Why I don’t trust most home-based lash artists and you shouldn’t either
Lately I’ve been spending a little more time on Instagram checking out local lash artists for my own personal research purposes. What’s come out of that research is that I’ve learned most lash artists cater to a young clientele. Like college-aged and slightly older. Because of this, I’m seeing a trend of lash extensions that are long and thick, similar to strip lash styles, which over time, can lead to lash damage.
In addition to this, I’ve also learned that a lot of local lash artists are home-based. On one day of research, I looked up 7 different lash artists and of those 7, 4 were home based and one didn’t list a location which could potentially mean they are home based as well. Only 2 lash artists worked in a dedicated commercial space.
This may not be surprising news for you but it’s extremely concerning for me. Let me explain why.
The first reason is because the only people that can legally apply lash extensions in the state of California are licensed estheticians or cosmetologists according to the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. (reference California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7316)
At Dela Antoinette’s the establishment license, business license and cosmetology license are always posted.
The cosmetology or esthetic license should be posted in plain view at the technicians primary workstation and if you don’t see it, ask to see it.
With lash extensions becoming such a popular beauty service over the past decade, many unlicensed lash technicians see offering lash extensions as an opportunity to make money. And although there’s nothing wrong with wanting to make money, without proper training on disinfection, safety and sanitation, these artists may be inviting you into an unsafe environment or they may be putting your health and safety at risk.
The second reason why home-based lash artists concern me is because in order to offer lash extensions in a home based salon within the state of California, in addition to a cosmetology or esthetics license, the state also requires you to hold either a personal services permit or an establishment permit.
To obtain a personal services permit, there are 4 requirements that must be met:
They’re licensed by the Board and has held a valid license for a minimum of 2 consecutive years, or has been licensed in another state and is eligible for licensure according to California State guidelines
They submit via Live Scan a full and complete set of their fingerprints for use in conducting a criminal background check through the California Department of Justice.
They pay a $25 application fee to the Board.
They provide proof of current liability insurance in a minimum amount of 1,000,000
But even if they’ve met these requirements, there’s still a catch…
With a personal services permit, there are a limited number of hair, makeup and skincare services that can be offered by a licensed barber, cosmetologist, manicurists or esthetician.
Those services do not include lash extensions.
You can however, offer lash extensions from home with an establishment permit but again, there’s a catch.
With an establishment permit, a licensed barber, cosmetologist, manicurists or esthetician can offer all services approved by their governing board however, license holders have to meet very specific criteria. Specifically, as outlined below:
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE - BPC
DIVISION 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY [5000 - 9998.11]
CHAPTER 10. Barbering and Cosmetology [7301 - 7427]
ARTICLE 6. Establishments [7346 - 7353.4]
7350.
No person having charge of an establishment, whether as an owner or an employee, shall permit any room or part thereof in which any occupation regulated under this chapter is conducted or practiced to be used for residential purposes or for any other purpose that would tend to make the room unsanitary, unhealthy, or unsafe, or endanger the health and safety of the consuming public.
An establishment shall have a direct entrance separate and distinct from any entrance in connection with private quarters.
A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
What this means is that the space where the services are performed can’t be used for any other purposes than for the services being provided because that could put your health and safety at risk.
In addition to this, there must be a direct entrance to the space where services are being performed that’s totally separate from the rest of the residence. A garage door is great for this reason or even a basement with it’s own separate entrance.
You should never have to walk through someone’s home in order to access the area where you’re having your services performed. Even if it’s somehow gated off.
To obtain an establishment license, you have to show that you have a business license in the city your business operates in. And just like licensed cosmetologists and estheticians have to post their license in their workspace, an establishment owner also has to post their business license and establishment license in plain view for you to see.
The guidelines set forth by the state of California are crystal clear.
The problem is that when you’re dealing with someone who’s focus is on taking advantage of an opportunity to make money, they may think they have your best interest at heart. But if they aren’t operating within the guidelines that the state has outlined in order to keep you safe, it’s not possible for the artist to keep you safe.
Here’s the thing. I’m not bashing home-based lash artists. There are plenty of talented artists out there that are home-based and doing things the right way. But there are a lot more that aren’t. And those are the people that I don’t trust.
When you’re dealing with someone who illegally works from home, if something happens where you get hurt or your lashes get damaged, it’s a lot harder to hold them accountable because they hold no licenses with the state. Even if they have insurance, that insurance may not cover the illegal services they’re providing out of their home.
You also have to question the mindset of someone that’s illegally working from home. How seriously can you take someone who doesn’t take their business serious enough to get the education and licensing needed to keep you safe? Is that someone you really want to trust to work on your delicate eyes?
A few more things to consider:
In a salon/spa/private suite, there aren't kids, pets or other people utilizing the space
Lash adhesive requires optimal conditions to stay in perfect working condition. Working in a salon environment gives artists the ability to properly store supplies in a controlled environment.
A salon space usually has safe, designated parking. If your vehicle is damaged or stolen while at someone’s home, it opens up a host of legal issues.
At Dela Antoinette’s, client health and safety is my number 1 priority. This is why I provide a private suite for my clients that makes them feel comfortable and I also follow the guidelines set forth by the state of California.
As I mentioned earlier, there are some great artists out there that are legally offering lash extensions from their homes. If you choose to work with an artist that’s home based, just make sure they’re following the guidelines listed above and don’t be afraid to ask to see their establishment license and their cosmetology or esthetics license.
If they can’t provide you with them, move on and find another artist. Your eyes will thank you.
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