The Complete Guide to Eyelash Extension Styles & Techniques

Whether you’re new to eyelash extensions or looking to try a different style, understanding the various styles available can help you achieve your desired look.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything from application techniques to product materials, lash curls, thickness, lengths & styles.

Eyelash Extension Application Techniques – Classic Eyelash Extensions

Classic eyelash extensions are applied onto individually isolated natural lashes in a 1:1 ratio.

Recommended For:

Beginners to having eyelash extensions applied
Enhancing everyday natural lash looks
Perfect for clients with healthy, strong, natural lashes
Best for natural & ‘less is more’ clients

Characteristics:

Most natural-looking lashes
Adds length, curl & volume
Great lash retention due to less lash extension weight per lash
Lower maintenance
Typically 2-3 hour application time

Maintenance:

Every 2-3 weeks for maintenance infills to keep your lashes looking full & your natural lashes healthy.

Pre-made Volume Eyelash Extensions (3D – 10D)

Pre-made volume eyelash extensions are specially heat-bonded fans from 3D to 10D & these are applied to each isolated natural eyelash.

Recommended For:

Clients wanting a more glamorous, dramatic lash look
Clients with fine, sparse natural lashes
Perfect for weddings, holidays & special occasions
Clients wanting thicker, fuller & dramatic lashes

Characteristics:

Fuller, glamorous, dramatic appearance
Super-lightweight pre-made volume fans
Easy to apply
1 – 1.5 hour application time
Can be mixed with Classics to create Hybrid lashes

Pre-made Volume Eyelash Extensions (6D – 10D)

Pre-made Volume Thickness:

3D – Lightweight volume, natural enhancement
4D – 5D Medium volume, glamorous
6D – 10D Full drama, glamour & volume

Recommended For:

Maximum drama & fullness
Photo shoots & special occasions
Those with very sparse natural lashes
Experienced extension wearers

Characteristics:

A more dramatic & glamorous lash look
Extremely lightweight
Excellent lash retention
Requires experienced & skilled lash technicians
1 – 1.5 hour application time

Hybrid Eyelash Extensions

A combination of classic & volume fan eyelash extensions – mixing a single classic eyelash extension with a pre/handmade volume fan lash.

Alternating the different styles of lashes creates a textured, volume lash look.

Recommended For:

Clients want more texture & dimension
Clients seeking an in-between lash look
Clients wanting slightly more than a classic lash but not as dramatic as a volume lash look
Pre-made volume fans & hybrid lash looks add fullness

Characteristics:

Usually, 30% classic to 70% pre-made volume fans (or customise to suit individual eye shapes)
Natural yet enhanced appearance
Lovely natural appearance
A great lash technique for gappy, sparse natural lashes
2 – 2.5 hours application time

Eyelash Extension Materials

Most eyelash extensions are made from high-quality PBT synthetic fibers designed to mimic natural lashes.

Pros:

Most popular & widely available
Consistent curl & lash retention
Durable & long-lasting
Various curls, lengths & weights available
Various lash styles are available
Hypoallergenic
Not tested on animals
Vegan friendly

Flat Lash Extensions

Specially designed with a larger, flatter stem-base, perfect for better lash bonding & lash retention.

Pros:

Stronger bond to natural lashes
Appear darker & fuller
Lighter weight than classic lashes despite the appearance
Perfect for classic lash applications for clients with fine, sparse lashes
Available in various lash thicknesses & lash curls
Superb lash retention

Recommended For:

Lash clients wanting a classic lash look without too much weight

Eyelash Extension Curls

J Curl – This is the straightest of all lash curls, perfect for naturally straight eyelashes as they mimic the straightness of natural lashes.

Characteristics:

Minimal lift
Most natural appearance
Good for hooded eyes
Adds lash length more than curl

Recommended For:

Asian eye shapes, hooded eyes, & clients preferring natural looks.

B Curl – offers slightly more curl than the J curl & opens the eye.

Characteristics:

Natural-looking lash lift
Good for everyday wear
Suitable for most eye shapes
Balanced length & curl

Recommended For:

Clients new to wearing eyelash extensions, wanting a natural lash look

C Curl – Most popular curl with noticeable lift & appearance.

Characteristics:

Classic lash curled appearance
Opens & lifts the eye
Versatile for most eye shapes
Good balance of in-between of a natural & glamorous look

Recommended For:

For most clients who want everyday, easy glamour.

CC Curl – Between C & D curl, offering more lift than a C curl.

Characteristics:

Enhanced curl and lift
Creates a wide-eyed appearance
Good for big, round eyes
More dramatic than a C curl

Recommend For:

Clients who want extra lift without too much drama.

D Curl – Dramatic curl that creates maximum lift & opens the eyes.

Characteristics:

One of the most dramatic curls
Creates a doll-like lifted appearance
Ideal for special occasions
Not a natural lash curl – it creates slightly more falseness & drama if overused

Recommended For:

Deep-set eyes, special events, glamorous looks!

