Thinking about getting eyelash extensions applied but not sure how much to budget for them? There’s a lot of information out there on the topic of lashes and it can get pretty confusing, so we’ve narrowed it down for you in this quick, simple guide so you know what to expect when you make your appointment. We’ll also tell you exactly why they’re priced the way they are so you can be on the lookout for the best quality lash extensions at the best price possible (and avoid dodgy deals).
What price to expect
So to give you a base to start, you should be expecting to pay around $80-$150 for your first set of eyelash extensions, all depending on where you get them done. This would just be your classic set, no bells and whistles, nothing fancy (but still looks awesome). For a set that’s more voluminous and dramatic, the price will increase and can generally be anywhere from $150-$500 depending on what you want done – the sky’s the limit!
Infills, which will need to be done every 6-8 weeks after this, will be around $40-$110 for a classic set, again, depending on where you get them done.
Wondering why these ranges are so vast? There are so many factors that go into the pricing of lash extensions, here are the main ones:
Skill and experience level of your lash technician
A lash technician who’s just starting out and getting some practice in will not (or should not) charge the full amount to their customers. This is simply because they’re not skilled enough yet to attach as many individual lashes in a session as a more experienced technician would. Generally, beginners will charge up to 50% less than full price and slowly increase their price once they’ve gained enough experience. If you’re happy to give a newbie a go, you might be able to grab a great lash set for a cheaper price!
Demographics
The location in which you get your lash extensions applied is a huge factor. If you live in an area that has low rent, low course fees, low advertising costs, and generally lower living costs all round, then you’re most likely going to pay less for lash extensions than someone in a more expensive suburb, such as those that are closer to large cities. If you don’t mind the travel, pick a salon that’s a bit further away and you might be able to shave a few dollars off the price of your new set of lashes for your trouble.
Eyelash extension material
Synthetic materials will generally be cheaper than natural or faux-natural lash extensions. Although there are some excellent imitations available, natural extensions will always look the most fluffy and feathery. Synthetic lashes have the tendency to look quite fake and shiny, like plastic. Shop around for the best lash extension material you can find that fits your budget and looks great.
Always be sure to ask your lash technician exactly where they purchase their lashes from. Make sure it’s a reputable seller because you’ll definitely be paying a premium for quality so you need to know that the product is worth your money. Better quality lashes will cost more, but they’ll also look better and last longer which will save you money in the long-run.
Beauty salon or solo technician?
This is a bit of a tricky one because it can vary widely. Some individual technicians may be cheaper, but you need to make sure they’re not cutting any corners to give you that low price – especially when it comes to hygiene. Using a lash technician that works as part of a beauty salon or lash bar will give you a bit more peace of mind that their standards are more regulated and monitored, so it might be worth paying a little extra to get them done there.
On the flip side, some lash bars and beauty salons may charge less as they’re part of a bigger network and may be able to purchase lash sets in bulk for a better price. When it comes to deciding whether to go with a solo technician or one who’s part of a bigger company, be sure to focus on their hygiene standards as this should always be the deciding factor.
Extra costs you may not have known about
Wondering if there are any hidden costs you should know about before your appointment? Well, we’re glad you asked! The main hidden cost is when a client rocks up to their appointment with makeup still on their eyes and lashes. For a technician to apply your lashes properly, you need to be completely makeup-free. Otherwise, they may have to charge you a small cleaning fee for the time it took them to get rid of your makeup so they can start applying your extensions. Luckily, this is an easy one to avoid!
Another tip is to watch out for the not-so-festive price increases around the holiday season. Generally, customers are more willing to dish out a bit of extra dough around holidays like Christmas and Easter so it’s a good time for a beauty salon to raise their prices a little. If you can hold off till the holiday rush is over you’ll be able to avoid this surcharge.
And lastly, aftercare! It’s a good idea to buy an aftercare kit after your first lash session, which will cost around $30 and contain clean spoolies, oil-free cleansers, sealant and a bunch of other products to extend the life of your lashes (and your money!). You might also want to invest in a satin pillowcase to stop your lashes getting squashed and bent out of shape in your sleep.
Conclusion
Looking for luscious lashes but a bit scared of their elusive pricing? Have no fear, if you’ve read through our pricing guide above you should now know exactly how much you need to budget for your next pair of lashes or infills. You should also know exactly why they’re priced this way and how to grab an amazing bargain if you’re willing to shop around a bit.
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