✅Written by Nicki Mah, Lash Artist and Lashin Out Brand Ambassador

Welcome to the ultimate guide tailored for you, the dedicated lash artist who continuously seeks to perfect their craft and offer clients nothing less than excellence. 

We know that the world of lash artistry is constantly changing with new materials, types, and application techniques.

We're here to make sure that you're always in the know and equipped with the best products to help you take your lashing game to the next level. 

With our help, you'll be able to keep your clients happy and your business thriving.

As a lash artist, you know that using high-quality products is super important. It makes your clients happy and keeps them safe! 

Using top-notch materials will boost your business and reputation! 

In this guide, we will cover all aspects of eyelash extensions, from selecting suitable materials to application techniques.

Section 1: Advanced Product Knowledge

Before you even start applying lash extensions, the first decision you make has a significant impact. 

The lashes you choose are key to your client's satisfaction and your business's reputation. 

This section will give you the knowledge you need to choose the right type of lashes, understand their characteristics, and make the best choice for your client.

Understanding Lash Materials

With so many lash extension options out there, it's easy to feel a little lost! You may have heard of various types of lashes, such as silk cashmere, faux mink, and others.

Regardless of how they are marketed, all of these lashes are made from PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). 

PBT is a thermoplastic, semi-crystalline polymer, which is a fancy way of saying it's a type of polyester.

This material is heated, sculpted into the desired shape, and then allowed to cool down. 

The majority of lash manufacturers are overseas. Lashin Out lashes are manufactured in China, but the raw materials come from Korea.

PBT Synthetic Silk Lash Extensions

As fellow lash artists, we know how frustrating it can be to work with inconsistent lash materials, which is why we created our brand.

We saw a major gap in the industry, so we took matters into our own hands! 

At Lashin Out, we're proud to offer premium PBT Synthetic Silk lashes, which provide the perfect balance of durability, appearance, and comfort.  

Unlike natural materials that can vary in consistency and cause potential allergic reactions, our silk lashes present a uniform quality that artists and their clients adore. 

Here are just a few reasons why our premium silk lashes are a must-have for any lash artist:

• Easy to pull off foil-backed strips, so you can quickly change strips without a mess while lashing.
• Ultra black, semi-matte finish for a naturally full look.
• Lashes are easy to grab off the strip, making volume fanning a breeze! 
• Triple-heated for maximum curl retention.
• Conveniently packaged in trays with length indicator strips for swift organization.
• A wide variety of curls and thicknesses to cater to individual client needs.
• An affordable price point that helps you maximize profit without compromising on quality.

Every client's dream look is unique, and achieving it starts with the right curl, length, diameter, and color.

We offer a range of options to help you create custom sets that will leave your clients feeling confident and beautiful.

The Importance of Curl Types

Did you know that the key to creating a captivating look lies in choosing the perfect curl?

With just a little knowledge of these subtle yet powerful differences, you'll be able to make your client's dreams come true every time they visit you. 

Here's a quick breakdown of the most popular curl types and their effects:

• C curl: The C curl is perfect for clients who want a soft lift similar to the natural curvature of lashes after being brushed with mascara. This curl works wonders on slightly smaller eyes or eyes with a gentle droop. 
• CC curl: CC is the perfect in-between curl for clients who want a touch more lift than the C curl but less dramatic than the D curl. It is ideal for clients with slightly downward-facing or straight lashes, although they can also be effective on upward-facing lashes.
• D curl: The D curl gives a dramatic and sultry effect with its sharp curve. Perfect for deep-set eyes or those with naturally straight lashes, D curl opens up the eye area and adds definition by lifting and elongating the lashes.
• M curl: This unique curl replicates a natural-looking lift with its flat base and dramatic curve. It's great for clients with hooded or monolid eyes, as well as  downward-pointing lashes. Use this curl on the outside corners for a dramatic cat-eye effect!

