Different Kinds of Eyelash Extensions: A Comprehensive Guide

Nothing brightens up your face quite like long, full, and dark eyelashes. For many, achieving the desired lash look requires some assistance. Eyelash extensions have surged in popularity, lauded for their aesthetic appeal and perceived convenience. They can offer dramatic results, but it's essential to be aware of the risks, including eye irritation, allergic reactions, and potential damage to natural lashes. This guide explores the various types of eyelash extensions available, their pros and cons, and alternative options.

What are Eyelash Extensions?

Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent, false eyelashes that are glued individually to your natural lashes by a trained salon professional, allowing for a high degree of customization.

Types of Eyelash Extensions

One of the key benefits of eyelash extensions is their variety. You can choose from a selection of lengths, volumes, and curl types.

Most eyelash extensions fall into three main categories:

• Classic
• Volume
• Hybrid

Eyelash extensions are also made from a variety of materials, which fall into three main categories:

Read also: Comprehensive Lash Guide

• Synthetic
• Silk
• Mink

Eyelash Extension Styles: The Beauty Breakdown

From classic elegance to bold statements, the world of lash extension styles offers something for everyone. Your choice should vibe with your eye shape and personal taste. Chat with your stylist about length, volume, materials, and curl types for that perfect set.

Here's a breakdown of popular eyelash extension styles:

1. Cat Eye Lashes: These lashes create a slightly "feline" look by elongating the eye. They gradually increase in length from the inner to the outer corner, providing a lifting effect. Cat eye extensions are excellent for close-set or almond-shaped eyes. 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.
2. Doll Eye Lashes: Doll lashes provide an innocent, wide-eyed look reminiscent of a doll. Longer lashes are applied at the center of the lash line, tapering towards the corners. This style makes the eyes appear bigger and more symmetrical, providing a youthful appearance, and is a great option for those with smaller or downturned eyes.
3. Wispy Styles Lashes: For those who like things delicate and feathered, there’s the Wispy Eyelash Extensions. It’s all about fewer lashes of similar lengths, giving you that incredibly pretty and soft vibe.
4. Anime Lashes: Anime lashes, also known as Manga lashes or Webtoon lashes, are a distinctive style of lash extensions characterized by spikey, individual lash strands that stand out prominently. Unlike wispy lashes, anime lashes have obvious spikes that create a dramatic and exaggerated look, emphasizing both the upper and lower lash lines. This style aims to achieve the wide-eyed, doll-like appearance seen in female anime and manga characters, making the eyes pop with a captivating allure.
5. Open Eye: For a more intense look, this style throws the longest lashes at the center, lifting your eyes for a rounded and open appearance - just a notch above the doll style for that extra oomph.
6. Reverse Cat Eye Lash Extensions: Think shortest at the inner corner, gradually getting longer toward the outer corner. Caution: this one needs a skilled stylist to avoid any weirdness.
7. Squirrel Eyelashes: Creating upturned eyes with the longest lashes in the second-to-last quadrant, creating a captivating and foxy vibe.
8. Natural Eyelash: Mimics your natural lash length for that subtle, breezy look. You can play around with variations like kitten extensions for a gradual lengthening effect.
9. Staggered Eyelash Extensions: A modern, spiky look created by mixing longer and shorter extensions. Get creative and mix it up with other styles for your own personalized look.
10. Fox Style Lashes: They deliver that captivating and foxy look with longer, thicker lashes at the outer corners. Ideal for those who want their eyes to do the talking. Want a “all eyes on you” look? We have a complete guide to help you rock fox eyes.
11. Wavy Lashes: The Wavy Lashes throw in a soft wave for that easy-breezy, natural appearance. Super versatile and perfect for everyday wear or when you want a subtle boost.
12. Colored or Highlighted Extensions: The Colored or Highlighted Extensions can be your fun ticket. Add various colors or highlights for a quirky, personalized effect.
13. Custom Eyelash Extensions: Stylist crafts a lash map just for you. Pro tip: chat openly with your stylist to get the look that’s as unique as you.

Types of Eyelash Extensions in Detail

1. 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. Classic lashes are the foundation of eyelash extensions, providing a natural and timeless look. Classic lashes are of medium thickness and involve attaching one extension to each natural lash.

2. 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. Volume lashes are for those who want to get the effect of fullness and a more dramatic look. Volume lashes involve attaching multiple lightweight extensions to a single natural lash, creating a more voluminous look.

3. 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. Hybrid lashes represent a combination of classic and volume lashes offering a textured and multidimensional appearance. This style involves a mix of single extensions and lash fans.

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4. Mega Volume Lashes

Mega volume lashes are an enhancement for volume lashes where several lash fans are attached to each natural lash, creating a notably full and dark look.

