Are you considering getting eyelash extensions? Then it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the various eyelash extension styles and types available. By understanding the different styles, you can determine your personal preferences and effectively communicate them to your lash technician. Get ready to discover the complete guide to lash extension styles.
Types of Eyelash Extension Styles
When discussing eyelash extension styles, we primarily refer to the length distribution and overall shape they create over the eyes. This aspect is crucial when choosing the right eyelash extensions, as it significantly impacts your eye shape and overall appearance.
Cat Eye Eyelash Extensions
Undoubtedly, cat eye eyelash extensions are the most popular style. With this style, the extensions start out shortest near the inner corner of the eye and gradually become longer towards the outer corner. The result is a lifted, slightly angled look that flatters most eye shapes. Whether you prefer a dramatic or natural look, cat eye extensions can be customized to suit your preferences.
A skilled lash technician may use slightly shorter extensions above the outer corner of the eye to enhance the lifting effect. Conversely, if the extensions are too long at the outer corner, it can create a downturned appearance, which may not be desirable.
Doll Style Lash Extensions
The doll eyelash extension style offers an adorable, open-eyed look that strikes the perfect balance between drama and subtlety. The lashes are typically longest at the center of the lash line, just above the iris. Towards the inner corner, they become shorter, and towards the outer corner, they maintain a medium length.
While the term “doll lashes” can have different meanings, it often refers to staggered extensions or a rounded look with long or medium-length lashes along the outer three-quarters of the lash line.
Open Eye Extensions
Open eye extensions feature longer lashes in the center of the lash line, while the extensions are shorter at the inner and outer corners of the eye. This arrangement creates a rounder and more open appearance. Open eye extensions are similar to doll eyelash extensions but are typically more intense.
Reverse Cat Eye Lash Extensions
Reverse cat eye lash extensions are a variation of the classic cat eye style, with a less extreme effect. The lashes are shortest at the inner corner of the eye, gradually becoming longest just past the inner corner, and tapering back to medium length at the outer corner. While this style is less common, it can be flattering if executed by a talented lash stylist who knows how to blend and taper the extension lengths.
Squirrel Style
Squirrel-style eyelash extensions offer a unique twist on the cat eye style, creating the illusion of upturned eyes. The lashes are longest in the second-to-last quadrant, just above the outer half of the iris. Then, they gradually become shorter on each side, with the shortest lashes in the inner corner. This glamorous style lifts and opens up the eyes while adding a touch of allure.
Natural Eyelash Extensions
Natural eyelash extensions aim to mimic the length pattern of your natural lashes. These extensions create a subtle, light look with a hint of roundness. Your lash stylist may recommend natural cat eye eyelash extensions with gradual lengthening (often called kitten extensions) or a doll eyelash extension look, depending on your natural lashes and eye shape.
Staggered Eyelash Extensions
Staggered eyelash extensions offer a modern, spiky look achieved by alternating longer and shorter extensions. The overall shape can vary, allowing you to rock mixed styles like staggered doll eye or staggered cat eye extensions.
Wispy Eyelash Extensions
Wispy eyelash extensions are the delicate cousins of staggered extensions. They feature length variation but with fewer lashes of similar lengths clustered together. The result is a fluttery, feathered look that exudes softness and prettiness.
Colored or Highlighted Extensions
If you’re feeling adventurous, colored eyelash extensions can be a lot of fun. Brown extensions can create a natural lash style for fair individuals, while other colors like blue, purple, and pink can add excitement. You can even mix lash colors for a highlighted look.
Custom Eyelash Extensions
For a truly personalized look, don’t hesitate to ask your lash stylist for a unique lash map tailored to your eye shape. Whether you desire staggered hybrid lashes in a squirrel shape or any other creative style, open up a conversation with your stylist. Remember, terminology may vary between salons, so effective communication is key.
Eyelash Extension Styles for Different Eye Shapes
Your eye shape plays a significant role in determining the most flattering eyelash extension style for you. Let’s explore the main eye shape categories and the suitable extension styles for each one:
Almond Eyes
Those blessed with almond eyes can rock almost any eyelash extension style they desire. Cat eye style lashes enhance the natural almond shape. Alternatively, more rounded styles like doll eye or open eye extensions provide a slightly softer look.
