The DOWNFALL of The Lash Tech Industry? The real problems

[@IsabellaLanter]

www.yourparade.com/LANTER50 Use Code "LANTER50' for 50% off sitewide (does not apply to 80% off sale)

[@fannybrown6745]

Could you do a deep dive video on custom dress designers and how some just are plain scammers?? I have recently been coming across some really shitty situation that I think would be worth talking about ❤

[@FullyBakedPotato]

Thanks for the Parade code Isabella! Ordered a bunch of stuff and I am excited to try something beside VS, so thank you ☺️

[@pagaporvista569]

woo hoo - I think I'll buy some of this for myself for my birthday!

[@yeotoki]

@@IsabellaLanter girl, your body is tea-your work at the gym is paying off for sure

[@ThestuffthatSaralikes]

I really hope this isn’t inappropriate but you are friggin insane. Like, your body is friggin’ perfect!! Your proportions are perfect- like a dress maker mannequin!!❤❤😊😊

[@palasiksivain]

the american tipping culture is a result of service work employees not being paid enough by their employers. when you own your own business, you don't have to worry about that, because you make out your own salary. expecting tips as a business owner means you're not understanding the reason for tipping in the first place.

[@cindy-tron]

Ooooh that last line tho! So accurate. Tipping culture is TRASH. It exists and is propagated by businesses that refuse to pay their employees a fair wage and literally move most their payroll costs onto the customer, LEGALLY. In the U.S., the legal federal min wage for tipped workers is $2.13/hr (HOW?!) and min $7.25 WITH tip (tips that often have to be SHARED with other staff). That is WILD because other U.S. companies actually BUDGET FOR payroll - including hourly employees (contractors etc). The problem is most definitely not customers who think it's too damn expensive to have tips automatically added or expected on already overly expensive services and products. The REAL problem is that U.S laws around labor are TRASH and these types businesses are milking that for all it's worth. Maybe the conversation shouldn't be "if you can't afford to tip, you shouldn't go out" but "if you can't afford to pay employees a fair living wage, don't open a business" instead. Pitting people against people is a distraction tactic. Service employees are out there fending for themselves - one night they get 2 bucks, another they get 100 because it's all up to the customer's whims. That's sick, to legally allow such inconsistency and disparity in total wages, especially when you consider what those employees are sometimes force to do to get the tips. Women, for example, are often forced to act and dress a certain way to entice their (male) customers to tip more, that *ain't* right. Europe has it figured out - I tipped there too because I wasn't 100% clear on the rules, their reactions blew me away - some dismissed it, others were confused, some seemed offended. Probably because they make a living wage and their govt actually took steps to protect them unlike in the U.S. Changes in labor laws in the U.S. are ignored over and over when they need to be front and center because too many elected reps put this priority at the very bottom of their list. You ever follow the news every time a bill about a new min wage gets brought to the floor for a vote? Ever look at who votes "NO" every time? Ever notice how the ones that vote "NO" come from states that have the poorest populations? Meanwhile, we keep on getting swept up in social media propaganda that constantly pits under-paid employees vs customers instead of harnessing that energy to target the mfs that continue to profit on our backs and the ones that won't lift a finger to stop it. Why can Europe figure this shit out but not the U.S.? We're not fighting the status quo hard enough, folks.

[@alc4ever24]

I waited tables for 15 years. It amazes me looking back on it, how cooks were paid a living wage, and are treated like Gods. Servers get treated very poorly, and the pay alone should raise red flags. I always made good money, but the treatment was crazy.

[@litlauretta]

When I was in esthetician school they often told us to never undersell our services but my god $250 for a full set is just atrocious, then expecting a tip after and getting mad at your client if they don’t tip much is just crazy. We’re literally in a recession, how is this ok 😭

[@laurielafreniere7062]

As a lash tech, only masters should price this way. That’s about 10 years of experience, and you have been a judge to competitions, and have won many competitions. But yea…250…that is a lot

[@cambowsher0613]

@@laurielafreniere7062they have competitions for lash extensions?! I never knew!!

[@Limitedonathios]

@@laurielafreniere7062 well it’s because the girls with 10yrs of experience will now charge $300 for basic classics. I remember when I was trying to be an MUA and was in a group/chat with other MUAs. They encouraged us to never charge below $125 for a natural beat, $150 for soft glam. I remember this girl posted that she couldn’t get clients, after posting and reposting the mods asked her to show her work so maybe we could critique. It was awful. Like terrible. Like if the lady hadn’t been posting for months it would be a sh*tpost and joke. They told her to do a couple of discount faces at $40-50 for friends and family to practice, but to never charge less than $125 still and to still book clients. There was a fight in the group bc how are you gonna charge anyone even $50 for that level of work? People got banned and blocked. I left like 4 months later when they told another terrible mua to still charge high prices. These are businesses, that operate under capitalism. They are all trying their best to extract money from clients and that is all. So shop around and be prudent. Most do not care about you beyond your wallet if we’re being serious.

[@holdmacat9932]

If they have full calendar of clients even with this price then don't hate on the game, hate on the players

[@realsodiumchloride]

In eastern europe a lux lash tech will charge you max 50€ for a set but the average is like 30€ for a classic set, US prices always shock me

[@Victoria-u6c1u]

On tipping: It's a well established rule that you don't tip the owner/proprietor. So if these techs are independent, they should absolutely be building in the value they need into the sticker price.

[@Livinia1]

I think it depends on the industry- no matter what I'd tip a hairstylist & if that hairstylist ran the business, I'd still tip.

[@chipahoy4668]

​@Livinia1 imo I think that's a personal choice. If you are self-employed, you usually always set your own prices. It's up to them as the owner to charge what's necessary for them to make a stable living. It's diff for a waiter that can't control their salary. Of course, u can do what u want it's just frustrating and sad when ppl feel pressured to.

[@Reverse_Cat_Cowgirl]

I don't understand why we are tipping hair dressers at all. I don't tip a landscaper, so why only certain service jobs we tip?

[@chipahoy4668]

@srose1088 tipping culture in America has gotten out of hand. Of course, we can thank the corporations for that, but with the rise of tiktok, I've also been seeing a lot of workers feeling more and more entitled to a tip. Some even do something to get back at the customer for not "tipping enough"

[@Air_Serpent]

It's insane. Especially when I'm expected to pay a lot after I paid so much already? In this economy? Heck no.

[@alexaareyy5177]

Hey lash artist here. I agree the prices have become insane. I’ve notice a huge inflation in nails, hair, lashes and tattoos. I don’t even get lashes done on my self anymore due to prices. I feel like people are trying so hard to make so much money off people. From the service to even renting your booth. A booth rental is the same price as my apartment rent. My motto has always been I want you to be able to come back every two weeks. I don’t want you to feel like should I get this done or can I afford this this month. I’ve been doing this for 8 years. I cant believe the jump that happened after Covid. Before Covid my private room rent in a salon was 500 now it’s 1200-1400 a month for a booth. I work with a girl last year who refused to do classics because that’s a cheap service… like girl not every one wants mega volume.

[@missionfoodfreedom6464]

@alexaareyy5177 this PMU artist I follow charged $200 for brows in 2020 and now it's $550!! Plus have to pay for touch ups in x amount of months. Every time she posts a price increase she says it reflects the cost of things and her skill and experience. Wish I could get a 200% raise too haha.

[@arnaecummings]

Likeeee why do I pay more for my booth than I do for my apartment ?!?! WHY?

[@Kyiecutie]

@@missionfoodfreedom6464$200 for brows?! Like, tint and wax?!

[@missionfoodfreedom6464]

@@Kyiecutie no, like tattooing!

[@Kyiecutie]

@@missionfoodfreedom6464 oh, thank god.

[@alostkoi]

Something similar happened with my mom. She used to go to this nail tech who charged $40 for a set (my country's money, not US), she didn't do what my mom wanted, sometimes refused to replace nails that were clearly bad, the woman worked in complete silence for an hour or two, my mom had to go to her salon. Three months ago, she found another nail tech that charges half the money, comes to our house (for an extra $5 for the taxi), and does a wonderful job, and she's quite the talker (which my mom enjoys, she's the kind that would talk to plants of needed). The other one lost not only my mom as a client, but also my aunt.

