In the past, we've covered how different types of lashes can completely transform your client’s look, ranging from classic lashes for a more natural feel to dramatic and extravagant volume lashes. We've covered curls, lash styles and more, and now we’re going to take a look at how the length of the eyelash extensions also plays an important part in that of the final look. But how much of a role can the length of my eyelash extensions really play? Well, the answer BELO babes, is a big one!
As a lash artist, one of the most crucial decisions you'll make is choosing the right lash length for your clients. Achieving the perfect balance between length and style can greatly enhance your clients' natural beauty and boost their confidence. However, this task can be challenging, especially considering the wide range of eyelash extensions available in the market today.
In this article, we'll dive deep into the art of lash length selection, providing you with valuable insights, techniques, and expert advice that will help you pick the perfect length for your clients. So let's get started and learn how to choose the right lash length for your clients!
Understanding different lash lengths
When it comes to lash extensions, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Different lash lengths offer distinct effects, allowing you to achieve the desired look for your clients. Typically, you'll come across short, medium, and long lash options.
Short lash extensions, as the name suggests, are on the shorter side. These lash extensions typically range between 4-8mm and provide a subtle enhancement to the natural lashes, giving a more everyday, natural look. Medium-length lash extensions range between 8-12mm and strike a balance between natural and dramatic, offering a noticeable yet elegant result.
Long eyelash extensions, on the other hand, create a more dramatic and glamorous effect, perfect for clients who want their eyes to make a bold statement. They are commonly found in lengths between 13-16 mm and help to create a more dramatic look.
The longest lash extensions can extend all the way up to 30mm, though these lengths are not commonly used by professional lash techs as they can cause damage to natural eyelashes.
Each lash length has its own characteristics and effects on the client's appearance. By understanding these differences, you'll be better equipped to guide your clients in selecting the right lash extension that aligns with their vision and desired outcome. Remember, the right lash length can enhance facial features, open up the eyes, and create a captivating look that complements your client’s unique style.
Assessing the client's natural lashes
Before diving into the eyelash extension selection process, it's crucial to assess your client's natural lashes. Understanding their baseline lash characteristics will help you determine the most suitable length for their extensions.
Natural length
Begin by examining the length of their natural lashes. Are they short, medium, or long? This evaluation will give you a starting point and help you decide what extension lengths you’ll need to achieve a natural or more dramatic effect.
Natural curls
Another essential factor to consider is the curl pattern of the client's natural lashes. Are they straight, slightly curled, or naturally curly? This information will influence the lash length selection, as different curls may require different lengths to achieve the desired effect.
We’ve put together the ultimate guide for lash extension curls to help lash techs figure out exactly what type of curls are best for their clients.
Natural density
Consider the client's density of their natural lashes – do they have sparse or abundant lashes? Adjusting the length of the eyelash extensions can create the illusion of fuller lashes for those with sparser natural lashes. Longer extensions on already sparse lashes can make the lashes look even more sparse because as the lashes curl outwards there will be more gaps, whereas shorter extensions can offer a more full look. Keep this in mind when picking extensions for your clients.
This will also impact the thickness of the extensions that are chosen. If your client was to go up in length of their lash extensions, we recommend going down in thickness to compensate for the extra weight added on by the length.
Natural lash strength
As a lash technician, your job is to look after your clients' eyelashes as much as it is to make them look good. This means assessing the strength and condition of the natural eyelashes before applying any extensions to ensure that they can be handled. Without doing this, you run the risk of damaging your clients' eyelashes.
You'll find that some clients want to wear long, dramatic volume lashes perhaps in advance of a big event like a wedding. They may come to your salon very excited, and it is natural to want to fulfil their dreams of long, luscious bridal lash extensions. However, it's first important to ensure that their eyelashes are in good condition first. If you notice that their natural lashes are quite brittle, you might have to suggest lashes that are shorter in length as well as less thickness too.
Lash style
In order to choose the right extension length, it is essential to know what eyelash extension style your clients are looking for. Some clients prefer bigger, more dramatic lash extensions whereas others prefer a more natural-looking style. Some styles will even require the use of different lengths to achieve the desired look.
Cat-eye
For a cat-eye lash style you will want to use shorter lash extensions around the inner corner of the eye which slowly increase in length towards the outer corner of the eye.
Doll-eye
Doll-eyelash extensions use different lengths with the centre of eyelash having the longest lashes and the inner and outer corners being where shorter lashes should be applied.
Natural
For those clients who want more of a natural look, it's all about following their natural lash line. This means use shorter lash extensions that are closer to that of the length of their natural lashes.
Eye shape
Knowing the best lash extension for different eye shapes is essential knowledge for every lash technician. It's all good and well knowing the different lash styles, but if you don't know what eye shapes certain ones are best for then you're going to encounter a few problems.
Almond eyes
Almond-shaped eyes have a slightly upswept outer corner, creating an elegant and balanced appearance. To enhance this eye shape, consider using extensions that are longer towards the outer corners, creating a subtle cat-eye effect.
Round eyes
Round eyes have a circular shape, often appearing wide and open. To elongate and enhance this eye shape, longer lash extensions towards the outer corners can create a more elongated and lifted look.
Hooded eyes
Hooded eyes have a characteristic fold of skin that partially covers the eyelid, making the lid appear less visible. For this eye shape, using medium-length lashes can help create the illusion of a larger lid space and make the eyes appear more open.
Check out our blog on the best lash styles for hooded eyes for even more inspiration!
Deep-set eyes
Deep-set eyes are set deeper into the eye socket, creating a shadowed effect. To make these eyes pop, longer lash lengths can help bring attention to the eyes and create a more defined look.
The 3mm rule
We recommend that you always follow the 3mm rule. This means that you do not apply any eyelash extensions that are more than 3mm longer than the client's natural lash. By adhering to the 3mm rule, lash technicians ensure that the extensions blend seamlessly with the client's natural lashes and create a harmonious and balanced look. This rule helps prevent the extensions from appearing too heavy or overwhelming, maintaining a natural and flattering effect.
Conclusion
As with many other aspects of lash extensions, choosing the right length is not as straightforward as it might first seem. There are many different things that need to be taken into consideration from assessing the conditions, length, thickness and curl of the client's natural lashes to ensuring that you are ensuring you use the right type of lash extension for their eye shape. For any more questions about eyelash extensions, contact us today and we'll be happy to help.