To Lash or Not to Lash: Analyzing the Growth Prospects in the Eyelash Extension Industry

Starting a business in 2024 can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure about where to begin or which niche to pursue. Within the vast beauty industry, however, the eyelash extension market consistently stands out as a promising option.

Becoming a lash technician is remarkably accessible; you don’t need a wealth of resources, a salon, or employees. All you really need is a professional license, a lash bed, and a positive attitude to create a welcoming environment for your clients.

It’s no wonder then that many are drawn to the idea of becoming a lash technician or even owning a lash salon. If you’ve been considering this path but find yourself hesitating with questions like “Is the lash industry growing?” or “Is the lash market profitable?”, don’t worry.

We’re here to clear up these common concerns and help you determine whether starting a lash business is the right move for you.

An Overview of the Eyelash Extension Market

Let’s start by examining the eyelash extension market. Eyelash extension products make up about 18.2% of the global beauty and personal care market. Considering that lashes cover just a small part of our faces, this percentage is impressively high.

Eyelash extensions make up 18.2% of the global beauty market, a remarkable share for such a small facial feature.

Financially, the eyelash extension market was valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2023 and has increased to USD 1.36 billion in 2024. It is projected to soar to USD 20.06 billion by 2032. This growth trajectory indicates a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2024 to 2032.

North America—encompassing the USA, Canada, and Mexico—is expected to experience the fastest growth in this sector in the coming years. Meanwhile, China holds the largest share of market revenue in the eyelash extension industry.

The eyelash extension market, valued at $1.1 billion in 2023, is projected to soar to $20.06 billion by 2032.

These figures clearly show that the eyelash extension industry is expanding rapidly. More and more women are opting for beauty solutions that streamline their routines, saving time while enhancing their looks. Eyelash extensions fit perfectly into this niche; a well-applied set of lashes gives the appearance of effort and care, allowing wearers to look their best without spending time on makeup every morning.

This combination of convenience and beauty is propelling the industry forward, making it a promising area for those interested in entering the beauty market.

Key Facts

1. Eyelash extension product sales account for about 18.2% of the global beauty market.
2. The eyelash extension market has a value of USD 1.36 billion in 2024.
3. The compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Eyelash Market is expected to be 6.5% from 2024 to 2032.
4. North America will witness the fastest growth of the global Eyelash Extensions market over the coming years.

Upcoming Trends in the Lash Industry

The lash industry is not only growing but also constantly changing, especially with social media influencing new trends. For instance, last year, the trend of “clean girl lashes” became very popular. These are minimalistic and natural-looking lash sets that enhance the wearer’s natural beauty.

We’ve also seen an increase in the use of brown lashes, which complement these softer, more natural looks. But it’s not just about natural colors. The demand for colored eyelashes is also on the rise and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% by 2025.

Mink lashes are the leading type in the eyelash extension industry.

Companies like LASHGOD are already tapping into this trend with a variety of colorful options, from the Velvet Teddy Tray to the Blondies & Gingies Lash Tray. If you’re starting out in the lash business, offering these fun, colorful lashes could attract more clients and increase your earnings.

SHOP: Velvet Teddy Lash Tray

SHOP: Blondies & Gingies Lash Tray

Moreover, if you’re considering the types of lashes to invest in, synthetic lashes are getting less and less popular. They are expected to grow at a CAGR of only 1.8% from 2020 to 2030. Mink and silk lashes are the better options here. In fact, mink eyelashes had a share of more than 40.0% in 2018.

The synthetic lash trend is fading, while colored lashes are gaining popularity.

But it’s still important to remember that some clients will prefer synthetic lashes, as they are vegan and cruelty-free, which could help you attract a wider client base. Whether you’re thinking about opening your own lash distribution business or simply expanding your service offerings, knowing the different types of lashes is key.

Key Facts

1. The demand for colored eyelashes is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% by 2025.
2. Synthetic eyelashes are only projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.8% from 2020 to 2030.
3. Mink eyelashes had a plenary share of over 40.0% in the global market in 2018.

The Power of Social Media

I’ve mentioned how social media significantly influences beauty trends, but its role in growing your business is just as crucial. Statistics show that nearly 30% of eyelash extension businesses invest in social media advertising.

Nearly 30% of eyelash extension businesses invest in social media advertising, and almost all maintain active social media accounts.

Moreover, almost every one of these businesses maintains an Instagram page to display their work. From a consumer’s perspective, this is completely understandable. Most of us start our search for new beauty services—whether it’s for hair, nails, or lashes—by checking out potential salons on social media.

Social media’s importance extends beyond just service providers to include lash distributors as well. Today, about 71% of consumers purchase beauty products online, meaning that without a digital storefront, you could be missing out on over two-thirds of your potential customer base.

Online shopping accounts for over two-thirds of all beauty purchases.

Clearly, the internet is a vital tool in keeping the eyelash extension market thriving. Whether for showcasing work, advertising services, or selling products, being active and strategic on social media platforms can significantly boost your business’s visibility and growth.

Key Factors

1. About 71% of consumers purchase beauty products online.
2. Nearly 30% of eyelash extension businesses invest in social media advertising.
3. The online segment for eyelash extensions is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 5.4% from 2019 to 2025.

Is Doing Lashes a Good Business/Side Hustle?

Having shared all this information with you, I believe the answer to whether doing lashes is a good business or side hustle is quite clear—yes, it is. We delve into this topic more extensively in our article “How to Start a Lash Salon in Canada“, highlighting how lashes are one of the easiest beauty niches to break into.

The startup costs are relatively low, you can operate from the comfort of your own home, and interestingly, in Canada, you don’t even need a license to do lashes. However, taking an online or in-person class can greatly enhance your skills in applying lash extensions. Our Modern Aesthetic College offers excellent programs to help you master the craft.

At just 18, Raquel started LASHGOD, which has grown into a multimillion-dollar beauty empire.

Furthermore, considering the expected growth of the lash business, investing in the necessary equipment for lash applications and learning the art of lash extensions would be a prudent business decision. While it might seem daunting to take such a step forward, especially given the unpredictability of many business ventures, starting a lash business is relatively safe.

To further guide you on this path and to answer some of the most common questions, I also recommend reading our other articles on this topic, such as “Easy Ways to Keep Your Lash Salon Fully Booked“, “Skyrocket Your Income“, and “How to Boost Client Happiness and Customer Service“.

Key factors

1. Considering the expected growth, the lash business IS a profitable business to invest in.
2. Starting a lash business requires a relatively low initial investment compared to other sectors in the beauty industry.
3. Modern Aesthetic College offers excellent online and in-person programs if you’re looking for a course to get you started.

References

1. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/eyelash-extensions-market-analysis-2024-2032-reach-rxjve
2. https://gitnux.org/eyelash-extension-industry-statistics/
3. https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/eyelash-extensions-market-report
4. https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/false-eyelashes-market
5. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/lash-extension-market