Pro Tip 🌟

To help your clients choose the perfect curl for their eye shape, get to know how each curl looks on different types of eyes. Snap some before and after photos of your clients to see how different curls will look on a variety of eye shapes. 

We've put together this handy Curl, Length, and Diameter Downloadable PDF. Print it off and keep it as a visual to show your clients.

Choose the Right Length

When it comes to lash extensions, finding the perfect length can be tricky. It all depends on your client's preferences and their natural lashes.

As a rule of thumb, we suggest only going 2-3mm longer than the natural lashes. If you go beyond that, it can cause serious damage, including breakage and even harm to the hair follicles.

Here are some general guidelines for choosing the correct length for your client's dream look:

• Shorter lengths (7mm - 9mm): Shorter lengths are best suited for the tiny lashes on the inner corner of the eyes. They are also perfect for clients who have naturally shorter lashes or prefer a more natural look. If you have a client with sparse lashes, try shorter lengths for a fuller appearance.
• Medium lengths (10mm - 12mm):  Medium lengths are the most versatile and can be used in various lash styles, whether your client wants a subtle or dramatic look. They are usually applied in the central and outer eye corners.
• Long lengths (13mm - 15mm): Long lengths are perfect for creating a dramatic and bold look. For clients with long natural lashes, use longer lengths in the middle to open the eye or towards the outer corners of the eyes to create a winged effect.
• Longer lengths (16 - 20mm): For drama lovers, longer lengths can create a statement look that is sure to turn heads. Use these longer lengths only for clients with long and healthy lashes. You can also use them to add spikes to a textured or strip lash look.

Pro Tip 🌟

If you have a client who insists on longer lash lengths, you can choose extensions with slimmer diameters to maintain a balanced and natural look while keeping their lashes healthy.

The Perfect Diameter

Choosing the right diameter is an essential part of creating beautiful and healthy lash sets.

The diameter refers to the thickness or weight of the lash extension. The thicker the diameter, the heavier the extension will be.

Here is a quick guide to help you choose the perfect diameter for your client:

• 0.03mm:  Lashes with a 0.03 diameter are one of the thinnest diameters available on the market. They are delicate and require careful handling to prevent bending or damage. They are perfect for creating mega volume sets with up to 16 lashes per fan due to their ultra-lightweight properties.
• 0.05mm: These lashes are also lightweight but slightly thicker than the 0.03mm diameter, making them perfect for creating soft and fluffy volume fans with up to 10 lashes per fan.
• 0.07mm: 0.07 lashes are the most commonly used diameter for light volume sets as they provide a balance between thickness and weight. They can be used to create full and fluffy fans with up to 6 lashes per fan.
• 0.15mm: Lashes with a 0.15 diameter are the most common choice for creating a classic set with a natural look. They strike a balance between being neither too heavy nor too thin. Without a doubt, 0.15 lashes are an essential addition to every lash artist's toolkit.
• 0.18mm: Lashes with a 0.18 diameter are slightly thicker than 0.15 and can be used to add a little more drama to a classic set. Because they are a little heavier, we recommend using them on clients with strong natural lashes.

Have Fun With Colour

Who says lash extensions have to be black?  Bring some fun and personality to your lash sets by introducing colour! 

Coloured lash extensions are hot in the lash industry right now, and Lashin Out has you covered with all the colours of the rainbow.

Available in blue, purple, pink, green, or white, coloured lashes are a great way to add a pop of colour or create a unique look for special occasions.

Use them as highlights or accents in a set, or you can create an entire set using multi-coloured lashes.

Image description: Sweet pink accents in the outside corner add a unique flair.  

Chocolate brown lash extensions are another option for a softer and more natural look for clients with lighter hair or skin tones. You can also mix them in with black lashes for a natural ombre effect.

Image description: Brown lashes highlight these beautiful green eyes, creating a soft natural look.

Read our blog Why Add Brown Lash Extensions to Your Services: The Benefits of Natural Looking Lashes to see how you can benefit from adding them to your service menu.

