How to Become a Qualified Lash Technician in the UK (Step-by-Step Guide)

Thinking about a career in lashes but not sure where to start? Whether you’re a complete beginner or ready to retrain and upskill, becoming a qualified lash technician can open the door to a flexible, rewarding and high-earning career in the beauty industry.

At Megan Thomas Lash Academy, we offer expert, ABT-accredited training courses that give you everything you need to start your lash journey – with personal guidance, hands-on experience and nationally recognised certification.

Let’s walk through exactly how to become a fully qualified lash tech and explore why our unique Straight to Volume Course could be the ultimate fast-track option.

Step 1: Choose the Right Lash Training Course for Your Goals

When starting your lash career, it’s important to choose a course that not only suits your experience level but sets you up for success from day one.

At Megan Thomas Lashes, you can choose from:

• Classic Lash Course – Perfect for beginners wanting a strong foundation in individual lash techniques.

• Russian & Hybrid Lash Course – Ideal for trained techs looking to add volume and texture techniques.

• Lash Lift & Tint Course – Learn how to enhance natural lashes without extensions.

• Brow Lamination Course – A popular add-on treatment to expand your service offering.

But if you’re looking for the most comprehensive, value-packed beginner course, our Straight to Volume Course is the standout choice.

Straight to Volume: Learn Classic, Hybrid & Russian in One Course

Why train in stages when you can do it all in one go? Our Straight to Volume Course is designed specifically for complete beginners who want to master Classic, Hybrid and Russian Volume techniques all in one powerful training package.

✨ What makes this course different?

• Covers three lash styles in one course – Classic, Hybrid and Russian

• Saves you time and money compared to booking multiple individual courses

• Accelerates your learning so you can offer a full lash menu from day one

• Hands-on, face-to-face training with expert feedback

• Includes model practice, theory, technique refinement and business advice

• Comes with an ABT-accredited certificate, fully insurable and nationally recognised

“It’s the most efficient way to start a lash career and stand out in a competitive market.” – Megan Thomas

Whether you want to build a full-time beauty business or offer lashes alongside your current job, this course gives you the full toolkit to hit the ground running.

👉 Explore the Straight to Volume Course in detail here

Step 2: Get Certified & Insured

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll receive a certificate recognised by all major UK beauty insurers. This means you can:

• Apply for public liability insurance (essential to work professionally)

• Start taking paying clients legally and safely

• Expand your treatments with further advanced lash or brow courses later on

Step 3: Start Your Lash Business

With your certification and skills, you’re ready to launch your lash career. Whether from home, mobile or salon-based, the beauty of lash work is its flexibility.

Top tips to get started:

• Build a portfolio with your training model photos

• Share before/afters on social media

• Offer introductory pricing to build a client base

• Encourage reviews to build trust

• Keep learning and improving your technique over time

You’ll also have lifetime access to ongoing support and advice from Megan – because we’re invested in your success beyond training day.

Why Train with Megan Thomas Lash Academy?

✔ One-to-one, hands-on training – No big groups, just personal guidance

✔ Award-winning lash educator and industry expert

✔ Nationally recognised ABT accreditation

✔ 100% 5-star rated training courses

✔ Real model practice, not just theory

✔ Based in Derby, Nottingham, and Maidstone

Ready to Start Your Lash Journey?

Your new career starts here. Whether you choose to start with a Classic Lash Course or go all-in with the Straight to Volume Course, we’ve got the training, support and expert guidance to help you thrive.

👉 View all our accredited lash and brow courses here

Frequently Asked Questions: Eyelash Extension Courses UK

• How do I become a lash technician in the UK?

  To become a qualified lash technician, you need to complete an accredited training course such as our Straight to Volume Course or Classic Lash Course. After certification, you’ll need to get public liability insurance to begin offering professional treatments.

• What qualifications do I need to do lashes?

  There are no legal requirements to start, but you must complete an ABT-accredited course to get insured and work professionally. Our lash training courses are designed for beginners with no prior experience.

• How much does a lash course cost in the UK?

  Prices vary depending on the type and level of course. You can view the latest pricing on our Courses Page. Our most comprehensive option is the Straight to Volume Course, which covers Classic, Hybrid and Russian techniques in one training package – offering excellent value.

• Is an eyelash extension course worth it?

  Absolutely. Lash training is a low-cost, high-return career investment. With the right skills, many lash technicians build successful full-time or part-time businesses with flexible hours and high earning potential.

• How long does it take to train as a lash technician?

  You can become qualified in as little as 1 day of intensive hands-on training, depending on the course. However, practice and confidence grow with time, and our courses include ongoing support to help you develop beyond certification.

• Are lash courses hard?

  Like any skill, it takes patience and practice – but our courses break everything down step by step. With expert guidance and model practice, most learners pick it up quickly and feel confident by the end of the day.

• Can I do lash extensions without a beauty qualification?

  Yes. You don’t need a beauty background to train in lashes. Our beginner-friendly courses are designed for those starting from scratch.

• What’s the difference between Classic, Hybrid and Russian training?

  • Classic – One lash extension applied to one natural lash for a natural look.

  • Hybrid – A mix of Classic and Russian Volume techniques for added texture.

  • Russian Volume – Multiple ultra-fine lashes fanned out and applied to one natural lash for a fuller, fluffier finish.

  • Our Straight to Volume Course teaches you all three techniques in one go – perfect for beginners who want a complete skill set from the start.

• Can you become a lash tech with online courses only?

  While online theory may help, lash application is a hands-on skill that must be practised in person. Most insurers require face-to-face training with model practice, which is why we only offer in-person, one-to-one courses to ensure you’re fully qualified and confident.