Where can I apply to have my Eyelash Extension program recognized by IDOH?

• The application for Eyelash Extension Specialist Training Program Recognition is now online and can be accessed from the IDOH Eyelash Extension website. When completing the application, you must submit your program’s curriculum and additional supporting documentation as requested on the application. Applications submitted online without supporting requested documents will result in a delay in processing. Applications submitted to the IDOH Eyelash Extension Specialist Training Program Recognition Team (EyelashCert@health.in.gov) will not be processed.

When should I expect to receive an application status update after I have applied for program recognition via the online application?

• You can expect to hear a response back from IDOH within 7-14 business days once the online application is submitted along with the necessary supporting documents. Applications not submitted with appropriate supporting documentation will result in a delay in processing.

After my Eyelash Extension program is approved, how long is my program recognized for?

• Once approved, eyelash extension programs are recognized for four years. To continue being recognized as an IDOH-recognized Eyelash Extension Specialist Training Program following expiration, programs must resubmit an online application (here) with the requested supporting documentation.

If my program application is denied, can I re-apply?

• You may re-apply to have your program recognized as many times as necessary until your program is approved. A denial is issued when the program is found to be non-compliant with the Eyelash Extension Rule or the application is incomplete and missing requested supporting documentation.

If my program application is denied, how do I re-apply?

• To re-apply, complete the online application (here). Update the new application with a pdf of your revised program and supporting documentation.

My eyelash extension program is undergoing a name change and/or rebrand. Should I submit a new application for recognition if my program has already been approved?

• You may email your program’s updated name to the IDOH Eyelash Extension Specialist Training Program Recognition Team email (EyelashCert@health.in.gov). Both names will be published on the IDOH website until the program’s renewal date.

If my program expires, should I submit a new online application to continue program recognition?

• Yes. Recognized Eyelash Extension Specialist Training Programs must complete an application and resubmit their curriculum and requested supporting documentation for review every four years to continue program recognition. Expired programs that do not resubmit their application and supporting documentation will be removed from IDOH’s recognition list.

Can Eyelash Extension Specialist Training Programs recognized by IDOH instruct students online?

• All training and testing must be provided and completed in person. Online or hybrid programs will not be accepted.

Am I able to submit an outline of my program’s curriculum and what will be covered?

• The submitted program curriculum should contain substantive information for all required topics and components listed in the Eyelash Extension Rule to ensure compliance. The curriculum submitted to IDOH must be the same, completed version as it will be presented to prospective students.

Are breaks or lunches included in the forty-five (45) training hours requirement?

• Programs must provide 30 hours of actual practice, and 15 hours of theory and demonstration. Lunches and breaks do not count towards the total 45-hour requirements.

What is the difference between theory and practice?

• Theory is the teaching portion of the eyelash extension specialist training program whereas actual practice concerns the ability to demonstrate learned theory.

How do I ensure the disinfectants I use for reusable tools like tweezers are a high-level disinfectant?

• High-level disinfection involves using disinfectants that are capable of eliminating all microorganisms (except for a small number of bacterial spores) and inactivating any viruses present on reusable tools. Products used on reusable tools MUST be included on the “FDA-Cleared Sterilant and High-Level Disinfectants with General Claims for Processing Reusable Medical and Dental Devices” list. You may find the full list of FDA approved high-level disinfectants here.

What are the requirements for sanitizing and disinfecting workspaces?

• As stated in the Eyelash Extension Rule, “There must be at least one wet Environmental Protection Agency registered bactericide, viricide, and fungicide disinfectant and one dry sanitizer on the premises. Each work unit must have at least one wet sanitizer or disinfectant or one dry sanitizer. Disinfectant solutions shall be hospital grade, tuberculocidal Environmental Protection Agency registered disinfectant, or sodium hypochlorite, 0.5% concentration, by volume (common household bleach in 10% concentration in water). This solution shall be dated and shall not be used if it is more than 24 hours old.” Find the list of EPA-approved products here.
  • This is different than the FDA-approved high-level disinfectants list which is specific to reusable tools.

Do I need to list out the ingredients of adhesives used for eyelash application?

• Ingredients should be listed in the program curriculum to ensure compliance with the Eyelash Extension Final Rule.

Who qualifies as an Eyelash Extension Specialist Training Program Instructor?

• As indicated by the Eyelash Extension Rule (410 IAC 1-8-12), all professionals instructing eyelash extension certification programs must be either:
  • An eyelash extension specialist certified by an IDOH-recognized certification program with, at minimum, two years of practical experience
  • A licensed cosmetologist or licensed esthetician with at least two years of practical experience in applying eyelash extensions
• In accordance with the Eyelash Extension Program Exemption Clause, individuals certified as eyelash extension specialists prior to Sept. 7, 2022, with five years of practical experience, may serve as instructors even though the certification was obtained from a non-IDOH recognized program

Does the practice portion of the eyelash extension specialist training program need to be conducted in an approved workspace?

• Any space where eyelash extension specialist training programs conduct demonstrations or have students practice the application of eyelashes must be in accordance with the environmental conditions outlined in the Eyelash Extension Rule.

What type of certification is provided to students who complete an IDOH-recognized Eyelash Extension Specialist Training Program?

• IDOH does not provide certification to individual students. IDOH provides overall training program recognition. The program provides the Eyelash Extension Specialist certificate to students who successfully complete the Eyelash Extension Specialist Training Program.

