FAQ's for Lash Professionals
General Questions About NALA
The National Association of Lash Artists is an international, non-governmental organization that advocates for professionals in the lash industry.
NALA offers support to the lash industry by establishing much-needed regulatory guidelines, as well as offering Academy Accreditation, Lash Educator Programs, NALA Memberships and International Industry Awards.
We promote professionalism, integrity, and ethical business for the betterment of the global lash industry.
Annual Activities
A number of activities are conducted on an annual basis, including:
- Monitoring changes to legislation and government policy
- Surveying organizations about the current requirements with a request for any additional feedback
- Analyzing feedback from communities, organizations, and individuals
- Providing the most recent feedback to the NALA Board of Advisors for consideration
- Informing the owners of accredited academies of any upcoming amendments
- Informing the NALA Members of any upcoming updates to the NALA Standards and recommended guidelines
Accreditation Development Process
Updating the NALA Academy Accreditation requirements is a continuous process. The requirements are influenced by:
- Global research into safe practice
- On-going consultation with the NALA Board of Advisors
- Feedback from lash professionals and the general public
- Feedback from lash students
- Changes in legislation and government policies
- Demands for greater accountability
- Targeted surveys about the new processes and standards
- Evaluating the effectiveness of any new processes introduced
- Making corrections in any necessary areas
Continuing Standards Development
An updated version of NALA Accreditation requirements is developed and released every year to ensure the validity and on-going relevance of the standards. Necessary amendments are communicated via email to the accredited academy owners. Academy owners are expected to fully implement the changes identified by the accompanying timeline. NALA provides as much notice as possible, though the implementation period for legislative changes can be much shorter.
The requirements for NALA Academy Accreditation are developed and reviewed in consultation with the NALA Board of Advisors.
Support for NALA Members and Accredited Academies
NALA creates online content and workshops for our members based on the research conducted throughout the year.
If you are an individual lash artist you can join the membership and apply to become an 'Accredited Member'. See Lash Artist FAQ's below.
If you are an educator or school director, you can apply to have your academy accredited by participating in NALA School for Lash Trainers three-step program. See NALA School for Lash Trainers FAQ's below.
The NALA President is Levi Shephard.
Over the years Levi has gained experience in many aspects of business; lash artist, lash extensions educator, lash and brow studio owner, professional product developer, magazine columnist, founder of an accredited training academy, international stage presenter, author of business-building ebooks, creator of a global industry awards program, and founder of this international association.
Levi has spent the past eight years researching and collaborating with beauty industry experts in several countries, consulting with lash artists and educators around the globe and studying existing industry guidelines already in place. This vital research has provided insight to the common concerns of the lash world and their best solutions.
Our Board fo Advisors is comprised of both industry and non-industry personnel. You can learn about each of our board members HERE.
If you are interested in volunteering on the board and assisting us as we advocate for the lash industry, please contact [email protected] and let us know how you can help.
Lash schools that have earned NALA Academy Accreditation, and hold active status, may use the NALA Seal of Accreditation. All officially accredited academies are listed on the NALA Global Directory www.nalamembers.com
Lash artists who have earned Accredited Member status, may use the NALA Accredited Member badge (logo). All officially accredited members are listed on the NALA Global Directory www.nalamembers.com
NALA Award Winners are given a winners badge that they may use on their website and social media to show off their accolade.
No one is permitted to use the NALA company logo. This logo is OUR trademarked logo and only NALA can use it.
There is a NALA logo with the term 'Certified Educator' circulating the internet. This badge was revoked in 2018. No one is permitted to use the NALA Educator's Badge and to do so is a misrepresentation of their status with the association. It is also trademark infringement, which we take very seriously. Anyone wishing to use the NALA name to promote their courses must first have their curriculum(s) reviewed by the association and earn academy accreditation (Steps Two and Three of NALA SFLT).
Misuse of NALA trademarked property will result in legal action. If you believe someone is misusing the NALA name or logo please notify us via email at [email protected]. All reports are kept confidential.
To report the misuse of the NALA name and/or logos please send an email to [email protected] with as much detail as possible so we can look into your claim. All reports are handled thoroughly and thoughtfully.
Our Quality Control Manager will begin an investigation. We may be in touch to request further information. All reports are kept strictly confidential.
The NALA Awards Gala and Conference will be held on the first weekend in May every year in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
This is an unbeatable event with top educators, world renowned speakers, and our one-of-a-kind Gala!
