Licensed vs Certified Lash Artist: What's the Difference?

Within the beauty and lash industry, two terms often come up: "licensed" and "certified." But what do these really mean? And why is it crucial to understand the difference, whether you're an aspiring lash artist or a guest seeking to find a lash artist? Let's dive in! 

As the lash industry continues to grow, it's become increasingly important to distinguish between these two qualifications. Both play significant roles in ensuring quality service and guest safety, but they have distinct meanings and implications for lash artists and their guests.

What Does It Mean to Be a Licensed Lash Artist?

Licensing in the beauty industry is a formal, government-regulated process that grants professionals legal permission to practice their craft. Obtaining a Cosmetology or Esthetician license is the most popular way to receive a license that allows you to practice lash artistry. 

Key aspects of licensing:

1. Requirements: Obtaining a license typically involves completing a state-approved cosmetology, esthetician, or lash specific program, which can range from 300 to 1,600 hours of training, depending on the state. Make sure to check with your state’s department of professional licensing to ensure all requirements are being met to practice lashes legally. 
2. Time and financial investment: Licensing programs can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to complete and cost several thousand dollars.
3. Legal standing: A license provides legal protection for both the artist and the guest. It ensures that the artist has met the minimum standards set by the state for safe practices and has completed the requirements by passing a licensing exam. 
4. Scope: Licensing often covers a broad range of beauty services, not just lash extensions. Such as hair coloring, hair cutting, nails, waxing, facials, etc.

What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Lash Artist?

Certification in the lash industry is a specialized form of training focused specifically on lash extension techniques, processes, and safety.

Key aspects of certification:

1. Process: Certification is usually obtained through private training programs created by lash brands or individual lash artists and educators. 
2. Focus: These programs concentrate solely on lash-related skills and knowledge.
3. Time and financial investment: Certification courses can often be completed in a matter of days or weeks and are generally less expensive than full licensing programs.
4. Legal standing: While valuable for skill development, certification alone may not meet legal requirements to practice in some states.
5. Continuing education: Certifications allow lash artists to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques that might not be covered in standard licensing programs. Certifications are a great way to take your licensing lash knowledge one step further. 

Key Differences Between Licensed and Certified Lash Artists

Legal Requirements –

• Licensed Lash Artist: Mandatory in most states 
• Certified Lash Artist: Often optional, but highly recommended  

Scope of training – 

• Licensed Lash Artist: Broad beauty industry knowledge that is specific to the cosmetology or esthetician license obtained
• Certified Lash Artist: Focused on lash-specific techniques 

Time investment –

• Licensed Lash Artist: Months to years depending on state requirements
• Certified Lash Artist: Days to weeks depending on the lash course

Cost – 

• Licensed Lash Artist: Generally higher because you enroll in a long-term cosmetology, esthetician, or lash program. 
• Certified Lash Artist: Usually lower as certification courses tend to be one to multiple days long.

Government regulation – 

• Licensed Lash Artist: State/country regulated
• Certified Lash Artist: Not typically government-regulated

Renewal requirements – 

• Licensed Lash Artist: Yearly licensing fees 
• Certified Lash Artist: Varies by the certification program, but usually, nothing is required.  

It's important to note that being licensed doesn't automatically make someone a skilled lash artist, and being certified doesn't necessarily mean someone isn't legally allowed to practice. Many professionals choose to be both licensed and certified to ensure they have the legal standing and the specialized skills needed to excel in the lash industry.

Why Both Matter for Guests

For guests, both licensing and certification matter because they ensure that the lash artist has received the proper training and education to provide safe and effective services. A licensed lash artist is trained in sanitation and safety protocols, which is essential for protecting guests from infections, irritations, or other issues. Certifications, allow lash artists to refine their craft, stay updated with new techniques, and ultimately offer higher-quality services and artistry. Here are some things to keep in mind on why both are important: 

• Safety: Proper training, whether through licensing or certification, is crucial for guest safety. Lash extensions involve working close to the eyes and using adhesives, requiring a thorough understanding of hygiene and proper application techniques.

• Professionalism: Having both a license and certifications demonstrates a commitment to the craft and ongoing professional and technical development in themselves as the artist as well as the beauty industry.

• Skill level: While a license ensures a basic level of competency across beauty services, lash-specific certifications can indicate a higher level of expertise in lash artistry.

• Legal protection: In areas where licensing is required, choosing a licensed lash artist ensures that you're receiving services from a legally recognized professional who knows the proper sanitation and safety protocols required in said state.  

Get the Lash Trainings and Certifications You Need

At Borboleta, we understand the importance of both licensing and certification in the lash industry. That's why we offer comprehensive lash courses designed to complement your existing license or build your skills as a certified lash artist! We will be here for you no matter where you are on your lash journey. 

Our courses here at Borboleta provide the knowledge and hands-on experience to set yourself up for success. From basic application techniques like Classic Lashes, to advanced styling and lashing methods with Volume Lashes or Pro Artistry, our courses are crafted to meet the needs of lash artists at every level.

Sign up for Borboleta's lash courses and join a community of like-minded, passionate, and skilled lash artists committed to providing the best possible experiences to their guests. We even have an Education App you can download to support you leading up to your certification course. 

Remember, education is key! Whether pursuing licensing, certification, or both, your commitment to learning and improving your new skill will set you apart in this ever-evolving industry! See you in class 😉