Wide-Set Eyes
For wide-set eyes with ample space between them, lash extensions can create the illusion of eyes that are closer together. Choose styles that feature length or volume near the inner corners. Reverse cat eye style extensions, which are quite unique, complement wide-set eyes beautifully.
Close-Set Eyes
If you have close-set eyes with minimal space between them, you’ll want extensions that extend your eyes on the outer corners to create balance. Opt for styles with long and dense lashes near the outer corner, while keeping the inner corner light and short. Cat-eye and squirrel eyelash extension styles are excellent choices for close-set eyes.
Down-Turned Eyes
Downturned eyes benefit from squirrel-style eyelash extensions or cat eye extensions that aren’t excessively long at the outer corners. These styles help lift the eyes at the outer edges, counteracting any drooping effect. However, overly long lashes at the outer corners can curve downward and emphasize the downturned eye shape instead of flattering it.
Small Eyes
Small eyes look best with softer, wispy lash mapping styles that don’t overwhelm the eyes. Stick to thinner classic or hybrid techniques and avoid excessively long or thick extensions. Keep the inner corner lashes slightly shorter to create an open eye effect, while the rest of the length distribution depends on other aspects of your eye shape.
Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes call for shorter, lighter lashes near the inner corner to avoid overshadowing the eyes. You can experiment with various length distribution styles, including squirrel or open eye lash styles to camouflage the hooded crease. If you desire a more dramatic or voluminous look, opt for wispy or staggered application techniques, as uniformly heavy lashes can overwhelm hooded eyes.
Deep-Set Eyes
For those with deep-set eyes, fluttery lash styles that won’t overshadow the eyes are ideal. The specific shape matters less, but it’s advisable to avoid heavy volume or Russian extensions, as well as very thick glamour lashes. Staggered, wispy, and natural lashes tend to look the most flattering. You may also consider L or D curl lashes, as they have a more pronounced curve that stands out from the deep-set lash line.
Protruding Eyes
Protruding eyes require the right curl style to enhance their beauty. Contrary to popular suggestions, straighter J or B curl lashes may not be the best choice. Opt for C, D, or L-curled lashes that pull upwards instead of projecting forward, providing a more flattering look. Avoid thick classic lashes, and if you desire drama, opt for volume or hybrid lashes instead.
Upturned Eyes
Upturned eyes are currently on-trend, so it’s difficult to go wrong with lash extensions. Cat eye and squirrel extensions emphasize your eye shape and create an eye-catching fox eye look. Alternatively, if you prefer to tone down your eyes, give open eye or natural eyelash extensions a try.
Round Eyes
Round eyes are impressive and can rock various eyelash extension styles. Doll and open eye extensions accentuate the natural eye shape, while cat eye extensions create a balanced almond shape. You have the freedom to experiment and change up your lash style from week to week.
How To Choose The Right Eyelash Extensions?
Consider the following factors when discussing your desired lash style with your technician:
Eyelash Extension Length
Eyelash extensions can range from 5 mm to 18 mm in length, although most technicians typically avoid going shorter than 8 mm or longer than 15 mm. When deciding on the length, consider:
- Your natural lashes’ length
- The size of your eyes
- The amount of lid space you have
- The level of drama you desire
A great set of lash extensions incorporates varying lengths to create a lush and voluminous look while achieving specific lash style shapes. If you’re new to extensions, have smaller eyes, minimal lid space, or naturally short lashes, start with the 8-12 mm range. Once you’re accustomed to wearing lashes, you can gradually go longer.
If you have large eyes, long natural lashes, or substantial space between your brows and lash line, you may consider starting with longer extensions. However, be cautious not to overload with volume, as excessively heavy extensions can feel uncomfortable.
Eyelash Extension Volume
Lash extension volume is equally important as length and involves two factors: the thickness of individual lashes and the number of lashes attached to each natural lash.
