How to Raise Your Prices Successfully

Raising your prices is one of the most anxiety-inducing decisions you'll face as a lash artist, but it's also one of the most important for the long-term health of your business. I'm Jenelle Paris, founder of Lash Affair, and I've navigated price increases many times over the past decade, both for our product line and in advising the thousands of lash artists I've trained. The good news is that when done thoughtfully, a price increase can actually strengthen your business and attract better clients. If you're still in the early stages of setting prices for the first time, start with our lash business start-up guide before working through this article.

Why You Need to Raise Your Prices

If you haven't raised your prices in more than a year, you're likely losing money. The cost of quality lash extensions, adhesives, and other supplies goes up over time. Your rent increases. Your skills improve with every client you see. Yet many artists keep charging what they charged when they first started because they're afraid of losing clients. Here's the truth: the clients you lose to a reasonable price increase were probably not your ideal clients to begin with. Your pricing should reflect your experience, the quality of products you use, and the value you deliver.

How to Determine Your New Pricing

Start by calculating your true costs, supplies per client, rent per hour, insurance, continuing education, and the time you spend on each service including cleanup and preparation. Then factor in your desired hourly income. Compare your rates to other experienced artists in your area who offer similar quality. You don't need to be the cheapest, and you don't need to be the most expensive, but you should be priced appropriately for your skill level and the premium products in your professional kit. I recommend incremental increases of 10 to 15 percent rather than one dramatic jump.

Communicating the Change to Clients

Transparency and advance notice are everything. Give your existing clients at least two to four weeks' notice before the new prices take effect. A simple, confident message works best, you don't need to over-explain or apologize. Something like: "Starting [date], my pricing will be updated to reflect my continued investment in advanced training and premium products. I'm grateful for your loyalty and look forward to continuing to deliver the beautiful lashes you love." Post on social media, send a message to regulars, and update your booking platform well in advance.

Handling Client Pushback

Some clients will push back, and that's okay. Stay confident and avoid the temptation to immediately offer discounts or grandfather old pricing indefinitely. If a loyal client expresses concern, you can offer a one-time transition, perhaps honoring the old price for one more appointment. But don't undercut your new pricing long-term out of guilt. The clients who value your work and understand that quality costs money will stay. Those who leave often come back after trying cheaper alternatives and realizing the difference in quality using professional tools and products makes.

Using the Increase to Elevate Your Brand

A price increase is the perfect time to level up your entire client experience. Upgrade your aftercare recommendations with premium aftercare products, refine your consultation process, improve your space, or add small luxury touches to appointments. When clients see that your price increase coincides with an even better experience, it reinforces the value of your services. The goal is for clients to feel that what they're paying is completely justified by what they're receiving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a lash artist raise their prices?

Review your pricing at least once a year. If your costs have increased, your skills have improved through additional training, or you're consistently booked out weeks in advance, it's time for an adjustment. Annual increases of 10 to 15 percent are easier for clients to absorb than infrequent large jumps.

How much notice should I give clients before a price increase?

Give at least two to four weeks' notice. This gives clients time to adjust their budget and shows respect for their planning. Announce the change through multiple channels, social media, direct messages to regulars, and updated booking pages, so no one is caught off guard.

What if I lose clients after raising my prices?

Some client turnover is normal and often healthy. Clients who leave over a reasonable price increase typically aren't your ideal long-term clients. The clients who stay value quality and are more likely to refer others who also appreciate premium service. Most artists find that their revenue increases even if their client count temporarily dips.

Should I grandfather existing clients at old prices?

A brief transition period of one to two appointments at the old rate can be a nice gesture for loyal regulars. However, avoid indefinite grandfathering, which creates an unsustainable two-tier pricing system and can cause resentment if new clients discover the discrepancy. Treat the transition as a courtesy, not a permanent arrangement.