Visit www.nalagala.com to learn more about the event, buy tickets and/or nominate a colleague for an Industry Award.
If you know of someone in the lash industry that deserves to be awarded for his/her exceptional skills, contribution to the industry, mentorship, product development or overall awesomeness, let us know!
Submit their name by filling out the Nomination Form on the gala website at www.nalagala.com/nominate
There is a fee of $50 CAD for each nomination submitted.
Nominees, once they formally accept their nomination, complete an application detailing why they are the most worthy candidate for the award.
Our nomination applications are thoroughly reviewed by a committee of volunteers.
The committee is comprised of both industry and non-industry personnel (the list of volunteers changes every year) who process the applications according to the NALA requirements for each award.
Committee members submit their reports to head office along with their votes as to who should win each award. The nominee with most votes is declared the winner of that award.
The NALA President includes her vote only in the event of a tie decision in order to declare an absolute winner.
Questions Frequently Asked by Lash Artists
Some areas have regulations in place which state that you must have an esthetics diploma or be a licensed cosmetologist or similar. Find out the laws in your area before enrolling in a lash training course.
Once you have determined that you qualify to earn your certification, do your research to find a reputable program. Tuition for a quality course can be a big investment. You need to know the course you choose will properly prepare you for a career in the lash industry. Don't let price or location be your deciding factors. Your education is the most important part of your exciting new career as a lash artist. Take your time, shop around and compare schools.
Courses offered by a NALA Accredited Academy have been reviewed and approved by the association. You can find a list of NALA accredited academies on the directory www.nalamembers.com
Start by visiting your federal governments website. Search for topics such as personal services regulations, control practices for personal services, infection prevention for personal services, legislature for personal service businesses, etc. If your country is divided into provinces, states or counties, search your local state website for regulations as well. Some good search keywords include "personal services", "esthetics", "legislature", "health services", "regulations" and other similar terms.
Although many governments may not have a list of regulations specific to eyelash extensions, lash services fall under the same category as other esthetic services such as waxing, facials, lash tinting, and more. Review the requirements for those services and accommodate those regulations in your business.
Your insurance provider will request a certificate or diploma as evidence that you are qualified to provide the service you are offering. They will be looking for some form of confirmation that you are unlikely to cause harm to a person or become subject to legal action. The more evidence you can provide that shows you are a low risk, the lower your premiums should be.
NALA has teamed up with BeautyPro Media to co-direct an international lash competition at The Skin Games.
The Skin Games was the first international competition for skincare professionals. With categories for waxing, facials, acne, and more. In 2019 they added the eyelash extensions category. In 2021 NALA and BeautyPro Media became co-directors of the lash category.
Enter to win up to US$3000 in the upcoming online competition.
If you are an individual lash artist you can join the membership and apply to become an 'Accredited Member'.
When you purchase membership you gain instant access to all the perks but you are not YET recognized as an 'accredited' member.
Once you successfully pass the application process you will be officially recognized as an accredited member and earn your place on the NALA Global Directory.
NALA Members must meet all NALA standards and demonstrate safe and accurate application skills.
The Membership Application process consists of a written exam, as well as a video demonstration and photos of your work. A formal certification is not required to apply for membership.
Members are bound to NALA's strict Professional Guidelines and NALA Code of Ethics. Please review these policies carefully before joining the membership. Failure to comply to NALA Professional Guidelines and NALA Code of Ethics will result in dismissal from the membership.
Membership proudly makes a statement about your dedication to your professional integrity & practice.
Aside from highlighting your professional credibility, NALA Membership has many perks.
Members gain exclusive access to videos and workshops which help grow your business.
Your name and details about your business/services are listed on the NALA Global Directory.
Members receive industry updates and important news delivered directly to their email account.
Members are entitled to discounts and/or VIP access to all NALA hosted events.
Members are invited to join our private members-only forum.
Members participate in members-only events throughout the year.
This online course is available free to NALA Members. Once logged in, simply access your library by clicking on the avatar in the top right hand corner.
Not a NALA Member? You can purchase the course HERE.
The decision to expand is one that requires patience and research.
Some lash artists choose to grow once they are consistently fully booked three weeks in advance.
Some choose to grow when they realize they are missing out on the opportunity to grow their client list due to lack of time. This is when a lash artist might consider taking on an employee.
Sometimes a lash artist decides she has outgrown her space and it is time to move to a larger studio and hire more staff.
There are important factors to consider before deciding if it is right for you. Such as;
What will your new overhead costs be in a new larger space?
