Online vs In-Person Lash Training: What Actually Gets You Clients

If you’re thinking about becoming a lash artist, you’ve probably seen dozens of courses online promising to teach you everything you need to know from the comfort of your home. The convenience sounds great, especially if you’re balancing work, school, or parenting. But if your goal is to actually get clients and start earning money doing lashes, you need to look deeper.

At LucyLu Lash Academy in Chicago, we’ve seen firsthand how many students come to us after trying to learn online and feeling completely lost. They spend hundreds of dollars on digital courses, only to end up confused, unsure of their technique, and not ready to take clients. So let’s break it down. Can you really learn lash extensions online? Or is in-person training the better path?

What Online Lash Courses Offer

Online lash courses usually give you access to pre-recorded videos, PDFs, maybe a workbook, and sometimes a private Facebook group. Some even send you a kit with practice lashes and tools. It can be a good starting point for learning terminology, safety basics, or watching application steps in theory.

But here’s the truth. Watching someone place a lash on a mannequin head in a video is not the same as doing it on a real person. You don’t get live feedback. No one is correcting your posture, your grip, or showing you what you’re doing wrong when lashes stick together or fall off too soon. You’re left to figure it out yourself.

And in the lash industry, trial and error is not how you build a client base. People are trusting you with their eyes. They want to feel confident and safe in your hands.

Why In-Person Lash Training Makes the Difference

In-person lash training is hands-on. You don’t just watch someone do it. You do it yourself. And you’re guided every step of the way by someone who is experienced, licensed, and trained to teach.

At LucyLu Lash Academy, our in-person courses are small on purpose. We cap our classes so that every student gets one-on-one attention. You’re not lost in a crowd or left behind. From the moment you walk in, you’re being set up to succeed.

You learn on real people. You get to practice in a real lash studio environment. Your instructor shows you exactly how to isolate, apply, and style lashes based on each client’s eye shape and natural lash health. And more importantly, they catch your mistakes in real time so you can fix them immediately. That is how you improve.

Building Confidence and Skill at the Same Time

One of the biggest differences between online and in-person training is confidence. Most students who go through an online course still don’t feel ready to take clients. They don’t know how to set up their space, how much glue to use, how to choose the right curl or length for different looks, or how to troubleshoot when things go wrong.

In-person training builds your confidence as much as your technical skills. You walk out of class knowing how to do a full set of lashes, how to correct common issues, and how to carry yourself professionally with clients. You’re not second guessing yourself. You know you’ve had real guidance and hands-on practice.

What Actually Gets You Clients

Here’s the part no online course tells you. To get clients, you need more than just lash theory. You need:

• Solid technique that gives consistent results
• Confidence in your skill so clients trust you
• Real before and after photos of your work
• A professional setup that feels clean, safe, and welcoming
• Positive word of mouth and referrals from satisfied clients

Online courses can’t give you that. Only real training with real people in a real space can.

When you train in person at LucyLu Lash Academy, we help you start building your brand from day one. You leave with photos of your lash sets, tips on how to launch your business, and a mentor who actually cares about your success. That’s what gets you clients.

Can Online Learning Be a Good Supplement?

Yes. Once you’ve had proper in-person training, online content can be a great way to keep learning and sharpening your skills. Watching videos after you already know what you’re doing helps reinforce your technique. But online learning should never replace live education when it comes to a skill like lash extensions.

In-Person Training Helps You Avoid Burnout and Frustration

We’ve had so many students come to us after spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on multiple online lash courses. They feel discouraged, frustrated, and overwhelmed. Many end up quitting before they even take a single client because they just don’t feel ready.

That’s avoidable. When you learn the right way the first time, you save yourself time, money, and stress. You get results faster. You start booking clients sooner. You move forward with clarity and support.

Why Choose LucyLu Lash Academy in Chicago

We don’t just teach you how to apply lashes. We teach you how to build a career. Our instructors are licensed professionals with years of experience. Our curriculum is updated to reflect the latest trends and safety standards. And our small class sizes mean you get real mentorship, not just a certificate.

We’re proud to say our students go on to build full-time lash businesses, work in top salons, or open their own studios. We’ve helped hundreds of women launch their beauty careers, and we’re ready to help you too.

Ready to Start? Let’s Make It Happen

If you’re serious about becoming a lash artist, don’t waste time trying to piece it together online. Get real training, real results, and real confidence with us.

Book your spot at LucyLu Lash Academy in Chicago and take the first step toward a beauty career that actually pays off. Call or text us at 773-870-2816 with any questions!

Seats are limited because we keep our class sizes small for quality training. Secure yours now and start your journey with the support you deserve.