5. Cat Eye Lashes

Cat eye eyelash extensions are designed to elongate the eyes by placing longer extensions at the outer corners, creating a feline-inspired look.

6. Japanese Lashes

Japanese lash extensions are precisely developed to replicate the texture, curl, and thickness of your natural lashes, ensuring a remarkably realistic finish.

Extension Materials

Eyelash extensions are made from a variety of materials, each with its own characteristics:

1. Synthetic: Usually made of some kind of acrylic and is typically the least expensive option.
2. Silk: Lighter and more flexible than synthetic. Great for users with fine natural lashes.
3. Mink: Soft with a texture that is closest to natural lashes. Faux Mink, and Silk. Consider softness, curl hold, and cruelty-free preferences.

Choosing the Right Style Based on Eye Shape

When considering eyelash extensions, it's essential to choose a style that complements your eye shape. Here's a guide:

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• Almond Eyes: Almond eyes are highly versatile and can benefit most from cat and fox eye looks. Almond eyes are considered the most versatile shape, characterized by an oval shape with a slightly upswept outer corner. 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. Round eyes have a visible crease and are characterized by an equal amount of white space above and below the iris. For round eyes, cat-eye lash extensions can elongate and lift the eyes.
• 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. Hooded eyes have a fold of skin that droops over the crease, making the eyelid less visible. Volume lash extensions or doll-eye lashes work well for hooded eyes, creating the illusion of larger, more open eyes.
• 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. Monolid eyes lack a visible crease and have a flatter appearance. Hybrid lashes or a mix of classic and volume can add depth and dimension.
• 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.
• Upturned eyes: Upturned eyes have a natural lift at the outer corners, making them appear uplifted. Upturned eyes can benefit from classic lashes for a natural look or cat-eye lashes to accentuate their lifted shape.
• Downturned eyes: Downturned eyes have a slight droop at the outer corners. To counteract the downturned appearance, consider cat-eye extensions for an uplifting effect.
• Wide-set eyes: Wide-set eyes have a larger gap between them. Volume lashes, especially with longer extensions at the inner corner, can enhance the overall look.
• Deep-set eyes: Fluttery styles like staggered, wispy, or natural lashes are your best pals.
• Protrude eyes: Think C, D, or L curls to pull upwards and flatter those eyes.

How to Choose the Right Eyelash Extensions

• Eyelash Extension Length: Consider natural lash length, eye size, lid space, and desired dramatic effect. Start with 8-12 mm for beginners or smaller eyes; adjust length as needed.
• Eyelash Extension Volume: Classic, Volume, Hybrid, or Glam options for varied thickness and number of lashes. Choose based on desired volume and budget.
• Eyelash Extension Materials: Options: Faux Mink, and Silk. Consider softness, curl hold, and cruelty-free preferences.
• Eyelash Extension Curl Type: Choose from J, C, D, or L curls based on desired curvature. Select curls that complement your eye shape.
• DIY Lash Extensions: Explore DIY options for at-home application and experimentation. Clusters make application easy and versatile for different styles.

Risks Associated with Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions are not inherently dangerous, but some risks should be considered:

• Allergic Reactions: There is potential for an allergic reaction to the glue, lash material, or other chemicals used during the application of eyelash extensions.
• Infections: If the aesthetician or the salon doesn't follow proper sanitary procedures, there is a risk of an eye infection. Infections can also occur if the user doesn’t properly clean the extensions during wear.
• Eyelash Damage: Pulling, tugging, or chemical reactions can damage the underlying natural lashes.

Cost of Eyelash Extensions

The cost of a full set of eyelash extensions ranges can range from $100 to $350 and Lash Fill costs range between $50 and $150 per 60 to 75 minutes.Some of the factors determining the cost are:

• Your chosen lash style. Classic Style is cheaper than Volume for instance
• The number of lashes used to create certain styles e.g. level of volume
• A Lash Artist’s skill level
• The salon you visit for your lash application e.g professional salon, a style suite or at-home stylist

Alternatives to Eyelash Extensions

If the cost, risks, or maintenance of eyelash extensions do not appeal to you, there are a variety of alternatives to choose from:

1. Eyelash Growth Serums

Eyelash serums are applied to the eyelashes or the skin near the eyelashes to promote the growth of fuller, thicker, and darker lashes.

• Over-the-Counter Serums: Over-the-counter eyelash serums utilize ingredients like peptides, botanicals, amino acids and vitamins to support lash growth. Research on the efficacy of nonprescription eyelash serums still lacks compelling evidence to support claims to grow longer, fuller or darker lashes.
• Prescription Serums: Prescription serums with the active ingredient bimatoprost are the only FDA-approved options for eyelash growth. Bimatoprost serums are available by the name brand Latisse® or in the generic version. Bimatoprost has also been thoroughly researched with positive results.

