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For the Unlicensed Lash Tech...

Writer's picture: Ms. HoodMs. Hood

By Ms. Hood


Taking a lash training course and practicing on a mannequin is a great way to explore whether this career is right for you. However, to legally run a lash business, to advertise on social media, to take clients it’s essential to be enrolled in your esthetics program or already have earned your esthetician’s license. While some states don’t require licensing to practice, both Oregon and Washington do!


Lash Student work at @lashlabpdx
Lash Student work at @lashlabpdx


Lash Certification (Training) vs. Esthetician’s License: Understanding the Difference

If you're dreaming of a thriving lash business in Oregon or Washington, it’s important to understand the difference between lash certifications and esthetician licensing. While both are essential, they serve very different purposes.


Lash Certification / Training

A lash certification focuses on the art and technique of lash application. It’s typically a short-term 1-5 day training program where you learn:

  • Lash application, placement, styling, and volume techniques

  • Important fundamentals such as isolation, the natural growth cycle and natural lash health

  • Product knowledge and basic client care


    While this is a great first step, a certification alone does not qualify you to legally work on clients.


Keys to Look for in your Lash Certification

  • I recommend you take your first lash training in person, instead of virtually or online. There are so many fine details to learn early on, that can make you a more fundamentally educated and faster lash artist. You'll want the hands on support early on.

  • Find a lash educator that provides mentorship after training, this is also a great reason to train with someone local for your first lash training.

  • Seek someone who's licensed, and has the credentials to train and certify you.

  • Look for a 2-5 day lash training, you'll want things broken up into multiple days, so that you're not getting content overload and wanting to quit early.

    Quality products are key to making your first few days of lashes easy.


Esthetician’s License

An esthetician’s license is a state-regulated credential that requires formal training from a licensed school and passing state board exams. This license is mandatory in Oregon and Washington to work legally in the beauty industry. With it, you’ll gain knowledge that goes beyond lash certifications, such as:

  • Sanitation and infection control

  • Recognizing contraindications (when not to provide services)

  • Skin anatomy and client safety

  • Product and ingredient knowledge

  • Skin reactions and how to respond to allergies and sensitivities.

  • Legal compliance for running your business


What's under the scope of esthetics?

  • Facials, Hair Removal, Waxing, Sugaring, Brow Lamination, Brow Tinting, Lash Extensions, Nano/Microneedling, Superficial Chemical peels and Dermaplaning.

  • As Estheticians we cannot provide services that penetrate past the epidermal layer of the skin. The epidermis is the outermost layer.


Without an esthetician’s license, you cannot:

  • Legally take clients, outside of your domestic family, living in your home.

  • Advertise your services

  • Expand your offerings or operate a facility or business: the fines for doing so in Oregon are between $750 and $3,000. Pg 49

  • Practicing services without a license, can be fined $1,000-$5,000 and might prevent you from being able to become licensed. See Pg 51


Why You Need Both

Getting certified teaches you lash artistry, but an esthetician’s license ensures you’re legally compliant and prepared for a long-term career. Working without the proper credentials puts you and your clients at risk of fines, liability issues, and business closures.


Ready to Build a Legal, Confident Lash Career?

In 2025, I’m on a mission to help unlicensed lash techs and makeup artists become licensed professionals. At @ChampionsBeautyInstitute, we offer the best esthetics program in Portland to help you turn your lash certification into an esthetician’s license.

Stop waiting for the “perfect” time. Invest in your future and create a stable, legal lash business today!


Text me for more information, and let’s get started on your career transformation.

This condensed version keeps the focus on the key differences and adds a clear call to action, while staying concise.

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LASH LAB PDX

3113 N. Lombard St.

Portland, Oregon 97217

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