The quickest way to find practice models is to start with people you already know — friends, family, and anyone in your immediate circle who enjoys beauty treatments. From there, local Facebook groups, Instagram posts, and beauty student communities open up a steady stream of willing volunteers. Most models are happy to sit for free or discounted services in exchange for the experience.
Getting enough practice is one of the most important parts of building your skills after completing an online beauty course. The good news: finding models is easier than most new students expect, and this guide covers exactly where to look and how to approach it.
Why do I need practice models before charging clients?
Building confidence with real people before you charge full rates makes a meaningful difference to your outcomes — and your nerves. Practice sessions let you work through the hands-on steps you've learned in your course, make mistakes in a low-stakes environment, and start building a portfolio of before-and-after photos.
Most Bela Beauty College students complete their theoretical and video content first, then move into a practice phase where they complete a set number of models before feeling ready to open their books to paying clients. There's no fixed number that works for everyone — some students feel ready after five sets, others prefer twenty.
Where do I find my first practice models?
Start with your personal network
Your first models are almost always friends, family members, or colleagues. Put out a message on your personal social media or in your household and you'll usually have your first few sessions filled within a day. These are ideal first models — they're supportive, patient with a new technician, and unlikely to leave you a critical review if something isn't perfect.
Facebook Groups
Local community Facebook groups are one of the most effective places to find practice models. Search for groups specific to your suburb, city, or region and post something like:
"Hi everyone! I'm completing my [lash/nail/brow] course and looking for practice models. Treatments are complimentary (or heavily discounted) in exchange for honest feedback and photos. DM me if you're interested!"
Groups to try:
- Suburb-level buy/swap/sell or community groups
- Local mums' groups
- "Freebies and deals" or "things to do in [city]" groups
- Beauty-specific groups (search "beauty lovers [city]")
Even a small Instagram following can generate practice model requests. Post a Story or a feed post explaining what you're studying, what service you're practising, and that you're taking model bookings. Use location-specific hashtags like #melbournebeauty or #sydneylashes so locals can find you.
If you don't have an Instagram yet, now is a great time to start — your practice sessions are your first portfolio content.
Student communities and online course groups
Many beauty course providers have private student groups on Facebook or Discord. These are worth joining not just for support, but because other students in your course often swap model sessions with each other — you practice on them, they practice on you. This is a low-pressure way to build your hours.
Gumtree and Marketplace listings
Posting a free or low-cost beauty service on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace can attract local models quickly. Be clear that you're a student completing a course, that the service is complimentary or discounted, and what's involved. Genuine transparency builds trust and tends to attract better-matched models.
How do I ask someone to be a practice model?
Keep it simple and honest. Most people respond well to something like:
"I'm completing my [course name] and I'm looking for practice models. There's no cost to you — I just ask that you're patient, give me honest feedback, and let me take before-and-after photos for my portfolio. Interested?"
Being upfront that you're a student — rather than a fully booked technician — sets the right expectations and attracts people who are genuinely happy to help.
What should I charge practice models?
Most new students offer their first practice sessions for free or at a token rate (for example, $20–$30 to cover product costs). Once your technique is consistent and you're producing results you're proud of, you can move to "model rates" — a discounted price that reflects your developing skill while still valuing your time.
There's no obligation to offer free services indefinitely. Once you feel confident and your portfolio is building, it's reasonable to start charging closer to market rate. Many Bela students move from free practice to paid model rates within a few weeks of opening their books.
How do I prepare for a practice model session?
- Review your course materials before each session — re-watch the relevant video module if it helps
- Prepare your workspace — clean, organised, and set up before your model arrives
- Have a consultation form ready — even for practice sessions, getting a short health and preference rundown helps you build good habits
- Take before photos — consistent before-and-after shots are essential for your portfolio
- Ask for feedback — honest feedback from your models is part of the learning
How many practice models do I need before charging?
This varies depending on the treatment and the individual. For lash extensions, many students feel ready after 10–20 full sets. For nail services, you might want 15–30 sessions before charging market rates. Brow lamination often clicks faster — some students feel confident after five to ten sessions.
The real answer is: when your results are consistent, your process is smooth, and you feel confident — not when you've hit an arbitrary number. Your course mentor is a good sounding board if you're unsure whether you're ready.
Can I use social media to attract ongoing models?
Yes — and this is worth starting early. Even basic before-and-after photos posted to Instagram or a Facebook page build social proof over time. Models who have a good experience often refer friends, and those referrals can become your first paying clients.
Start an Instagram account specifically for your beauty work from your first practice session. It doesn't need to be perfect — just consistent.
Frequently asked questions
Can I find models in a country town or regional area?
Yes — local Facebook groups and word of mouth work particularly well in smaller communities. Regional areas often have less access to beauty services, so model demand can actually be higher than in metro areas.
Do I need to disclose that I'm a student?
Yes — always be transparent that you're completing your training. This isn't just about safety and ethics; it also sets the right expectations and tends to attract more patient, supportive models.
What if a model isn't happy with the result?
It happens, especially early on. Apologise, offer to correct what you can, and note what you'd do differently. These moments are learning opportunities — most people who've agreed to be a practice model understand that results may not be perfect.
Can I charge for product costs even as a student?
Yes — charging a small amount to cover consumables (lash glue, wax, gel, etc.) is completely reasonable even for your earliest sessions. Covering your product costs keeps your practice financially sustainable.
How do I get models if I don't have any social media following?
Start with your personal network and Facebook community groups. You don't need an established following — a clear, honest post in a local group is often enough to book your first few sessions within days.
When should I stop doing model rates and charge full price?
When your results are consistent and your clients are satisfied with professional-quality outcomes, you're ready to charge market rates. Many technicians transition within one to three months of opening their books.
Ready to start practising?
The best time to start finding models is the moment you begin your course — not after you've finished it. Building your client base starts with your very first practice session.
If you haven't enrolled yet and you're wondering which course to start with, explore the full range of Bela Beauty College courses — from lash and brow to nails, waxing, and spray tan. Each course includes everything you need to build a real skill set and start practising from home.
