3 Must-Have Services to Add to Your Menu in 2018

When I opened Lash Affair over a decade ago, I quickly learned that the most successful lash artists aren't just skilled technicians, they're smart business owners who know how to diversify their service menus. Adding complementary services to your offerings can dramatically increase your revenue per client, boost retention, and position you as a full-service beauty destination. If you're in the early stages of building your business, the lash business start-up guide lays the licensing and pricing groundwork you'll need before expanding your menu. Here are the services I recommend every lash professional consider adding.

Lash Extensions: The Foundation of a Profitable Menu

If you haven't already, premium lash extensions should be the cornerstone of your service menu. The beauty of lash extensions as a business model is the recurring revenue, clients return every two to three weeks for fills, creating a predictable income stream. The cost of materials per set is relatively low compared to the service price, which means healthy profit margins when you use quality products and work efficiently.

To maximize your lash extension revenue, consider offering tiered service levels:

• Classic lash sets for clients who want a natural, everyday look
• Volume and mega volume sets for clients seeking dramatic fullness
• Hybrid sets that blend classic and volume techniques for versatile styling

Each tier allows you to charge accordingly based on the time and skill involved, and clients often upgrade over time as they fall in love with their lashes.

Lash Lifts and Tints: A Gateway Service

Lash lifts paired with tints are one of the fastest-growing services in the beauty industry, and for good reason. They appeal to clients who want enhanced natural lashes without the commitment of extensions. A lash lift takes about 45 minutes to an hour and requires minimal product cost, making it an excellent addition to your menu.

What I love about offering lash lifts is that they serve as a gateway service. Many clients who start with lifts eventually transition to lash extensions once they experience the confidence boost of having beautiful lashes. It's also a perfect upsell when clients come in for other services.

Brow Services: The Natural Complement

Brows and lashes go hand in hand, and clients who invest in their lashes almost always care about their brows too. Adding brow services, including shaping, tinting, lamination, and microblading, creates natural upsell opportunities during every appointment. Brow lamination in particular has exploded in popularity and pairs beautifully with lash services.

When a client is already in your chair for a lash fill, offering a brow tint or shape takes just minutes of additional time but adds meaningful revenue to each visit. Over the course of a year, these small add-ons make a significant difference to your bottom line.

Building Your Service Menu for Long-Term Growth

The key to a profitable service menu isn't just adding services randomly, it's about creating a cohesive experience that keeps clients coming back. Here's what I've learned works best:

• Start with what you know: Master your core lash services before branching out
• Invest in proper training: Never offer a service you haven't been thoroughly trained in
• Stock quality products: Your results are only as good as the adhesives, tools, and products you use
• Create service packages: Bundle complementary services at a slight discount to increase average ticket value
• Track your numbers: Know which services generate the highest profit margins and focus your marketing there

Essential Tools for Expanding Your Services

No matter which services you add, having professional-grade tools is non-negotiable. I always tell the artists I mentor that investing in quality tweezers, reliable adhesives, and proper aftercare products for your clients will pay for itself many times over. When your tools are consistent and reliable, you work faster, your results are better, and your clients notice the difference.

If you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your setup, an artist kit can be a cost-effective way to get everything you need in one package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most profitable service for lash artists?

Lash extensions, particularly volume and mega volume sets, tend to offer the highest profit margins because the material cost per set is low relative to the service price, and the recurring fill appointments create steady income. Many experienced artists earn well over a hundred dollars per hour on volume sets.

How do I decide which new services to add to my salon menu?

Start by listening to what your existing clients are asking for. If clients frequently mention brows, that's a natural next service. Also consider what complements your current offerings, what you can realistically be trained in, and what the demand looks like in your local market.

Do I need separate certifications for each service I offer?

Yes, most services require specific training and certification. Never offer a service without proper education, it protects both you and your clients. Many training programs can be completed in a few days, making it a manageable investment in your business growth.

How should I price new services on my menu?

Research what competitors in your area charge, then factor in your material costs, time per service, and the experience level you bring. Don't underprice yourself, clients who value quality are willing to pay for it, and pricing too low can actually deter the clientele you want to attract.