Online Lash Training: The Pros and Cons

In today’s beauty world, online lash training has become an appealing alternative to traditional in-person courses. Promising flexibility and accessibility, online courses draw in both beginners and working artists. But before you choose virtual training, it’s worth carefully weighing the pros and cons, especially if you’re after your first certified qualification. Let’s break down what’s ahead on this path.

The pros of online lash training

Flexibility and convenience: one of the biggest advantages of online lash training is being able to learn whenever and wherever suits you. You set your own schedule, which is especially valuable if you’re busy or juggling study with work.

Affordability: online lash courses usually cost less than in-person ones. You don’t have to spend on travel, lodging (if the course is in another city), and other costs. You can sometimes even find free online lash training (but remember that free courses can be incomplete or inaccurate).

Your own pace: online training lets you absorb the material at your own rhythm. You can go back to tricky parts and rewatch videos as many times as you need until it fully clicks.

A wide choice of courses: there are many different online lash courses online from various schools and artists. That lets you pick a program that best fits your needs and skill level. You can even find specialized online training, for example in LED lashing.

The chance to get a certificate: many online lash courses offer a certificate on completion. A certificate can help you prove your expertise in the job market, for instance when applying to a salon. (Keep in mind, though, that in the US a course certificate is not the same as a state license; most states require a cosmetology or esthetics license to work on paying clients, so check your state board’s rules.)

Extra materials: online platforms often give access to useful resources like checklists, guides, templates, and webinar recordings that stay available after the course ends.

The cons of online lash training

No hands-on practice with an instructor: this is probably the biggest downside. Early on, it’s crucial to have an experienced instructor watch your technique, point out mistakes, and help you fix them right as you work. Online training can’t provide that, so for beginners we strongly recommend taking your foundation course in person.

Feedback is harder to get: while many online courses include feedback, it may not be as fast or detailed as in person. Plus, lashing is generally hard to assess from a photo or video.

You need self-discipline: online training demands good self-organization and motivation. Without a clear schedule and instructor oversight, it’s easy to put off lessons and lose momentum.

Little peer interaction: the online format can limit connection and experience-sharing with other students, which matters when you’re learning.

Course quality is hard to judge: when choosing an online lash course, it’s hard to know in advance how good the information and the instructor really are.

Finding practice models yourself: practice is everything in learning to lash. With online training, you’ll have to find your own models to practice on.

How to choose an online lash school and trainer

You type “online lash course” into a search engine and drown in the number of options… How do you pick one you won’t regret spending time and money on? The main criterion to look at first is the course author’s level of expertise.

Study all the info about the instructors and the lash academy in detail: how long they’ve been in the market, what credentials they can show, whether they issue certificates on completion, how many students the academy has graduated, and what reviews those students left.

Definitely look at what’s included. Ideally the course should have not just theory but a hands-on master class from the author, plenty of video presentations, and student feedback. Make a shortlist of courses you like and do a small comparison, weighing exactly what each one offers.

How much does an online lash course cost?

You’ll be surprised, but the price range on online lash courses is huge. If you want, you can find a course that costs about two cups of coffee. Most often the price is directly proportional to the professionalism and fame of the instructors.

But that doesn’t always mean pricier is better. A solid online course can be mid-range or even a bit below the market average.

On top of that, many lash academies offer a choice of several courses or master classes for artists who want to level up a specific skill, like an “Online LED Lashing Course” or “How to Attract Clients,” and so on.

The bottom line: online lash training has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on what’s comfortable for you

Online lash training has undeniable advantages like flexibility, affordability, and a wide choice of courses. But it’s important to weigh the downsides too, especially the lack of real hands-on practice under an experienced instructor. If you’re looking for your first foundation training, we’d advise taking it in person. But for leveling up your skills or building business know-how like marketing your salon, online courses are a fantastic option.