2. False Eyelashes

False eyelashes are an accessible and affordable alternative to professionally applied eyelash extensions. They come in strips, clusters or single lashes and are applied with glue to the lash line. These lashes are available in a variety of price points to fit nearly any budget. False eyelashes are temporary. However, with proper care and cleaning between wears, you can reuse the same strip of lashes three to five times.

There are some risks involved in wearing false eyelashes, including:

• Allergic reactions to glue or lash materials.
• Formation of a stye, a painful red bump on your eyelid.
• Drooping eyelids.
• Eye irritation or infection.
• Loss of natural eyelashes.

3. Lash Lift

A lash lift is a cosmetic procedure that uses chemicals to semi-permanently curl natural lashes. The procedure does not make lashes longer, but the curl can create the illusion of length. A lash lift can last eight to 12 weeks with proper care.

Eyelash Extension Aftercare: Maintaining Your Investment

Considering that eyelash extensions make you pop, it is crucial to take good care of them to make them last longer and get the value of your money. Aftercare is important for the first 48 hours after the application to allow the glue to cure. Watch out for any sensitivity and itching within the first 24 hours. In case you experience these signs, you may be allergic to the glue used to set the extensions. Visit your lash professional immediately.

Other ways to take care of the eyelash extensions and your natural lashes are:

• Avoid water, sweat and hot tubs within the first 48 hours: Avoiding water, sweat, and hot tubs helps the glue to set perfectly around the extensions. Waiting for this time allows the lashes to last longer. You can wash the rest of your face but avoid water coming into contact with the eye area. Additionally, avoid steaming your face, washing your hair, and yoga during this time since it is impossible to carry out these activities without interfering with the extension glue.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes: This rule applies during the first 48 hours when the glue has not yet set. Rubbing your eyes could also transfer germs to lashes, leading to infections of your eyes. After 48 hours, it is safe to touch or rub your eyes. However, as long as you have the eyelash extensions on, you should avoid rubbing your eyes as much as possible to help keep the extensions in place.
• Avoid eye makeup: Using eye makeup in the first 48 hours after application is not advised. After 48 hours, as the eyelash extensions make your eyes pop, you can skip the eye makeup altogether. But if you must use eye products, go for oil-free makeup and apply light strokes to prevent the lashes from falling off.
• Protect your lashes in the shower: Eyelash extensions should not disrupt your shower routine, especially after the first 48 hours. Unfortunately, if you are not careful, it is possible to ruin the extensions with water. Consider purchasing a Lashbrella Shower Shield from Amazon, which will help avoid water running into your lashes when you shower.
• Using a spoolie brush: A lash brush or spoolie is a small comb that you use to brush your lashes. You will use it especially in the morning since this is the time when the lashes could be tangled. It is always advisable that you use a spoolie instead of your fingers to help maintain the shape and look of your extensions.
• Use of makeup: As mentioned earlier, stay away from eye products for the first 48 hours after lash application. After this you are free to use any eye makeup, mascara included. Your makeup should be eyelash extension-friendly and oil-free. Oil can weaken the adhesive bonds holding the extension in place. For example, although mascara is allowed, keep off waterproof mascara. The mascara is stubborn to remove and may weaken the lashes when you’re trying to get them off. Additionally, it is also advisable that you avoid eyeliner pencil. Most pencils contain oil, and drawing along the lash line may create tension that is likely to weaken the extension glue. Your lash studio and artist is likely to sell oil-free mascaras and eyeliners so ask your professional for some advice.

Cleaning Your Eyelash Extensions

As advised above, you should avoid cleaning around the lashes for the first 48 hours. After the glue has cured, proper cleaning of the extensions will help extend their lifetime and prevent possible eye problems.

First, never go to bed with your eye makeup on. Going to bed with your eye makeup puts you at risk of blepharitis. This is a condition caused by the building up of bacteria on your skin. Since the goal is to keep oil away from the extensions, you should get oil-free removers to get rid of the eye makeup. You are also advised not to use cotton balls, makeup wipes, or cotton pads to clean the extensions since they can damage them. Instead, use specifically designed lash extension cleansers that have antimicrobial properties to eliminate the bacteria around the eyes. There is also a gel-based shampoo that you can use to clean the lashes without rubbing, pulling, or tugging them. Lash experts also recommend it to remove any other residual eye makeup.

Eyelash Extension Mites

The mention of eyelash extension mites is likely to scare you. Unfortunately, more than half the people using eyelash extensions have extension mites. These are debris that feeds on the oils and debris found around the lash line and lash follicles. The mites are likely to affect you when you go to bed without washing your eye makeup.

