I've been doing lashes for almost 10 years. And through the years so much has changed within the lash extension industry. One of those things are lash "set-ups." When I first learned how to lashes, the lash company that certified me had some awkward set-ups. They had clients in a awkward style "lazy boy" chair. I later worked for a few lash boutiques that only used massage tables. And then I finally bought a recliner back in 2016. I will give you the pros and cons to all of these and other set ups. And a few variations of brands and some tips.
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| Massage table with fitted (lash) sheet. |
1.) Massage Table
These are great for both beginners and mobile techs. They are typically more affordable, especially to start off with and easy to sanitize. Some techs will spruce their tables up with extra pillows, blankets, etc. to make their tables more comfortable. However, as a technician, now there's more to sanitize, more laundry to do (sheets, blankets, etc.) To me, that's more things to travel with and/or sanitize and clean. Here's my short list of pros and cons.
Pros:
- This is great for beginners and lash techs who are mobile.
- They are typically around $80-150 brand new, however you can find tons for used on sites like craigslist, Facebook marketplace, and letgo/offer up for as cheap as $40. They are very affordable to start out with.
- These are easy to sanitize and clean, and easy to travel with.
- Typically decent working space for techs (off to the sides).
Cons:
- These can be awkward to store and are bulky.
- Difficult to travel with.
- You can't fully get underneath your client because of the leg bracket in the way. This can result in hunching over. Uncomfortable for clients for long periods of time. (Especially those women who are pregnant.)
- If you plan to have sheets, blankets, etc. it's a good idea to have multiple for sanitation and cleanliness standards. But in my opinion, it's just makes for extra laundry, wasted time and expense.
- Be aware of weight capacity/limitations. Some tables are only up to 200 lbs.
- If you are traveling, you either have to bring your own chair or ask a client to use a chair that they may have on hand. Their chair, may or may not work well depending on how high or low the table sits. You can make adjustments, however I just find it to be such a hassle.
2.) Recliner Chairs (Featuring: Big Lot's "Manhattan")
One of my favorite lash podcasts is with "Livbay Lashes", or formerly known as "Sassy Lashes." It's a couple who have built a successful lash business together, after his wife began to learn the art of lashes back in 2011. They are infectious and bring up so many topics that are important to the industry. And the industry has seemed so secretive for many years. Anywho, on their episode on February 2nd, 2021 'Lash Chair Setups - Our Favorite Pick", they discuss their favorite and pros and cons of similar set ups (kinda similar to my pros and cons list.) Their favorite was the "Manhattan Chair" from BigLots.
Pros
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| Big Lot's "Manhattan" Recliner |
- They can be a bit more on the expensive side. However, the chairs can come with warranty offers and will be replaced for free even if there's a tiny scratch. No questions asked.
- Comfortable for both client and tech. (Especially for longer appointments.)
- Tech can get their legs under the client.
- Plenty of working space (off to the sides) for the technician.
- Easy to sanitize (if faux leather - not fabric)
- Great for technicians with established clientele and a studio.
- Non-weight limitations
Cons
- Expensive ($299)
- Manual recline (non-electric) Though the manual chairs are typically cheaper, I find that they only allow you to have 3 recline settings and features. I find this to be slightly annoying if you and your client can't find the correct "recline" position.
- I realized this was the first chair I learned to lash in. back then, they sat so low and the technicians worked above so high that I was constantly "hunched" over and uncomfortable. Back then, no one had built bases to make the client chairs higher so techs could work more comfortably and effectively. Now-a-days, bases on chairs that sit so low naturally, such as this one will need a base. These can be easily made, painted or styled with fabric to make it "prettier." Tutorials can be found through YouTube and Pinterest. However, it is another added expense.
- non-mobile
Note: Don't go with a cheaper reclining chair. Some have gone with other variations and they either tip over, have mechanism problems, etc.
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| Perfect Chair - Zero Gravity Chair in my shop with base. |
When I first started to plan for my lash studio, I knew that I definitely did not want a massage table. I personally had found them uncomfortable and as a client, they made me feel that I was in a sterile environment. Recliners and lounge daybeds were becoming a "thing", so I knew that I wanted to go in a lounge chair direction. I began browsing around Pinterest for ideas, when I stumbled upon a nail salon that was using zero gravity chairs. I LOVED this style of the chair, and after lots of research and digging I found the brand. It was called, "The Perfect Chair." Literally, it is. 😂 Now there are plenty of other brands besides mine that I'm sure are still expensive but wayyyyy more affordable.