DD/L Curl- Maximum curl for ultra-dramatic lash looks.

Characteristics:

Extreme lift & curl
Very dramatic lash appearance
Can appear unnatural
Best used sparingly as accents, i.e., when mixing & blending lash curls

Recommended For:

For glamorous photo shoots & clients wanting maximum drama!

Length Options…

Shorter lash Lengths (7-9mm)

Recommended For:

Inner corners
Bottom lashes
Very natural lash looks
Damaged natural lashes
Clients with short to medium natural lashes

Medium lash Lengths (10-13mm)

Recommended For:

Most lash clients
Everyday wear
Classic applications
First-time eyelash extension wearers
Clients with medium to long natural lashes

Longer Lengths (13-16mm)

Recommended For:

Outer corners for a fox or cat-eye effect
Special occasions
Volume lash applications
Clients with longer natural lashes

Coloured Specialty Eyelash Extensions

Available in various colors from subtle browns to vibrant blues & purples.

Popular Colours:

Brown (natural alternative to black)
Blue (enhances blue eyes)
Purple (adds subtle glamour)
Green (complements green eyes)

Glitter & Sparkle Eyelash Extensions

Extensions with built-in sparkle or glitter coating

Recommended For:

Special events
Photo shoots
Festival looks
Accent placement is recommended only

Bottom Lash Extensions

Shorter, finer extensions are applied to clients’ lower lashes.

Characteristics:

6-8mm lengths are typically used
J or B curls
Delicate application required
Enhances overall eye definition

Choosing the Right Extensions for Your Eye Shape

Almond Eyes

Most versatile eye shape
Can wear any curl or length
C curl is most flattering
Medium to long lash lengths work well

Round Eyes

B or C curls to enhance natural shape
Longer lengths on outer corners
Avoid excessive curl in the center

Hooded Eyes

J or B curls work best
Shorter to medium lengths
Focus on opening the eye area

Deep-Set Eyes

C or D curls to bring the eyes forward
Medium to long lengths
Avoid very dark or heavy looks

Prominent Eyes

B or C curls
Medium lengths
Avoid overly dramatic styles

Monolid Eyes

J or B curls are typically most flattering
Focus on length over curl
Consider lash lifts as an alternative

Maintenance & Longevity

Classic lashes – 4-6 weeks with fills every 2-3 weeks
Volume lashes: 3-5 weeks with fills every 2-3 weeks
Mega Volume lashes: 2-4 weeks with fills every 2 weeks

Factors Affecting Retention:

Natural lash growth cycle
Adhering to Aftercare advice
Lifestyle factors (exercise, swimming)
Product & makeup used around the eyes
Sleep habits

Cost Considerations

Typical Price Ranges:

We recommend researching in your local area to determine your charges.

Approximate pricing below is based on the UK in 2025

Classic Lashes – £65 – £75 infills £35 – £40
Volume Lashes: £80 – £100 infills £45 – £50
Mega Volume Lashes: £85 – £110 infills £50 – £60
Hybrid Lashes : £75 – £85 infills £40 – £45

Prices vary significantly by location & technician experience

Safety and Considerations

Potential Risks:

Allergic reactions to lash adhesive
Eye irritation
Natural lash damage occurs if eyelash extensions are applied incorrectly
Possible eye Infections due to poor hygiene & sanitation

Red Flags to Avoid:

Unqualified therapists lash technicians
Uninsured therapists or lash technicians
Prices are significantly below industry recommendations
Poor sanitation practices
Rushing through the application
Using expired or low-quality products
Lash tech hasn’t performed a patch test before the lash application appointment at least 48 hours prior
Lash tech hasn’t carried out a medical consultation form with the client, where the client discloses any health & medication concerns & possible contraindications that may prevent the treatment from being carried out

Preparing for Your Appointment

Before Your Visit:

Remove all eye makeup
Avoid oil-based products for 24 hours
Come with clean, dry lashes
Discuss outcome & concerns with your lash technician

Questions for your Lash Tech

Are you using a professional brand of lash adhesive regulated & ISO tested?
What type of adhesive do you use?
How long have you been doing eyelash extensions?
Can I see examples of your work?
What aftercare products do you recommend?
What’s your policy on maintenance infills?

Finally…

The world of eyelash extensions offers an incredible variety to suit every preference, eye shape, and lifestyle.

Whether you’re seeking a natural enhancement or a dramatic, glamorous look, there’s an extension type perfect for you!

Remember that the skill of your lash technician is just as important as the type of extensions chosen, so always prioritise quality & safety over price.

Take time to research & communicate your goals clearly, & don’t be afraid to start with a more natural lash look & slowly build up over time to add more dramatic looks.

With correct eyelash extension application care & maintenance, eyelash extensions can be a wonderful enhancement to your natural beauty daily!

Always choose qualified beauty professionals & prioritise lash health alongside your aesthetic goals!