Colored Lashes: Everything You Need to Know
Table of Contents
Colored Lash Extensions: Styles, Mapping and Application Tips
Colored lash extensions are synthetic extensions in shades beyond traditional black, applied to individually isolated natural lashes. They can create anything from a few subtle colored accents to a full-color or ombre set, depending on the placement, shades, and coverage.
Now is the perfect time to introduce colored lashes to your repertoire. Not to mention, creating beautiful and brightly colored eyelash extension sets is a niche that can help you stand out from the rest! Whether your clients want a subtle hint of color or wish to live out their full rainbow fantasy, the possibilities are endless! Imagine being the go-to Lash Artist for colored lashes in your area? Read on…
What Are Colored Lashes?
As the name suggests, colored lashes can be vibrant, flamboyant, and, of course, colorful! They’re perfect for music festivals, concerts, or any event honestly—who doesn’t want a splash of color every now and then? They can also create a subtle everyday accent, so they don’t have to be reserved for a special occasion.
We know many Lash Techs tend to shy away from colored lashes, and we get it, many clients aren’t into them, but what about the ones who are? There are still plenty of clients out there who would love fiery red spikes that spice up a set of wet look lashes, or a captivating tropical blue and green ombre in a set of wispy volume lash extensions. Don’t deny your clients the opportunity to express themselves in a fun and vibrant way!
Colored extensions offer shades beyond the usual black or brown, creating an eye-catching appearance. Regardless of whether you love or hate them, you can’t deny that colorful eyelash extension sets are incredible to look at, and they’ll be even more exciting to create. At London Lash, we offer an array of stunning Synthetic Colored Lashes. Check the available shades, diameters, lengths, and curls to find options that suit your client’s chosen look.
Incredible lashes by @prosto_mariia
Which Colored Lash Style Should You Choose?
Before you start mapping, agree on how much color your client wants to see. These five approaches give you plenty of room to play, from discreet accents to an all-out statement.
| Style | What it creates | Main planning decision |
|---|---|---|
| Solid color | A bold, consistent color statement. | The main shade and overall coverage. |
| Colored spikes | Contrasting accents within a textured set. | Spike positions, spacing, and length contrast. |
| Subtle top layer | Color revealed from selected angles. | Layer placement and how much color should remain visible. |
| Pop of color | A concentrated accent within the set. | Position and contrast with the surrounding lashes. |
| Ombre effect | A blended transition between shades. | Color sequence and placement across sections or layers. |
How to Choose Colored Lash Extensions
Start with the client’s preferences rather than a fixed rule about which shade belongs with which eye color. Reference photos are especially useful here—one person’s “subtle pop” might be another person’s full rainbow fantasy!
- Choose the intensity: Decide whether your client wants a few accents, a blended effect, or a full-color set.
- Compare shades: Show the actual fibers where possible. Lighting and the surrounding dark lashes can change how a shade appears.
- Consider contrast: Lighter shades may give a softer appearance, while brighter or deeper colors can create a more defined accent.
- Use eye color as inspiration: It can help start the conversation, but the client’s style and preferred result should guide the choice.
- Check suitability: Select the length, diameter, curl, and number of fibers according to the natural lash supporting each extension or fan.
How to Apply Colored Lash Extensions
The essential application principles remain the same as for black extensions. The extra planning comes from deciding where the color should sit and how visible it should be.
- Agree on the look: Use reference photos to establish the shades and intensity your client wants.
- Assess the natural lashes: Choose suitable extensions and complete your professional preparation routine.
- Map the shape and color: Mark the intended lengths, accent sections, and spike positions before application.
- Plan your layers: Consider how the upper-lash layers will reveal or conceal the colored fibers from different angles.
- Apply with careful isolation: Attach each individual extension or suitable fan to one isolated natural lash, following your training and product instructions.
- Check and finish: Complete your attachment and stickie checks, review the color placement with the eyes open and closed when appropriate, and explain aftercare.
Five Ways to Create Colored Eyelash Extensions
Solid Color
Solid-colored lash sets are not for the faint of heart—they’re bold and fierce. These lashes are perfect for clients who don’t mind being the center of attention, especially on a dance floor, and love to embrace their own personal style.
Having a solid color, or a mixture of colors along the lash line, provides an unmissable look. You can apply these gorgeous lashes in whichever eyelash extension style suits your client, using the same isolation and attachment principles as regular black lashes. These lash extensions are also perfect for themed events—your clients will be receiving compliments left, right, and center!
Top Tip: A clear eyelash glue can help keep the attachment visually discreet when working with lighter shades. Choose an adhesive that also suits your application speed, working conditions, and product requirements.
