Must-have essentials for every lash extension artist

Starting your lash journey is not only about technique. To provide your clients with the best experience and make them feel at ease, you'll need the proper lash supplies.

The right tools can make a huge difference in how smooth and professional your services feel. With a solid setup, you'll be able to achieve stunning results and grow your confidence as a lash artist.

What supplies do you need for lash extensions?

Before you take on your first client, prepare yourself with a simple, dependable, and easy-to-maintain kit. Think of this as your starter lash extension supply list, the lash tech must-haves that help you work cleaner, faster, and with confidence.

1) Precision tweezers (isolation + pickup)

Two great tweezers beat five average ones. For working with classic sets, use a fine-tip isolation tweezer for precise separation and a pickup tweezer (straight or curved) to securely grasp a single lash extension without slipping or crushing.

Test for tension and balance; the right pair reduces hand fatigue, helps you to place extensions exactly where you want them for best attachment, and can reduce repetitive strain associated with carpal tunnel disease in lash artists.

For advanced/volume work, use a dedicated volume pickup tweezer (e.g., curved or L-shaped) with a consistent sweet spot for accurate fan pickup and release. This makes creating and placing fans easier and faster, while also protecting your hands.

2) Under-eye pads and tapes

Quality gel-free under-eye pads and a couple of gentle tapes (micropore/fabric/foam) keep lower lashes down and protect delicate skin. These microfoam patches are gel-free, which may help reduce the sensitivities associated with traditional gel pads.

Stock a few shapes to suit different eye contours, and practise light, wrinkle-free placement to keep pads from riding into the waterline.

Pads and tape are unsung heroes: comfortable isolation leads to a cleaner application and happier customers.

3) Professional lash adhesive

It is absolutely necessary to use a professional glue that is appropriate for your room conditions. If pigment sensitivity is a concern, consider Luminous Clear Adhesive, which is clear and free of carbon black. If fumes are the main issue, consider Magnet UV Lash Glue.

For fast air-cure work, JetSet Pro is a strong, quick option: always use with good ventilation, a tiny pickup, clean isolation, and within the glue’s recommended RH/°C range.

4) Lash extension trays

Build a small but versatile palette: a few core curls (C/CC/D) plus on-trend L and M curls for lift and eyeliner effects on straighter or hooded lids. Choose diameters proportionate to natural lash strength and lengths suitable for mapping from inner to outer corners.

Opt for consistent, high-quality fibres (uniform curl/finish) and a mix of curls. Lash diversity allows you to style each client uniquely, from soft, natural to structured, lifted looks.

Label trays clearly so you are not hunting during service; efficiency improves both finish and client comfort.

5) Cleansers and prep

Healthy retention starts with spotless natural lashes. Use a lash-safe cleanser and lint-free tools to remove makeup and oils. Think of thorough cleansing as the first step to better retention, then stick to the consistent routine: cleanse, rinse, dry, and map.

Clean lashes mean better bonding, less stickiness, and easier isolation, which is especially important for faster lash glue drying and better lash retention.

6) Glue management: palette + nozzle care

A stable surface helps your glue behave. A cool disposable lash glue plate keeps drops separate, domed, and cleaner (less dust/contamination), with easy tear-off cleanup between clients, which is great for hygiene and consistency. Pair it with glue wipes to keep the nozzle clean, with no strings or crust.

Refresh the drop regularly and keep the cap tightly closed between clients. Smart glue handling is a quiet skill that instantly improves your sets.

7) Removers and safety back-ups

Keep a professional eyelash glue remover on hand for safe corrections or emergency removals. Never take shortcuts with oils or picking; clean dissolving protects both natural lashes and your reputation.

Add saline, lint-free wipes, and a small wash bottle to your kit so you can comfortably rinse your eyes if you experience any sensitivities.

8) Environment and curing aids

Your glue's mood changes with the climate. A hygrometer/thermometer helps you track room RH/°C and adjust your technique. Use Instant Cure at the end of a set to reduce residual vapours and speed up surface polymerization.

Managing the environment (and the final cure) keeps clients comfortable and increases consistency from one appointment to the next.

These eight lash tech essentials cover all bases without going overboard. As your confidence grows, you can add niche tools, but this core kit will get you through your first clients with professional, predictable results.

How to choose quality lash supplies

Great results start with great tools, so shop like a pro from day one.

• Materials and build. Look for anti-static, surgical-grade stainless steel tweezers with fine tips and consistent tension. Lash fibres should be consistent in curl, diameter, and finish (no plasticky sheen or brittle feel). Pads and tapes must be skin-friendly and lint-free.

• Brand reputation. Choose brands that provide professional education, clear specifications, and responsive support. Check for batch/lot numbers, realistic shelf life, and access to SDS/MSDS for adhesives and removers. Avoid "mystery" bottles; counterfeit or grey-market products can be unsafe and inconsistent.

• Ergonomics and comfort. If your tools cause fatigue, it will show in your work. Examine tweezer grip and balance, pad fit, and the weight and feel of any accessories (e.g., glue palette). Comfortable tools make it easier to work healthier and achieve better results.

• Hygiene and safety. Prioritize products that clean easily and adhere to salon protocols. Stock a good cleanser, disposable applicators, and a remover that dissolves cleanly (no picking). Match adhesives to your room's RH/°C, keep track of the open-bottle date, and replace on a regular basis.

• Policies that protect you. Favour suppliers who provide transparent ingredients, clear guidance, and fair returns. Bonus points for training and aftercare resources; you're not just buying products; you're investing in the dependability and confidence of each set.

Keep your lash kit clean and tools in top shape

Clean tools equal safer services, smoother application, and better retention. Create a simple routine that you'll actually stick to.

Daily between clients

• Cleanse lashes/lids properly to start every set on a fresh canvas.

• Wipe tweezers free of adhesive immediately (no scraping), then clean, disinfect, and sanitise according to salon protocol; dry completely before storing.

• Single-use stays single-use: wands, micro-brushes, under-eye pads.

• Glue hygiene: replace drops frequently; keep the nozzle clean with wipes; cap tightly; log the open date and replace on schedule.

Weekly deep clean and maintenance

• Give the tweezers a thorough cleaning and check tip alignment/tension; discard any that snag. See our step-by-step instructions for cleaning eyelash tweezers.

• Wash palettes/tiles (including crystal plates) and let them air-dry completely.

• Audit your kit: throw away expired/oxidised products, restock disposables, and note what needs to be replaced soon.

A tidy, well-maintained kit not only looks professional, but it also makes each set faster, cleaner, and more comfortable for your clients.