Getting licensed feels like the finish line. It isn't — it's the starting gun.
Between your last exam and your first paying client, there's a stack of decisions most lash programs never walk you through. What supplies do you actually need? Do you need insurance? How do you legally set up shop? What should you charge before you've built a reputation?
Skip even one of these steps and it can cost you clients, money, or your license.
This is the exact checklist DFW Lash University walks every graduate through before they take their first booking. Work through it in order, and you'll launch on the same foundation our 1,000+ licensed alumni started with.
Step 1 — Confirm Your License & Legal Standing
Before anything else — supplies, branding, Instagram — confirm your paperwork is actually done.
- Texas Eyelash Extension Specialist License issued by TDLR. Requires 320 hours of instruction at a licensed school, passing written and practical exams, and a $50 application fee. You must be at least 17 to apply. You cannot legally charge for lash services without this license.
- Business registration — sole proprietor, LLC, or DBA. Most solo artists start as a sole proprietor or single-member LLC for liability protection.
- EIN — free through the IRS. Not legally required for a no-employee sole proprietorship, but highly recommended so you can open a dedicated business bank account.
- Local permits — check city zoning if renting a suite, or home-occupation rules if working from home. Some cities require a separate permit.
Step 2 — Get Insured Before You Get a Client
This step gets skipped constantly — and it's the one that can end a career fastest.
- General liability insurance — covers accidents in your workspace.
- Professional liability insurance — covers allergic reactions, eye-area injury claims, or damage from adhesive. Not optional for a service this close to the eye.
- Proof of insurance — most suite and salon leases require it before you can sign.
Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI) offers lash-artist policies starting at $96/year. Elite Beauty Society starts at $179/year, or $149/year on a two-year plan. Both bundle general and professional liability in a single policy.
Step 3 — Build Your Supply Kit
New artists tend to either buy everything the algorithm tells them to, or under-buy and run out mid-appointment. Here's what actually matters.
Core Lash Kit
- Lash trays — classic, hybrid, and volume in 2–3 curls and lengths you're confident in
- Medical-grade adhesive suited to your studio's humidity and temperature
- Isolation tweezers and volume tweezers
- Under-eye gel pads and micropore tape
- Primer, adhesive remover, and antibacterial cleanser
- Disposable mascara wands, lint-free wipes, and nitrile gloves
- Adjustable lash bed or reclining chair, ring light or LED lash lamp
Business Essentials
- Booking software — Vagaro, Fresha, or Square are common starting points
- Client intake and consent forms — critical for documenting allergies and liability
- Dedicated business bank account and a simple bookkeeping system
Step 4 — Price Your Services First
Pricing has to happen before marketing, not after. Post a guessed price and you'll either scare off clients or undercharge yourself into burnout.
- Cost per set — adhesive, lashes, tape, disposables used per appointment
- Time cost — your hourly rate × appointment length
- Overhead — rent, insurance, software divided across monthly appointments
- Local market rate — check comparable studios for classic, hybrid, and volume pricing
Step 5 — Choose Where You'll Work
Home studio, salon suite, or commission chair — each carries different startup costs, client-attraction dynamics, and compliance requirements. This decision shapes your insurance, permits, and monthly break-even, so make it deliberately.
Step 6 — Set Up Your Client-Facing Basics
- Google Business Profile — set up and verified, even before you have reviews
- Instagram or TikTok business account — post your work, your space, and your pricing
- Live booking link — tested, with cancellation and late policies stated upfront
- Consultation and consent process — every new client screened for allergies and prior reactions
Step 7 — Plan Your First 90 Days
You don't need a marketing budget — you need a plan. Warm outreach for model appointments, a referral incentive, and consistent posting will get most new artists to their first 10 paying clients faster than paid ads.
Quick-Reference Checklist
13 TasksFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to do lash extensions in Texas?
Yes. You need a TDLR Eyelash Extension Specialist License — 320 hours of training at a licensed school, passing written and practical exams, and a $50 application fee. You'll also need standard business registration depending on how you structure your business.
How much does it cost to start a lash business?
Most artists starting from home invest $2,500–$6,500. Those renting a suite or dedicated space typically see $4,000–$9,000+ once rent, insurance, licensing, supplies, and software are factored in. Some industry estimates run as high as $15,800 depending on location and equipment.
Do I need insurance if I'm just starting out?
Yes. A single allergic reaction claim without coverage can cost far more than a year of premiums, and many rental spaces require proof before you can sign. Individual policies start as low as $96/year.
Can I work from home in Texas?
Often yes, but it depends on your city's zoning rules and whether a home occupation permit is required. TDLR also has sanitation and workspace requirements that apply regardless of location.
How long is the license valid?
Two years from the date of issue. Renewal requires 4 hours of continuing education (2 hours if you've held the license 15+ years) and payment of the renewal fee.