Pros
- Zero gravity chairs are recliners designed to suspend your body in a neutral posture where your feet are elevated in alignment with your heart. When reclined in a zero gravity chair, you experience a weightless sensation, allowing you to deeply relax and release tension.
- Comfortable for both client and tech. (Especially for longer appointments.)
- Techs can get their legs under the client.
- Plenty of working space (off to the sides) for the technician.
- Easy to sanitize (if faux leather - not fabric)
- Great for technicians with established clientele and a studio.
- 400 lbs. weight capacity
- Electric Recline. Give your clients the power of what angle works best for them, and for you. Rather than a manual setting that only give you three options.
Cons
- These chairs are extremely expensive. Brand new, these chairs can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000. My Pro-tip? Look on craigslist or letgo/offer up. I got my chair back in 2016 off of craigslist. I bought it from a man who was emptying out his yoga studio and didn't have a place to store it. It's been the best purchase and find I have ever found. Most other brands are still pricey and can go from $399 and up.
- Manual recline (non electric.) Though the manual chairs are typically cheaper, I find that they only allow you to have 3 recline settings and features. I find this to be slightly annoying if you and your client can't find the correct "recline" position.
- non-mobile
- Unfortunately, just like the recliners, zero gravity chairs also sit very low to the ground. I highly recommend that a base be built. These can be easily made, painted or styled with fabric to make it visually pleasing. Tutorials can be found through YouTube and Pinterest. However, it is another added expense.
4.) Chase Lounges
When I first started doing lashes, I saw a few of these around. But today, I believe they are almost obsolete. And for good reason, they just aren't as effective or workable. Don't get me wrong, some of them are beautiful to look at and some can be very comfortable.....or not. But depending on the size and shape, that's all it is, something pretty to look at. This list is short and sweet.
Pros
- Plenty of working space (off to the sides) for the technician.
- Comfortable for both client and tech. (Especially for longer appointments.)
- Aesthetically pleasing.
- Depending on the shape, some can be very comfortable for clients.
- Easy to sanitize (if faux leather - not fabric)
Cons
- You can't fully get underneath your client because of the leg bracket in the way. This can result in hunching over. Depending on the shape of the chase lounge, unfortunately these can be uncomfortable for clients for long periods of time. (Especially those women who are pregnant.)
- If you plan to have sheets, blankets, etc. it's a good idea to have multiple for sanitation and cleanliness standards. But in my opinion, it's just makes for extra laundry, wasted time and expense.
- Depending on the shape, some can sit low to the ground. A base may need to be built to assist.
- Depending on the material, it may not be easy to disinfect.
- Prices and quality may vary.
- No recline variations.
- Difficult to move.
- Non-mobile.
5.) Esthetician beds
If you are an esthetician and offer or planning to offer other services other than lashes, then this will be a great investment! If you aren't planning on offering and other services than lashes, then you may want to rethink your setup. Here's why,
Pros
- Great for estheticians and stylists that are offering multiple services
- Multi-recline variations.
- Easy to sanitize and clean.
- Techs can get their legs under the client.
- Plenty of working space (off to the sides) for the technician.
- Great for technicians with established clientele and a studio.
- Easy to position for ultimate comfort for both client and tech.
- Better weight capacity.
Cons
- Expensive. These chairs can be very expensive. This is definitely an investment piece.
- Non-mobile
- Really bulky and heavy. Difficult to move.
6.) Tattoo Chairs/Beds.
In my opinion, I personally like the zero gravity and reclining chairs far more than anything else available on the market. Esthetician chairs are also great. But I find that that tattoo chairs and beds are a cross between and esthetician chair and a massage table. Some can be great while other brands can vary in quality. Some brands are mobile chairs/beds, however I find the weight capacity to be less. The heavier ones, are too bulk to go mobile but the weight capacity is greater. Depending on how they are made, as a tech, some you can get your legs under, and other you can't. Some sit higher, lower, etc. Some are cheaper and others more expensive. I find that clients do find it somewhat comfortable to lay for long periods of time. But for the technician, that may be a different story. Some come with multiple recline features and others do not. Because of the mass variations, I don't find consistency nor can recommend a brand. Not that it wouldn't work, to each their own.
Hope this listing of pros and cons, tips, and extras may help you decide what your set-up will be.
Have any questions?
Email me or leave a comment. Sutielash@gmail.com
Follow me on IG - @SuiteLashbyHolly
xo Holly
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