Set Price
• Volume Refill Price
• Lash Removal Price

Most articles I found online that were claiming an average price for lash extensions didn’t discriminate between classic, hybrid, and volume lashes.

These are 3 very distinct techniques with very different prices…

For example, classic lashes are applied to each individual natural lash one by one.

This is typically the first technique lash artists will learn.

Volume lashes on the other hand are applied one to many. A fan of eyelash extensions is created and applied to one single natural lash.

This is a more advanced technique that requires more skills, which means it’s charged as a premium.

Hybrid lashes are a mix of classic and volume lashes, so the price generally falls in between.

I decided not to include a category about mega volume lashes because truthfully, only a small proportion of salons offered it.

Some salons simply included it within the volume category.

Having said that, things change quickly, and the eyelash extension industry is constantly evolving.

Should mega volume become more mainstream, I will definitely update my research.

#3 Geographic Representation

Because location has the most impact on how much salons charge, I wanted my data to have a diversified geographic representation.

So, what did I do?

I googled “Eyelash Extensions + [ STATE ]” for each state in the U.S.

Then, I picked the top 3 salons that google returned without any subjectivity from me and added them to my Google Sheets.

This was a very mechanical exercise.

For example, here’s what the Google results would look like for “Eyelash Extensions California”.

#4 Salon Eligibility

To be included in my research, a salon had to meet 2 criteria:

1) Offer at least classic lashes. Hybrid and volume lashes are optional.
2) Have a clear pricing page. I need to collect the information easily. Some salons requested a call to book and find out prices. Those were excluded in the interest of time and transparency.

#5 Comparing Apples to Apples

Eyelash salons sometimes offered different tiers of pricing. The most frequent examples are:

• Tier pricing is based on lash artist seniority or skill level: In such cases, I picked the middle seniority/skill level pricing.
• Tier pricing is based on the number of weeks for refills: In such cases, I picked the 3-week refill pricing.

#6 Data Analysis and Interpretation

Here’s the Google Sheet I ended up with.

From this, I was easily able to calculate the average, median, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values for each column.

Behind the Price Tag

From my research, I found that 3 factors influence lash extension prices the most: location, type of service, and experience level of the lash artist.

There are other things to consider such as the cost of material (the actual extensions, adhesive, tweezers, etc). But in my experience, this is not what moves the needle the most.

1- Location

I think this one is pretty intuitive – salons located in bigger cities or high-end areas tend to charge more for their services.

Lash techs can’t operate at a loss and must at least cover their costs.

Rental costs have a direct impact on the service prices any business sets.

2- Type of Technique

As you’ve seen in the table summary, price goes up when you go from classic, to hybrid to volume.

This is not an isolated case.

Every single salon I’ve collected data from followed this pattern.

Volume lashes is the most advanced technique of the 3 and requires additional training and practice.

3- Experience Level of the Lash Artist

I remember when I started my career, I took free clients for several months to build my skills and confidence.

Then I charged discounted rates.

And then I finally charged full prices.

So, many salons built their cost structure based on this principle.

You get a discount if you choose a novice stylist vs an expert one.

I find it fair for clients.

You can’t expect to pay full price when the stylist is just starting out.

Worth Every Penny for Perfect Lashes!

I really enjoyed doing this research, even if it took me several days to complete and write this post!

It allowed me to validate the pricing of my own salons, which was within the one standard deviation rule for all categories. 😇

If you’re getting your lashes done, I think this rule is a great starting point to see if you’re paying a fair price.

I hope this was helpful.

Please let me know in the comments below how your salon compares to my results!

— Asako