With so many clients seeking that perfect flutter, knowing the ins and outs of different lash types and styles can make all the difference. Offering a variety of extensions lets you tailor each look, making sure every client leaves feeling fabulous.
Plus, when you’re the go-to for expert lash advice, those happy clients are sure to keep coming back for more!
7 Different Types of Eyelash Extensions
When it comes to lash extensions, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Every client walks through the door with their own vision of perfect lashes, and being able to match them with the right type is where the magic happens.
Let’s break down seven popular lash styles that’ll help you create looks your clients can’t stop raving about.
1. Classic Eyelash Extensions
Classic eyelash extensions are a go-to for many clients, and for good reason. They offer a simple yet stunning enhancement by applying a single extension to each natural lash. The result is a natural, mascara-like effect that subtly boosts length and volume without going overboard. Clients love how comfortable and lightweight these lashes feel, making them perfect for everyday wear.
Best For: Clients with healthy natural lashes who want a little extra oomph.
Pro Tip: When applying classic lashes, focus on isolating each natural lash perfectly to avoid sticking. Use the Lei Lash Classic Lash Trays (0.20D) and taper the lengths slightly towards the inner corners for a natural gradient that flatters the eye shape.
2. Volume Eyelash Extensions
Volume eyelash extensions are all about creating that wow factor - they’re popular with clients who crave a more dramatic look. Volume lashes involve applying a fan of multiple lightweight extensions to each lash. This creates a fluffier, more voluminous effect. Despite their fuller appearance, volume lashes can still feel lightweight and comfortable.
Best For: Clients with sparse natural lashes, as the volume technique can fill gaps in the lash-line.
Pro Tip: When creating volume lash extensions, choose a mid-weight extension on the lighter side - such as Lei Lash Volume Lash Trays in 0.07D. This mixed pack contains a variety of lengths too, so you can tone back the drama depending on what your client wants.
3. Hybrid Eyelash Extensions
Hybrid eyelash extensions are a favourite for clients who want the best of both worlds. By blending classic and volume lashes, you can create a full look without going over the top. Hybrid lashes usually have a 50/50 or 70/30 ratio of classic to volume lashes. Clients often opt for hybrid lashes in preparation for a holidays!
Best For: Clients who want more than classic lashes, but aren’t quite ready for the intensity of volume.
Pro Tip: When working on a hybrid set, the Currently Lashed Individual Lashes Mixed Pack is your new best friend. With both classic and volume lashes in one tray, you can easily switch between the two to create that perfect blend.
4. Russian Eyelash Extensions
Russian eyelash extensions take volume to the next level, offering an ultra-dense look that’s perfect for clients who want their lashes to truly stand out. While both Russian and volume lashes involve creating fans, Russian lashes are different because they use even finer extensions (often 0.03D to 0.05D) and more lashes per fan. This results in a much thicker, fluffier finish.
Best For: Clients with strong natural lashes who are all about that full-glam, bold statement look.
Pro Tip: Try the Tilly Lash Russian Volume Lash Kit, it’s an all-in-one solution for perfect Russian volume sets. It includes both C curl and D curl lash trays in 0.05D, as well as two types of tweezers—one straight and one specifically designed for Russian volume—for precise fan-making.
5. Wispy Eyelash Extensions
Wispy eyelash extensions are perfect for clients who love a textured look. These lashes are gaining popularity for their unique style, which uses a variety of lengths and strategic placement to create a staggered effect. The result is a soft yet dramatic look with noticeable peaks and valleys.
Best For: Clients who want a trendy, Instagram-ready look with lots of texture.
Pro Tip: When creating wispy lash extensions, the key is in the details. Use the Tilly Lash Individual Mascara Wand to brush through the lashes regularly during application. This helps to separate and define the wispy peaks. These are also a great upsell for clients, to maintain their lashes at home!
6. Doll Eyelash Extensions
Doll-eye eyelash extensions are perfect for clients who want to create a wide-eyed, youthful look. This style focuses on applying the longest lashes in the centre of the lash line, which opens up the eyes and makes them appear larger.
Best For: Clients with hooded or almond-shaped eyes who want to make their eyes appear larger.
Pro Tip: For long-lasting results, use the Tilly Lash 777 Angel Energy Glue or the Tilly Lash 11:11 Angel Energy Glue. Both these glues help extensions stay perfectly in place while maintaining the light and fluffy feel that’s essential for this style.
7. Cat-Eyelash Extensions
Cat-eye eyelash extensions are ideal for clients who want to achieve a sultry, elongated look. This style involves gradually increasing the length of the lashes from the inner corner to the outer corner, mimicking the shape of a cat’s eye. The result is a lifted, winged effect that draws attention to the outer corners of the eyes.
Best For: Clients with round or close-set eyes who want to elongate and lift the outer corners.
