Eyelash Extensions Tips

Eyelash Extension Terminology 101: The Words You Need to Know

As a newcomer to the world of eyelash extensions, it can be overwhelming to navigate the numerous terms and phrases used by lash artists. From different extension types to adhesive options and lash styles, understanding the terminology is essential for achieving your desired lash look. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common eyelash extension terms and provide you with the knowledge you need to become an informed client.

Common Eyelash Extension Terms

Before diving into the specifics of eyelash extension types and styles, it’s important to understand some of the basic terminology used in the industry. Here are some common terms you may come across when researching eyelash extensions:

Lash Artist

A trained professional who applies eyelash extensions to enhance the appearance of lashes.

Lash Extensions

 Synthetic fibers that are attached to natural lashes to create a fuller, longer lash look.

Natural Lashes

The individual lashes that grow from your lash line and serve as the foundation for lash extensions.

Fills/ Refills

A touch-up service that adds new extensions to replace any fallen out lashes and maintain the desired lash look

Eyelash Extension Adhesives (lash glue)

Eyelash extension adhesive is used to attach lash extensions to the natural lashes.

Removals

The process of safely removing lash extensions, typically done by a lash artist.

Lash Mapping

Lash mapping is a technique that involves mapping out the client’s natural lashes to determine the optimal placement of lash extensions. It helps to create a customized look that enhances the client’s natural beauty. Lash mapping is not a one-size-fits-all technique; it requires an understanding of the client’s unique eye shape, orientation, and spacing.

Primer 

Lash primer is pre-treatment before the application of eyelash extensions. Eyelash Primer solution creates an optimal pH on the surface of natural eyelashes resulting in an ideal foundation for fast attachment and strong adhesion.

Lash Bath

A lash bath is a cleanser process, apply to the natural lashes before any lash service. It’s used to clean off any oils or makeup residue on the natural lash and to ensure that they’re free of any debris or dust.

What Are Eyelash Extensions Made Of?

Silk eyelash extensions

Silk lashes are made from a natural silk or synthetic material that looks like silk. Real silk lashes are very light and soft. They are more expensive than other synthetic lash or Faux mink. They are more prone to damage and don’t hold their curl very well. Natural silk is produced from the cocoon of silkworms, and you can have an allergic reaction to them.

Mink eyelash extensions

Mink eyelash extensions are made from the fur of mink animals. There is no control over the shape, diameter, and taper of the lash extension when it is made of real mink or animal hair. When mink hair is used, chemicals must be used to create and hold the curl of the mink hair. This extra chemical additive may also interfere with adhesion between the lash extension and the natural lash, in addition to being a potential irritant or allergen. However, mink eyelash extensions can be expensive, and they are not a cruelty-free option, as they are made from animal fur. 

Faux Mink eyelash extensions

Faux Mink eyelash extensions are man-made, designed to imitate real mink fur. They are soft and silky, just like real fur.  Faux mink eyelash extensions give you all the benefits of mink But without the potential health hazards and animal cruelty concerns.

  • Long tapered tips create a soft feathery appearance
  • Barely there weightlessness, dry or wet
  • Repels water for reduced twisting and tangles

Different Set of Eyelash Extensions - Classic, Volume, Hybrid, and Mega Volume

When it comes to eyelash extensions, there are several types of sets to choose from. The most common types are classic, volume, and hybrid extensions. Here’s what you need to know about each type:

Classic Eyelash Extensions

A technique where one extension is attached to each natural lash. This creates a natural, subtle look that enhances the length and thickness of your lashes.

Half or Light Volume Eyelash Extension

This usually means that around 60% of natural lashes will be covered. Light volume set of eyelash extensions is very natural/subtle lashes.

Volume Eyelash Extensions

A technique where multiple lightweight extensions are attached to each natural lash, creating a fuller and more dramatic look.

Hybrid Eyelash Extensions

A combination of classic and volume techniques, hybrid extensions provide a natural yet fuller look.

Mega Volume Eyelash Extensions 

Use the lightest lash to make a fan with up to 16-20 lash extensions to create a super full and glamorous look.

Wispy Eyelash Extension

A new style of lash extension with noticeable spikes and a lush appearance, combining closed fans and wide fans of different lengths and curls.

Understanding Eyelash Extension Lengths

Eyelash extensions come in various lengths from 5mm to 20mm. The most popular extension length is around 9mm to 13mm. The length you choose will depend on your natural lash length and the desired look you want to achieve. Some lash artists use  longer lengths from 14mm or longer lashes to create a wispy eyelash extension look.

