When you're starting out as a lash technician, a common starting point is to offer discounted model rates while you're building your speed and portfolio, then increase your prices as your skills and reputation grow. Most new lash techs in Australia charge somewhere between $50–$100 for model sets, moving toward full market rates once they're consistently producing client-ready results.
Pricing is one of the parts of running a beauty business that new technicians find most uncomfortable. Charge too little and you undermine your own worth; charge too much before you're ready and you may lose clients when your skills are still developing. Here's how to think through it properly.
Start With Model Rates, Not Full Prices
Before you've built speed and a consistent portfolio, you're still in a learning-by-doing phase — and that's completely normal. Model rates acknowledge this honestly: you're offering a service at a reduced price in exchange for the client's patience, flexibility, and permission to photograph the work for your portfolio.
Model rates are not charity. They're a structured way to build your book while your technique develops. Most new lash techs in Australia offer classic lash model sets somewhere in the $50–$80 range and volume sets at $80–$120, though there's genuine variation depending on location, the quality of your work, and what your local market expects.
Be clear with model clients about what they're signing up for: they're getting a discounted rate on a service from a technician who is still building their speed, and they're helping you grow. Most people are happy with this arrangement when it's framed honestly.
Know Your Costs Before You Set Any Price
Before you can price properly, you need to know what each service actually costs you to deliver. Add up:
- Product cost per set: How much lash glue, lashes, under-eye patches, and consumables do you use per appointment?
- Time: How long does a full set currently take you? What's the infill time?
- Overhead: If you're working from home, this may be minimal. If you're renting a space or chair, factor that in.
- Insurance: Your professional liability insurance has an annual cost — factor it across the number of clients you see.
Once you know your true cost per service, you can make sure your pricing at least covers expenses even while you're on model rates.
What Do Full-Price Lash Services Cost in Australia?
For context, here's a broad market range for lash services in Australia (these are market figures, not guarantees of what you will earn):
- Classic full set: $120–$200+
- Hybrid full set: $150–$220+
- Russian/volume full set: $180–$280+
- Infills (2–3 weeks): $60–$120 depending on style and location
Prices vary significantly by city and suburb. Inner-city salons in Sydney and Melbourne typically charge at the top of these ranges. Regional areas and home-based techs may charge less and still build excellent businesses.
When Should You Raise Your Prices?
There are clear signals that it's time to move off model rates:
- Your appointment times are consistent and close to industry standard (a classic full set in under 2 hours, for example)
- Your portfolio shows clean, even, client-ready results
- You have repeat model clients who are happy with their results
- You're getting enquiries beyond your existing model network
Raise your prices in stages rather than a big jump. Moving from model rates to mid-market is more comfortable for you and your clients than doubling your price overnight.
Should You Ever Work for Free?
Early on, doing a small number of free or heavily discounted sets to build your very first portfolio photos makes sense. Beyond that initial phase, model rates (not free) are the appropriate structure. Working for free for extended periods devalues your training, your time, and the service itself. Once you've completed your training and have a workable kit, discounted model rates are the right pricing model — not free.
Ready to Get Trained and Start Building Your Lash Business?
The Lash Bundle at Bela Beauty College covers classic, hybrid, Russian volume, and mega volume lash techniques in one enrolment — giving you the full service menu from day one. All courses are fully online, self-paced, and include 1:1 mentor support. You can also explore individual courses like the Classic, Hybrid & Pre-made Volume Lash Course if you want to start with one specialty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when I'm good enough to charge full price?
When your sets consistently look client-ready — clean isolation, even curl pattern, appropriate length and weight for the client's natural lashes — and your appointment times are approaching industry standard, you're ready to move to full pricing.
Should I charge for infills from the start?
Yes — infills take time and use product, so charge for them even on model clients. You can keep the rate low relative to your full set price, but working for free on infills is not a sustainable model.
What if clients push back on my prices?
Some will. Price resistance is normal and doesn't mean your prices are wrong — it means you haven't found the right clients yet. As your portfolio grows and your reputation builds, enquiries come from people who already value what you do.
Do I need to match the cheapest lash tech in my area?
No. Competing on price alone is a race to the bottom and is not a sustainable business strategy. Compete on quality, professionalism, and the experience of being in your chair.
How do I calculate my hourly rate from lash pricing?
Divide your service price by the time it takes. If a full set takes you three hours and you charge $90, that's $30/hour before costs. As your speed improves and your prices increase, your effective hourly rate climbs significantly — which is why both speed and pricing matter.
Can I charge different prices for lashes vs infills?
Yes — and you should. Full sets take longer and use more product than infills. Standard practice is to charge more for a full set than for a 2–3 week infill on the same client.
