Gain Clients As A Lash Artist: Your First Impression

Are you wanting the secret sauce to gaining new lash clients? If you’re a new lash artist, you will find that first impressions are the most important moments to your business, rather than the services themselves.

Professional first impressions are typically categorized in two ways: online and physical first impressions that form a full opinion, which can either supercharge your business or damage your reputation.These opinions shape client relationships and separate the successful lash studios from the posers.

Keep reading to learn how you can be one of the winners by making good first impressions that flourish into beautiful client relationships that help you find success as a lash artist and ultimately gain more clients.

How Important Are First Impressions For Lash Artists?

First impressions are make-or-break moments that can create or ruin the chance of a lasting client relationship. According to Psychology Today, prospective clients only take 7 seconds to form their first impression of you and your business.

Good first impressions can boost a new lash studio, helping to grow your client base. However, bad first impressions have the potential to destroy your business before it even really starts. That’s why you should always put your best foot forward.

 

What Counts As A First Impression?

For a lash studio, the first impression starts at the first point of contact, meaning the first time a prospective client sees your business, whether that’s on or offline. In most cases, it’s online. So, if you don’t have a healthy online presence (meaning a website or social platforms), you’re missing out on a lot of opportunities.

Building Good Online First Impressions For Your Lash Studio

In the digital age, first impressions start as early as the search engine. In fact, that's where 97% of people go to find services and products. And, to show up on the search engines, you need a website.

Here’s how you can use your website to make a good first impression online:

• Make sure your website design is easy to navigate and aesthetically pleasing.

• Build a contact page with your business address, phone number, email, and social media links.

• Curate a robust portfolio of before-and-after photos to showcase your lashing skills and client results.

• Create content that fits your brand. For example, a blog or newsletter to demonstrate your expertise and highlight promotions.

• Use SEO and other digital marketing tactics to attract your ideal clientele to your website.

The other way your clients will find you online is through social media. Take these tips to maintain a healthy online persona on your social platforms.

• Keep your personal life away from your business by having separate personal and professional online personas.

• Consistently produce industry-relevant content that promotes, educates, or entertains your ideal clientele.

• Maintain your brand’s persona in content and audience engagement.

Making A Great First Impression With Your Lash Studio

Even if a prospective client has already formed an opinion through their online research, their first time in your lash studio is when they’ll form a real first impression. Every moment counts, so take these tips to make the most of them. This is when personal hygiene comes into play.

Personal Hygiene and Grooming:

Person hygiene and grooming are other essential factors in dressing for success. After all, you are in the industry of making people feel their best–you should reflect that.

• Oral Hygiene: You’ll be talking to clients every day. It’s important to brush twice a day, floss, and keep breath mints handy.

• Body Hygiene: This includes showering regularly, washing your hands, and wearing deodorant. You’ll be working closely with clients, so you want to ensure your body hygiene is top-notch.

• Self-care routine: As a professional in the beauty industry, you know all the tips and tricks of the trade. Practice what you preach, bestie.

Maintaining good hygiene shows respect for your clients and your profession. It shows you take your role seriously, which will enhance your professional image.

Hair and makeup:

• You want to have a look that clients want to emulate. Wearing a messy bun or ponytail won’t portray a professional image. Clean and well-styled hair emulates the look clients are after.

• Makeup for work should be fresh and polished. While you may love a trendy glitter lip, that doesn’t necessarily scream professionalism.

• As a lash artist, you consistently use your hands so keep your nails clean and well-manicured.

Create A Clean And Inviting Lash Room Aesthetic

When your lash clients first walk into the salon, they should feel comfortable. Create a clean and inviting salon aesthetic for your clients.

If you have a waiting area, you can set a relaxing tone with some relaxing scents and ambient music. Also, ensure your lash room is clean and that your tools are organized and ready to use. Your salon aesthetic is the most fun part of your business. Let this truly show off your personality and allow clients to get to know you.

Advice on how to get started:

• Comfortable Seating: Plush chairs and lounges provide a sense of luxury and comfort while clients wait or receive treatments.

• Aromatherapy: Subtle, pleasant scents from essential oils or candles can help create a soothing atmosphere.

• Cleanliness: Regularly sanitize and maintain all surfaces, tools, and equipment to instill confidence in hygiene practices.

• Refreshments: Offering water, herbal tea, or light snacks can make clients feel pampered and welcome.

• Magazines or Entertainment: Providing an assortment of current magazines or soft background music can help clients unwind as they wait.

Pay attention to the details for your clients. This is often their time to relax and recharge for the day, so it’s best to enhance that experience for them. 

Dressing for Success As A Lash Artist

Dressing for success in the beauty industry is not just about looking good – it’s about asserting your expertise and professionalism. In a competitive field like ours, your style can speak volumes before you even say a word. Your wardrobe is a powerful tool that boosts your confidence and propels your career growth. You not only want to make a good impression on your clients but also boost your confidence and professionalism. Your appearance plays a significant role in how clients perceive you. Let's explore how you can harness this power to your advantage.

It's a given, but it's worth reiterating. Your clothes should be clean, neat, and stylish. You don’t need high-end labels to look put together, but your attire should reflect our industry's unique and creative nature. Dressing for success is the first step in building a good reputation and a strong professional image that is uniquely yours in the beauty industry.

Here are some tips:

• Dress for practicality: Don’t wear anything that will get in the way of your job. If you know you’ll be on your feet all day, choose shoes that won’t make you wish you had chosen an office job.

• Express Creativity: Trendy clothing is considered work-appropriate, but remember, you are at work, not at the club.