Eyelash Extension Curls - J, B, C, D, L

The curl of your eyelash extensions can dramatically change the appearance of your lashes. There are several curl options to choose from, including:

J Curl

The most natural-looking curl. These are especially suitable for clients who have stick-straight lashes pointing straight or upward. If apply a J curl to a downward-looking natural lash, it will make the eyes look smaller and heavy.

B Curl

B curl lashes have a bit more curl than J curls, but they are still an excellent option for clients with straight lashes that point straight or upward. Also, the B curl is an excellent option for inner-corner lashes.

C Curl

One of the most popular curls. C curl is intended for clients with a slight curl in their natural lash and will create an open-eye effect. C curl is used for clients with close-to-horizontal angle lashes, it will provide a fabulous doll eye effect.

D Curl (or CC)

 It’s one of the curlier curls. They are especially effective for clients with downward-angled lashes who want a show-stopping look. These lashes will brighten and widen the eye and give a noticeable curled effect

L and L+ Curls

They are essentially C or D curls with a flat base. Because of the flat base, you will be able to give your client the ultimate eyelid lift. L and L+ curls are developed to provide a wide-eye effect to clients with hooded eyes, deep-set eyes, and older clients with droopy eyelids. L+ is slightly curlier than L. 

Eyelash Extension Thickness

When deciding the thickness, you should not only consider the design aspect but, more importantly, the condition of your natural lashes. A wrong choice could cause poor retention and premature falling off of the extensions. The thickness options range from 0.03mm to 0.20mm. Here’s what you need to know about each thickness level:

0.03mm

The thinnest eyelash extension thickness. Ideal for Mega Volume style.

0.05mm

A popular thickness for Russian Volume, Full Volume, and Hybrid.

0.07mm

A thicker option for Light Volume set up to 5D.

0.10mm

This thickness can be used for Volume 2D-3D (depending on the natural lash’s strength) or as Classic 1D on thinner, very fine natural lashes.

0.15mm

This is the most popular thickness for Classic set, which creates a naturally thicker look.

0.20mm

The second most popular thickness for the classic extension. This lash extension thickness creates a natural mascara look. We recommend using it only on thick and healthy natural lash.

Eyelash Extension Styles: Cat-Eye, Doll-Eye, Natural, Dramatic

There are several eyelash extension styles to choose from, each with its own unique look. Here are some of the most popular styles:

Cat-Eye

A style that creates a winged-out effect, similar to a cat’s eye. The lashes begin at the inner corner at their shortest length and gradually taper up – reaching their maximum length at the outer corner. The difference in length is around 50% more by the time we reach the outer corner. So a starting lash of 9mm on the inner corner would result in an outer corner lash of 14mm.

Kitten-Eye

A slight variation of the Cat Eye is the ‘Kitten Eye’ which is the exact same idea, but the disparity between the shortest and longest lash is closer to 25% – so an inner corner lash of 9mm would result in an outer corner lash of closer to 11-12mm. The very corner tapers down to 11mm, 10mm, and 9mm. The kitten shape is the perfect solution for clients who want a cat-eye look but don’t have upturned eyes.

Open-Eye

This style accentuates the center of the eye by adding volume and length in the middle of the eyelid, tapering down at each end to create symmetrical graduation.

Natural Eye

The natural eye follows the same contours as your natural eyelashes. Fairly consistent length across the eyelid, with a little less on the inner and outer edges. To mimic lashes in all stages of the natural growth cycle, extensions of mixed lengths are applied right along the eye

Doll-Eye

A cross between the natural and open-eye styles, the Doll Eye is characterized by length right across the eye line with the longest lashes on the middle of the eye creating a rounded, wide-eyed look. This look will make your eyes appear bigger and fuller – but not to such an extent as the Open Eye style will.

Dramatic-Eye

The lashes begin at the inner corner at their shortest length and gradually taper up – right at the very end to taper in a little, So a starting lash of 9mm on the inner corner would result in an outer corner lash of 14mm, usually if the maximum length is 14mm, the very corner might taper down to 13mm, 12mm 11mm.

Now that you have a better understanding of eyelash extension terminology, you can confidently communicate with your lash artist and achieve your desired lash look. Remember to always do your research and choose a reputable lash artist who uses high-quality products. For more information on eyelash extensions, check out our eyelash extensions guide or consult with our lash artist for additional resources.

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