How Much Does It Cost to Start a Lash Studio?

With a budget as low as $15,000, you can start a small-scale mobile lash studio business; while you need about $150,000 to start a standard lash studio business.

However, the scope and type of lash studio business you want to start will determine the amount you will spend to get the lash studio business up and running. It is important to note that certain key factors can determine the amount it will cost you to start a lash studio business.

Lash Studio business caters to clients seeking to enhance the appearance of their lashes for aesthetic purposes. They offer a range of options for lash enhancements, including different lengths, thicknesses, and styles of eyelash extensions.

Interestingly, a lash studio business is a service-based business that can be operated from a single location or a client’s location (mobile lash studio).

Factors That Influence the Cost of Opening a Lash Studio

1. Licensing and Permits

Note that the costs associated with obtaining the necessary licenses and permits can vary from one city or state to another.

It is important to research the requirements specific to the location you intend to start your lash studio business. For example, the licenses, and permits needed to operate a lash studio business include:

Business licensing fees, cosmetology license, hazardous materials permit (for handling chemicals), music license (if playing copyrighted music), retail sales permit, professional corporation license, state board of cosmetology approval, and other related permits and licenses.

Note that in the United States, you should budget an estimate of $500 to $5,000 or more for all the needed licenses and permits.

2. The Cost of Purchasing Lash Studio Equipment and Supplies

You should have a budget to purchase equipment and supplies such as eyelash extension supplies (lashes, adhesive, remover), tweezers (straight and curved), eyelash extension adhesive holder, eyelash extension trays, lash primer,

Gel pads or under-eye patches, micro brushes, lash tape or medical tape, magnifying lamp or headset magnifier, air blower or mini fan, eyelash extension ring holder, eyelash brushes or combs,

Disposable mascara wands, eyelash extension cleanser, client record forms, salon chairs for waiting area, reception desk and computer system, and personal protective equipment (PPE) (gloves, masks, and disposable aprons).

From experience, you should have a budget estimate of $10,000 to $20,000 or more to purchase the needed lash studio equipment and supplies to get the business up and running.

3. The Location Where You Want to Start the Business

Different cities have different rental and leasing rates, and also different cities require different budgets to run a business even if the business is the same.

For instance, if you have plans to start your lash studio business in San Francisco, California, then you must be ready to spend far more than is required to start the same business in Raleigh, North Carolina.

This is so because San Francisco, California is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, and Raleigh, North Carolina is among the least expensive cities in the United States of America.

4. The Cost of Marketing and Advertising

Establishing a strong online presence, creating a website, developing marketing materials, and advertising your lash studio business and services offering will attract reasonable expenses.

In essence, you should have a budget that will take care of your business website design, online marketing campaigns, printed materials, and business cards.

Depending on how big you want to announce your presence in the market, you should have a budget estimate of $1,000 to $3,000 or more.

5. The Cost of Purchasing Insurance Policy Covers

To protect your business and clients, you will need insurance coverage like general liability insurance, health insurance, and professional liability insurance.

Note that the costs of purchasing insurance policy coverage for your lash studio business will depend on your location and the coverage options you choose. But generally, you should have a budget of between $1,000 and $3,000 per year for your insurance.

6. Staffing Cost

The only reason why you may not have staffing costs is if you choose to run the business alone. But, if you plan to hire Lash Technicians, Receptionists, Salon Managers, Marketing Coordinators, Customer Service Representatives, and Inventory Managers, then you should consider their salaries, benefits, and training costs.

Note that your staffing expenses will vary because it will depend on the number of staff members you want to hire, and of course, their qualifications. But generally, you should have a reasonable budget estimate that can cover this cost.

7. Operational Costs or Ongoing Expenses

There is no fixed amount you are expected to spend when it comes to operational cost. Note that your operation costs include ongoing expenses such as office supplies, utilities, transportation costs, and maintenance expenses for your equipment and tools.

We cannot categorically give an estimate of what you should budget for your operational costs because it will vary based on your business size and the volume of clients you handle.