The Truth About Lash Trends: Why It's Okay to Focus on What You Love
Do you feel like the lash industry is moving faster than ever, with new trends emerging at lightning speed? Do you sometimes catch yourself feeling pressured to keep up?
Scrolling through Instagram, you're bombarded with new styles, colours, curls, products, and techniques. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder, “Should I be offering this too?”
Take a deep breath and relax. What if we told you that not only is it okay to let many of these trends pass you by, but doing so could actually be the key to your success as a lash artist?
We’re going to show you how focusing on what you love can set you apart in an industry that's always chasing the next big thing.
THE DOWNSIDE OF EMBRACING TRENDS
New products, lash styles, and techniques flood the industry at a greater pace than ever before and it's easy to feel like you're missing out if you're not learning how to master the latest lash map or blending coloured extensions or spikes into your sets.
But as long as you're equipped with the skills, knowledge, and techniques to cater to various eye shapes and natural lash conditions, you can create stunning, customized looks that keep clients coming back without feeling pressured to follow every trend.
Think of your favourite restaurants. Are they known for doing everything, or do they specialise in one style of food exceptionally well?
The most successful restaurants often focus on a single cuisine—whether it’s a pizzeria perfecting the art of pizza-making or a Thai restaurant crafting the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours.
The same principle holds true in the beauty industry. When you try to cater to every need, you risk spreading yourself too thin. By attempting to master everything, you may end up being average at everything and excelling at nothing.
Just as a sushi master dedicates years to perfecting their craft, you can build a loyal clientele by focusing on what you excel at and what you’re passionate about.
For instance, if you truly enjoy creating thick, dramatic lashes then you might not find the same satisfaction in creating light, natural classic looks.
THE POWER OF SPECIALISATION
Staying true to your unique style helps you stand out in a crowded market. Instead of blending in by offering every trending lash style, you can develop a signature look that clients associate with your brand.
There's a great sense of pride in excelling at something. Whether your business becomes renowned for dramatic, thick lashes or the best wispy sets, finding something you love and excel at is key. Don’t be afraid to double down and truly excel in your niche, even if that means ignoring or not offering other services or styles.
And if you truly enjoy creating a variety of styles then embrace that too. We’re not saying you have to specialise in a few particular areas, just don’t go chasing trends in order to please every potential client if it's not what you really want to be doing. Trust your instincts.
SAYING NO TO TRENDS (AND CLIENTS)
Everlane, a fashion brand founded in 2010, made the brave decision to focus on timeless wardrobe essentials like t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters, rather than chasing fleeting fast-fashion trends.
Initially, this approach reduced their appeal to customers seeking the latest styles. However, Everlane’s commitment to quality in what they do attracted a loyal customer base.
Their success shows how specialising in a few key areas can lead to a dedicated following and significant success, even when it means turning away other customers.
While it’s important to cater to different needs, eye shapes and preferences, there’s no need to offer every style or know every single lash map or stock every possible combination of lash curl, diameter and length.
It’s perfectly fine to specialise in classic sets, volume sets, or any other style you love. And if a client requests a style you’re not comfortable with, it’s okay to recommend another lash artist who can better meet their needs. By doing so, you ensure that clients receive the best possible service, which can also lead to referrals and a stronger reputation.
If you have a unique style or specific focus, communicate it clearly from the start. For example, if you specialise in classic sets, make that known in your bio or on your website’s front page. Feature images of classic sets you’ve done, and emphasise your expertise in this area.
You may miss out on a few potential clients looking for something different, but the ones you do attract will align perfectly with your style. You’ll enjoy creating the looks they desire, and they’ll be more satisfied with the results.
This focus not only enhances client satisfaction but also builds loyalty, leading to more repeat business and a greater sense of fulfilment in your work.
CONCLUSION
We've previously discussed the importance of staying aware of industry trends to seize new opportunities and enhance what you offer. However staying aware of trends does not mean you need to change what you do in any way. It simply gives you the choice.
Just as successful brands and restaurants thrive by specialising, you can build a strong identity and loyal clientele by staying true to your unique style. Embrace what you excel at and love, rather than chasing every new trend.
This approach not only enhances your skills and satisfaction but also creates a more sustainable and fulfilling business. So next time you feel pressured to keep up with trends, remember: focusing on what you do best could be the key to your long-term success in the lash industry.
