Lash Styles Glossary

One extension is placed on each of your natural lashes. The result is defined and natural, like a great coat of mascara. Classic suits clients with full, healthy natural lashes who want an everyday look.

Several very fine extensions are made into a fan, and the fan is placed on one natural lash. Volume gives a fuller, fluffier, softer look and can fill gaps where natural lashes are sparse. Fans are often described as 2D, 3D, 4D and up, meaning how many extensions are in each fan.

Mega volume uses even finer extensions in bigger fans, for a dense, dramatic, dark lash line. It needs strong natural lashes and an experienced artist who knows how much weight each lash can hold.

Hybrid mixes classic lashes and volume fans in one set. It gives texture and fullness while still looking natural, and it is one of the most requested styles. Read our Hybrid Lashes treatment guide.

A hand made volume fan technique that grew popular in Eastern Europe. You will often see the term used for full, fluffy, carefully fanned sets.

Your first appointment, when a complete set is applied from scratch. A full set usually takes around one and a half to two and a half hours, depending on the style.

Extensions are applied to some of your natural lashes rather than all of them, often focused on the outer corners. It gives a lighter, more natural lift and is a lovely way to try extensions for the first time.

A maintenance appointment where your artist replaces the extensions that have shed with your natural lashes. Most clients book an infill every two to three weeks.

A soft, subtle set that enhances your own lashes without looking done. It usually uses classic or light hybrid lashes in lengths close to your natural ones.

A textured style that mixes longer and shorter lashes, with spikes placed through the set. It gives a soft, fluttery, slightly undone look.

Lashes are grouped into fine, closed spikes so they look glossy and wet, like lashes straight out of the shower. It gives definition without heavy volume.

A fuller, darker, more dramatic style designed to look like wearing a pair of strip lashes, often with longer spikes placed through the set. Some artists call this a Kim K style.

A bold style with clear, separated spikes, inspired by illustrated characters. It suits clients who love a playful, graphic look.

Coloured extensions, such as brown, blue or red, placed through the set or along the outer corners for a subtle or bold accent.

The plan your artist draws before starting, usually on the under eye pads. It shows which length and curl goes where, so the finished set suits your eye shape.

The longest lashes sit in the centre of the eye, which makes eyes look rounder, brighter and more open.

Similar to doll eye, with length focused through the middle to lift and widen the look of the eye.

Lashes get longer towards the outer corner. This lifts and elongates the eye for a sultry, flicked look.

The longest lashes sit about two thirds of the way along, then shorten slightly at the outer corner. It gives lift without dragging the eye down.

Curls are named with letters.

• J is the straightest, closest to a natural lash.
• B is a gentle curl.
• C is the most popular, with a noticeable lift.
• CC and D are stronger curls for a more dramatic, wide open look.
• L and L+ have a flat base and a sharp upward bend, and suit hooded eyes or straight, downward lashes.

Measured in millimetres. Classic extensions are thicker, while volume fans use very fine extensions so several can sit on one natural lash without strain. Your artist chooses a thickness your natural lashes can comfortably hold.

Usually between around 6mm and 16mm. Longer is not always better. A good artist keeps extensions in proportion with your natural lashes, which keeps them healthy and comfortable.

Small bundles of fine extensions spread into a fan shape. They can be made by hand during your appointment or come premade, and each fan is placed on one natural lash.