Pro Tip: Try using the Tilly Lash Diamond Glue Tray with Curved Lash Tweezers when creating cat-eye styles. The tray's cool surface keeps your lash glue fresher for longer, meaning you’ve more time to perfect your client’s cat-eye look.
Choosing the Best Type of Eyelash Extensions
When it comes to choosing the best type of eyelash extensions for your client, there’s more to consider than just the desired look. Factors like the client’s natural lash strength, eye shape, lifestyle, and even how dramatic they want the final result to be all play a role in making the right recommendation...
Choose the Right Curl
Selecting the right curl is essential for enhancing your client’s natural eye shape and achieving their desired look. Here’s a quick breakdown of all the different lash curls:
- J Curl: Offers the most natural lift, ideal for clients with straight lashes or those seeking a subtle enhancement. Best suited for almond-shaped eyes.
- B Curl: Provides a gentle lift and is great for clients who want a slight curl without too much drama. Works well for clients with deep-set or hooded eyes.
- C Curl: A popular choice, offering a noticeable curl that’s still natural-looking. Perfect for round or almond-shaped eyes, giving them a lifted, open appearance.
- CC Curl: A step up from the C Curl, this offers more drama and is ideal for clients who want a bolder, eye-opening effect. Suits most eye shapes, especially those needing a bit more lift.
- D Curl: Delivers a dramatic, doll-like effect with a deep curl. Perfect for clients with downward-facing lashes or those who want maximum curl. Works well with round or wide-set eyes.
- L Curl: Provides a sharp lift with a flatter base, great for clients with hooded eyes or those looking to achieve a lifted, cat-eye look.
Select Preferred Lengths
The length of the extensions plays a big role in the overall look. Shorter lengths (6-10mm) create a subtle, natural enhancement, perfect for everyday wear. Medium lengths (11-13mm) are versatile and can suit most clients, offering a noticeable yet balanced look. Longer lengths (14mm+) are ideal for clients seeking a dramatic, glamorous effect, but should be used sparingly to maintain the integrity of the natural lashes.
Layer to the Appropriate Thickness
Choosing the right thickness is crucial to avoid damaging your client’s natural lashes. For clients with fine natural lashes, opt for thinner extensions (0.05mm to 0.07mm) to ensure a lightweight feel. Clients with stronger natural lashes can handle thicker extensions (0.10mm to 0.15mm) for a fuller look. Remember, it’s all about balance—too much weight can lead to lash damage, so always match the extension thickness to the client’s natural lash strength.
Match the Eyelash Colour
Beyond the classic black and brown, there are also coloured lashes (e.g., blue, green, purple) for clients who want to make a statement. Black lashes are the most popular, offering a bold, defined look. Brown lashes are softer and ideal for a more natural, everyday style. Coloured lashes are perfect for adding a pop of fun for festivals and music events!
Eyelash Extension Styles for Every Eye Shape
When choosing eyelash extensions, eye shape plays a crucial role in achieving the most flattering and balanced look. You want to choose a style that works with your clients natural features, not against them.
Here’s a guide to the best eyelash extension styles for different eye shapes:
| Eye Shape | Best Lash Type | Why? |
| Almond | Classic, Hybrid, Volume, Russian | Almond-shaped eyes are versatile and can suit virtually any style! So go for whatever lash look your client prefers. |
| Round | Cat-Eye, Wispy, Hybrid | Round eyes look best with styles that elongate and lift the outer corners, to create a more almond-shaped appearance. |
| Hooded | L Curl, Doll-Eye, Hybrid | Hooded eyes suit styles that open up the eye area, with lashes focussed in the centre to make eyes look bigger. |
| Wide Set | Classic, Volume, Russian | For wide-set eyes, styles that bring focus towards the centre of the face are the most ideal. |
| Close Set | Cat-Eye, D Curl, Wispy | Close-set eyes benefit from lash styles which lengthen the outer corners and draw attention away from the inner corners. |
| Downturned | D Curl, Cat-Eye, Russian Volume | Downturned eyes look best with styles that lift the outer corners of the eyes, using more volume of the outer edges. |
| Upturned | Classic, Doll-Eye, Volume | Upturned eyes naturally have a lifted look, so classic and doll-eye styles enhance this while maintaining balance. |
| Monolid | L Curl, D Curl, Doll-Eye | Monolid eyes benefit from curls that add lift and depth, by adding length in the centre of the lash line. |
Don’t Forget to Stock Up Your Lash Tech Kit
We hope this guide has given you valuable insights into choosing the best lash extension styles for each and every one of your beautiful clients!
Whether you’re crafting classic, volume, or wispy looks, having the right products on hand makes all the difference. Keep this info in mind when advising your clients, and don’t forget to stock up your lash tech kit with all the essentials.
Check out our complete range of Tilly Lash essentials to make sure you’re fully equipped for your next appointment! ✨