Throughout history, people have modified their lashes for aesthetic and symbolic reasons and today, eyelash enhancements are more popular than ever. Eyelash extension styles enhance and accentuate the natural beauty of the eyes, giving the wearer added confidence.
Professional eyelash extensions are applied by a trained lash technician at a salon. During this process, eyelash extensions fibers are added to the natural eyelashes, offering a fuller and/or longer look. There are many types of eyelash extensions, and they can be made from a variety of materials, including synthetic fibers, silk, and mink. There are even LED-cured lashes.
A skilled lash technician will be trained to apply all types of lashes and will be able to assist clients in selecting the right eyelash extension for their goals. But what options are out there? Let’s look a bit closer at lash extension styles.
Types of Eyelash Extensions
Depending on what your client is looking for in terms of the finished look, there are a few main types of extensions to consider.
Classic Lashes
Classic lashes involve the application of one synthetic eyelash to every natural one. This option offers a more subtle result while still offering volume and length. This style is often called the mascara effect and is most suitable for people who would like to enhance their natural appearance without it being too obvious that they have extensions.
Volume Lashes
One of the most popular eyelash extension styles is volume lashes. These require applying multiple synthetic lashes to each natural one. You use what are called “fans” of lashes, which usually mean anywhere from two to six extensions per fan. Because you’ll be applying a few to each real lash, volume lashes tend to be thinner than other options.
The results are fuller and more glamorous, making them perfect for special events. They can easily be customized to achieve the exact results desired.
Hybrid Lashes
Hybrid lashes involve the combination of classic and volume lashes. You can alternate between single synthetic lash application and fans, creating a strategically planned look that balances glamour with a more natural look. This combination offers a very textured style that has an almost wispy appearance.
Popular Eyelash Extension Styles
Aside from the type of extension, there are also styling options that you can recommend to clients depending on the look they want and their facial structure.
Cat Eye
As their name suggests, cat eye lash extensions can give clients a slightly “feline” look. They can do this by making the eye appear longer. To apply this extension style correctly, you must gradually increase how long the individual eyelashes are from the inner to the outer corner of each eye.
These extensions not only elongate the eye but they provide a lifting look, too. They’re excellent options for close-set or almond-shaped eyes.
Doll Eye
Doll eyelash extensions provide an innocent, wide-eyed look reminiscent of a doll. You create the look by applying longer lashes at the center of the lash line and allowing them to taper out toward the corners of the eye.
The eyes look bigger and perfectly symmetrical, providing a youthful appearance. It’s a great option for those who have smaller or downturned eyes.
Natural
These lashes are meant to mimic a client’s natural eyelash look. The lash artist must apply them expertly to achieve the desired results, and this means being able to understand how to enhance what’s already there without changing it. It’s an option suitable for all eye shapes and sizes.
Wispy
Wispy extensions are all about varying the length of each individual lash or fan. Thicknesses can vary and can be combined with longer lashes to create spikes that offer a dramatic look. Depending on how glamorous the client wants the results to be, you can use individual lashes or fans to achieve this look. The wispy look can be an excellent choice for hooded eyes.
Fox Eye
Creating the fox eye is similar to forming the cat eye, but it is more dramatic. You would place the longer lashes on the outer corner of the eye and diminish the size as you move toward the inner corner. The fox eye look features a higher lift on the outer corners than the cat eye look.
Squirrel Eye
The squirrel eye look uses lash extensions to create a wispy and flared appearance, bringing to mind a squirrel’s tail. The goal is wispiness and fluffiness, as well as a lifted outer corner of each eye. It can be a good choice for round, almond, or downturned eyes.
Choosing the Right Style Based on Eye Shape
There are a number of eye shapes, including round eyes, which have less tapering at the corners. Almond eyes have a naturally elongated look, while hooded eyes have an extra layer of skin that folds over the eyelid crease.
Another type of eye shape is downturned, which features outer corners that turn downward. Monolid eyes are those that don’t have a crease in the lid but do have coverage in the inner corner.
Almond Eyes
When considering eyelash extensions for different eye shapes, almond eyes can benefit most from cat and fox eye looks. Almond eyes are highly versatile, however, so they can also look great with doll eye, wispy, and natural extensions.
Round Eyes
For round eyes, the doll eye look can make them stand out, while the cat or fox eye can elongate them. Wispy extensions can offer a more natural look while enhancing eye size.
Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes can benefit from the doll eye style because it provides a wide-open look that increases the eye’s size. Cat eyes are a good option for this, as well.
Monolid Eyes
Monolid eyes are those that don’t have a crease on the lid. This can make them appear smaller than they are. To widen them, doll and cat eye looks are great choices.
Close-Set Eyes
Close-set eyes are a type of eye shape in which the distance between the inner corners of both is less than the width of an eye. Cat eye extensions are one of the top choices because they elongate the eye, bringing a more balanced appearance. Fox eye lashes can bring further glamour to the look.
Mastering Eyelash Extensions at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
If you’re looking to work in the exciting world of beauty, Tricoci University of Beauty Culture offers esthetics and cosmetology programs that can jumpstart your career. Our esthetics courses help you focus on skin care and non-medical treatments that can improve the health and appearance of skin on the face and body.
Our cosmetology program teaches you how to provide a variety of beauty services, including hairstyling, nail care, and makeup. Our lash extension classes offer the training you need to offer the exact lash extension styles your clients ask for. Thanks to our partnership with Sugarlash, Tricoci University students gain access to the latest lash extension products and techniques, along with hands-on training from industry professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about lash extensions from the answers to common questions.
What Are the Different Styles of Lash Extensions?
You can choose from classic, volume, or hybrid lashes, depending on the look your client wants.
How Do I Choose the Right Lash Extension Style for My Eye Shape?
The first thing to consider is your desired look. Do you want a natural or glamorous style? For almond-shaped eyes, a cat eye can be a more natural look, while a fox eye adds pizzazz. For round eyes, cat eye lash extensions will elongate the shape, while a hooded eye can benefit from a doll eye or a wispy look.
What Is the Difference Between Classic and Volume Lashes?
Classic lash extensions require applying one synthetic lash to every natural lash. Volume lashes, on the other hand, mean the application of multiple synthetic lashes to each natural lash.
How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?
Typically, eyelash extensions last between two and six weeks. There are numerous factors that can impact the timeline, including how fast the natural lashes grow, the application method used, and whether clients follow all aftercare instructions. Touch-ups may be needed every three to four weeks.
Can I Wear Makeup With Eyelash Extensions?
Yes, you can wear makeup with eyelash extensions. That includes mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow. It is essential, however, to use oil-free products and be very careful both during the application and removal of the makeup. Make sure not to pull or tug on the lashes.
It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours after the eyelash extension appointment before applying makeup. This ensures that the lashes have time to settle in place.
Get Hands-On Lash Technician Training at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
Learning how to masterfully apply eyelash extensions can be a huge benefit to your career. If you’re ready to get started on your journey to a rewarding career in the beauty industry, don’t wait another moment. Join Tricoci University to gain the skills to become a lash technician.