How to Choose the Right Lash Artist: A Founder’s Guide

By Dominique Sandu, Founder of D. Sierra Lash Co.

When I opened D. Sierra Lash Co., I never imagined just how many women would walk through our doors feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or unsure about who to trust with their lashes. Eyelash extensions are one of the most transformative beauty services you can invest in—yet they also require skill, sanitation, and a deep understanding of eye health. Over the years, I’ve met countless clients who came to us after having bad experiences elsewhere: burning eyes from unsafe adhesive, damaged natural lashes, infections from poor sanitation, and worst of all, the feeling of being taken advantage of by someone who simply wasn’t qualified.

That’s exactly why I believe so strongly in educating clients. Whether you visit one of our D. Sierra Lash Co. locations or choose another studio, I want you to feel empowered, informed, and confident in knowing what to look for. Here are the most important questions every client should ask before booking with a lash artist.

1. Are They Certified or Licensed?

This is the very first thing I always tell clients to look for, because the truth is—not every lash artist out there is properly trained. And while every state has its own regulations (I started in New Jersey, where the rules can be very different from other states), the expectation should always be the same: your artist must be certified, licensed when required, and trained in sanitation, health, and proper lash application.

A licensed or certified lash technician has completed formal training and is insured through an accredited body. That means they’ve studied eye anatomy, lash growth cycles, safe adhesive usage, and the techniques required to protect your natural lashes. Without this foundation, clients can experience serious issues—chemical burns from low-quality glue, allergic reactions, stickies (when lashes get glued together), premature lash shedding, infections, or damage that can take months to repair.

Sanitation is non-negotiable. A trained lash tech sanitizes their tools, keeps their station clean, and understands how to maintain a safe environment between every client. If you walk into a salon and see clutter, unclean tools, or a rushed turnover between clients, that’s your sign to walk right out.

And lastly, a qualified artist will always educate you on aftercare. Proper cleansing, avoiding oils, keeping lashes dry after application, and maintaining fills every 2–3 weeks aren’t optional—they’re essential. The right artist will make sure you walk out knowing exactly how to care for your extensions.

2. Do They Offer Consultations Before the Procedure?

When I first began lashing, I made it a priority to give every new client a consultation—even if it was just 10 minutes. Why? Because no two sets are the same. Your lash health, your eye shape, your lifestyle, and your aesthetic goals all matter.

A proper consultation allows you to ask questions, express concerns, and understand what the procedure entails. A good lash artist will never rush you. They will explain different curl types, lengths, thicknesses, and styles, and guide you toward what will enhance your features without compromising your natural lashes.

You should also receive a consent form at the time of booking or before your appointment. This isn't just paperwork—it’s a safety measure. If you have known allergies, reactions to adhesive, or sensitivities, your lash artist needs to know. They should discuss potential risks with you and, if needed, perform a patch test.

Remember: any beauty procedure should feel collaborative. You’re trusting someone with the health of your eyes—your artist should treat that responsibility with care.

3. Is Their Work Displayed on Social Media?

In today’s world, social media is a lash artist’s portfolio. When you’re browsing, don’t just look for pretty photos—look for consistency. Look for healed results, video close-ups, before-and-afters, and client testimonials.

At D. Sierra Lash Co., we post real clients, real results, real lashes. Transparency matters. When an artist posts regularly, it shows they’re active, engaged, and proud of their work. It also helps you get a sense of the types of styles they specialize in—classic, hybrid, volume, mega volume, textured, natural, dramatic, and so on.

If you notice an artist only posts photos from far away, uses heavy filters, or rarely shows variations in style, take that as a sign to dig deeper.

4. Have You Visited the Salon?

Any client is well within their rights to stop by a lash studio before booking. In fact, I encourage it.

When you walk in, pay attention to:

• How clean the salon is

• Whether tools look sterilized

• Whether techs wash or sanitize their hands

• How clients are treated

• Whether the environment feels calm and professional

You’ll know within seconds whether it's a place you feel comfortable receiving services. You deserve a space that prioritizes your safety and experience.

5. What Are Their Clients Saying About Them?

Reviews don’t lie. A simple Google search will tell you almost everything you need to know—how long the salon has been open, how consistently clients come back, and what their experiences have been like.

You can also check their website for more detailed information, photos, pricing, and the history of their brand. When you’re trusting someone with your lashes, reputation matters.

6. Do You Understand Your Budget?

Pricing in the lash industry varies widely, and it’s not random. It’s influenced by:

• Experience level

• Education and ongoing training

• Product quality

• Location and salon operating costs

• Service time

• Insurance and licensing

A highly experienced lash artist who uses premium products and prioritizes lash health will naturally charge more than someone newly certified. Your eyes deserve the best—don’t choose based on price alone. Choose based on value, professionalism, and long-term results.

Your Lash Journey Matters—And We’re Here for You

I would love to welcome you into the D. Sierra Lash Co. family. With multiple locations across New Jersey, my team and I are committed to providing safe, high-quality, personalized lash services that take your natural beauty to the next level.

We are honored to guide you through your lash journey—whether it’s your first time or your hundredth. Your confidence, your safety, and your experience always come first.

Visit our booking page to book at a location near you: https://dsierralashco.com/pages/our-locations