Eyelash extensions are more expensive than other lash helpers like strip lashes and mascara for many reasons. I’ll explain the factors influencing lash extensions’ cost to help you decide if this is a procedure worth saving up for.

If you’re considering extensions but are surprised at the price tag, you might wonder what justifies it.

Let’s get down to it!

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Why Are Lash Extensions So Expensive?

When you simply look at the price of a full set of lashes, you might think “Wow that’s great money!”, or “This lash artist must make a fortune!”. But it’s when you start digging that you see just how much is left at the end of the day.

Here’s what’s behind eyelash extensions’ hefty price tag:

1. Expertise required
2. Time required
3. Insurance
4. Products and equipment
5. Overhead costs

1. Applying Eyelash Extensions Requires Expertise

It takes training and experience to apply eyelash extensions with flair. Not to mention a steady hand and non-stop focus!

Pro lash techs have perfected the art of extension application and styling through intensive training and practice. They can wield a tweezer with precision to create flawless results! They also know how to keep you and your lashes safe during your procedure.

2. Applying Eyelash Extensions is Time-Consuming

You can’t just slap some glue onto a set of extensions and pop them all onto your lash line in one go. Oh no! Applying extensions is a detailed, time-intensive job involving attaching single or multiple lash extension fibers onto individual natural lashes.

The lash tech isolates a natural lash with one hand. They use their other hand to grip the extension with tweezers, dip it into lash glue, and carefully attach it to the isolated natural lash. Then they repeat these steps up to 80 times per eye!

Because it’s such detailed work, applying a full set of extensions takes 90 minutes to double this time.

Think of extensions as the lash-enhancing equivalent of a cooked-from-scratch gourmet feast, whereas strip falsies are a pop-in-the-microwave ready-made meal. They take much longer to create but are so much more satisfying!

3. You Need Insurance

As a lash artist, getting properly insured is a must. If you think about it, we are working with people’s faces every day. Even the most experienced and careful lash artists can make a mistake sometimes. If something goes wrong, you want to make sure that you are covered.

Not only that, but you must also consider the damage that could occur to your equipment or business location from accidents or water for example.

4. Product and Equipement

The quality of the products and tools you use will have a direct impact on the final result and also on how long your lash extensions will last.

For example, I only use top-quality glue that has been thoroughly tested. This type of glue is more expensive, but it’s worth it because it causes less irritation or allergic reactions, and it bonds the lash extension to the natural lash perfectly.

You also have to consider the lash extensions themselves.

You see, lash stylists need to stock a variety of lash extension lengths, thicknesses, and curls to offer their clients a wide range of choices.

I remember when I first opened my salon, I invested 5k in lash extensions only to have a wide of options. I like to create custom looks for my clients, so I need to have a lot of lash options on hand.

5. Overhead Costs

When you own a business, there are always going to be overhead costs. These are the costs associated with running your business that is not directly related to the services you offer.

Some common overhead costs for business owners are:

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Insurance
• Taxes
• Utilities
• Marketing and advertising
• Office supplies
• Employee salary (if you have any)

As you can see, there are a lot of costs that go into running a business, even before you start providing services.

Lash Technique and Pricing

Extensions can create various effects, from elegant and natural-looking to attention-grabbing.

Special techniques create unique lash looks, and each technique requires a different skill level and application time. The more skill and time the technique demands, the more expensive the procedure.

These are the 3 most common techniques:

• Technique #1: Classic lashes. This is the cheapest technique because it’s the simplest, quickest, and uses the fewest extension fibers.
• Technique #2: Volume lashes. This technique costs the most because it’s the most complicated, time-intensive, and uses the most extension fibers.
• Technique #3: Hybrid lashes. This technique is priced between classic and volume lashes because it takes more time, skill, and extension fibers than classic but less than volume.

Must-know! The type of extension material also influences the procedure’s cost. So far, I’ve given prices for the most popular material, synthetic extensions. Natural extensions, like those made from mink fur, are much pricier. A full set of real mink extensions can cost a whopping $500.

Eyelash Extension Prices Vs Strip Lashes Prices

You can get 10 pairs of false strip lashes for about $15. So, why would you dish up so many more dollars for extensions?

How about we count the (very convincing!) reasons extensions give way better value for money?

Here are just 6 reasons extensions are worth every dollar:

• Reason #1: You wake up and go to sleep with gorgeous lashes for weeks.
• Reason #2: You dodge the damage to natural lashes from removing falsies at the end of the day.
• Reason #3: You’re saved the hassle of applying your falsies day after day.
• Reason #4: You get lashes personalized for your eyes and style.
• Reason #5: You can shower and swim with your extensions (after the first 4 hours).
• Reason #6: You rock luxe lashes made from material with a natural look and feel.

Check out more differences between extensions and falsies.

Eyelash Extension Prices Vs Magnetic Lashes Prices

Magnetic lashes use magnets to attach to your natural lashes, while eyelash extensions are glued to your natural lashes.

Therefore they have the advantage of being reusable, which means you will save money vs lash extensions in the long run.

I could make a long comparison between the two options, but I’ll keep that for another article. If we stick to prices, objectively speaking, magnetic lashes are definitely cheaper than lash extensions.

How to Protect Your Eyelash Investment

Once you’ve got your fancy lashes, take care of them so they look their fluttery best for longer, and you truly get your money’s worth!

Here are 7 aftercare essentials and pro tips and tricks for making your extensions last.

Want even more secrets to longer-lasting extensions? Get lash care inspiration from celebrity lash artist Mandy Jacobellis.