If eyes can speak volumes, why not uniquely highlight them? While eye makeup can make an immense difference to your face and enhance other facial features, cosmetic enhancement of eyelashes can add a unique character to your beautiful eyes. Thanks to makeup artists, artificial eyelashes come with different types of extensions these days.
From classic to hybrid and volume extensions, varied techniques are used to give your eyelashes a refreshed look. If you are new to eyelash remodeling and not sure which process to try to give your lashes a renewed look, it is vital to understand what these terms mean and how the techniques and outcomes differ from one another.
If it’s your first time and you are worried about the ocular side-effects of using artificial eyelashes, you can consult a doctor. According to some studies, the formaldehyde present in eyelash extension glues can cause keratoconjunctivitis and allergic blepharitis (1).
Classic Eyelashes: What are They?
If you want to give your eyes a traditional enhancement, classic lashes can make a great choice. They render a natural look to your lashes without overdoing them or making them appear flashy.
Typically, your eyes may flaunt lashes ranging from 90 to 150, and in a classic lash transfer, around 80-100 lashes are added. So, if you are getting lashes for the first time, classic lashes are a better choice to make.
Characteristics of Classic Lashes
1. Eyelash applications come in different ratios. For the classic variant, the preferred application is maintained at a ratio of 1:1. This means one classic eyelash is added alternately to the natural lashes to fill the lash line. The arrangement of one artificial lash next to a natural counterpart gives the lash line a more natural appearance. The number of extensions can be added according to the thickness or lushness of natural lashes.
2. Eyelashes come in varied sizes, and the thickness of the extension is referred to as its size. Lashes vary from 0.10 mm to 0.12 mm, and some lashes also extend up to a maximum size of 0.15mm. Depending on the thickness of the lashes, the weight also varies. For instance, your classic lashes measuring 0.07mm is likely to weigh around 0.00006g, while a 0.20mm can weigh up to 0.00030.
3. If you are blessed with naturally thick lashes, you could choose to apply thicker extensions. The thicker the extensions, the heavier the lashes. Note that your natural lashes can only support a certain amount of additional weight, and anything beyond that could make you uncomfortable as your natural lashes may not be able to support it.
4. Overtly heavy lashes on your natural lash will steal the natural look and can even damage your natural lashes leading to premature shedding.
5. You can get add style to your classic eyelashes by curling them. Alternately, you can also consider treatments that can naturally enhance the length, lustre, thickness and volume of eyelashes and these are safe and effective as per research (2).
Some Advantages of using Classic Lashes
- Classic lashes are a time-saving option as your lash artist has to set only one extension per natural lash
- They are a cheaper option as the number of synthetic extensions to be applied is lesser
- They look natural, are comfortable, and are easy to get done
- The soft look is excellent for your everyday wear
However, classic lash extensions are basic and not suited to someone looking for a fluffier style. Moreover, this may not be the best option if you have lesser lashes. Instead, you could opt for the voluminous or hybrid look.
Volume Eyelashes
So, if you are someone with a lower count of eyelashes, volume eyelashes can be a better choice. They encase a sophisticated look. So, if you are up for a dramatic eyelash makeover, you might want to consider a volume lash application.
Inspired by Russian volume lashes, these extensions puff up the concentration of lashes to render a younger look to the wearer’s eyes.
As against one extension against a natural lash in classic lashes, here, more extensions are added to every lash to create a volume. This pattern is called a volume fan, and depending on the required volume, the fan’s capacity is regulated.
So, you can use 2-5 extensions per lash or go for the mega volume fan with 6-16 artificial lashes placed between every second natural lash.
The placement of the volume eyelashes is done with an expert technique and may require a professional artist to do it. The volume lashes are applied at a ratio of 1: many. The eyelashes are put together as a volume fan and applied to the natural lash.
Depending on the volume you want, the lashes are added. Typically, 2-16 lashes per fan can be attached. So, you can get a 2D, 3D, 5D, 7D, or 10D extension depending on the number of extensions per fan as required.
Unlike a classic extension, the thickness in a volume set lash extension in every fan is lesser. While a standard volume set can have anything between 0.05mm to 0.07mm, a mega volume set is likely to have a thickness ranging from 0.03mm and 0.05.
The fan’s weight depends on the strength of your natural lashes. It is better to avoid using too heavy fans as it may damage your natural lashes.
Advantages of Volume Lashes
- If you want to glam up your eyes, the volume lashes can render a unique look
- They add drama to your lash contour, making them look fuller
However, the application of volume lashes may take longer than that of classic lashes. Also, it might be a better idea to reserve them for a special occasion. It is best to find experienced artists to get a volume eyelash extension as the weight of the fans should be kept light. Moreover, volume lash setting is more time consuming and costlier than a classic set.
Hybrid Eyelashes
Hybrid eyelashes fuse classic and volume styles. A customizable option, hybrid lashes allow the natural look to glow without compromising the flair.
The lash extension in hybrid lashes varies between volume and classic lash styles, depending on the look you wish to wear. Technically, most artists prefer a 70% volume lash and 30% classic style to be weaved into a hybrid style. Some stylists also go with a 50:50 depending on the required look.
If you seek an open eye look, adding volumes in the middle will help you achieve the desired look. You can add volume to the inner and outer corners for a tapering look. Hybrid lashes are meant to combine the thickness of both classic and volume lash styles, and hence the overall thickness would depend on the combination of the two styles.
Advantages of Hybrid Lashes
One of the best things about these lashes is that they allow high-end customization. They are a perfect balance between dramatic and straightforward styles, as the hybrid lashes can help you achieve the desired length and volume in one treatment.
Just make sure you appoint only an expert to get your hybrid lashes. Also, this style is typically more expensive than classic and volume lash application and takes longer.
While the classic extensions give a natural look, the hybrid style can add volume without compromising a realistic appearance. However, if you are looking for an intermediate look, hybrid eyelashes can make a nifty choice, and your technician can understand your needs to render what you seek to flaunt.
Conclusion
Remember that all styles last for a certain period, and its shedding would depend on your body’s natural lash shedding conditions.
FDA recommends that eyelash extension should be done from a place that does not compromise cosmetic safety in any way (3). The right stylist will be able to guide you with the appropriate after-care products needed to maintain your lashes.