How much will it cost you to have employees? (There is more to it than just their wage or commissions)
NALA wants to help you with all of your business goals!
You can find helpful information and workshops to guide you to success in the NALA Membership. Visit the NALA Membership Page to learn more.
1) Enrol in the NALA School for Lash Trainers to gain an abundance of information, guidance, resources and support as you create your curriculum.
2) Write your manuals and build your curriculum. Once you have completed the online or on-campus training you will have all the tools and information you need to develop your own lash training course(s).
3) Apply for accreditation by submitting your training materials to NALA for review.
Once approved for Academy Accreditation:
- you will qualify for insurance.
- you will be recognized as an internationally accredited academy.
- you'll receive your certificate of accreditation.
- you'll receive gold stickers of the official NALA Seal of Accreditation to apply to your students certificates.
- your academy will be listed on the NALA Global Directory (must renew annually to remain on the directory).
- NALA will promote your school to the public as an approved education facility.
- you will receive regular industry updates via email to help you keep your training courses current.
In most areas around the world there are no government requirements for teaching lash extension training courses.
The insurance companies, however, require a formal qualification as an educator. The certificate earned through the NALA School for Lash Trainers is accepted by most insurance companies around the world.
Good to know: If you wish to teach in a formally recognized, fully accredited, beauty school, there are requirements in many areas, such as the Certificate 4 in Australia, or the PTTSL (or City & Guilds Award in Education & Training) in the UK. But those qualifications are currently not required for offering a certification course in lash extensions.
Disclaimer: ALWAYS refer to your local education board for confirmation of qualification requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions about SFLT
1) Enrol in the NALA School for Lash Trainers to gain an abundance of information, guidance, resources and support as you create your curriculum.
2) Write your manuals and build your curriculum. Once you have completed the online or on-campus training you will have all the tools and information you need to develop your own lash training course(s).
3) Apply for accreditation by submitting your training materials to NALA for review.
Once approved for Academy Accreditation:
- you will qualify for insurance.
- you will be recognized as an internationally accredited academy.
- you'll receive your certificate of accreditation.
- you'll receive gold stickers of the official NALA Seal of Accreditation to apply to your students certificates.
- your academy will be listed on the NALA Global Directory (must renew annually to remain on the directory).
- NALA will promote your school to the public as an approved education facility.
- you will receive regular industry updates via email to help you keep your training courses current.
In most areas around the world there are no government requirements for teaching lash extension training courses. (Check your local state board and/or government websites for confirmation.)
The insurance companies, however, require a formal qualification as an educator. The certificate earned through the NALA School for Lash Trainers is accepted by most insurance companies around the world.
Good to know: If you wish to teach in a formally recognized, fully accredited, beauty school, there are requirements in many areas, such as the Certificate 4 in Australia, or the PTTSL (or City & Guilds Award in Education & Training) in the UK. But those qualifications are currently not required for offering a certification course in lash extensions.
Disclaimer: ALWAYS refer to your local education board for confirmation of qualification requirements.
If you are the owner of a lash academy (or aspire to launch your own academy) you can enrol in NALA School for Lash Trainers.
When you purchase Step One of NALA SFLT, you gain instant access to the Educator's Comprehension Course but you are not YET accredited.
Once you successfully complete Step Two of NALA SFLT your academy will be officially recognized as an accredited academy and earn its place on the NALA Global Directory.
Please note we do not accredit individual educators, we accredit the entire academy based on their curriculum(s) and student resources.
NALA School for Lash Trainers is a three step program.
STEP ONE: Become a certified educator.
Step one is the education portion of the program. Aspiring educators complete the NALA Educator's Comprehension Course; a three day training course to learn all they need to know to create accreditation-worthy lash courses.
STEP TWO: Apply for academy accreditation.
Step two is the accreditation application. Once participants have written their curriculums, implementing all the information and requirements learned in step one, they will purchase step two, fill out an online application, and submit their manuals for review.
STEP THREE: Get listed on the NALA Global Directory.
Step three is accepting and utilizing the accreditation. Accredited academies will purchase step three to set up their annual renewals, receive their Certificate of Accreditation and the NALA Seal of Accreditation, and submit their profile elements online for www.nalamembers.com
Accreditation must be renewed annually by updating (if applicable) and submitting your manuals for review each year. See renewal process in another FAQ down the page.
