Beauty or Burnout: Exploring the High Burnout Rates Among Lash Artists

Beauty or Burnout: Exploring the High Burnout Rates Among Lash Artists

As a lash artist, burnout is a common issue that can arise from the long hours, demanding clients, and physical strain of the job. Here are some facts about burnout among lash artists, along with sources to back up these claims:

 

  1. Burnout is common among lash artists: According to a survey conducted by Lash Inc. Magazine, 59% of lash artists reported experiencing burnout at some point in their career. (source: Lash Inc. Magazine)
  2. Burnout can lead to physical symptoms: Burnout can manifest in a variety of physical symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, and decreased immune function. (source: Mayo Clinic)
  3. Burnout can impact mental health: Burnout can also lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and irritability. (source: HelpGuide)
  4. Long hours are a major contributor to burnout: Lash artists often work long hours, which can lead to exhaustion and burnout. According to the same Lash Inc. Magazine survey, 55% of lash artists reported working 9 or more hours per day. (source: Lash Inc. Magazine)
  5. Client demands can be a source of stress: Dealing with demanding clients can be a major source of stress for lash artists, which can contribute to burnout. (source: Psychology Today)
  6. Self-care is key to preventing burnout: Practicing self-care, such as taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, and practicing mindfulness, can help prevent burnout and promote overall well-being. (source: Harvard Health Publishing)

According to a 2019 study by the Professional Beauty Association, beauty industry professionals, including hair stylists, estheticians, and makeup artists, experience higher rates of burnout compared to the general population. The study found that 41% of beauty professionals reported feeling burnt out, compared to 28% of the general population.


Another study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology in 2020 found that beauty industry workers, including lash artists, may be at higher risk for mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression due to job demands, emotional labor, and lack of support.


It's important to note that the beauty industry has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused significant financial and emotional stress for many beauty professionals. A survey conducted by the Professional Beauty Federation of California in 2020 found that 89% of beauty industry professionals in California reported experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.



Self Care Isn’t a Trend

At SugarlashPro, we believe that self-care is essential for all lash artists, and we've compiled some tips to help you prioritize your own well-being. Here are our tips on how to prevent burnout from crashing your business:

1. Take breaks:

It can be tempting to power through long appointments without taking a break, but this can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. Make sure to schedule regular breaks throughout the day to rest your eyes, stretch your legs, and recharge.

2. Stay hydrated:

Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and other health issues that can negatively impact your work. Keep a water bottle nearby and make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated and alert.

3. Use ergonomic tools:

Invest in high-quality, ergonomic tools that are designed to reduce strain and prevent injury. This includes comfortable seating, proper lighting, and tools that are easy to grip and use.

4. Practice good posture:

Poor posture can lead to back and neck pain, which can be a major issue for lash artists who spend hours in one position. Make sure to sit up straight, keep your feet flat on the floor, and avoid hunching over your work. Exercises like wall angels can help improve posture at the end of a long day of lashing.

5. Take care of your skin:

Lash artists are often exposed to a variety of irritants and allergens, which can take a toll on the skin. Make sure to use gentle, non-toxic skincare products to protect and nourish your skin. Do a hydrating face mask at the end of the day to rejuvenate your skin.

6. Practice mindfulness:

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Take a few minutes each day to practice deep breathing, meditation, or other mindfulness techniques to help calm your mind and reduce stress.

7. Take time off:

Take time off to rest and recharge. This can include taking a day off during the week, booking a vacation, or simply taking a few hours to do something you enjoy outside of work.


By prioritizing self-care, you can ensure that you're able to provide top-quality lash services to your clients for years to come. After all, you’re always the one taking care of your clients, so why not take care of yourself, too?


Sources:

  • Professional Beauty Association. (2019). The 2019 Professional Salon Industry Haircare Study. Retrieved from https://www.probeauty.org/docs/default-source/research-documents/haircare-study-2019.pdf
  • Winkelman, T. N. A., Berge, J. M., & Larson, N. (2020). Emotional Labor and Job Demands Among Service Workers: The Case of the Beauty Industry. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 25(4), 234–247. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000181
  • Professional Beauty Federation of California. (2020). COVID-19 Survey Results. Retrieved from https://www.beautyfederation.org/covid-19-survey-results
  • Back to Journal Next Post