Intermittent Spikes
Intermittent spikes are an excellent way to incorporate some color into a textured, wispy Hybrid lash set. Don’t get it twisted, you could add some radiant accents into Classic eyelash extensions or Volume lash extensions too!
Choose individual extensions or fine volume fibers according to your technique and the natural lashes. A diameter alone doesn’t determine a suitable fan size—the combined length, diameter, and number of fibers all need to be considered.
To create intermittent spikes, begin by mapping your client’s lashes according to their eye shape and preferences. Once you have done this, take your lash mapping pen and mark where you want your spikes to go. Keeping the main spikes at balanced intervals can help the lash line look even.
You can distribute colored spikes through different layers of the upper lashes to create depth and spread the accents across the set. Natural shedding will still change the pattern over time, so explain how maintenance appointments help restore the design. Gorgeous, spiky, and textured lashes—they’re a dream come true!
A Subtle Top Line
A playful way to introduce colored lashes into a set is to apply them only to the top layer of the upper lashes. This can reveal more color when the eyes are closed, with a subtler effect when they’re open. The visibility will depend on the client’s natural lash direction, the curls, the lengths, and the placement.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can experiment with the top-layer lengths if your client is happy to let you, provided the natural lashes can support them. A suitable length difference may help the colored tips stand out, while closer lengths can give a more blended finish.
A Pop of Color
If you’ve got a client who’s a bit wary of colored eyelash extensions but still wants to try them out, this style is a great starting point. You can use this method to be as bold or as subtle as your client wishes. To create a bespoke set with a burst of color, try placing a section of colored lashes near the outer corner, adjusting its position to suit the overall map.
Lighter tones can appear less dense against darker lashes. For a more visible accent, you can place colored extensions through the lower layer of the upper lashes, with darker lashes behind them in the middle or top layers. Check the effect from different angles rather than relying on layer placement alone.
Ombre Effect
To create an ombre effect, you are essentially designing a beautiful blend of color—it’ll be a true showstopper of a lash set! Using similar tones can create a smooth transition, while contrasting shades give a bolder result. Explore our colored lash trays to plan your combination.
Similar to the other styles, you can work with different layers of the upper lashes, but this time with two or more colors. Once you have mapped the shape, decide where each shade should sit. For example, you could place a lighter shade through the bottom layer and a second shade through the middle layer.
A small length difference may help reveal both colors, but only use it where the natural lashes can support the planned extensions. You can also create a gradient across sections of the lash line without increasing the lengths.
An ombre effect is so fun to play with and offers an endless number of looks—a contrasting good-versus-evil-inspired look, a pastel-colored spring set, or a cool-toned snow queen silver and baby blue extravaganza. The world is your oyster!
Ombre Lash Sets vs. Ombre Extensions
There are two ways to introduce an ombre effect, and it helps to explain the difference during your consultation:
- An ombre lash set: A gradient created by arranging different colored extensions across sections or layers.
- Ombre extensions: Individual fibers that transition from one color to another along their length.
If you love ombre lashes and would prefer individual fibers with a color transition, explore our Ombre Lashes. Black-to-color fibers combine a dark base with a vibrant tip for an extra pop of color. Check the collection for current shade, curl, and length options.
Learn more about ombre lashes and colored lashes here!
Frequently Asked Questions About Colored Lash Extensions
Can Colored Lash Extensions Look Subtle?
Absolutely! A small accent section, a few colored spikes, or a softly blended shade can introduce color without creating an all-over statement. Agree on the placement and intensity with your client before application.
Can You Mix Colored and Black Lash Extensions?
Yes. Mixing colored and black extensions is a useful way to create contrast, add accents, or make color appear more discreet. Plan the sections and layers so the color is visible where your client wants it.
Do Colored Extensions Need Clear Adhesive?
Not necessarily. Clear adhesive can help avoid a dark attachment showing against lighter fibers, while black adhesive may suit a darker base or a more defined lash line. Choose a compatible professional adhesive that also suits your technique and working conditions.
Are Colored Lash Extensions the Same as Lash Tinting?
No. Colored extensions add synthetic fibers to isolated natural lashes. Lash tinting changes the color of the natural lash hairs without adding extensions. They are different services with their own product instructions and suitability considerations.
Do Colored Lashes Need Different Aftercare?
The core aftercare principles remain the same: cleanse with a suitable lash extension cleanser, handle gently, avoid picking or pulling, and attend maintenance appointments as advised. Follow any additional instructions supplied for the particular extensions, adhesive, and finishing products used.
We’ll be taking full advantage of experimenting and creating an array of gorgeous colored lash sets throughout the year. So why not take a chance too?
Discover our full range of colored eyelash extensions, and remember to tag us in all of your creative colored lash sets on Instagram!
Check out these featured products
