The Lash Artist profession is attracting more and more people in Switzerland, whether as a career change or as an addition to an existing beauty business. It is a precision trade that requires proper training, good equipment and plenty of practice before you welcome your first clients.
Here are the steps to becoming a Lash Artist in Switzerland: get trained, get equipped, practice, set up your business and keep progressing.
Do you need a qualification to apply eyelash extensions in Switzerland?
To date, there is no Federal VET Diploma (CFC/EFZ) specific to eyelash extensions. The service falls under beauty treatments. A beautician's Federal VET Diploma (CFC/EFZ) remains a solid foundation, but it is not always required if you only offer eyelash extensions.
What matters is completing serious training and following hygiene and safety rules. Requirements can vary from one canton to another: check with your canton before starting your business.
How do you choose your training?
Good eyelash extension training should enable you to work independently on real clients. Make sure it offers:
- in-person sessions, with practice on real models and not just on a practice mannequin head;
- individual feedback, in small groups;
- the theoretical basics: anatomy and growth cycle of the lash, hygiene, contraindications, choice of adhesive and application conditions;
- the complete technique: isolation, application, mapping, infill and removal;
- follow-up after the training, so you can ask your questions once you are on your own with your clients;
- an experienced trainer who practices professionally and can show their own work.
Which technique should you start with?
Most people start with classic lashes, which teach you to isolate and cleanly apply one extension per lash. You then move on to Hybrid Volume, and then to Russian Volume, which requires you to make your fans by hand. Our article on the differences between classic lashes, Hybrid Volume and Russian Volume covers each technique in detail.
The equipment you need to get started
- Two pairs of tweezers: isolation tweezers and application tweezers. See our guide to choosing your tweezers.
- Extensions in several lengths, in one or two common curls and a thickness suited to your technique. MIX boxes are handy for getting started.
- A professional adhesive and a remover for removals.
- Gel pads and tape to hold down the lower lashes. See our article on using tape during the application.
- Consumables: mascara wands, micro brushes, an adhesive holder.
- Supplies to clean and disinfect your tools and workstation between each client.
- A comfortable workstation: a bed or reclining chair for the client, an adjustable chair and a good lamp.
Practicing before your first clients
After the training, practice makes all the difference. Work on models from among your friends and family, photograph each result up close and compare it with your previous lash sets. Pay attention to isolation mistakes, symmetry and application time: speed comes with regular practice.
Setting up your own business in Switzerland
A few pointers for starting out as a self-employed professional:
- Self-employed status is applied for through your AHV/AVS compensation office.
- Registration in the commercial register is mandatory for a sole proprietorship from CHF 100,000 in annual turnover; you can still register voluntarily before reaching that threshold.
- VAT becomes mandatory from CHF 100,000 in annual turnover.
- Professional liability insurance is strongly recommended.
- Your workplace, whether a salon, a rented treatment room or your home, must allow you to meet hygiene standards: a sink, easy-to-clean surfaces and good ventilation.
This information is general. For your own situation, check with your AHV/AVS compensation office, your canton or a fiduciary/accountant.
Keep progressing
Once you are established, you never stop learning the trade: new techniques, more creative mappings, working with color, advanced training. Competitions are also an excellent way to have your work assessed by judges and to progress quickly.
In summary
To become a Lash Artist in Switzerland: take in-person training with practice on models, equip yourself with professional products, practice regularly, set up your business by the rules and keep improving.
In Geneva, Déborah Foucout, founder of GEMELLA, trainer and judge at international championships, offers through Débo Beauty classic lashes and Hybrid Volume training for beginners and Russian Volume Perfect Volume training (taught in French) to take your skills further. The equipment is available in the Eyelash extensions collection and the Tweezers collection.