Would the Eyelash Extension Specialist certificate I receive from an IDOH-recognized program be valid to use in other states than Indiana?

• Eyelash Extension specialists certified in Indiana by an IDOH-recognized program should follow up with the state’s Department of Health to ensure their certification meets state requirements for that state.

What is the minimum age requirement for prospective Eyelash Extension Specialists interested in taking a course from an IDOH-recognized program?

• The Eyelash Extension Rule does not specify or regulate who may take the IDOH-recognized certification program. Employers who choose to employ minors, or any other age category would need to comply with all state and federal laws related to the employment of these individuals.

Do I have to be a full-time resident in the U.S. or a U.S. Citizen to become an Eyelash Extension Specialist?

• The Eyelash Extension Rule does not specify or regulate who may take the program; employers who choose to employ non-U.S. Citizens need to comply with all state and federal laws related to the employment of these individuals.

How long is my eyelash specialist certificate valid for?

• Please refer to your training program for certification details.

Can I apply eyelashes in my home or client’s home? Living room/Kitchen?

• As indicated in the Eyelash Extension Rule, no eyelash extension application shall be conducted in any room used as living quarters or in any room that opens directly into living or sleeping quarters. Live animals shall be excluded from areas where eyelash extensions are being applied. This exclusion does not apply to patrol dogs accompanying security or police officers or animals classified as service animals under 28 CFR 36.104* (7-1-2021 edition). Eating, drinking and smoking shall not be allowed in work areas. Food and drink shall not be kept in work areas. All equipment and environmental surfaces shall be cleaned and disinfected between clients. All work surfaces shall be nonabsorbent, easily cleanable, smooth, and free of breaks, open seams, cracks, chips, pits or similar imperfections.

Are lash extension services allowed to be performed in a nail salon by a certified Eyelash Extension Specialist?

• As indicated in the Eyelash Extension Rule, eyelash extension services must be done in a separate room. Please refer to the Board of Cosmetology and/or your local health department for further guidance and information.

Are there any Eyelash Extension Specialist Training Programs that offer hybrid learning options?

• IDOH-recognized programs do not offer hybrid options. All programs must be conducted in person.

I have an Eyelash Extension Application Specialist certificate from a different state. Can I use that certificate along with my practical experience to work as an Eyelash Extension Application Specialist in Indiana?

• Eyelash Extension Application Specialists must obtain certification from an IDOH-recognized certification program to work or instruct within the State of Indiana unless the individual meets the requirements of the exemption clause.
  • In accordance with the Eyelash Extension Certification Program Instructor Exemption Clause, individuals certified as eyelash extension specialists prior to September 7, 2022, with five years of practical experience, may serve as instructors even though the certification was obtained from a non-IDOH recognized program. Individuals should provide evidence of five years of practical experience which may include:
    • Certifications acquired
    • Curriculum or transcripts from training completed
    • Resume
    • References from previous employers or clients
  • Although out-of-state Eyelash Extension Application Specialists may work as instructors if the above exemption clause criteria are met, a certificate from an IDOH-recognized Eyelash Extension Application Specialist Program must be obtained to work in the state of Indiana as an Eyelash Extension Application Specialist.

What type of documents should I provide public health officials (when asked) or to IDOH-recognized programs if I am looking to be an owner, instructor or Eyelash Extension Application Specialist?

Here are acceptable documents that can be provided to public health officials, or if you are looking to be a program owner, instructor, or if you are seeking to work in the state of Indiana as an Eyelash Extension Application Specialist:

• For Eyelash Extension Program Owners seeking to be an instructor:
  • Program owners with an Eyelash Extension Application Specialist Certificate should provide a certificate of completion from an IDOH-recognized certification program, as well as provide proof of two years of practical experience while certified by an IDOH-recognized program
  • For program owners that meet the Eyelash Extension Certification Program Instructor Exemption Clause, individuals certified as eyelash extension specialists prior to September 7, 2022, with five years of practical experience, may serve as instructors even though the certification was obtained from a non-IDOH recognized program. Individuals should provide evidence of five years of practical experience which may include:
    • Certifications acquired
    • Curriculum or transcripts from trainings completed
    • Resume
    • References from previous employers or clients
• For Cosmetologists seeking to be a program owner or instructor for an IDOH-recognized program:
  • Cosmetology License; and
  • Proof of at least two years of practical experience in applying eyelash extensions
• For Estheticians seeking to be a program owner or instructor for an IDOH-recognized program:
  • Esthetician License; and
  • Proof of at least two years of practical experience in applying eyelash extensions
• For Eyelash Extension Application Specialists seeking to be an instructor for an IDOH-recognized certification program:
  • Eyelash Extension Application Specialists should provide a certificate of completion from an IDOH-recognized certification program as well as provide proof of two years of practical experience which may include:
    • Resume
    • References from previous employers or clients
  • In accordance with the Eyelash Extension Certification Program Instructor Exemption Clause, individuals certified as eyelash extension specialists prior to September 7, 2022, with five years of practical experience, may serve as instructors even though the certification was obtained from a non-IDOH recognized program. Individuals should provide evidence of five years of practical experience which may include:
    • Certifications acquired
    • Curriculum or transcripts from trainings completed
    • Resume
    • References from previous employers or clients
• If you are seeking to work as an Eyelash Extension Application Specialist in the state of Indiana:
  • You must be able to provide a copy of your earned certificate from an IDOH-recognized Eyelash Extension Application Specialist Program