NALA SFLT Step One course has over 40 comprehensive modules which cover:
- How to teach effectively
- How to mentor students
- Which topics to teach
- How to develop your curriculum
- How to create and publish private online tutorial videos
- How to create and publish a private access website for your students
- How to write your manuals
- How to price your tuition
- How to create an effective course itinerary
- How to develop quality online training
- Writing a business plan
- Create your launch (or re-launch) strategy and timeline
- Website and SEO tips
- Marketing advice
- Public relations
- Effective and meaningful branding
- Growth tips (how and when to grow your academy)
- National and international expansion
- Legal considerations
- Copyright and trademark information
- and more . . .
ONLINE OPTION:
Step one is $1525 USD to gain access to the ONLINE training and downloads.
Step two is $1,350 USD to gain access to the accreditation application and submit course manuals for approval.
Step three is $350 USD which is payable AFTER your manuals have been approved and will recur automatically each year for your renewal.
ON-CAMPUS OPTION:
Step one is $2,100.00 USD to participate in the 3-day ON-CAMPUS training, which has the most benefits.
Step two is $1,350 USD to gain access to the accreditation application and submit course manuals for approval.
Step three is $350 USD which is payable AFTER your manuals have been approved and will recur automatically each year for your renewal.
Also available in CAD. Prices are subject to change. Visit the information page for most current tuition prices.
You may purchase Step One without any obligation to purchase Steps Two and Three.
However, without earning accreditation, you will be prohibited from using the NALA name to promote your courses and you will not earn your place on the NALA Global Directory.
The course, whether online or on-campus, includes an abundance of information, guidance, resources and support.
You will gain instant and unlimited access, whether you enrol online or on-campus, to the recordings from our 3-day, on campus program.
Modules included in the course:
- Which topics to teach
- How to teach effectively
- How to mentor students
- How to develop your curriculum
- How to create and publish private online tutorial videos
- How to create and publish a private access website for your students
- How to write your manuals
- How to price your tuition
- How to create an effective course itinerary
- How to develop quality online training
- Writing a business plan
- Create your launch (or re-launch) strategy and timeline
- Website and SEO tips
- Marketing advice
- Public relations
- Effective and meaningful branding
- Growth tips (how and when to grow your academy)
- National and international expansion
- Legal considerations
- Copyright and trademark information
Earn a certificate of completion, which will help you qualify for insurance as an educator.
Pre-written Table of Contents’ for Classic, Volume, Mega Volume & Lash Lift/Tint courses.
Academy accreditation checklists for Classic, Volume, Mega Volume & Lash Lift/Tint courses.
1. The hands-on, in-person experience will be more impactful than following an online course. Particularly for the mock classroom portion of training that's offered on-campus.
2. Meeting other educators in class creates a great networking opportunity and helps build a community of support.
3. Live, interactive conversations during the lessons, with the instructor and other students.
4. Receive a full-colour, printed, interactive workbook.
5. The on-campus class is designed to be fun and interactive.
6. Participate in the full homework experience and personal review with your classmates and campus director.
7. Class photo opportunity.
8. Being away (if travelling to attend one of the classes) for the full 3 days of learning keeps you focused on the lessons and homework assignments without the distractions of work and home.
9. All attendees are granted access to the video recordings and downloads after class. On-campus participants get the benefits of both options.
10. Option to attend an evening meal, or enjoy cocktails on the final day of class. Chat with the instructor and other aspiring educators. Exchange ideas and make meaningful connections with like-minded lash professionals.
Some of our campuses do offer a livestream tuition option.
All students, whether attending on-campus and via livestream, will have access to the video recordings and downloads after class.
No. Step one of NALA School for Lash Trainers is the Educator's Comprehension Course. You will earn a Certificate of Completion, but not accreditation.
To earn accreditation for your courses, and get listed on the global directory, you must complete Steps Two and Three of NALA SFLT.
No. NALA Accreditation is never guaranteed, it must be earned.
BUT, if you are not successful on your first attempt a NALA team member will work with you to help you get your courses to accreditation status. Every applicant is entitled to one free reapply if needed.
We never turn anyone away! But applicants must be prepared to make changes to their curriculum and academy processes in order to meet NALA Standards.
The NALA Seal of Accreditation is not easy to achieve. NALA holds academies to an extremely high standard because we understand that education is the foundation of our entire industry.
To earn the NALA Seal of Accreditation for your lash academy:
- All of your lash related courses must meet the curriculum criteria (applicants are provided with a checklist in step one).
- Your manuals must meet professional education standards regarding spelling, grammar, and information organization.
