How Lash Artists Can Make $100K Net a Year

Let’s cut to the chase: you didn’t become a lash artist to just “get by.” You want freedom. You want control over your income. You want to do work you love and make real money doing it.

Six figures isn’t just for salon owners or influencers, it’s within reach for you as a solo lash artist. But it takes more than talent. It takes strategy, consistency, and the belief that your work is worth it.

Here’s how to build a $100K lash business in today’s economy, without burning out.

1. Know Your Goal—And What It Really Means

Saying you want to make $100K is a great start. But remember: that’s after expenses and taxes. To figure out what you need to earn in total, you’ve got to work backwards.

Common annual expenses:

• Salon rent or suite: $12K–$24K, depending on location and setup

• Products and supplies: Around $5K–$10K a year for things like lash trays, adhesives, tools, lash bed/chair, disposables, waxing tools, etc.

• Utilities: Another $3K–$6K

• Insurance, licenses, continuing ed: Expect $1K–$3K annually

• Retail product stock: $2K–$5K if you’re selling aftercare or skincare items

Total? Anywhere from $25K to $45K a year, depending on how lean or luxe your business is.

2. Don’t Forget Uncle Sam

If you’re self-employed, you’re on the hook for more than just federal income tax. You’ve got:

• Income tax (which rises with your earnings)

• Self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare, around 15%)

• Possibly state income tax, depending on where you live

All in, plan to set aside about 30% to 35% of your gross income for taxes.

3. What You Actually Need to Earn

Let’s do some math.

If you want to keep $100K after taxes and expenses, your business needs to bring in around $200K in total revenue.

Why?

Let’s say:

• $100K goes to you

• $35K goes to expenses

• ~$65K goes to taxes and withholdings

Add that up and you’re at $200K just to hit that take-home goal. Sounds big, but it's totally doable with the right structure.

4. Break It Down by the Hour

Let’s say you work:

• 6 days a week

• 8 hours a day

• 48 weeks a year (4 weeks off)

That’s 2,304 total working hours per year.

Not all of that will be billable, though. Some of it goes to admin work, cleaning, no-shows, and breaks. A good estimate is 2,000 billable hours.

So: $200,000 ÷ 2,000 hours = about $100/hour

5. Structure Your Pricing for Profit

If you’re offering lash extensions:

• A full set that takes 2 hours should be priced at $200–$250

• A 2.5-hour volume set should be $250–$300

• Fills and touch-ups should still average $100+ per hour

If you’re doing facials, waxing, or brows, stack services or sell packages so you’re always hitting that target hourly rate. Don’t undercharge because “other techs” do. Your pricing should reflect your skill, your results, and the experience you deliver, not someone else’s insecurities.

6. Use Add-Ons and Retail to Boost Every Ticket

Want to hit $100K without burning out? Don’t rely only on base services. Add-ons and product sales can make a huge difference.

Try:

• Lash/brow tints

• Hydrating masks after facials

• Quick upgrades like jelly masks or LED light therapy

• Selling aftercare kits, cleansers, brow growth serums, or SPF

Just an extra $20–$50 per client in upsells adds hundreds, or thousands per month.

7. Master Your Money and Taxes

Track everything: supplies, mileage, education, rent, utilities, even your playlist subscription (if you use it for business). Come tax time, all of it adds up.

Work with a tax pro who understands beauty businesses. They can help you legally write off expenses and reduce your taxable income without stress or surprises.

8. Run It Like a Business

Making $100K doing lashes, skincare, or brows isn’t about hustling harder, it’s about working smarter.

You’ll need to have/know:

• Clear pricing based on your real hourly needs

• Expense control

• Smart tax planning

• Upsells and retail strategy

• Consistent client retention

• What’s your monthly revenue?

• What are you spending on supplies, rent, and tools?

• Are you saving for taxes?

Keep your overhead in check. Track your write-offs. Set aside 30–35% of gross income for taxes. And when in doubt, talk to a bookkeeper who gets the beauty industry.

This is the year you stop playing small. Raise your prices. Refine your client experience. Add value. Sell with confidence. And build a lash business that gives you the life you actually want.

You didn’t choose lashes to survive. You chose lashes to thrive. Now let’s make that six-figure year happen.

❓FAQs

Q1: Can a solo lash artist really make $100K net a year?
Yes! With strategic pricing, client retention, and proper budgeting, solo lash artists can hit six figures without a team.

Q2: How many clients a week do I need?
Roughly 20-25 clients/week at $100–$200 per session can gross over $180K a year.

Q3: How often should I raise my prices?
Ideally every 6–12 months, especially after training upgrades or demand increases.

Q4: Should I sell lash aftercare kits?
Yes! It's a smart way to increase profit and improve lash retention for your clients.

Q5: What software is best for lash artists?
GlossGenius, Vagaro, Square Appointments, and Fresha are great all-in-one options.

Q6: How can I avoid burnout?
Time-block your schedule, take regular days off, and raise prices to work fewer hours at higher pay.