• Stay polished. Your clothing should be wrinkle-free and free of stains. A sloppy look can negatively impact your reputation.

Choosing clothing that makes you feel good but also confident and comfortable is important. When it comes to professional attire, it's best to opt for clothing that is well-fitted, clean, and in good condition. This will help you make a positive impression and feel your best throughout the day. You want to dress for a purpose. Pay attention to accessories and different hairstyles that will complete your look. Color coordination can have a powerful effect on how you are perceived. For example, it’s very common for beauty industry professionals to wear the color black as the psychology of the color black in the workplace signifies power and control. It’s often associated with luxury and elegance, which provide a feeling of formality. The color black never goes out of style and can be paired with any accessory; just make sure it’s not getting in the way while you’re lashing. Studying the psychology of colors in the workplace can better assist you in the type of reputation you want to uphold and attract the right clientele.

Bonus Tip: Repping your favorite lash brand swag is always in style

Maintain Lash Appointment Etiquette

Proper appointment etiquette involves punctuation, communication, and professionalism. Be on time for your lash clients; being late can disrupt you and your client’s schedule. If you are running late, let them know ahead of time. A little consideration goes a long way. As you build your lash business, your clients are the most important part. Building a healthy client relationship will be helpful to ensure there is a boundary between the client and lash artist.

Once the appointment is over, you still want to remain professional and reach out to your client, asking for feedback. Asking for your clients' feedback shows you value their opinions and care about satisfaction.

 

Get In-Depth During The Client Consultation

When you’re doing a consultation for a first-time lash client, it’s crucial to let them speak first about their needs, grooming routine, and other relevant information. Be sure to actively listen to them, asking questions about anything your client has left out. Get to know your client and see how your work can enhance their lifestyle.

Consultations include:

• Goals and expectations: Discuss what your clients want to achieve with their lash extensions, including volume, length, and style. This will help you recommend the best option for them.

• Client medical history: Ask about any allergies, medical conditions, or medications that could affect the lash application or cause irritation. This is crucial for the client’s safety.

• Previous experience: Ask about any past lash extensions the client may have had. Understanding their experiences (positive or negative) can guide your service.

• Duration and cost of the service: Inform the client about how long the appointment will take and detail the cost.

Provide Exceptional Lash Services & Results

Being skilled and providing high-grade lashing results is the most important part of being a successful last artist. But it’s not just about taking your time and being precise.

Invest in all the best tools and materials you need to give your clients the absolute best, and never stop mastering your lashing skills. Look to advice on lash artist essentials. More importantly, invest in yourself. Keep learning, practicing, and growing to continue providing the best possible results for your clientele.

Take Advantage Of The Post-Appointment Moments

Take advantage of the few moments after the appointment to create a lasting impression on your clients. Give your new lash clients aftercare education and tips to help them maintain their lashes.

When you’re giving suggestions, be knowledgeable but not a know-it-all. And don’t forget to suggest rebooking their next appointment to ensure their return business. You can encourage that by offering incentives like loyalty rewards.

Set Yourself Apart From The Competition

Clients value businesses that go the extra mile. It doesn’t have to be big. Even creating a basic aftercare checklist for new clients will help you stand out.

You can also sell aftercare or lash-related products convenience that your clients will adore you for. Or create a selfie wall for clients to use (while leveraging social media marketing for your lash studio).

Prioritise Customer Service

Customer service is almost as important to your success as a lash artist as your lashing skills. Even if you provide excellent results, bad customer service is a deal-breaker for clients.

Outside of the lash appointment, it’s a good idea to check up on your client and ask for feedback. To effectively gather their insights, consider reaching out shortly after their appointment, either through a personalized text message or an email. Start by expressing your genuine interest in their experience, and ask specific questions about the look, comfort, and longevity of the lashes. For instance, you might ask if they are satisfied with the volume and length or if they encountered any challenges during their daily routines.

Example text:

“Hi [Client's Name],

I hope this message finds you well! It was a pleasure to lash you the other day, and I just want to check in and see how you’re doing.

 

Hope you’re loving your new lash extensions! I wanted to check in and see how everything is looking and feeling. Your feedback is really important to me, so please let me know if there's anything you love or if you have any concerns.

 

Warms regards,

[your name]

[business name]”

 

Be Consistent With Your Lash Clients

While making a good first impression matters, it doesn’t end there. Taking notes on when your client's birthday is or jotting down personal facts like their favorite color and, of course, their lash map will help you create a better relationship with your clients. To maintain those opinions and form good client relationships, you have to follow that up by being consistent. Everything you do afterward has to measure up or exceed those expectations. So be sure that you’re always providing consistent results and customer service.

Closing Thoughts

Making good first impressions as a lash stylist may seem overwhelming at first. But it’s simply about putting your best foot forward and not just with your lashing skills. For your clientele, too.

That starts by maintaining a healthy online presence with your websites and social platforms and maintaining client expectations with a pristine lash studio, excellent service, and by making them feel valued.

At the end of it all, the two quintessential ways to find success as a lash artist are your lashing skills and how you make your clients feel. It’s that simple. Gaining lash clients will come easy.

Want to learn more? For a deeper dive into building the ultimate lash supply you need for your biz, head over to our blog on The Essential Lash Artist Supplies.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your setup, this guide covers the tools and products that will save you time, enhance your artistry, and elevate your lash game. From selecting the right adhesives to understanding which accessories can boost your efficiency, you’ll get actionable tips to streamline your workflow and deliver top-notch results.

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