- Your students must be able to follow and understand the content with ease.
- All classes must have 1 qualified educator for each 5 students (class ratio 1:5).
- Total amount of in-class instruction must be at least 2 days and offer a timeline which allows for students to have quality time with the instructor.
- Academy is required to offer at least 12 hours of hands-on, supervised practice on a variety of live models.
- All students must successfully pass an exam (written, oral or observed) before receiving a certificate. If they do not qualify for certification, systems must be in place to help them achieve certification in the near future.
- Training manuals must contain very detailed, up-to-date information. Applicants are provided with a list of what needs to be included in the manuals.
- Academy must carry adequate insurance as an educational facility (not as a service provider).
- Graduates must have access to continued support and mentorship after earning their certificate.
The NALA Seal of Accreditation is the equivalent of earning Michelin Stars for a restaurant.
Approval is NOT guaranteed. The NALA Seal of Accreditation must be EARNED.
In the event that your curriculum does not meet accreditation requirements, you will be granted three months to make the necessary changes and resubmit your application without additional fees. This includes one re-apply only.
Find full details about earning academy accreditation on our NALA School for Lash Trainers page.
The NALA Seal of Accreditation is the “Michelin Star” of the lash industry and is the highest possible level of achievement for a lash extensions academy or specialty training program at a beauty school.
NALA Accreditation is evidence that your curriculum will properly prepare your students for a successful career as a professional lash artist.
Other benefits include:
Your training academy will be recognized as an internationally accredited academy.
A listing on the NALA Global Directory (must renew annually to remain on the directory)
Your courses are promoted to the public as a trusted source for quality lash education.
You will receive an official Certificate of Accreditation
A digital copy of the NALA Seal of Accreditation
You will receive 50 gold foil stickers of the NALA Seal of Accreditation to apply to your students certificates (more available for purchase exclusively to our accredited academies)
Additional benefits with your 5 year renewal and 10 year renewal
You will receive regular industry updates via email to help you keep your training courses current (we do the research for you)
Access to a private forum where you’ll receive support, and encouragement
PLUS, coming soon . . . . invitations to exclusive educators events and conferences.
The requirements for the NALA Academy Accreditation were developed using global research from the past 8 years. They are determined, and continue to change as the industry evolves, by the NALA Board of Advisors.
Learn more about our processes and development HERE
The lash industry is constantly evolving and discovering new, better, more-informed ways of doing things. Because of this, accreditation expires each year.
To maintain accredited status, review the annual accreditation requirement updates (sent to you via email every September) and update your curriculums accordingly before your expiry date.
Email your updated manuals to NALA within one week after to your renewal date. We will not review manuals before the renewal date. More details available in the Step One product online under the accreditation section.
Your updated Certificate of Accreditation will be sent to you once your renewal fee has been successfully withdrawn. A digital copy of the certificate will be sent via email on the first Wednesday after your renewal date.
Each year (in September) you will receive an updated accreditation application checklist. Your manuals must reflect any changes made to the NALA requirements when you submit for renewal.
Included with each annual renewal:
- an updated Certificate of Accreditation.
- your listing on the global directory will remain active.
Included with your 5 year renewal:
- an updated Certificate of Accreditation.
- your listing on the global directory will remain active.
- your school featured in the NALA Newsletter.
-
a commemorative plaque presented to you on stage at the NALA Awards Gala.
Included with your 10 year renewal:
- an updated Certificate of Accreditation.
- your listing on the global directory will remain active.
- a complimentary Classic Sponsorship Package for the NALA Awards Gala and Conference.
-
a commemorative plaque presented to you on stage at the NALA Awards Gala.
Annual renewal for your academy accreditation is:
$450 CAD or $350 USD
These payments are set up as an automatic payment each year when you purchase step three of the program. You may cancel at any time.
Prices are subject to change. Once accredited your price will remain the same provided you do not cancel.
Yes. Please email [email protected] to request more stickers and a team member will guide you to the appropriate purchase page.
Your accreditation status must be active in order to purchase the seals. We limit orders to 50 stickers per order for quality control purposes.
We give you up to a year to write and submit your manuals after completing the educator's comprehension course (whether online or on-campus) but it can be done sooner. Your timeline depends on how much time you have available each week to commit to creating your curriculum.
We are launching multiple locations in 2022. Subscribe to our email list to be notified of all of our future campus openings.
We are currently accepting applications to be considered for our licensing program.
Contact [email protected] if you would like to learn more about our licensing agreement and how to qualify.
