Online vs. In-Person Lash Training: Which One Suits You Best?

Alright, let’s set the scene: lashes are everywhere. Instagram? Full of gorgeous content. TikTok? Packed with POVs of lash techs living the life while making stellar sets. Even some normal group chat is probably one message away from becoming a beauty forum. With that said, you probably see questions like "which glue is best?" everywhere.

Point is—lashes are trending big. Like, “booked-out-until-Christmas” big. And behind every bomb lash set is a trained artist who had to learn the ropes, one lash fan (and one dropped tweezer) at a time. But the question every future lash queen keeps asking is:

“Should I take an online lash course or go old school with in-person training?”

Let’s break it all the way down. No secret left unrevealed, just truth and bare facts.

What Even Is Online Lash Training?

Picture this: you’re in your pajamas, hair in a messy bun, snacking on Hot Cheetos, and watching a lash instructor walk you through isolation techniques on your laptop. That’s the vibe of online lash training.

These digital courses can include:

·        Pre-recorded videos

·        Downloadable lash maps and guides

·        Written theory (hello, lash cycles and adhesive science)

·        Zoom lives or feedback from instructors (in some cases)

·        Optional kits delivered to your door

Pros? It’s super flexible—learn on your own time, pause and rewind a billion times, and no one cares if you’re learning while wearing fuzzy socks and a facial sheet mask.

✨ Who Online Lash Training is Best For:

Busy bees working a 9-to-5 but dream of a lash

Mamas on the go who can’t commit to full-day trainings

Beauty pros leveling up with new techniques

Self-motivated learners who don’t need someone breathing down their neck to stay on track

Cons? No one's gonna grab your hand and correct your isolation technique in real time. It’s on you to practice, find a model, and put that knowledge to work.

What About In-Person Lash Training?

Now we’re talking classic beauty school energy. You’re in a real-life class, surrounded by other students, with a certified trainer watching your every move (hopefully in a helpful, not terrifying way).

A typical in-person day includes:

·        Lash theory (the science)

·        Watching a pro do a live demo

·        Practicing on a doll head, then a real human (a brave model, bless their soul)

·        Immediate feedback and help fixing your technique

✨ Who In-Person Lash Training is Best For:

Total beginners who’ve never held a tweezer in their life

Hands-on learners who need to click in person

Students who want real-time corrections and a structured classroom

Anyone who learns better when there's a little friendly competition in the room

Cons? It's pricier. You’ll probably need to travel. And you can’t just roll out of bed five minutes before class—unless you like showing up in bunny slippers.

In person training vs online training: Let’s Go Head-to-Head

Still Torn? Let’s Talk Real Life.

Scenario 1: You’re working a full-time job, raising two kids, and only have time to learn at midnight.

Answer: Online training is your bestie. Pause, rewind, take notes at 1 a.m.—you’re in control.

Scenario 2: You’re fresh outta high school and want to dive into the beauty world, but you’ve never even worn strip lashes.

Answer: In-person is gonna be your best choice. You’ll need someone to guide your shaky hands and cheer you on when your first set look… let’s say not very Instagram worthy. Thus, benefits of in person training are undeniable.

Scenario 3: You’re already a licensed esthetician and want to add lashes to your service menu—fast.

Answer: Online will get you there without interrupting your work grind.

Pro Tips: No Matter Which Path You Choose

1. Do your homework on the course. Check reviews, credentials, and if it aligns with your state’s lash extension certification license requirements.

2. Look for courses that offer mentorship, whether it’s through email, Zoom, or in-person check-ins.

3. Practice isn’t optional. Online or in-person, you must practice on real people to get good.

4. Invest in quality tools from day one—cheap tweezers and poor-quality lash extensions will make your job way harder than it has to be.

5. Don’t stop learning once you get certified. Keep taking mini-courses, watching masterclasses, and staying up-to-date on lash trends.

So… Online or In-Person?

Lash extension courses – tricky topic. Here’s the deal: both paths lead to lash greatness—it just depends on you.

If you're the independent, go-getter type who thrives in late-night YouTube spirals and loves learning at your own pace? Online might be your golden ticket.

If you’re new to the world of tweezers and lash glue and need some serious hand-holding? In-person will save you time and stress.

And hey, if you’re extra like that (we love that for you), do both! Start online to soak up the theory, then book a day of hands-on training for that full-circle glow-up.

In the end, it’s not just about the certificate—it’s about lash artist education. Lash artists aren’t born overnight, and every great set you scroll past on Instagram started with someone messing up isolation for the 19th time.

You got this, future lash boss—whichever road you take, just don’t stop moving forward.