The rise of long, lush lashes has reshaped the beauty industry worldwide, with eyelash extensions becoming a go-to for achieving effortless elegance and a polished look around the clock.

Once considered a luxury, lash extensions are now an everyday essential, making them New Zealand’s fastest-growing trend in the beauty industry. Today, the cry for skilled artists is louder than ever as lack of regulation and quality training has created a market for skilled artists.

Wellington's Hi-Lash Lounge and Training Academy has emerged as the key player in this booming trend.

The rise in lash extensions isn’t just about looking great either - it’s also creating exciting opportunities for those looking to build a flexible and fulfilling career in lash artistry.

Determined to help women transition out of jobs that no longer spark joy, Heidi, Founder of Hi-Lash has established a unique training model to guarantee success, backed by over 16 years of experience. Through her academy, she trains women to become skilled lash artists, empowering them to break free from the 9-5 grind and start their own business from home, with some going on to establish their own salons.

Why eyelashes matter

“Your eyes are the focal point of your face, or as some would say, the windows to your soul,” says Heidi, tracing the origins of eye enhancements back to ancient Egypt. Historically, darkening the eye area served both practical and spiritual purposes.

Today, it’s about enhancing natural beauty and boosting confidence.

“Extensions are like mascara but better,” Heidi adds, highlighting their convenience for women leading busy lives, “they open and elongate the eyes which can substitute the need for makeup and help women feel at their best.”

Today, far from being a fleeting trend, eyelash extensions have proven to be a steadfast element of self-care, with demand continuing to grow even during economic downturns.

“During tough times, people gravitate toward things that make them feel better.” For many, ‘a lash nap’ is a much welcomed break during a stressful day where “clients are able to lay down, fall asleep or share their thoughts with someone they trust”.

“Because it’s such a fast-growing industry there’s a rising demand for skilled artists that can achieve stunning long lasting results, without compromising natural beauty and lash health” says Heidi. In recent years, the lash industry in New Zealand has seen an influx of self-trained technicians causing avoidable negative experiences and side-effects, such as permanent damage to natural eyelashes, discomfort, reactions, and incorrect styling.

The Hi-Lash difference

Depending on where you go and what you pay could be the difference between extensions that last two days versus six weeks.

Unlike many lash technicians who use employ a “one-size fits all” approach, Heidi and her team specialise in bespoke lash design that complements each client’s natural features.

Extensions performed by an experienced artist should be a painless process. Through meticulous application and use of correct weights, as well as good aftercare, any damage to the natural lash-line can be avoided.

As the leader in Wellington’s lash scene, staying ahead of the curve requires passion and a clear mission. The Hi-Lash Lounge uses innovative lightweight materials like flat lashes, ensuring healthier natural lashes and long-lasting results that feel weightless and soft to touch. Hi-Lash also prioritises premium products, sourcing adhesives from Canada and high-quality materials for optimal results.

The focus on bespoke styling has earned Hi-Lash Lounge a loyal – and often famous - clientele, making it a trusted name in Wellington and beyond.

Mentorship and empowerment

The Hi-Lash Academy is dedicated to empowering women by offering training opportunities that combine creativity, business skills, and financial independence.

The academy provides workshops and certification for all skill levels. One of their unique offerings is a 1:1 Business Development course, ‘Rescue my Lash Biz’, which helps existing artists upskill and address any challenges they face through a pesonalised programme and hands-on approach.

“Training is only the first step,” says Heidi. “When artists can meet Hi-Lash standards, they can also gain access to its booking portal. This invaluable resource sets the Hi-Lash Academy apart and ensures artists have everything they need to establish their clientele and succeed.”

Heidi’s proven track record has helped women become exceptional artists and business women – one of which won the 2023 Lash Artist of the Year award after first coming to her out of inadequate training and experience. With an inspiring attitude toward women in business, Heidi believes that if you take pride in your work and strive for ‘perfection and precision’, there’s enough demand for everyone to be fully-booked while uplifting others.

n recognition of her outstanding contribution to the industry, Heidi herself won New Zealand’s Lash Educator of the Year for 2024. This accolade underscores her dedication to excellence and her transformative impact on her trainees.