[@gilded_lady]

Not surprising. Lashes are so expensive and money is tight it's an easy thing to cut down on.

[@cantaloupekitty3439]

@@gilded_lady exactly I might just put on falsies and got get my roots done!

[@gilded_lady]

@@cantaloupekitty3439 It's wild these lash techs are charging more than I pay for cut and color!

[@Limitedonathios]

And the at home choices are much better than they were a decade ago in 2014. I was in school, but I remember my older sister and her friends wanting professional lashes, but our parents said no. Even though they had part time jobs. So your only options were strips or cluster lashes in limited styles. Now there are a million options for at home (lash curl and tint, upgraded falsie lash systems like lashify, or just better options like thinner bands, magnetic bands, etc and a lot of style options). It is much easier to cut down on this these days with the economy and you still look great

[@babyg7796]

Literally super easy! I want my nails done but I’m broke? Put on press ons or gel x at home or simple polish at home. I want my hair done? Do clip ins, or maybe even quick weaves at home & call it a day. You’d be surprised the amount or providers are getting mad at the amount of ppl who opt to do things at home

[@SKSK-qg1kn]

Tbh just buy cluster pieces and apply them at home, you get to redo them when you want, to apply it doesn’t take so long, its cheaper and you can change the style and length whenever u want, it looks just as good too, i made that switch and its the best decision i ever made

[@80sbrunnette]

There was girl I wanted to go to and get my lashes done. She had this long list of rules and one of them said “also, you cannot use my restroom “ like girl what if I got to go?😭

[@cambowsher0613]

Oh hell no that’s actually ridiculous… I’m gonna assume she had a bad situation before?? Idk but that’s still crazy I bet she loses a lot of potential customers bc of that…

[@anais1084]

I have interstitial cystitis and there’s no way I could go without being able to use the bathroom

[@minttjulep]

that’s illegal. state licensed cosmetologists and estheticians are LEGALLY required to provide a bathroom and it must be handicap accessible.

[@Prairiewench]

​@@anais1084interstitial cystitis is the worst!

[@vocexseta]

You know someone absolutely blew up her shitter to warrant that rule, but it's not very reasonable to have no bathroom available if you run a business people are meant to spend hours at.

[@SpicyAries666]

My best tattoo cost about $250 including tip. It took 3 hours to do and I’ll have it for the rest of my life. It is pretty wild when you think that people are spending/charging that much for temporary lashes 🥴

[@apercy]

I'm so glad I'm comfortable with minimal beauty enhancements. I save so much money doing everything myself. I only go to salons and techs for special occasions.

[@hyldrklein451]

Especially when you think that falsies and mascaras exist.

[@lydiamissy2811]

@@hyldrklein451 and at this point at home lash extensions exist too

[@madlie2452]

@@hyldrklein451Yeah, most of the time lash extensions don’t look remotely as good as the strip lashes.

[@j____397]

@@apercy Same. I never even had my nails done. Been doing them myself for the past 25 years and that’s literally since kindergarten.

[@Air_Serpent]

The absolutely bizarre logic of 'if the costumer spends more, the tip should be higher' ma'am I just lost half of my wallet, you expect me to give you the other half? get outta here 😭😭 I'll forgive industry employees because they need it. But the ones that are their own bosses? They DO have enough, they just want more. Absolutely entitled.

[@wooogie672]

when i was getting my nails done, i did tip my nail tech like an extra $15-$20 even though she’s independent (in a studio though); she’s really good, very polite, and also charges CHEAP (in today’s economy)-$65 for a fill and $75 for extensions; has never added on any extra charges either even when the designs were intricate and i spent hours at her studio. the difference is-she never EXPECTED *any* tips, but i still wanted to express my gratitude and she was always so grateful for even an extra $15. the fact that these lash/nail techs are charging $100s as a BASELINE… and STILL expecting a massive tip??? ABSOLUTELY not!

[@elizabethhiltsfilm]

I graduated from high school 5 years ago and even in my grade 12 year an insane amount of girls were starting lash businesses. Some of them were even in grade 10 like. There’s no way I’d trust a 15 year old to do my lashes

[@Likelyfairy]

There’s so many people I know irl doing it and all of them look so sketchy 😭 loll

[@yamomma8560]

@@Likelyfairysame here 😂 and it’s funny cuz it be those mean girls they either get into being entrepreneurs or nurses i SWEAR like i thought it was a joke until i saw the girl who bullied me in hs spread rumors saw a pic she’s go into nursing school

[@pagaporvista569]

Luckily where I'm from, high schoolers have educational options such as cosmotology or auto mechanics. I'd trust a 12th grader that takes cosmotology in HS over random person.

[@Sarah-kv3qs]

@@yamomma8560 I hope she has changed because now she has people's lives in her hands

[@Queenieb03]

@@yamomma8560nah that’s a fact 💯

[@alextaffy2799]

Crazy to set the price as high as you want, then expect a tip?? You're the boss!! You know exactly how much money you'll get!!

[@annacobb1140]

@alextaffy2799 lmao. I agree!!!! Im a person who will tip anywhere from 30%-50% for bad service...if im going to a salon owned by someone else i see it, but a self-employed person should do better fr

[@lanilynn1227]

THISSSSS. I am an artist and I set my commission prices at the exact price I want. I have received tips before BUT I quite literally never expect it to happen.... because I'm already setting myself up to be appropriately compensated.

[@shortaznchiq]

Permanent Makup artists are the same. I've seen artists charge anywhere from $650-1200 for eyebrows and their system probably will give you the option to tip. 🤮 I dont care how good you are, charging over $600 is greedy considering materials are not THAT expensive. If you are charging over 1K, that's another level of greed and delusion.

[@Makeuplooks-x8]

Yep ill have no shame not tipping

[@charlotterex5233]

@@shortaznchiq I’ve seen aesthetic injectors ask for tips on BOTOX. ma’am you’re a whole ass nurse i will not be tipping you

[@butterflybe2230]

Cluster lashes ended the lash industry. I used to pay $80 a week for fills. I decided one day to try clusters instead, spent $15 on the supplies and haven’t spent a dollar since. You can wash clusters and reuse them forever. Don’t let these lash techs scam you! There are so many cluster lash tutorials online, I learned from tiktok.

[@Steph-xf7bc]

I use the Kiss press on under the lash lashes!! Game changer!! And saying so much money!!

[@TehMomo_]

a week!?!??!

[@butterflybe2230]

@@TehMomo_ yes. I had horrible retention.

[@SKSK-qg1kn]

That’s sooo trueee, i did the same, clusters were heaven sent, literally the best and more affordable option

[@jennoland2107]

Went to lash clusters and never looked back, huge game changer!!! 🙌

[@Spicypoptart1]

Giiirl if only you knew what we go through with black hair stylists 😂😂 getting braids is a WILD ride!!

[@LoveK1]

It is a truly harrowing journey.

[@cambowsher0613]

I’ve been watching lots of videos on that lately (idk it’s just fascinating to me) and wow I really do feel for y’all 🫶🏽😭 that shit is ridiculous

[@itsniquenique45]

Lmaooooo it’s like the virus is spreading

[@christinac.5092]

@@Spicypoptart1 😱 now I’m interested in hearing about this. Really unfortunate you have to go through that treatment!

[@thebarbieinvestor5428]

I switched to mini twist. Hair is long and flourishing. I can’t even keep braid in anymore. I Not worth the stress!!

[@kaykat111]

you would NEVER see me without lashes for 6+ years, moved away from my og lash lady who charged $60 for lashes, no tier pricing, came with 3 lashes on and she'd charge me a fill while working fast and did as much as she could in the stated appointment time, no 2 week fill, 3 week fill, list of 10000 rules. i moved out of state and people wanted to charge a minimum 100+ for a 2 week fill and i had to read a ESSAY of rules and said the diy life is calling me... havent looked back since!

