Licensed vs Certified Lash Tech: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Thinking about offering lash extensions or opening your own beauty business? Whether you're expanding your service menu or launching from scratch, this is an exciting next step. But before you dive into branding, booking, and building your lash empire, there’s one thing you need to check: are you legally allowed to perform lash services in your state?

Depending on where you live, becoming a lash tech might require a certification, a license, or both. Confused? Don’t worry! We’re breaking down the difference between a licensed vs. certified lash tech, why it matters, and what you need to get started legally and confidently.

Certification vs. Licensing: Know the Difference

A certification means you’ve completed a lash training course. It’s usually issued by a private company or educator and helps you sharpen your technique and credibility—but it’s not regulated by the state.

A license is granted by your state’s cosmetology or esthetics board. It’s your legal permission slip to work professionally, confirming that you've met the state’s requirements for practice—which often includes hours of schooling, passing exams, and paying fees.

In most states, a license is legally required to offer lash extension services. Certification may help you land a job, build trust with clients, and grow your skills—but without a license where it's required, you could be operating outside the law.

Lash Tech Expertise

Certified lash techs gain hands-on experience in lash mapping, isolation, adhesive safety, and more. They’re trained to customize lashes to different eye shapes, apply extensions efficiently, and keep clients safe. In a competitive market, this kind of training gives you an edge—even if you already hold a license.

For example, in California, you must have a license to perform lash services, but certified lash techs often have a higher skill level and stronger portfolios, making them more desirable to employers and clients.

Why You Might Need Both

In the beauty industry, education and credibility go hand-in-hand. Even if your state doesn’t require certification, having both a license and a certification can set you apart. Certification adds specialized training in lash artistry, while a license shows you’ve met the legal standards.

Together, they can:

• Increase client trust
• Qualify you for work at salons or spas that require both
• Give you leverage to charge more for your services
• Open up opportunities to teach or train others

Lash Tech Licensing Requirements by State (Quick Guide)

To be a lash tech in the U.S., licensing requirements vary from state to state. Most states require a cosmetology or esthetician license, and some states may accept a medical license as an alternative, while a few have specific lash technician licenses or no formal requirements.

To save time, we’ve broken down a simple guide to which states require licensing to be a lash tech and how long it typically takes, which can be several weeks to a few months. Always double check with your state’s cosmetology board, as requirements can change.

States Requiring a Cosmetology or Esthetician License

In these states, you must hold a cosmetology or esthetician license to legally perform lash extensions, or an esthetician or cosmetology license:

1. California: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
2. Florida: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
3. Georgia: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
4. Hawaii: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
5. Illinois: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
6. New York: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
7. Texas: Cosmetology, esthetician, or eyelash extension specialist license required.
8. Washington: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
9. Oregon: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
10. Pennsylvania: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
11. North Carolina: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
12. Nevada: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
13. Arizona: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
14. Colorado: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
15. Utah: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
16. Virginia: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
17. South Carolina: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
18. Tennessee: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
19. Louisiana: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
20. Massachusetts: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
21. Michigan: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
22. Minnesota: Cosmetology, esthetician, or eyelash technician license required.
23. New Jersey: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
24. Ohio: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
25. Oklahoma: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
26. Wisconsin: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
27. Indiana: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
28. Iowa: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
29. Kansas: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
30. Kentucky: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
31. Maine: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
32. Maryland: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
33. Missouri: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
34. Montana: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
35. Nebraska: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
36. New Hampshire: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
37. New Mexico: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
38. North Dakota: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
39. Rhode Island: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
40. South Dakota: Cosmetology or esthetician license as well as a lash extension training course is required.
41. Vermont: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
42. West Virginia: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.
43. Wyoming: Cosmetology or esthetician license required.

States with Specific Lash Technician Licenses or Permits

Some states have specific requirements or permits for lash technicians:

1. Connecticut: Requires a specific eyelash technician license.
2. Texas: Offers a dedicated eyelash extension specialist license.
3. Minnesota: Offers a specific eyelash technician license.

States with No Specific Licensing Requirements

A few states do not have any specific licensing requirements for lash technicians, although it’s highly recommended to still attend a course for safety and skill.

1. Alabama: No specific licensing requirements.
2. Delaware: No specific licensing requirements.
3. Idaho: No specific licensing requirements.
4. Mississippi: No specific licensing requirements.

Source: American Lash Association

What If I’m Just Starting Out?

Just getting started? Here’s how to make sure you’re on the right track:

1. Check your state’s requirements. Visit your state board’s website to find out if you need a license, certification, or both.
2. Get licensed. If required, enroll in a cosmetology or esthetician program approved by your state.
3. Complete lash certification training. Even if it’s optional, it can give you a major advantage.
4. Build your brand. Choose a business name, build an online presence, and market your lash services.
5. Use a lash tech software like Vagaro. Manage appointments, accept payments, and grow your client list—all from one platform.

Build a Successful Lash Business Today

To build a thriving lash business, having a certified lash tech certification is crucial, along with a comprehensive understanding of state regulations and requirements. Certified lash techs can offer a variety of lash services, including eyelash extensions, lash lifts, and lash tinting. They have the flexibility to work independently or within salons, providing a wide range of services to meet client needs. In New York, for example, a licensed lash tech must obtain a separate license to perform lash services, while in Illinois, a certified lash tech may need to complete a state-approved training program. By staying informed about state regulations and continuously improving their skills, certified lash techs can build a successful and compliant lash business.

Whether you’re licensed and/or certified as a certified lash technician, clients are looking for pros who not only create gorgeous lashes but also prioritize safety and professionalism.