Understanding Different Types of Eyelash Extensions: How to Choose the Best Option for You

First things first, what are eyelash extensions?

Eyelash extensions are a semi-permanent service used to enhance, elongate, and darken your lashes to give you a more dramatic or natural look. The extensions themselves are commonly made with synthetic fibers and individually attached to your natural lashes using a specialized glue by a trained professional. Unlike strip lashes or clusters, extensions will gradually fall out with the growth and shedding of your natural lashes. To maintain the extensions and keep them looking full, you should get a lash fill every 2-4 weeks.

There are many different types of lash extensions, varying in color, length, curl, fans, and more. All of which can be tailored to create a fully customizable look.

What are the types and styles of lash extensions? And what is the difference between them?

There are five main styles of lash extensions: classics, hybrids, volume, Russian volume, and mega volume.

Classic lash sets are the most natural style, they use a 1:1 technique, meaning a singular extension is applied to a singular natural lash. This style helps enhance the length and curl of your lashes while still maintaining a soft, subtle effect.

Hybrid lashes are fuller than classic lashes, offering a more textured and wispy look. Hybrids use a mix of classic and volume techniques for the application process, using single extensions along with fans to create that fluffier look.

Volume lash extensions are best described as full and fluffy. If you want your eyes to pop, while still maintaining a softer look, this is the set for you. Volume sets use fans with two to six extra fine extensions per lash to add density and keep them as lightweight as possible.

Although volume extensions and Russian volume extensions can look very similar and follow the same application technique, there are some key differences. Unlike regular volumes, Russian volumes use extra fine lashes when making homemade fans which are fully customized by the lash artist. Since this technique uses homemade fans, this also allows for more customization and control of the volume and spread of the lashes. Russian volumes are great for that dark, velvety, and luxurious look.

If you want a dramatic look, mega volumes are the best option. These bold and dramatic lashes are extremely dark and dense, these sets use extremely fine lashes and use fans with 10-16 lashes per natural lash.

How to Choose the Best Set for You:

If you are new to lashes, or just want that natural mascara look, classics are going to be the set you’re looking for. However, maybe you still want that soft “low effort” look but with a bit more volume and fluff, you may want hybrids. They’ll help to achieve that balance between natural and glamorous lashes. If you want that glamorous look, volume lashes will give you that. Volumes will give you that elegant and defined look, which may be best if you’re wanting to make your eyes pop without makeup or for a special occasion. For a bit of a bolder look, while still having that soft fluffy effect, Russian volumes will be best. They’ll still give you the volume you’re looking for but with a feathery effect. If you love the ultra-glamorous, dramatic look, you might want to consider mega volumes. Wanting maximum volume or enjoy those bold makeup looks? Mega volumes are the set for you.

Lash extensions are a personalized service, so you may have to go through some trial and error before finding your perfect set. It’s never too late to switch it up either, whether you’re getting a full set or a fill, a skilled lash tech can help you achieve all of your lash goals.