How to Create Natural Lash Extensions | Different Lash Styles and Free Lash Maps
As you may have gauged from your lovely client’s requests, there's been a big shift towards a more natural aesthetic. Many clients have developed a preference for extensions that amplify their innate beauty, instead of the more dramatic Mega Volume lash look. That’s not to say that Mega Volume lashes aren’t incredible, but some clients simply want a more subtle enhancement. As a Lash Technician, staying ahead of these trends and mastering the techniques to cater to them is paramount to your thriving business. So let's take a look at how you can create a beautiful set of natural eyelash extensions! Whether your client wants a super stripped-back look or a subtle boost, here are the styles we’d suggest following to master the art of crafting natural-looking lashes.
Classic Eyelash Extensions
Classic eyelash extensions are usually the first technique that you’ll learn when you’re dipping your toe into the wonderful world of lashes. Once you’ve perfected Classic lashes, you’ve laid down the foundation for you to learn how to make and apply Volume lash fans. But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves, we’ll focus on Classic lashes for now. This method involves the process of attaching a single extension to a single natural lash. The beauty of this technique lies in its simplicity, making it the go-to choice for those desiring a subtle yet effective enhancement.
To achieve that coveted natural look with Classic extensions, it's crucial to be insightful with your choices. Opting for extensions that are just a tad longer than your client's natural lashes can make a world of difference. Moreover, selecting a soft curl that mirrors the natural lash curve can lend an authentic touch that mimics your client's natural lashes. If your client is specifically asking for natural Classic lash extensions, you need to keep this in mind as we know how easy it can be to get carried away!
When your client wants a subtle, natural lash set, using lashes with a diameter of 0.10 or 0.12 will be perfect. These choices will enhance the eyes beautifully without creating an overly dramatic shift, so your clients can ditch their mascara right away! One of the advantages of Classic lashes is they’re fairly low maintenance - the only factor they need to consider is, obviously, aftercare and daily lash cleansing in order to keep those lashes fluffy and clean! To do this, it'll only requires two things: a lash shampoo and lash brush. They're super quick to clean and if your clients maintain good lash maintenance, this will result in better retention and less lash infills to replace poorly maintained lashes, saving them time and money!
However, for clients blessed with naturally thicker lashes, 0.10 lashes might seem underwhelming. In such instances, lashes with a diameter of 0.15 or even 0.18 will be more fitting choices - and if they're aiming for a natural yet enhanced look, consider extending the lash extension lengths by 1-2 mm beyond their natural lash length.
Nude Look Lashes
Nude Look lashes are the epitome of understated elegance. Crafted to offer a barely-there appearance, they're the ideal choice for those who wish to subtly elevate their lashes without an obvious enhancement.
To perfect the Nude Look, it's all about the details. Lightweight extensions with a fine diameter are your best allies here. Ensuring that these extensions blend seamlessly with the natural lashes is crucial — any noticeable gaps can disrupt the illusion. Moreover, maintaining a consistent length across the lashes can further the harmonious and natural appearance we aim for.
This subtle and fluttery appearance is attainable by using soft and lightweight individual lashes. We recommend opting for lashes ranging from 0.07 to 0.10 in diameter to ensure a refined and feather-light look. For clients with less dense lashes, consider incorporating a few 2D fans to bridge those gaps. Generally, for this lash style, your reliable Classics are the way to go. It'll have everyone convinced that they're your client's natural lashes!
Hybrid Lash Extensions
Hybrid lash extensions are where Classic meets Volume, offering a beautiful middle ground. They provide a look that's fuller than Classic lashes but stops short of the drama that full Volume sets bring. Achieving a natural appearance with Hybrid extensions is a balancing act. A harmonious mix of Classic lashes and Volume lash fans will ensure the look isn't too dense. Not to mention, you can introduce a variety of lengths if you want to create a super wispy effect that most clients go crazy for, and are still reminiscent of natural lashes. As always when it comes to creating a beautiful set of Hybrid lash extensions, curls that mimic the natural lash curve are your best bet.
If you want to learn more about how to craft the perfect set of Hybrid lashes, we’ve got an excellent comprehensive guide that you can follow here!
Natural Hybrid Lash Extensions
Taking the hybrid approach a notch higher, natural Hybrid lash extensions are all about achieving the most authentic look possible. It’s important to note that Hybrid lash extensions don’t have to be a 50/50 split between individual lashes and Volume fans. In order for you to create the best set of lashes, you should try to cater to each client by crafting every lash set to be bespoke to them (and your prices can even reflect that!). You don’t have to lash every lash either, especially if your client is after an ultra-natural lash set.
When working with Natural Hybrid Lashes, leaning more towards using Classic lashes to make up the majority of the set can make a significant difference. Keeping the extensions close to the natural lash length helps to ensure the subtlety that your client desires.
London Lash Top Tip: Use a variety of lash lengths in a classic Dolly style to mimic the natural growth of your client's lashes and enhance their stunning eyes.
Brown Eyelash Extensions
Brown eyelash extensions are a refreshing departure from the traditional black lashes. They're perfect for clients with fair hair colors or for individuals seeking a softer and more muted look, offering a harmonious blend between the extensions and natural lashes. There are many Lash Techs who don’t consider using brown lash extensions, but they offer an absolutely gorgeous finish. When working with brown extensions, introducing a few black lashes into the mix can lend depth whilst still retaining the natural vibe.
As Lash Technicians, our ultimate goal is to ensure our clients step out of our lash studio feeling confident and radiant, and hopefully, their natural-looking lash extensions will do just that. Please make sure to tag us in all of your stunning creations over on Instagram, we’d love to see them!