After the lash mite gets into the eye follicle, it does not get out. Instead, they multiply in the follicles. When the mites multiply, they might lead to eye problems such as itching, eye redness, swelling, eye infections, and loss of your natural eyelashes. In addition, if left untreated, the eyelash extension mites can cause other serious eye problems and may affect your sight.

Signs that you have eyelash extension mites

• Constantly feeling like you have something in your eye
• Feeling itchy at the lash root, especially when you get out of bed
• Chronic redness around the lash area
• High natural eyelash loss
• Dandruff or the presence of a crust attached to the eyelid

How can you prevent eyelash extension mites?

The most common cause for extension mites is failure to remove makeup before bed. Also, others remove the makeup but do not do it thoroughly. Therefore, set a home care routine to carefully cleanse your eyelashes and remove all eye makeup every night. The routine will help prevent extension mites and eye infections. Avoid sharing makeup and makeup brushes. Not only does sharing makeup brushes transfer bacteria and impurities to your skin, but it could also cause lash extension mites. No matter how much you trust the person you share your makeup with, this could be the source of your problem since the mites can be carried on from one skin to another. Therefore, always carry with you the brushes and makeup that you may need, and make sure to clean the brushes regularly. Keep your towels, sheets, and pillowcases clean. Regularly wash them in hot water at least thrice a week. If you come into contact with someone with the extension mites, avoid sharing bedding with them. In a gist, always ensure that your eyelash extensions are clean. You will never have to deal with eyelash extension mites.

Do Eyelash Extensions Damage Natural Lashes?

Ideally, eyelash extensions are meant to boost the look of your natural lashes. Unfortunately, some wrong eyelash extension practices can make you damage your natural lashes. Therefore, to protect your natural lashes, consider hiring a Certified Lash Stylist/Technician to professionally apply the extensions.

Some of the common mistakes that can lead to the damage of your natural lashes are:

• Using extra-long lashes: A professional will advise you that the extensions should not be more than 1 ½ the length of your natural lashes. If the extensions are heavier than that, they might ruin the roots of your lashes. Your natural lashes will then start having signs of damage, such as falling out. Heavy extensions will likely cause more harm than good. Instead, choose the super lightweight extensions that help you achieve a dramatic and fuller look while not causing stress on your real eyelashes.
• Using too much glue: When too much glue is used it causes more than one natural lash to bond with one eyelash extension. When this happens, the natural lashes that grows faster will pull out the slow-growing lashes since they are joined together. Before you know it, you are missing some of your natural lashes.
• Pulling out the eyelash extensions: The glue works by bonding the eyelash extensions on the natural lashes. This means, if you try to pull out the extensions, you pull out the natural lashes as well. Therefore, if you no longer want the extensions on your eyes, go to a professional so that they can professionally remove them without damaging the natural lashes.

Do Eyelash Extensions Hurt?

This is a common question when it is your first time to get lash extensions. The application process of the lash extensions determines whether they will hurt. Additionally, it also matters whether a professional is performing the lash application.

Some of the factors that can cause the eyelash extensions to hurt are:

• The eyelash extensions touch your eyelid: When done correctly, the extensions should not touch your eyelid. However, when they are placed directly against the eyelid, they will poke the eyelid, which will hurt. In case there is discomfort after application, do not pull out the extensions; it will cause more pain. It is, therefore, advisable that you get a professional to do your extensions and avoid such problems.
• Some glues have more fumes than others: Some of the chemicals in the glues may affect your eyes. Therefore, let your professional know if you are allergic to any products. Thus, they can choose adhesives that are safe for you.
• An extension falls in your eye: Although this rarely happens, it is a possibility if the person handling your extensions is unqualified. It is also advisable to avoid rubbing your eyes when you have extensions or sleeping on your face to avoid extensions getting into your eyes.

How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?

If you leave your lash extensions to fall out with your natural lashes, they will last for about eight weeks. However, since the natural lashes do not grow at the same rate, you are likely to have gaps in your eyes after the extensions start falling out. Therefore, to keep your eyes looking good, go for a lash refill after every two to three weeks. This will also help the lash artist to examine your eyelash extensions and rule out possible problems. Additionally, it is less time-consuming and less expensive to get a refill than needing to book in for a new full set as you have lost too many lashes to be refilled in the normal 60 to 75 min refill appointments.

Can You Swim with Eyelash Extensions?

It is okay to swim when you have eyelash extensions after the time given to allow the glue to set is over. However, even after 48 hours, swimming and other sporting activities will naturally take a harder toll on your lashes and you may need more frequent refills.

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