Ideal at-home beauty treatment?

Woolly

I stumbled upon your website as I was doing some research for a lash extension business I was thinking of setting up. After reading some of the comments on this and other websites, I'm not so sure.

What I was then wondering, is what beauty service people would want a home? I'm trying to come up with an idea that will allow me to work flexibly as I've got a little boy and now expecting another child - not here for ages, mind. However, I need to get some training organised if I want to take this further. My lash extension was my big idea. But as I've said I now have doubts. What about LVL from Nouveau Lashes; it uses new perming technology to shape eyelashes to allow them to appear longer. Alleviating the need for mascara or if adding mascara creating an ultra-glam look.

I know this all seems lash-centric but I am interested in any ideas that allow me to specialise in the something that appeals, is easily transportable. My friend who is a trained beautician recommended learning threading as well.

Anyway, any help would be most appreicated.

PurpleRules

Are you thinking of something you can do out of your home or would you be travelling to your client's homes? Why have you ruled out the lash extension business? I think that's a great idea. (I also think fish pedicures are a great idea so take that with a grain of salt.) Do you live in an urban area? If you don't, then you probably have fewer options.

Woolly

I'm thinking of beauty inspired ideas that both can work from my home or transportable to clients' homes. I do live in an urban area - sunny, south London. And actually, when I was small - I thought I'd come up with the idea of lash extensions! (Ahh the pretensions of youth).

Anyway, more recently I was dead-set on doing a course with Nouveau Lashes, and then I start reading other stuff about how the lashes damage the natural lash. And also I thought back to when I had it done myself with JinnyLash a few years a go - I absolutely loved it. But why did I stop - it was too freakin expensive. It was £150 per full set which is ridiculous. I'd feel guilty about spending that on a bag let alone something that last only 2 months! So I realised that to get the optimum amount I would have to keep finding new clients. Unless I did some discounting idea. Anyway, reading again on Nouveau Lash about LVL that's now the current flavour.

But I'm just wondering if I'm being too limited and maybe there's a real desire for some 'other' beauty service that I could tap into.

Here's hoping. BTW why do you dislike lash extensions?

JamiSings

You know, there's a lot of people whom for various reasons can't get out to the beauty parlor. Maybe you could make it a whole thing and make it cheaper then going to a salon? That way you could go to homes of elderly or disabled people on a limited income? You'd have to go get your beautition licence, of course.
I dyed my eyelashes once and loved it. I want to do it again. It made my eyelashes look fuller and longer, without the irritation and clumps of masquera.
You could also offer at-home mani/pedis, with a special discount for diabetics.

PurpleRules

I like lash extensions and think a home business doing them is a great idea. I think you could probably make it work in London if you could find a way to target those women who don't think it's too expensive. I bet there are plenty of women in London who'd be willing to spend that type of money (once the recession is over.) You'd probably want to offer other services too since someone who gets lash extensions would probably willing to spend the money and they're already in your house (or you're in theirs.) This wouldn't work where I live since I'm in a rural area and there are too few people and they're notoriously cheap. There's one salon in the area that does lash extensions and it's so filthy I wouldn't even want to use their bathroom. Now, there is a nice salon that does fish pedicures and I'm getting one as soon as my toolnail fungus is gone. Fingers crossed that they're not outlawed before that happens. I digress. Anyway, I didn't know lash extensions damaged your natural lashes. Is it the same type of damage that happens with hair extensions? I can't believe they weigh enough to do that.

Woolly

Thanks JamiSings and PurpleRules. I'm encouraged once more. I've been doing a bit of market research testing i.e. yakking to my friends and family and they also love the idea of lash extensions. So I'll probably proceed. Just thinking of a name for my mobile business now as I don't want to be too limited, as you suggested, I should also diversify into other beauty related services. My friend suggested threading. As she pointed out, "not a great deal of equipment to lug around. Just a thread!" Sounds light. However, with the lashes I do need clients to lie completely flat which is a pain. But I'll have a think about that as it seems a bit weird to take people up to my/their bedroom... upon first meeting ;)

vananners

I am a licensed esthetician and also certified lash extentionist. I would suggest you invest in a travel massage table to take to people's houses. It is much more professional and that way you always know you'll have something for them to lay on. Some people also like having a magnifying lamp to assist with placing the lashes. I, personally, find that mag lamps strain my eyes so I do not use them. I'm in the U.S. and the class I took was $500, the spa I was working for paid half. The (very) basic kit with all the supplies starts at $500 and goes up from there. I'm not sure about the safety aspect and if it ruins lashes but I do know it's expensive! I could see lash extensions being profitable if you're in the right area but I am not. I do like the fact that you have almost definite repeat business since people have to come back to you to get the lashes "filled" monthly.

Woolly

Thanks ever so much Van! I was thinking the same thing about the table. But they're so bulky to lug around. I was thinking that maybe I could get a fold up one - you know, like an old-fashioned camping one. Basically anything that could be small and light. But then I would have to sit on the floor cross-legged which probably isn't ideal either. I'm looking into massage ones. Cheers.

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