[@kacie.k]

@@kaykat111 any tips on DIY? I’m in a similar situation!

[@euphoria4502]

@@kacie.k she might be talking about lash clusters! I highly recommend they’re cheap and look pretty good!

[@kacie.k]

@@euphoria4502 thank you! I get extensions right now and would love to find a more cost effective option lol

[@euphoria4502]

@@kacie.kyou’re welcome!!! They’re so quick and easy and they don’t tug at your natural lashes like extensions do 🙏save that extra $200 a month fr

[@kacie.k]

@@euphoria4502 any brand you’d recommend or good videos to help learn how to DIY?

[@laur83]

never paid for lashes in my life and i’m not about to start 😂 mascara can definitely be enough ✨

[@TheOpy83]

Absolutely! My thoughts exactly.

[@jadesarchives]

@@laur83 mascara girly let’s gooo

[@talosheeg]

Exactly! I use the benefit magnet themed one and it works fine for me!

[@cambowsher0613]

Nooo I can never just have mascara I just do my own lashes with strips or Custers, I couldn’t bring myself to spend that much money on something I could get the same effect for myself

[@Likelyfairy]

Right! Some mascara ,a lil cluster and im set 😂, also who knows what all that glue and other chemicals will do to your health in the long run

[@Excitingnoise93]

Nothing and no one can convince me putting uv light and glue near your eyeballs is safe 🫣

[@raspberrysoda341]

These lash clients look like they have pink eye! Your eyes should not be bloodshot after lash extensions.

[@TehMomo_]

Looks like they didn't tape the eye well enough to protect the eye...and also using too much glue and thus too much fumes

[@Makeuplooks-x8]

Its because a lot of them dont tape your lids

[@3runes52]

Semi unregulated luxuries usually go out when money is down. With "veneer techs" tho, the only other alternatives is expensive so it seems like a "deal" worth spending on if u REALLY want it but can't bc of $$$$. Reminder.... veneer techs are actively committing felonies.

[@contemporarydncethot0382]

I remember going to a cheap waxing salon and paying 20$ for a Brazilian wax. The lady was an apprentice and unlicensed. She tore off a strip of skin. It was painful, bloody, and i still have a scar 😅 they didn't charge me, and I did go back. They called to apologize and they changed their policy on apprenticeships. But like, you can grt hurt doing something pretty lowstakes like a wax, let alone something with your EYES AND TEETH 😮😅😢

[@contemporarydncethot0382]

You only get one set of eyes and teeth 😮

[@LoveK1]

And all of those people are going to pay the money they THOUGHT they were saving.

[@moustik31]

Universal healthcare would help for sure!

[@mes7662]

Dental work is also a NECESSITY not a luxury(excluding cosmetic veneers)The sad thing is a lot of ppl having their teeth done only choose "techs" bc they have dental issues and can never afford to have them fixed so the price is at least a possibility and then they get even more dental damage!(they cover damaged teeth)I hate this..basing this scam on ppls insecurities. I have teeth problems from health issues and medications that damaged them more I have been working on them for 4 YEARS and I have no clue how much I have even spent at this point. I'm also not wealthy so it's a struggle but I have lost 1/3 of my real teeth already and don't have a choice. Not everyone can find a way to manage the cost. It breaks my heart that this is the system we have where I live.

[@carolitoffana]

As a non-american, the whole tipping thing is absolutely wild to me, last time I was in NY the self serving coffee shop had a jar for tips...like, why? I did the service, should I take a dollar for me??? what is up with that?????

[@stephanietambwe7512]

That’s crazy 😂!!

[@kookoo9800]

Yeah that’s wild but also if you ever see a tip jar in America just know it’s optional and most ppl don’t use it so if you choose not to it’s very much okay (this is JAR specific tho 😅)

[@carolitoffana]

@@kookoo9800 there was also a QR code 😂 (but I did left the change in the jar because I felt judged 😂😂😂😂)

[@manic_girl]

“This Barbie doesn’t shut up” and we don’t want her to!

[@kokushiibou]

bc she gives such girls’ girl energy and it hypes me up and makes me feel comfy at the same time

[@manic_girl]

@@kokushiibou no fr it feels like she’s giving advice to a friend she’s trying to look out for 🥰

[@yamomma8560]

RIGHT lol she seems like such a girls girls fr and gives off sweet and cute but don’t mess with her either i love it

[@TheOpy83]

This lash situation is wiiiiild! 😂 About the prices: if women started boycotting these lash techs and saying "nope! Not paying 200 $ for lashes", I bet the prices would go down very quickly.

[@su_baby88]

This is the boycott but they wanna double down and call lash clusters dusty when most of them used to used clusters and charge people $60+ . F them

[@Athena_208]

Agree with you.

[@mommaconsbowlcut8496]

They already are in my area! I been seeing $80 full sets and bring a friend free deals left and right 😂

[@chealsead7386]

I don't understand how lash extensions ever became a thing. I've never seen a set that looked better than just applying falsies. It takes a minute. I'm not paying any amount of money to save a minute of my day.

[@TheOpy83]

@@chealsead7386 I don't know either. I don't think I have ever seen in real life lash extensions that look good/natural. It's just not worth the cost, IMO.

[@PixieMermaid-fz9rt]

23:02 Talent does not mean you should be a business owner 💯 This is often seen in the restaurant industry where there are very talented chefs and bakers that have no idea how to manage a business properly. So they open their business and within a couple years they're closing up because they're not savvy business owners.

[@P1X1EHAZE]

The beauty industry in general is overrated at this point. Everything from hair to makeup to nails whether in store or a professional it’s getting out of hand.

[@anthropomorphicpeanut6160]

Yup. I managed to escape the beauty industry and I don't plan on ever going back

[@saram6679]

@@anthropomorphicpeanut6160natural looks better anyway. Super long nails and lashes look cheap anyway. I prefer natural strip lashes

[@wooogie672]

yupppp… the only times i engage w the beauty industry is to buy makeup, black box dye every so often, and skincare (although it’s not helping since i pick my skin horribly :/). i did get my nails professionally done twice a few months ago, but i stopped because i’m afraid of getting an acrylate allergy (my mom prob has one already) i’ve shaved my eyebrows since 2019, so i don’t ever need to get them waxed; i’ve been cutting my hair since 2020 and coloring it myself since 2021, so no hairstylists for me. i also know how to put on falsies well so i’ve never needed to see a lash tech (also just think they look pretty bad…) to conclude-if i can do it myself, i WILL do it myself 🤣

[@moultingrook8091]

These at-home techs make me think of “my brother’s cousin who has a tattoo gun,” but instead paying him $300 instead of in beer you know? Just because he’s a great artist and has a tattoo gun doesn’t mean he should be giving tattoos.

[@moultingrook8091]

@olenchka my tattoo ignorance is showing! Thank you for the correction ^^ that does make sense as it’s not shooting anything haha

[@acidpoptartxx]

The tattoo i have that gets the most compliments is the one a friend did in my living room for free after buying a tattoo gun off amazon 😂

[@melissareed3101]

I got my first tattoo in 10th grade from a random dude who owned a machine and put out an ad on Craigslist for people he could practice tattooing on 💀 I got a shitty scary clown tattoo for free lol. The shit my friends and I did in the late 00s/early 2010s...idk how we never ended up kidnapped or dead in a ditch

[@cindy-tron]

@olenchka I know *you* think this detail is really important but it's only important to you. Sorry tattoo artists hate it (not sure why it matters so much? It's not an offensive word) but most people would like to speak the way they want and not get hounded for using the "wrong" term. I don't really care if tattoo artists hate it - sure, if I ever go to one and they correct me, fine, I won't use that term in their presence to be respectful. But really, it's not that deep. Correcting once is enough, no need to get aggro about it.

[@MsBlackIntrovert]

@olenchka the add on about how tattoo artist hate the term was not needed in the correction. It was unnecessary information. Just correct the mistake.

