So you've been thinking about turning your love of lashes into an actual career — and honestly, there's never been a better time to do it. The lash industry is growing fast, the work is creative and deeply satisfying, and in Arizona, you can go from zero experience to state-certified lash technician in as little as three days. Here's exactly what that path looks like, and how Today Studios can get you there.
Do You Need a License to Do Lash Extensions in Arizona?
Yes — and this is important. In Arizona, lash technicians are required to hold a valid state certification before they can legally work on clients. That means completing an Arizona state-approved training program and registering as a certified lash technician with the state. This protects clients, protects you as a professional, and sets a real standard for the work you do.
Not all lash training programs are state-approved. Some courses you'll find online or from out-of-state educators won't qualify you to register in Arizona — which means you'd finish the course and still not be able to legally work. It's worth making sure any program you invest in is specifically Arizona state-approved before you sign up.
What Does AZ State Certification Actually Require?
To become a registered lash technician in Arizona, you need to complete a state-approved curriculum that covers:
- Health, safety, and sanitation standards — Arizona has specific hygiene requirements for lash services, and you'll need to know them cold
- Lash theory — the anatomy of natural lashes, the lash growth cycle, adhesive science, and how to map lashes for different eye shapes
- Hands-on application — practice on live models is a requirement, not optional. You need real experience before you're working on paying clients.
- Business and legal requirements — understanding what's required of you as a lash professional operating in Arizona
Once you've completed a qualifying program, you'll receive a state-recognized certification that allows you to register and start working — whether that's at an established studio, renting a suite, or eventually running your own business.
Why Today Studios for Your Lash Certification?
At Today Studios in Tempe, our flagship training program — The Basics Capstone — is an Arizona state-approved, 3-day, 30-hour certification course designed specifically to get you job-ready and state-certified. Here's what makes it different from other programs:
You'll practice on live models — not mannequins. We provide three live models with different eye shapes throughout the course. There's simply no substitute for real-world practice when it comes to lashing, and mannequins don't prepare you for the variety of natural lash types and eye shapes you'll actually encounter as a working tech.
Small class sizes mean real feedback. This isn't a 20-person lecture hall. We keep our classes intentional and small so you're getting direct, personalized instruction throughout — not just watching demos from across the room.
You leave with a complete professional kit. Your tuition includes a full lash kit valued at $500, so you're not finishing the course and then spending another thousand dollars on supplies before you can start working.
You get lifelong mentorship. Questions don't stop after day three. Our students get ongoing support after graduation — which matters a lot when you're doing your first solo clients and need a second opinion.
What You'll Learn in The Basics Capstone
The 30-hour curriculum covers classic/wet, hybrid, and volume extension techniques — so you're not just certified, you're versatile. You'll learn proper isolation and placement, 2–3 different fanning techniques for volume sets, fill and removal procedures, and how to customize lash maps for different eye shapes and client goals.
Beyond the actual lashing, the course includes a business skills component that a lot of programs skip entirely: how to do client consultations, how to build your clientele, how to take portfolio photos for social media, and the legal requirements specific to lash technicians in Arizona. You'll even leave with professional lash portraits to use as your profile picture.
How Much Does It Cost, and What's Included?
The Basics Capstone is $2,000 total tuition, with a $500 non-refundable security deposit to hold your spot. What's included:
- 30 hours of state-approved instruction over 3 days
- Practice on three live models
- A professional lash kit ($500 value)
- A detailed training manual
- Your AZ state-recognized certification upon completion
- 15% student discount on products
- Lifelong mentorship and ongoing support
Seats are limited in every cohort to maintain the quality of instruction, so if you're seriously considering it, reaching out sooner rather than later is worth it. We can also talk through course dates and any questions you have about financing.
Is This the Right Move for You?
The Basics Capstone is designed for complete beginners — you don't need prior lash experience to enroll. If you're considering a career change, looking for a flexible income source, wanting to add lash services to an existing beauty license, or just ready to turn something you're passionate about into something real, this program was built for you.
Lash artists in Arizona have real earning potential, real flexibility, and real demand behind them — especially in the East Valley, where the beauty industry is growing fast and great lash techs are always in demand.
Ready to Get Started? We're Right Here in Tempe.
Today Studios is located at 1761 E Warner Rd, Suite A9, Tempe, AZ 85284, serving students from across the East Valley — Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and beyond. Reach out to learn about upcoming course dates and get any questions answered before you commit.
VIEW THE BASICS CAPSTONE | Call or text: (602) 877-1363