- Classic or Signature Eyelash Extensions: This technique applies a single lash extension to each natural eyelash. It offers a faster and more affordable option compared to volume techniques. The actual thickness of the extensions can vary, ranging from ultra-light 0.05 mm to dramatic 0.25 mm (also known as glam extensions).
- Volume Lashes: This technique involves attaching multiple lash extensions to each natural lash, creating a more voluminous yet soft look. The technician can apply two lashes (2D), three lashes (3D), or even up to six lashes (6D) per natural lash, with the number of lashes impacting the cost. Some salons use clustered lash extensions to expedite the process.
- Hybrid Lashes: This technique combines classic and volume lashes, resulting in a staggered style. Alternating lashes applied using both classic and volume techniques achieves a lush look. Hybrid lashes can be applied to the entire lash line or concentrated in specific areas like the outer corners for a cat eye or the center for an open eye style.
- Glam Eyelash Extensions: Glam or glamour eyelash extensions fall under the classic category, featuring very thick 18 mm to 25 mm lashes. This style delivers a dramatic yet uniform look at a lower cost compared to volume lashes.
- Russian Style: Russian style encompasses the volume lash technique, using thin individual lashes to create a fanned-out shape. It is also referred to as “full volume” or “mega volume.” The number of extensions per lash varies, ranging from 4D to 6D. However, most technicians stop at 6D.
Eyelash Extension Materials
Understanding the materials used for eyelash extensions is essential. Here are the most common materials you’ll encounter:
- Mink Eyelash Extensions: In the past, mink eyelashes were made from real mink fur, known for their softness. Nowadays, salons predominantly use cruelty-free faux mink extensions that mimic the characteristics of real mink. Some salons use the term “mink” to refer to “classic” lash extensions rather than the material itself.
- Faux Mink: Faux mink lashes are vegan and cruelty-free extensions made from a soft, heat-resistant polymer. They offer a lush, dramatic look and hold a curl effectively.
- Faux Silk: Faux silk lashes are also vegan and cruelty-free, made of a synthetic polymer. They tend to be softer and create a more natural appearance compared to faux mink extensions. Lilac St. DIY extensions utilize faux silk for their superior qualities.
Salons may adopt different terminology for these materials, so consult your lash technician to ensure you’re on the same page.
Eyelash Extension Curl Type
Lash extensions also differ in terms of curl, impacting the overall look:
- J Curl: Also known as B curl, offers a slightly straighter appearance. It’s a suitable choice for a subtle or natural look, especially if you don’t want your extensions to be overly noticeable from a front-facing perspective.
- C and D Curls: These are the most popular options, suiting most people. Both curls exhibit a rounded curve that enhances various eye shapes without appearing odd or extreme. D curls possess a slightly more dramatic curve than C curls. At Lilac St., our DIY extensions feature a curve between D and C.
- L Curls: These lashes have more of a bend than a curve, resulting in a straight upward orientation. They work well for individuals with deep-set or hooded eyes, as they sit comfortably over an obscured lash line. However, on other eye shapes, the abrupt bend may appear peculiar.
DIY Lash Extensions
Did you know that you can apply your own lash extensions? Lilac St. DIY extensions offer a hybrid between falsies and professional extensions. These extensions remain in place for multiple days (5 or 10, depending on the adhesive) and can be worn while sleeping or in the shower.
Lilac St. DIY extensions are clustered, making them easy to apply at home. You can experiment with different lash mapping styles that suit your eye shape. If you’re intrigued, discover Your Lilac Look and become your own lash stylist.
Summary
To recap, eyelash extension styles vary based on length distribution, offering various shapes such as cat eye, doll eye, open eye, squirrel eye, and more. Choosing the best style for you depends on your eye shape, highlighting the importance of effective communication with your lash technician.
Beyond length distribution and shape, other factors to consider include lash length, volume, materials, and curl types. Keep in mind that terminology may differ between salons and suppliers, so it’s essential to verify details with your lash technician for clarity.
Remember, when it comes to eyelash extensions, understanding the available styles and making informed choices is key to achieving the desired look. So, get ready to flaunt breathtaking lashes that beautifully enhance your eyes.