[@GanyuMain_]

Agree on the DIY lash sets that KISS, Ardell etc. that have been selling lately. They’re so easy to apply and look so nice. The reason why I couldn’t use regular strip lashes bc my eyelid doesn’t have enough space. These single clusters placed under the lashes is so much easier and you won’t have to worry about a visible lash band. I don’t even wear lashes every day so a $30 set lasts me 2-3 months!

[@wooogie672]

ehhhh… i wouldn’t ever recommend applying any type of false lashes (strip or clusters) UNDER your lash line. people have gotten allergies from overusing lash glue for falsies when they were placed above the lashes. the reason why falsies should always be ABOVE is because there’s less of a chance of the glue getting in your eye and causing detrimental effects on the health of your eyes. ik it looks better and more natural when it’s under, but please… your eye health is worth more than your temporary aesthetic appearance…

[@prboi1985]

Yea because that's healthy..girl wash your damn lashes

[@MonsterRat1000]

tipping culture absolutely sucks. tips in service industries are because employers/ building owners take a large chunk of the employee's check, meaning that the tips end up having to balance out the person's wage. if you're a lash tech working out of your own home (meaning you don't have to pay a studio to work there, you don't have to pay rent for a building on top of your rent for where you live, etc.) then you don't get to charge exorbitant amounts of money (for work that more often than not SUCKS) and then get mad that you're not getting a tip.

[@hideandseek72]

Now there’s a rise in “know your worth” culture which isn’t bad BUT a lot of people overestimate their worth/talent.

[@Anna-dd4rh]

Not some of these lash rules being more complicated than my medical procedure prep 😂 more seriously, I super appreciate your nuanced take on this issue! You hit on a lot of great points without tearing down people just trying to make a living and provide a good service. I don’t get any professional beauty services except haircuts. In the past few years, I’ve been going to a specialized salon for people with curly/coily hair. They (rightfully!) charge a pretty penny for their expertise. The last time I booked with them, I picked someone with a lower (but still not cheap) price and hella availability. Turns out she had graduated from cosmetology school like the day before and had no idea what to do with my hair, but she went ahead with the cut anyway. Terrible experience; I left heartbroken and wrote a scathing (if honest) review. A few days later, I got a call from the salon offering to book me FOR FREE with one of their co-owners for that same week. That stylist was phenomenal and had an honest but positive discussion with me about my experience. Because of that one interaction, I’m not just willing, but *excited* to go back to that salon and that talented stylist. It really is as much about the experience as the end result for me. I could just have my partner shave my head in their bathroom again, but I’d much rather have that luxury experience and know I’ll have a good outcome! (Long-winded story over lol)

[@bugaboo_daisy9000]

I dont tip people who set their own prices. Tipping exists to supplement below minimum wage labor, and has been socially extended to other forms of service-oriented wage labor. My waitress can legally make $5 an hour, and I wouldnt know unless I asked. All these other self-employed service jobs retain the right to change their prices whenever and however they want. I am not tipping because obfuscating the true cost of your service that YOU set the prices for gets you a bigger paycheck.

[@keke1tube]

I don’t tip because tip culture is out of control ++ anyone who requires a digital deposit and then requires to pay the remainder in cash is not reporting their income accurately for taxes. That’s your tip

[@SydMercado]

Wait i've never thought about that!

[@the_mirabela]

💯 and that’s the tea 🍵

[@prboi1985]

You don't tip.. shocker

[@arhea51]

clock it

[@victoriamckenziegray5417]

You’re right about the DIY. I do my own polygel nails that last me a month and my own extensions that last me two weeks. I saved a ton of money by doing it myself and I love watching a tv show and pampering myself.

[@teodora5377]

@@victoriamckenziegray5417 Same, i tought myself to do gel nails when Covid was happening (was bored at home) watching alot of vids of licenced pros here on Yt, and lemme tell u, now my nails look much better than for example my coworkers, who pays for them (the architecture of my nails is more correct). She even offered to pay me for the service lol. Refused tho, because its not worth my free time (i got a decent job already) and its a time for me to just shut off the noise, put on some podcast and be unbothered while im painting lol. If you had ANY manual work talent , its so unnecessary to pay for your average nail tech (basic nail streghtening and color), u can do that yourself.

[@ashleyelizabeth9332]

As a lash artist and licensed esthetician in utah that has been doing makeup and esthetics since I was 12, it makes me so sad that the industry is so oversaturated to the point where I have to basically quit. Lashes and lash supplies are really expensive when you’re using 6 different curls, diameters and colors and doing pretty artistically complex sets. Having your own business is a 24/7 job and no matter how hard you work, it doesn’t matter because too many people do it. Sooooo many clients come to me with destroyed lashes because most of these techs don’t care and the clients don’t know the difference between healthy extension application vs not healthy. I just genuinely don’t have the energy in me anymore to keep going after putting my entire soul into my business and artistry. A lot of the times now it’s just about who’s social media has the most traction, not how much education or experience you have.

[@shortaznchiq]

Yes the only people making the big bucks are the one selling the dream. After buying supplies and the state of the economy, you will be lucky to pay your studio rent. Never trust someone who says you will make 6 figures in this industry or permanent makeup for that matter. It's absolute BS and downright criminal.

[@vuhnessuhh]

I was in the same boat. Already disheartened a year in with the cost of running the business properly, and boat loads of girls coming in for "outside" fills where their entire lashline was glued together from the techs charging wayyy under standard pricing. Quiting was easy when we were forced to shut down with COVID

[@Cityboss704]

@@ashleyelizabeth9332 I feel the exact same way. You’re not alone.

[@ominouscherub]

A lot of people are expecting to make not just profit but an overwhelming amount as soon as they start their business. In the beginning you definitely have to eat more costs than you will once your business is more successful and efficient. I feel like business go in already expecting to make bag of their clientele that they barely have to begin with.

[@CierraRoberts]

Something I learned recently, certification does not equal licensure!! There is a professional difference to protect the safety of individuals. While a certification can be helpful and add to general knowledge, it typically does not make you a professional in any field.

[@polley015761]

😭 as a black woman i have seen such a BIG shift in the black hair industry! I am truly traumatized and will not go to anyone that is not a cosmetologist in a salon

[@lauravampire1276]

I’ll never forget the first time I got my lashes done- the chick demanded a tip and I told her I didn’t have enough and she was so rude. But I was young and vulnerable and was able to get her a few dollars a little after. I didn’t owe her shit, honestly

[@KatelynMariee]

I’m a registered nurse and make $32/hr. I used to get my lashes done every 2 weeks for about 2 years. The prices of lashes, hair nails, tattoos etc is insane now. Then they expect a tip on top. Their prices average over $100/hr. Tipping used to be for wait staff who are making $3/hr. I have zero problem tipping when out to eat but these beauty services..I still tip 20% but it’s like dang, they make their own prices and should factor their tip/ cost of materials into their cost.

[@kelseymahoney3673]

the first girl i went to for lashes absolutely showed up and showed out on me. she did a classic full set in under 2 hours and they were PERFECT. unfortunately she was getting ready to move states. i switched to another girl there and had a slightly less happy outcome. so i looked around. when i tell you every other place i’ve gone has taken 4 hours to do my lashes (“you just have so many!”) and my eyes are always red and burning by the end. finally went back to the original salon and tried with that same girl one more time. she’s been perfect since, she was still very new my first time. all that to say, i found an awesome lash stylist who does a full classic set for 135 and she makes it a LUXURY experience

[@dal_x4844]

@@kelseymahoney3673 lash artist here. The under 2 hours is probably not lashing all of your lashes. Which is fine if that’s what you like! But I also lash all of the persons lashes because they’re paying me to do a full set of lashes so I always take 3 hours for my sets. People that take less than 2 are only lashing some. Lash extensions are tedious and take time :)

[@kelseymahoney3673]

@@dal_x4844 they are!!! but they ARE fuller with the girl i go to AND they last longer. i don’t know what magic’s in her fingers but the other businesses i’ve gone to just don’t compare 😭

[@sl2222]

