Yes — you can study a lash course online while pregnant or breastfeeding. The theory and video content involves no chemical exposure, and you can work through it entirely from home at your own pace. For hands-on practice, most chemical sensitivity concerns relate to lash adhesives, so it's worth discussing practical sessions with your healthcare provider and timing client practice for when you feel comfortable.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are actually popular times to complete beauty training. With more time at home, fewer social commitments, and a clear goal of returning to work after leave, many students find this period ideal for completing an online course. Here's what you need to know before you enrol.
Is it safe to study lash extensions while pregnant?
The study component — watching video lessons, reading course materials, completing written assessments — is completely safe during pregnancy. There are no chemical exposures involved in the theory portion of any online lash course.
The practical component is where some students have questions. Lash extension adhesives (cyanoacrylate-based) release small amounts of fumes during application and curing. While the ventilation requirements for professional lash work are standard safety practice for all technicians, some pregnant students prefer to delay hands-on practice until after their first trimester or until after birth, when they feel more comfortable.
This is a personal decision best made with input from your midwife or GP. Many lash technicians work throughout uncomplicated pregnancies with appropriate ventilation. Others choose to complete the theory now and hold off on client-facing practice until postpartum.
Can I study a lash course while breastfeeding?
Yes. Studying online theory while breastfeeding involves no chemical exposure and is entirely straightforward. For the practical component, breastfeeding mothers working with lash adhesives in a well-ventilated space are generally considered low-risk, but as with pregnancy, it's worth checking with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
The self-paced format of Bela's courses means you can work through theory modules during nap times, feeds, or whenever your baby settles — without any pressure to complete assignments on a fixed schedule.
Why do pregnant students choose to study now?
Parental leave is one of the most popular windows for completing beauty training. The reasons are practical:
- Time at home — you're already set up to study from your couch or bedroom without commuting
- Flexible schedule — self-paced courses fit around newborn sleep cycles better than fixed timetables
- Career pivot — many students use parental leave to retrain, so they have a new income stream ready when they're ready to return to work
- No childcare needed — for theory modules, you don't need to find care for your baby
Completing theory during pregnancy or early postpartum means that when you're ready to start taking paying clients, your qualification is already in hand.
How does a self-paced lash course work for new parents?
Bela's lash courses have no deadlines, no scheduled classes, and no live sessions to attend. You access all content from your phone, tablet, or laptop at any time. If your baby has a bad week, you don't fall behind. If you get a run of good sleep and can study intensively, you can move faster.
Most students studying around a new baby complete a single lash course within eight to sixteen weeks. Those who have more time and support might finish in four to six weeks. The course remains accessible after completion, so you can revisit any module before you start seeing clients.
Which lash course should you start with during parental leave?
For most students starting from scratch, the Classic, Hybrid & Pre-made Volume Lash Course is the right starting point. It covers the foundational techniques used in the majority of client appointments and gives you a complete, commercially viable skill set.
If you want a broader qualification, the Lash Bundle includes Classic, Russian Volume, and Mega Volume techniques — everything you need to offer a full lash menu when you're ready to launch.
You can also pair lash training with the Eyebrow Lamination Course for a second service that involves minimal chemical exposure and is quick to perform — ideal for building a flexible appointment schedule around childcare.
Explore the Classic Lash Course →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study a lash course online while pregnant?
Yes. The theory and video portions of an online lash course involve no chemical exposure and are safe during pregnancy. For hands-on practice with lash adhesives, discuss timing with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to do lash extensions while pregnant?
Many lash technicians work throughout uncomplicated pregnancies with proper ventilation. If you're training rather than working professionally, you can choose to delay hands-on practice until you feel comfortable. Speak with your midwife or GP about your specific situation.
Can I complete a lash course on maternity leave?
Yes. Maternity and parental leave is one of the most popular times to complete beauty training in Australia. Bela's self-paced courses have no deadlines and can be studied around a newborn's schedule.
How long does a lash course take to complete as a new parent?
Most new parents studying around a baby complete Bela's Classic Lash Course within eight to sixteen weeks. Those with more support or study time may finish faster. There's no deadline, so you go at the pace that suits you.
Do I need to attend any classes in person to complete a lash course?
No. Bela's lash courses are 100% online and self-paced. There are no campus visits, no live sessions, and no travel required — all content is accessed from your phone, tablet, or laptop at home.
What's the best beauty course to do while on parental leave?
Lash extensions and brow lamination are popular choices for parental leave study because both can be practised on family and friends before you see paying clients. The Lash Bundle gives you the most complete lash qualification in one package.
Can I get insurance as a lash technician if I trained while pregnant?
Yes. Insurance providers assess your certificate and training content, not the circumstances under which you studied. A Bela Beauty College certificate issued upon completion is accepted by most Australian beauty insurance providers regardless of when you completed the course.
