From Burnout to Booked Out: Common Lash & Brow Artist Struggles Explained

When most people think about becoming a Lash & Brow Artist, they imagine the fun part — creating beautiful lashes, shaping brows, and watching clients light up with confidence. And yes, that part is magical… but behind the scenes, there’s so much more.

As a Lash & Brow Artist (especially a solo one), you quickly learn you’re not just an artist — you’re also a marketer, scheduler, accountant, content creator, and sometimes even a therapist.

At The Wink Lab, we’ve trained hundreds of artists, and we see these same struggles again and again. Here are the top 5 challenges plus the solutions that actually work.

1. The Cost of High-Quality Supplies

The Struggle:

Premium lash and brow supplies are essential for retention and safe application — but keeping everything stocked adds up. And trying the “cheap” route? It rarely ends well.

The Solution:

• Restock on a schedule: Do a monthly inventory check to avoid rush fees or duplicate orders.

• Buy in bundles or doubles: Stocking up on adhesive, disposables, and brow essentials saves money long-term.

• Keep all receipts: Supplies are tax-deductible — so staying organized makes tax time stress-free.

2. Struggling to Gain Clients

Slow booking weeks don’t mean you’re not talented — it simply means you’re still building.

How to grow your clientele:

• Carry business cards everywhere

• Join local mom and community groups

• Offer model sets to build your portfolio

• Stay active on Instagram with clear photos and your booking link

• Offer referral bonuses and loyalty rewards

• Create a Google Business profile for reviews

• Collaborate with nearby beauty pros for giveaways or packages

At The Wink Lab, we remind all our students: building a clientele is a strategy, not luck.

3. Taking Longer Than You’d Like on Sets

Improving speed takes time, but there are ways to shorten appointments without compromising quality.

How to speed up your services:

• Keep your setup simple and organized

• Invest in bright, even lighting

• Use an adhesive that matches your working pace

• Use promades if needed to reduce fan-making time

• Offer silent appointments to help you stay focused

4. Poor Lash Retention or Brow Longevity

Every artist has gotten the dreaded “they didn’t last long” text — but most longevity issues come down to technique and environment.

The Wink Lab Retention & Longevity Checklist:

• Monitor humidity and temperature

• Use adhesive that matches your speed

• Shake and replace glue every 15–20 minutes

• Thoroughly clean the natural lashes

• Double-check attachment and isolation

• Avoid heavy extensions

• Educate your clients on proper aftercare

Retention is one of the most common pain points, which is why we go deep into it in our lash trainings.

5. Hiring Your First Team Member

Growth is exciting — but bringing someone into your business for the first time can feel overwhelming.

You might be ready to hire if:

• You’re consistently booked out

• You have extra space in your studio

• You’re ready to grow past working alone

• You want a supportive, team-focused environment

Before you bring someone on:

• Do practical skills tests

• Check their professionalism and communication

• Call references

• Set clear expectations from day one

Hiring the right person can completely transform your business and free up your time.

Final Thoughts

Being a Lash & Brow Artist is a journey — one filled with creativity, growth, and constant learning.And anytime you feel overwhelmed, remember:

You’re still growing. You’re improving every day. And The Wink Lab is here to support you every step of the way.

Whether you’re looking for training, mentorship, or a community of artists who get it, we’re here for you. 💗

The Wink Lab Team