I don’t consider myself a makeup girlie, which is why I never thought I’d be a fan of eyelash extensions. But ever since I noticed how easily the trend enhances beauty even without complexion-enhancing products — like foundations, highlighters, and blushes — I’ve become a fan. They make you feel more glam than you thought possible.
If you’ve always wanted to wear lash extensions, that’s great. But you need to arm yourself with the right information before you book that appointment. For example, the material your lashes are made of, the eye shape you want to recreate, and the kind of curl you want.
That’s what this guide is for. So, fasten your reading seatbelt as we dive in.
What are Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions are individual lashes attached to your natural lashes using an adhesive to elongate, enhance, and elevate them. They’re made of mink, silk, or synthetic material. Each individual lash extension is designed to resemble real eyelashes from base to tip.
Like natural lashes, they have a curl and are also similar in weight, depending on the thickness and length. Besides extending the length of your natural eyelashes, these extensions also add curve and thickness.
When it comes to choosing the extension types best for your eyes, your lash tech will work with you to create a personalized look. They’ll consider your facial features, natural lashes, eye shape, and lifestyle to guide you in selecting the most suitable look. However, a pro tip is to choose a thickness and color that most closely resemble your natural lashes.
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Who are Lash Extensions For?
Not everyone should wear lash extensions. And that’s largely because of health conditions. For example, if you recently had an eye surgery, an eye infection, or a serious eye condition—like glaucoma or severe dry eyes—lash extensions aren’t for you.
However, if you’re not in any of those categories, then you’re good to get lash enhancements.
Types of Lash Extensions Materials
According to Trina Dial, Lash artistry educator and founder of Maven Artistry, 99% of eyelash extensions on the market are made from synthetic materials, as most people in the industry have switched from using animal hair. And this is true. The vast majority of the lashes market has shifted to cruelty-free materials due to ethical reasons.
With that, here are the three most popular materials available:
Synthetic Lashes
Synthetic lashes are the most common of all extension materials. They’re made of a nylon fiber called polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). They also have a glossy, satin-like finish and a slightly stiff feel.
Faux Silk
These lashes are created out of a plastic fiber and are designed to resemble silk. They’re lightweight and tend to stay on longer than other synthetic lashes. Faux silk materials are a good option for weak eyelashes. They also offer a shinier, slightly thicker appearance to create a darker, more dramatic lash line.
Faux Mink
These extensions are made of a synthetic fiber designed to mimic real mink fur. They’re softer with a rich, matte finish, making them great for creating an airy, wispy look.
Types of Eyelash Extensions
Below are the most popular types of lash extensions. The one you choose will be determined by your face and eye shape and the look you’re trying to achieve:
Classic Eyelash Extensions
These lash extensions are applied one at a time to your natural lashes to add depth and length. They are subtle, natural-looking, and perfect for everyday wear or someone who’s just starting out with lash enhancements. However, they don’t offer enough volume.
Volume Eyelash Extensions
Here, your lash artist applies multiple lightweight extensions to each natural lash to create fans that give a full, dark, and feathery look with a uniform top line. Volume lashes are easily customizable, but they require a lot of maintenance, and refills can take up to two hours.
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Hybrid Eyelash Extensions
If you’re looking for fuller classic lashes without the drama of volume, the hybrid set is for you. It combines classic and volume applications to create a textured, wispy lash line that still looks natural. Volume fans create fullness, while classic lashes create the ‘spikes.’ Also, hybrid lashes are customizable and maintain their natural look as they grow and shed. However, they can be more expensive than classic and less dense than volume lashes.
Wispy Lashes
The wispy technique involves fanning multiple extensions at various points along the lash line to create spiky lashes that are either full and intense or light and airy. It’s otherwise known as textured, staggered, or strip lashes. Due to the varying lengths and angles of the lashes, you may need more frequent fills.
Russian Volume Lashes
These lashes mimic the appearance of a bold, winged eyeliner. They provide density across the entire lash line and are created using short, lightweight lashes. Also, they tend to last for about six to eight weeks. But when they shed, your eyes can look uneven.
Express Eyelash Extensions
This type is made of synthetic mink and comprises multiple, ultra-thin individual lashes attached in a fan shape. To speed up application time, express lashes use premade volume fans. They can be applied in less than an hour but still maintain a uniform look.
Types of Lash Curls
There are different types of curl patterns and lengths to choose from, depending on how curly you want your lashes to be. And they’re often identified by letters:
- C Curl: A C curl mimics the shape of a naturally curled lash. It’s the most popular
- J Curl: This curl pattern resembles the letter J and is perfect for anyone seeking volume and lift without much drama.
- D Curl: This is the curliest of all lash extensions. It provides dramatic volume and lift.
- B Curl: It has a straight base and a curled tip, and provides a tad more lift than a J curl.
- L Curl: The L curl has a flat base with an extreme lift resembling the letter “L”. Because of its dramatic look, it’s often called the Barbie curl.
What to Consider When Choosing Eyelash Extensions
Before picking a lash style, here’s what to consider:
Choose the Right Density
To determine thickness, your lash tech will check the strength, condition, and length of your natural lashes. Healthy and strong lashes can handle fuller extensions, while short or sparse lashes are best suited for thinner extensions. Generally, extensions range in size from .02mm to .25mm. Reputable lash artists no longer recommend anything over .18mm, as they can result in breakage and poor retention.
Pick the Right Length
Lash extensions come in different lengths, typically ranging from .06mm to .16mm, while some can be as short as .03mm and as long as .25mm. Shorter lengths provide a more natural look, while longer lengths bring the drama. The rule of thumb is to keep the extension no
Rule of thumb: Don’t add an extension longer than 30% of the entire length of your natural lashes.
Match the Color to Your Natural Lashes
Black is the go-to lash extension color, but you can also match yours with your natural hair shade. Think blonde, auburn, brown, and even white and gray lash extensions. If you’re feeling funky, wear colorful lashes in green, pink, burgundy, purple or blue. Play around with them as you wish: add a pop of color to some lash strips, cover all in one color, or mix different hues.
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