What 2025’s tariff hikes mean for lash artists: A plain-English guide to rising costs and real solutions
Apr 07, 2025If you’re wondering how these new tariffs might affect your lash biz, you’re not the only one.
Lash artists all over the country are watching the news and asking the same thing: How is this going to impact the cost of my supplies… and what does that mean for my bottom line?
In this post, I’m breaking it all down—what’s happening with tariffs, how it affects the beauty industry (especially the lash industry), and how to stay one step ahead so your business doesn’t take a huge hit.
No fluff. No politics. Just real talk and practical solutions.
So wait... what exactly are tariffs again?
Tariffs are basically a tax that gets added to imported products.
So when your lash extensions, glue, or tools are made in another country (which most are), the U.S. government adds a fee before they even hit U.S. soil.
And guess who ends up paying that extra cost?
Yep. Us. The lash artists. The small business owners. The ones just trying to stock our lash studios and make our clients feel amazing.
What changed in 2025?
In April of 2025, the U.S. dropped a new wave of global tariffs, and this time, the beauty industry is squarely in the crosshairs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what's now in effect:
-
10% tariff on all imports — across the board
-
34% tariff on goods from China
-
25% tariff on products from South Korea and Vietnam
-
20% tariff on imports from the EU and Japan
-
18% tariff on products from Pakistan
Now let’s put that into perspective for lash artists.
If your go-to lash trays are made in China and cost you $20, a 34% tariff brings that price up to $26.80—before shipping or any supplier markup.
It’s not just lash trays. Most adhesives, tweezers, and lash extensions are manufactured overseas - and many come from countries on this list. So even if you're not seeing a price change yet, it's likely coming.
How does this affect your business?
Let’s be honest: price hikes on lash products are nothing new.
But when they’re caused by government trade policy, they tend to hit fast and stick around.
Here’s how this could play out for your business:
-
Your cost to do business goes up
-
Your favorite products might become inconsistent or harder to find
-
You might have to raise your prices to keep your margins healthy
-
Clients may start questioning price increases if they aren’t communicated well
And for lash artists who rely on specific adhesives or lash curls from one manufacturer, this can create major headaches.
So what can lash artists actually do about it?
You can’t control government trade policies, but you can protect your business. Here’s how I’m adapting—and how you can too:
✔️ Know where your products come from
Check the country of origin for your most-used supplies. If they’re coming from countries like China, Korea, Vietnam, or Pakistan, you’ll want to keep an eye on pricing shifts.
✔️ Consider U.S.-based brands
If the quality is there, buying from a domestic brand can help you skip the import fees entirely. Plus, faster shipping and better customer service are always a win.
✔️ Buy in bulk (strategically)
If you’ve got the storage space and the funds, buying key items (like adhesives) in bulk before the next price hike can help soften the blow.
✔️ Communicate with your clients
If you do need to raise your rates, be honest and professional.
Try something like: “Due to rising costs on the professional products I use, a small price adjustment has been made to ensure I can continue providing top-tier service.”
No need to over-explain—but don’t ghost them either. Most clients will understand when you’re transparent.
Bottom line?
Tariffs are no longer just background noise on the news—they’re directly affecting the lash products you use and your business expenses.
But you’re not powerless.
By staying informed, getting ahead of supply chain issues, and making smart adjustments, you’ll stay profitable, professional, and prepared for whatever’s coming next.
Want support on navigating the business side of lashes?
Inside Lash Masters Monthly, I teach lash artists how to master their craft and run their business like a boss—no matter what’s happening with the economy.
Whether it’s rising supply costs, pricing strategy, client retention, or staying booked without burnout… I break it all down in plain English, just like this.
Because success in 2025 isn’t just about pretty fans—it’s about being resilient and ready.
Here’s to mastering your craft and achieving flawless results.