Section 2: Build Your Lash Menu

You can appeal to a broader range of clients by offering a variety of services. Incorporate various lash extension types and styling options into your menu so that clients can customize their experience, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.

There are many options to choose from, ranging from a subtle change to full-on red carpet looks. Here are the main lash extension types to add to your menu.

Classic Lashes

Classic lash extensions are the cornerstone of lash artistry. They involve the application of a single 0.15 or 0.18 mm extension to each natural lash in a one-to-one manner.

Classic lashes provide a subtle length and volume without being too dramatic. You can choose from a variety of curls and lengths to perfectly match your client's eyes. 

Image description: Classic lashes are a great starting point for clients that are new to lash extensions. 

These lashes are versatile and ideal for everyday wear, making them a great choice for clients new to lash extensions or who prefer a natural-looking "my lashes but better" appearance.

Volume Lashes

Volume lashes involve a technique where multiple lash extensions, usually 3-10, are applied to a single natural lash.

Diameters of 0.05 or 0.07mm are used to create a fuller and denser look than classic lashes, making them perfect for clients with sparse natural lashes or clients looking for a more dramatic appearance. 

Image description: Volume lashes are customizable and can be used to create a variety of looks.

Volume fans can be customized based on the number of lashes used, their thickness, and length, giving you the freedom to create a variety of looks. You can also mix in classic lashes for a hybrid set, offering the best of both worlds.

Mega Volume Lashes

Mega volume lashes are the latest trend in lash extensions, involving the application of up to 16 ultra-fine 0.03mm diameter extensions per natural lash.

These lightweight and fluffy fans provide maximum volume and density, perfect for clients who want a bold and glamorous look. 

Image description: Mega volume lashes create a bold statement look. 

With mega volume lashes, you can create dark, dense, and textured sets that will wow your clients and leave them feeling confident and beautiful.

Offer it as an upgrade to your classic or volume sets to increase your income per client.

Hybrid Lashes

For clients who want the best of both worlds, hybrid lashes are the perfect choice.

Hybrid sets involve a mix of both classic and volume techniques, where single extensions are applied to some natural lashes while others receive multiple lash extensions.

Create a textured and wispy look that offers the fullness of volume with the dimension of classic lashes.

Image description: Hybrid lashes create a beautiful wispy look. 

Hybrid sets are versatile and can be customized to suit each client's unique eye shape and desired look.

They are a great option for clients who want more volume than classic lashes but less dramatic than volume sets. 

Wet Look

For clients who want a bold and trendy look, wet look lashes are the way to go.

This technique involves grabbing 4-6 volume lashes off the strip and adhering them to each of your natural lashes without fanning them out. 

These lash spikes make a statement by creating a "wet" or glossy appearance. You can use different lengths and curls to create a customized wet look for each client.

Wet look lashes are perfect for special occasions or photoshoots, offering a unique and eye-catching effect.

Strip Lash Look

Inspired by Kim Kardashian's signature lash look, the strip lash technique involves combining different lengths, thicknesses, and curls.

This textured and wispy look requires precision and skill, but the results are worth it! 

Image description: Different lengths, thicknesses and curl create a textured and wispy look. 

These sets are versatile and can be customized to suit each client's eye shape and desired look.

Offer them as a "glam" option on your menu for clients who want a more dramatic appearance for events and nights out.

Section 3: Selecting Lashes for Different Clients

As a lash artist, it is important to actively listen to your clients and provide them with professional guidance on the best lashes that suit their unique needs and preferences.

By choosing the right lashes, you can help enhance their natural beauty and make them feel more confident. 

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing lashes for your clients:

Assess Lash Health and Suitability

The first thing you should do is assess the state of your client's natural lashes before selecting the appropriate lash extensions.

This will ensure that you choose a set that not only looks great but also maintains the health of the natural lashes.