Yes! The same hairdresser who charged my sister over £300 for highlights/trim/blow dry complimented my hair colour. He was horrified when I told him it was from a £5 box 😂😂😂

[@enlighteningstar]

The fact that some of these lash techs are proudly posting results while their clients still have red, irritated eyes. My eyes are watering up just looking at their eyes, it feels like looking into the sun. I mean I thought about getting my lashes done a few times but one it's way too expensive and two I've heard so many horror stories and I don't want to risk also possibly losing my lashes as well risk if you go to someone who's not well trained , getting it done too often that it hurts the growth of your natural lashes, or if your natural lashes aren't healthy enough. Plus the other health risks of chemical burn, reactions to the glue, the tech lash lady is cutting corners and being unsanitary or the lash is not being applied properly. Also that one lady that was training people in Miami has to be really careful about suggesting prices that people should charge, because it could be considered price-fixing, which is illegal in the US (especially if it's specifically for people in the same area). I learned that when I was planning on owning a daycare and took classes on the business aspect. If two providers in the same neighborhood or town both agree to charge the same price, that can be considered price fixing. However if someone does their own research (without talking to another provider specifically about the price) and knows someone is charging a certain amount and decides to either charge that same amount because that seems like a fair or average rate (or lower or higher) that's different. It's been a while, but if I remember correctly from my understanding, legally (even though it may seem ethically wrong to some) competition can theoretically even lie and call the owner of a similar business pretending that they're a prospective client trying to comparison shop, but if the other party knows they have a similar business and they are both agreeing to set similar prices then that's when it becomes a problem.

[@angelwings6186]

Speaking from experience, I have what's called a "freckle" in one of my eyes. If it grows, it's melanoma (yeah like skin cancer) and they will REMOVE it. UV light is one of the causes of skin cancer...melanomas. your eyes are unique and precious, please don't do this.

[@Sasha-mb3rv]

first of all I live in Europe where tipping isn't mandatory but I understand that in the US jobs like waiters for example depend on it but... when you run your own business, isn't tipping irrelevant since you charge your own prices ? I don't get why they're complaining about that

[@kuzia98]

if you own your business, tipping is irrrelevant....but these people are very greedy, that's why they expect a tip on top of their overinflated prices.

[@TheMadsVolta]

@@Sasha-mb3rv tipping isn’t necessarily mandatory in the US either, it’s highly looked down upon if you don’t tip waiters or most service workers but I don’t feel like this expectation should apply to the business owner like you said.

[@ttfells2020]

While I'm preparing for my cosmetology license, I'm also writing my business plan, which includes a service list. I'm adding my tip into the service price. Like most service industries, I'm including a 15% - 18% tip based on time of service. ✨️

[@arenitascott7644]

Lash tech in Kansas City here 👋🏽 I have tried both clusters and extensions. I will advocate for lash clusters IF the are applied and taken care of correctly. Clusters can be EXTREMELY damaging if they are poorly applied and not taken care of or carefully removed. They are a great alternative for someone who can’t afford lashes and don’t want to go back every 2-3week for fills. HOWEVER, lash extensions (if going to an educated artist) are truly amazing. They are an investment but they offer customization that lash clusters can not match! extensions can correct the appearance of hooded eyes, droopy eyes, elongate, lift, and open the eyes. And the WEIGHT and thickness and look can be 100% customized to each and every individual lash you have. There is something for everyone in the industry but I think the pressure from clusters is finally weeding out the girls who simply are lashing for the money and don’t care about client safety or satisfaction 💯

[@Bubbles-qh7ez]

@@arenitascott7644 lash extensions are just as damaging. It’s hard to find a lash tech that doesn’t mess up your actual lashes.

[@ayianamonique]

as a soon to be *LICENSED* nail tech in atl, these policies alone are so ridiculous. people have no people skills or hospitality and then try to run businesses. it makes everyone look bad 🙄

[@Momy2T]

I own my own cleaning business. I have over 15 years experience & provide all products & supplies. My price ranges $185-250 per cleaning depending on frequency & level of cleaning needed. That doesn’t include mileage & taxes. I do give discounts to seniors & military. It’s hard work! I don’t feel my prices are unreasonable. I never expect to be tipped. I charge my regular rate to ensure I can pay my bills & a tip is a bonus.

[@melissad4056]

I used to get my nails done every 2 weeks at a salon until I found out about KISS. Never went back. I had to buy cuticle oil, buff block, etc so the startup cost was a bit high, but after that I pay like $10 and my nails last for 2-3 weeks vs. $50-100 for a set at a salon.

[@jadesarchives]

I love kiss

[@rifuwosmith3750]

​@@jadesarchivesdo they last ? Are they strong?

[@lovelyyuliaa]

More like 2$ every 2 weeks with glue on nails.

[@jadesarchives]

@@rifuwosmith3750 they last for days and it did not fall off i followed the instructions very carefully though

[@melissad4056]

@@rifuwosmith3750 they do, but you have to prep your nails first. definitely look up how to guides before starting

[@sunrise8752]

This is so accurate. I couldn’t agree more. I’m already paying an arm and a leg for my hair, nails, lashes etc. just to be disrespected and be treated like THEY’RE doing me a favor. And expect a 30% tip. I also am going more natural route and doing everything from home. Also I’m realizing, I don’t need all that to look good! Also this goes for restaurants, expensive brands, etc.

[@Yolk421]

As a nail tech; it’s really important knowing diseases and knowing how to disinfect properly. The amount of people that came to my school with fungus (knowing they had fungus and catch an attitude when we reject service) was outrageous! That put me off so bad that once I got my license I was like you know what I don’t want to deal with people, and not work as a nail tech.

[@meowkity1]

@@Yolk421 plus the amount of stuff people have living on the scalp I would never do peoples hair. It’s all really gross. Iv never done a pedicure because I’m not going somewhere where everyone’s feet has been

[@LibraTingz]

UV eyelashes is literally insane!!! You can sell these girls anything and it's very alarming. I'll stick to my real lashes or use strips if I want some razzle-dazzle.

[@nullusanxietas2379]

So people are finally going to retire muppet lashes? Thank god...

[@meghanferrari6501]

There needs to be a bring back professionalism back in the cosmetology field overall. The things i have experienced and seen are just mindblowing. If you want to get paid very well then you need to bring your A game from start to finish. Your whole interactions, pricing, communication and service you provide!

[@RizzNeptune]

As a lash tech that’s been going strong for 5 years now, I think people need to be realistic with pricing and learn true customer service skills. Tips aren’t expected but always appreciated- but no one is entitled to that. Also, if something happens where the client is not completely satisfied with the job then it’s the techs job to urgently fix the problem. Customers deserve the same respect service providers want. Idk I don’t think it’s a dying field- but you gotta change your business to match the times so it stays afloat. The lack of care is not widespread in the field. There’s a lot of talented artist out there and I believe they will always be successful in their own ways! I’m very grateful for my clients and all the new people I’ve met along the way. ❤

[@cassellen2416]

It’s all about the connection you make with clients and the experience you provide!! Customer services seems to have gone out the window recently. Lash extensions are very tedious and take years to perfect. Ongoing education for extra training on top of schooling you’ve already had will contribute to your pricing. Esthetics school barely taught me anything - it’s mostly about infection control. You need to take courses to be successful in the industry. It is a luxury service. Especially if you’re looking for specialty styles like anime lashes, eyeliner, etc. I think there’s a clientele that will pay $300 for a set and clientele that won’t. It all depends on your demographic.

[@neffyg35]

Thank you for talking about the tipping. You set your prices, you should factor in a "tip" into your pricing

[@alicetoyou448]

I hate going to the hairdresser. I used to only feel that way about the dentist, but now it’s the same - high costs, always backhand compliment or demean you (implying your hair is so messed up but only they can fix it), make you feel awkward, add a bunch of fees. Since the panini, I started doing my own hair trims and gel nails. I get compliments, and my hair has never been healthier. My nail ladies were great, but it’s too expensive. I can buy a giant pack of gems on Amazon for $5 vs $5 per gem at the salon. Anything you want to do, you can find the supplies you need online and watch videos to learn how. The prices are just too high, and they’re so high and mighty (hairdressers). Like no thank you.

[@loveangel999]

THANK YOU FOR TALKING ABOUT UNLICENSED TECHS, besides it being so dangerous to let anyone without proper safety near your eyes, and as you’ve said most of the time they charge as much or more than a licensed tech leading to a lot of these negative experiences thinking you’ve booked a reputable tech, and such a slap in the face to many lash techs who spent time and money trying to be ethical and safe and better the standards and stigma around getting lashes

[@NunyaNomi]

I’m doing an at home lash lift and tint today! The salon charged me $80 for a tint and lift and it didn’t last long enough to be worth it.

[@Hannahbb.]

You look so good! I've been busy with school and life so I haven't been able to watch you recently, and girl! You look really good and happy! You're glowing ❤

[@saram6679]

I stopped getting lash extensions over a year ago and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I am now wearing really really natural lashes and started to do lashlifts and growing my lashes to just wear mascara once my lashes are healed. My lashes are super damaged from it and still haven’t fully recovered after almost 2 years of no extensions! Looking back at pictures, I looked SO ugly and cheap with the lash extensions. My stylist just kept making them fuller and fuller and not advising me honestly that I looked like shit. Lash extensions don’t look good at all! Only the one by one in my opinion.

[@saram6679]

Also, you will lose the first lash after leaving the salon and it will only keep falling, so you’re paying $200 for a week or so😂

[@A.HoneyBear277]

Omg, I’m so glad I’m not the only one that did this and feels this way! I hate looking at my old photos. My natural look is much more classy and clean and I love my face. I don’t like what lash extensions do people think they can’t live without them. Some women won’t even leave their house with them done.

[@pugetsound1272]

Yes, what you said is so true. Lash extensions do damage your lashes and lash roots. It took me a solid 18 months before my natural lashes grew back to their natural fullness. I will never have lash extensions again.

[@JuanRamirez-xw3gc]

The amount of women going into the beauty industry after hs is astonishing. The over saturation.

[@MrsGarcia2021]

I live in a suburb of the Phoenix, Arizona metro area and I used to go get my lashes done with a lash artist (who’s also a licensed esthetician ) in Scottsdale, which is the Beverly Hills of Arizona for those of you who aren’t familiar. Now, I will admit, my girl was EXPENSIVE. One, due to the area she was located, and two, because she was just that good. Her full sets start at $300 as of recently and fills were around $180. But, I will say, she was well worth it. She was the only artist that could get my lashes to last over 3 weeks so I only had to see her on average once a month. I never had issues with my lash health and from the two years I went to her, there was only one incident where my lashes fell off within 24 hours and she quickly made it right that’s how ethical she is. Unfortunately, I had to stop seeing her because getting lashes became too expensive to do in this stupid ass economic. But I miss them so much and I miss her, too, she’s such an incredible human being. I don’t regret giving her my business and as soon as I can afford it again you best believe I will go back! Lashes aren’t for everyone and I agree that it is definitely a luxury service. If you can afford it, definitely do your research. Make sure the artist is at minimum a licensed esthetician in your state, and check out their work as extensively as you can. And expect to pay a higher price for quality work. This is still your lash health and you don’t want to jeopardize it either!

[@shawneeGoes]

ITS JUST TOO MUCH DAMN MONEY and too much damn time. I don’t have multiple hours a week to dedicate to beauty procedures. I just can’t fathom having full sets of nails, lashes, getting brows done, Botox and filler like damn bro I’d need an additional full time income to pay for all that. I guess I’m just broke lol.

[@misslucky22]

My brow girl only charges me 20 bucks thank god shes not expensive and I only do my nails once a month and its only 40 bucks.

[@JenBelogura]

Our nails aren't regulated anymore, I studdied the provincial sanitation guild. I have clients who come to me because I'm crazy at cleaning my tools

[@laurielafreniere7062]

As a lash tech, my material per sets/refills comes to be around 10-30$. Ofc if you do volume, that’s more lashes and you run out of the tray faster, so higher. Other than that, usually i am within the 15-20$ range. Everything in CAD.

[@stephaniebillman5673]

"Entrepreneurship is not for everyone" 🙌🙌 And thats okay ❤ I am an artist but having my own small business? Yeah, nope, not for me. I'm not good at marketing and selling anything, especially not myself. And some other people are not cut out for it in different ways 😮‍💨

[@Ryanneey]

I mention this quite often, but I work in formal education and accreditation. There's a reason it takes us three years to design a program. We ensure adherence to governing bodies, laws, insurance, and health and safety regulations. It takes our students a considerable amount of time to work through the program in order to receive a legitimate credential that holds value. Obviously, this isn't the only way to become qualified. Another valuable way is via mentorship, becoming a journey person, job shadowing, practicing using pay scales, etc. However, this approach is supposed to take more time than formal training (that's why formal training exists: pay a premium to fast-track). I don't see many techs actually doing this. They take a 1-day, 2-week, or 3-month course and think they're trained. Realistically, it should be year's before they are taking on fully paying clients. Anywho, what was a frigging novel. Yesh!

[@Defdefdef216]

You should do the mail industry as well. I got a pedicure and was charged $60. I gave her $75. The worse part was that my nail person was entry level. I called the nail tech owner and had to break up with her. Between nails and pedicure it was $300 every 3 weeks. That’s insane.

[@SydMercado]

Yesss! A couple years ago I stopped getting my nails done bc I was spending $70+ on acrylics or dip that broke within a week and rarely turned out the way I'd asked! It always felt so rushed and I tended to leave unhappy

[@CountryRoad2006]

I had a panic attack last time I went. I had the powder nails done. I was 9 months pregnant and wanted them completely redone for the birth pictures. The tech kept adding more and more volume so that they looked even. He would do one, walk away, shape, go to the next one, shape, go back to the first one and add more volume, walk away, etc. My nails were so heavy! The tech said that they were going to have to be really thick. The previous ones weren’t. I started crying! I wanted a clean look and the technician wasn’t listening! He was talking to customers coming in and kept getting up to do something else. The nail salon charges $75 for the full set w/out the tip. For that much I had expected more professional attention. I paid them the $15 they suggested for the effort. I had only one hand with “effort” on( after a hour.) I ordered the dissolver from Amazon on the way home. I never got the time to get my nails done for the pictures.😢

[@alijoc]

yeah…my nails are about £50 each time and we don’t really do tipping in the UK so the surcharge is usually to compensate for no tipping. US prices for these kinds of services are insane ngl

[@gle..]

Dumb customers are just letting these people charge them out the ass for these treatments as well. I've seen people justify $500 haircuts and say "they are a business owner, they have to pay for their own health insurance" like... I'm not giving charity. I'm paying for a haircut...they don't need to pass their health insurance cost onto EVERY client

[@Meocross]

The hairstylist prices piss me off so much, a premade wig is cheaper than this nonsense.

[@math20-22]

It’s not just that prices have gone up, quality has gone down. My favourite was a lash lift and tint from a specific lash tech, she was amazing. She moved and everywhere was charging much higher. So I bit the bullet, found a reputable looking salon and booked a lash life & tint, paid $90 and noticed right away they weren’t as curled, then the rest of the curl fell out in 2 days. Tried another girl for a set of classics, half the lashes fell out in 3 days. I’ve never had that happen before. So I’m going to try doing my lashes at home, tired of wasting money.

[@chevypaige2445]

I got my lashes done on vacation Tijuana and they lasted for six weeks and looked perfect the whole time. Whenever I get them done in the US through several different states( travel for work.) my lashes are already falling off after one day. After that awesome six week retention I gave up on going to lashes because no one else was able to do it as good.

[@Renfu-E]

I hate hate hate America's tipping culture call me stingy but when you go out to eat on a occasion you're automatically expected to top or that mean you're rude? my family usually spend a lot on events like birthdays and more but that doesn't we're rich we just really know how to celebrate and plus I feel like the workers forget that the person they're serving could be another minimum wage worker and you could just have a little to enjoy yourself sure I'm sure they understand where the person serving is coming from and might tip and of course if the person have the money they should tip and help out but just because we're eating here does not mean it's automatic tip

[@asum7213]

Then tell your politicians to make the minimum wage livable.

[@lazarusundfrodrick]

Waiters make around two something an hour if they're in a place that does tips, usually they are expected to make up the majority of their paycheck with tips. It's one of those things where like, I get just wanting to go out, but the waiters also gotta eat and tipping is the solution until we get this hourly wage raised.

[@Renfu-E]

@@lazarusundfrodrick I'm not saying they shouldn't get tips or blaming them. tthe restaurant thingy was more if an example but it's really not the only place but then again that's how they make money still though it's hard to understand people when they are rude to you just for not giving tips like it is an requirement even though they don't know what you're going through, my parent gave me 20 dollar one time I ordered pizza with it and when the delivery came I got cursed and yelled out for not giving a tip since the order even up being 19&20 something I can't really remember

[@Renfu-E]

@@asum7213 how old / who do you think I am buddy

[@taylerrhae]

I’ve been in the beauty industry for 8 years, and unfortunately I think a lot of the people who are operating the businesses who don’t seem qualified could very well be licensed. There’s definitely some unlicensed individuals out there, but there’s also tons of people who get a license but don’t get the extra education necessary to specialize in something like lashes, which they do not teach in most cosmetology or aesthetics licensing courses. Even the lash techs who are talented at their craft may not necessarily be the best business owners, but there’s become very few opportunities available to work as an employee and still make decent income. A lot of these places (even local) take advantage of their staff, so they’re forced to work independently if they want to make a good amount of money. And now the salon suite business has started booming and they’re charging significantly more than they ever have to again take advantage of this wave of beauty pros trying to make it work in this industry. There’s definitely some shady beauty pros out there, but that’s any industry. While I definitely believe in holding people accountable and the state boards need to do better at cracking down on unlicensed individuals, there also needs to be way more protections in place to protect those in this industry from being taken advantage of by business owners, both w-2 and suite rental.

[@Cityboss704]

Thank you for that breakdown

[@shelbyandblush]

I performed lash extensions after I graduated beauty school in 2011. I had a client who must have had severe OCD because if she lost more than 5 lashes, she would come in for a fill and drop cash like it was air. She emphasized that she needed to always look "perfect." It was wild.

[@valentinewhite9298]

GIRL you have the same hips as me and a similar body type and i have never felt more confident cause you look STUNNING in those i have got to get one

[@Witchmee]

I remember when getting my nails done only costed me 15 to 20 dollars....

[@pryorb987]

@@Witchmee good times. 🥲

[@Iamso4u]

I feel the lack of luxury for luxury prices. I used to think getting a pedicure was a pleasure, but it gotten expensive and no bottle of water, no hot towel, no customer service. I’ll just do it at home. I will say not every cosmetic providers are this way. My microbladed eyebrows were such a professional experience. I will continue to return because of the professionalism.

[@babysquatch]

Seriously! It’s like $40 for a basic pedi at my local spot and that’s without callus removal, which is an extra $10. Oh, you want gel too? Extra $15. It’s insane! I took my happy ass to Amazon and bought the callus gel and cheese grater for $20 total 😆

[@RayNDLE]

Its crazy how some want to charge in less than an hour what most people have to work 1 to 2 days to earn.

[@jenniferchristopherson]

I’m able to get a good 4 to 5 days wear out of my Kiss DIY lash extension system at home . I buy them off of Amazon or I just get them at Walmart or Target! I just make sure that I clean the lashes every night to keep everything sanitary! I have saved thousands just over the three years I’ve been using them at home! I am a licensed aesthetician and I approve this message. 😂❤

[@elleroya1268]

Thank you for normalising at home beauty treatments. I feel like as women we are expected to pay so much money just to maintain our “beauty”!! Also, how tf is it $150 for lashes in the US?! In England it’s £40-60 for a fresh set and around £30-40 for infills

[@kuzia98]

How is it 150 you ask? because of greed, that's the only reason.

[@SereneQueen11]

Techs and stylists have sucked out the joy of getting hair and lashes done. The rules alone really put me off. Learning to do my own nails, hair and sticking to falsies saves my money, time and peace. I can’t relate to tipping, it’s not a big thing here but still appreciated

[@abbygardner90]

i got my lashes done once for my wedding and i couldn’t imagine paying for them again. i loved them for my big day but beyond that i’m fine with mascara 🤣 and i got sick of paying for acrylics so i started to do my own gel nails at home. not only has that allowed me to keep my nails healthy and grow them out as a previous life-long nail biter, but it’s a fun little hobby for me as well

[@Xjudissnjx-el3ix]

Same, I got them done for my wedding. And literally half fell out one week later because I have naturally pretty long lashes and she put way too long ones on me 😂 So it was only added stress because I had to do another app to correct all of that

[@rachelhatchet]

When I went to cosmetology school I was told that bc I had absolutely no idea what I was doing going in, that I was the ideal student. They said it was bc all I had to do was learn, but those with previous experience had a lot to unlearn and that it was easier to learn than to unlearn, especially when it comes to things like that, that are heavily regulated and require a license.

[@Nikki-pz6pp]

This is wild to me because in 2017-2018 I was getting extensions (they ruined my eyes) and they were 150 the first time and like 50 for a refill every few months.

[@carolinaelichalt7913]

Whew I have so much to say I'm gonna try to summerize. I'm a lash tech (only do lifts on lashes, I have other treatements on brows and i'm a cosmetologist/aesthetician anddd a makeup artist) and I'm not on the US I live in a country in south america and HONESTLY the whole reason I never ever did lash extensions and only do lash lifts its because I've been saying this was gonna happen sooner or later to lash techs abroad. Some are the reasons you mention and then theres others that weren't in the video. 1) The rise of natural beauty is much more prevalent vs. 10 years ago where you wouldn't do a makeup glam without falsies. Same reason half of the influencers and youtubers have been disolving their lip fillers, not retouching that much in photos, microblading services are lower, etc. It's a trend thats going through every industry that encompases beauty. 2) Health wise I absolutely agree with the girl on the video who says half of these 'lash techs' don't know what an allergy looks like, what a thricologist is and when it's needed, have no idea about anatomy, etc. Additionally, and this is an opinion, the fact that you are wearing some external body glued to you is also much more uncomfortable to wear and to clean and its not positive for eye health on the long run, a lot of cases of build up because clients won't stop doing their eye makeup even if you advise them against it. 3) Lash lifts have a longer "wear" since you only need to come in once a month and a half, cost less and look more natural (and for now that is IN). Although, honestly the pricing on this video made me cringe, we do NOT charge that much in other places of the world and still use korean products for example, it specially makes no sense it costs the same as lash extensions if you do not have the qualifications to be able to know when not to perform them because of health issues like hormones, chemo, other reasons. 4) Tipping culture in general is crazy in north america like what??????? I've literally never felt so uncomfortable as when I went to boston and a server gave us 3 options to tip the cheapest one being 15.... for 4 burgers while staring and didn't leave the table until we did. GREAT video, if you are a good lash tech you shouldn't be offended and should always keep up with the new information, expand your services and STUDY to do them properly and safely if the ones you are currently offering are going out of style.

[@IsabellaLanter]

omg thank you for this comment!! Yes this video is in nooo way about anyone who's doing it right. If someone's doing it wrong they can learn or maybe people can know out of sheer curiosity! ALL industries have bad apples including mine! Just a video to bring awareness to a current conversation!

[@Mazarinerokia]

commenting for the first time ! I really enjoy your videos from Congo (Africa) 💕

[@sb1206]

Tips should be for people who are employed by others. For example, a massage therapist at Massage Envy or a nail tech at a salon. If you have your own suite or work out of your home, IDK why I'm expected to tip you.

[@miamayamaria]

imo tipping is only a thing if the workers wages are being cheated. like if you were paid a livable wage i should not be expected to tip? corporate, pay your workers so i dont have to fund their pay

[@Malrie]

Used to get my lashes done every few weeks. It was also such a waste of time and money! I started doing pretty much all my own beauty services & I'm sooo obsessed

[@sioframay]

The UV lash glue is literally UV resin. You shouldn't put it near your eye and it's very very easy to become allergic to it.

[@rachiedempfit]

As someone who got lashes for about 7-8 years straight, I stopped because they just kept going up in price. When I started it was around $100-130 for a full set and I paid $40-$50 for a fill every 2 weeks. Which was doable. But now they’re up to $70-100 for a fill and that is not doable for majority of people. The pricing has pushed out majority of consumers which has caused the trend of lashes to decrease. (Not to mention the time of driving there & laying there for 1-2 hours.) Personally, I get my hair done, nails done, and lashes were the only thing I was willing to cut because they were expensive & look like shit after a week and make it where I can’t do any extravagant eyeshadow. Since stopping I’ve tried all kinds of the diy ones that are supposed to last 3-7 days. I finally found a brand that works, it’s Lilac brand. I also as a photographer, HATE tip culture for sole proprietors. No one should feel entitled to a tip when they’re literally setting their own prices. I’m so thankful for tips but I never expect or even do that bs with the “would you like to tip today” on the screen.

[@rachiedempfit]

To add to how complicated some beauty providers make their rules…I was going to go to this amazing (very expensive) nail tech but she refuses foreign fills & also won’t even remove your current nails…not even for a fee. Which would’ve made it where I had to go to someone else to have nails removed just go to her and try out her service for the first time. Safe to say, due to the absurd barrier to entry I didn’t and still haven’t gone to her.

[@laylor4360]

You made the right decisions, the prices are atrocious I never understood it.

[@rachiedempfit]

@@laylor4360 agreed, seems like they got greedy with the lash boom / high demand

[@belajadevotchka2]

What do you mean "as a photographer"? Is there something special about photographers that tipping offends you especially?

[@Xjudissnjx-el3ix]

​@belajadevotchka2 no, it's just in a way similar service

[@chipahoy4668]

Off topic, but girl, did you hear about what the owner of Ma corsetiere's (the wedding dress scandal) sister said about her? The allegations r crazy

[@canesugar911]

Spill the tea

[@xoMissTaylorDivine]

The UV light has already been linked to cancer from getting nails done. Near the eyes? Hell no!

[@antisocialsocialite5046]

I heard that study was flawed they had a way stronger light and on for a crazy amount of time way more than you'd ever be exposed to during a nail season

[@meredithszymanski4720]

I think the look of lash extensions are also going out of trend. If a more natural look is in people aren’t going to want to pay that insane amount for something barely noticeable.

[@DzrtClaws]

Former lash tech here with some maybe helpful info: So I used to get my lashes done in 2015 for about $150 for a 2.5 hour appointment (SLC, UT). Fills were $90 for me. I did very full sets knowing the risks. $200 is truly a fair price AS LONG AS the tech is installing individual lashes and the length of the appointment warrants the price. Experience also matters -slow, new techs shouldn’t be charging you as much as a seasoned pro. Their lack of experience doesn’t mean they get to charge an arm and a leg for long appointments. Lash extensions, as well as certain hair extension processes, are labor heavy processes that can be ergonomically taxing. You have to consider booth rent (sometimes) or travel, supplies, and hourly pay for an independent tech who doesn’t have benefits that a corporation would usually be covering such as health and dental insurance. Again though, if the tech sucks, they have no business to be working let alone charging you money for shit service. As somebody who learned lashes in cosmetology in 2012 when it was the Wild West and unregulated, we still learned some basic info on safety and sanitation that I don’t see modern techs following. I personally believe that CLUSTERS of lashes should never be permanently applied to individual lashes. A lot of techs do this because it takes less time. It should be 1 extension, 1 single hair p/eyelash. Not a cluster of 3 p/eyelash. This can cause uncomfortable crowding. Full sets done in a full, fluffy style should not be done regularly as the crowding of extensions can irritate the eyelash follicles and cause soreness. Also, a tightly packed lash line leaves you with a bacteria-friendly environment that can cause infection. Patch tests should be performed on first time clients to make sure your client isn’t allergic. Thyroid medication can cause odd reactions, amongst other things. It’s also imperative that you educate your client on proper cleaning of lashes to make sure they know that even extensions require maintenance. You don’t want to get an eye infection!!! And you don’t want to do a full set on somebody who’s a side sleeper, charge them $200 only for them all to get messed up after they go to bed. Or if they use the wrong makeup remover. It’s your job as a tech to educate your client on the risks and maintenance. They are about to spend a pretty penny on you, and they deserve ONLY the safest, most sanitary, comfortable experience you can provide. You should always also use the SAFEST, highest quality materials to ensure they get their money’s worth. It’s awful to see so many women get taken advantage of. I see this with hair extensions, too. Is their hair too thin? Did you ask if they get migraines? Do they have 5 kids and no time to get ready in the morning? They’re not candidates for waist length, heavy ass, high maintenance extensions. They probably don’t know any better. EDUCATE your client before you charge them thousands of dollars on something that may not be what they want to have, or something that will burden them. Offer alternatives to fit their lifestyle. Also - NO UV CURING GLUES NEAR THE EYES. Acrylate allergies are gonna be an epidemic if these nail/lash techs keep messing around with that stuff. Once you have an acrylate allergy, you are probably allergic to medical/dental grade adhesives, too. Don’t touch your skin with ANYTHING that needs to be cured with a light. If you do, wipe it off quick! Not a fun allergy to have 😢 I’m lucky I didn’t get it from getting gel all over my hands lol

[@CatHarding]

I personally cut out all beauty services in 2020 and never went back. I dye and cut my own hair, haven't gotten any tattoos (although i would do that over lashes or hair, i live tattoos), amd never understood the lash extensions. I just cannot afford it, and even if i could, i wouldnt get lashes done and have to pay $150 or more. It is not needed, no one cares that much, and these people need to realize that most of us are struggling to just buy groceries. These services are luxuries for most. I understand it is a service and they need to make money, it just seems like these techs are so out of touch

[@NicoletteShasky]

Dayumm girl you’ve been hiding those gains from us 🔥 your work in the gym has not gone unnoticed, you look amazing in that ad!

[@lillygirlphx]

Regarding hair extensions: I went to a salon that is *super* popular on Instagram for extensions. They didn’t discuss the price with me and I was so overwhelmed that I didn’t think to ask. It was $4000 and the salon still asked for a tip! Found myself someone else really quickly after that 😅

[@bropoke6799]

I think part of the problem is also that these lash techs are incredibly entitled for pricing their services this way. People can tell when they're being taken advantage of. I've seen a lot of lash techs I've seen online, complaining that no one will book an appt when their pricing makes no sense, or complaining that the tip they got was small. We're in a recession and they're surprised people aren't ok with their blatant greed Also to compare this to the tattoo industry, yes the prices have gone up but it's not nearly as bad as a lot of the other service industries. And the pricing for trustworthy tattoo artists is usually genuinely just what they need to live and what their art is worth. I've got 3 tattoos, all very clearly at different skill levels (they're all good but I wanna get one reworked a bit) and the price differences make sense. Tbh my best tattoo was far cheaper than it should've been, but I gave my artist a massive tip because he did a great job, I think I tipped like 50%

[@ashleyelizabeth9332]

I’ve always charged on the low end for everything because a lot of my clients are young adults or moms and I wanted to make sure it was accessible. I give free mini fills for any excess fallout, and let people bring their kids because I have registered therapy animals here at home. It doesn’t matter how much you accommodate or how passionate you are, a lot of people here just go to who they know personally or who is the cheapest and everyone and their dog does lashes here. Not to mention the experience I’ve had with other lash techs has never really been the best. The lash tech community here is so competitive, catty, and money hungry. I wish I could have friends that are lash techs but none of them have been that kind or mutually supportive to me. I’m heartbroken I have to stop, but I do feel that working with animals instead will be the best thing for my mental health.