Take a close look at your client's natural lashes and check for:

• Any signs of damage or breakage
• Sparse areas or gaps in the lash line
• Strength and thickness of the natural lashes
• Length and curl of the natural lashes

Based on your assessment, you can then recommend a set that is suitable for their specific lash health.

For example, if your client has damaged or sparse lashes, it's best to avoid using heavy or long extensions that could cause further damage.

Lifestyle Considerations

Another important factor to consider is their lifestyle. Ask them about their daily routine, hobbies, and activities to get a better understanding of how they use their lashes.

For example, if your client is very active or regularly participates in sports, it's best to recommend shorter and lighter lash lengths that won't weigh down their natural lashes or interfere with their activities.

On the other hand, if your client loves a more dramatic look and is careful with their lashes, you can recommend longer or thicker extensions.

Eye Shape and Facial Features

The shape and size of your client's eyes, as well as their other facial features, play a significant role in determining the best lash set for them.

For example, clients with hooded or smaller eyes may benefit from longer and more dramatic lashes to open up their eyes and create the illusion of larger eyes.

Similarly, clients with round faces may benefit from longer lashes on the outer corners to create a more elongated and balanced look. 

Take note of your client's features and recommend lashes that will enhance their natural beauty in a flattering way.

Personal Style

Before choosing lashes for your client, consider their style. Do they prefer a subtle and natural look or something more bold and eye-catching?

To get a better idea of their preferences, ask them to show you pictures or examples of lash sets from your work that they like.

Remember, your aim is to create a look that enhances your client's natural beauty and boosts their confidence.

Take the time to understand their needs and offer professional guidance on selecting the right lashes to achieve this goal every time.

Section 4: Types of Eyelash Extension Styles

When it comes to eyelash extensions, choosing the perfect style can truly transform the way our clients look and feel. It's a great way to enhance their natural beauty and show off their unique style.

Each style emphasizes different aspects of the eyes and face, creating a one-of-a-kind look.

As a lash artist, the correct lash map for each style will help you achieve the desired effect.

We want to make sure that our clients feel confident and beautiful, so we always customize each style to their individual eye shapes and beauty goals.

To get you started, here are some of the most popular eyelash extension styles.

Cat Eye

The cat eye style is designed to emulate the feline-like appearance of a cat's eyes.

This style uses longer lashes towards the outer corners of the eyes to create an alluring, uplifted look. It's ideal for clients who wish to elongate their eye shape or achieve a more seductive and mysterious image.

The cat eye is particularly flattering for clients with round or smaller eyes, as the longer lashes at the outer corners can help extend the eye shape, providing a more elongated and sophisticated look.

Clients with a round or square face can benefit from the cat eye style as it can add a lifting effect that helps to balance and elongate their facial features.

Image description: The Cat Eye look is perfect for round or square faces.

Lash Map for Cat Eye:

• Inner corners: Shorter lashes (e.g., 7-9mm)
• Midsection: Medium length lashes (e.g., 9-12mm)
• Outer corners: Longest lashes to achieve the lift (e.g., 13-15mm)

Natural Eye

The natural eye style aims to enhance the client's lashes in a subtle and understated way, mimicking the natural growth pattern of eyelashes.

It offers a modest length and volume, adding a gentle curl to keep the look soft and classic. A natural eye is perfect for clients who favor a less-is-more approach to their makeup routine.

A natural eye is particularly suited to clients with almond-shaped or large eyes who want to accentuate their innate lash line without overpowering it.

This technique can complement clients with delicate facial features, as it provides a refined enhancement rather than a dramatic alteration.

Image description: The Natural Eye look is perfect for clients with almond-shaped or large eyes. 

Lash Map for Natural Eye:

• Inner corners: Short lashes (e.g., 7-8mm)
• Midsection: Gradually increasing in length towards the center (e.g., 9-11mm)
• Outer corners: Similar or slightly longer than the midsection (e.g., 10-12mm)

Doll Eye

The doll eye style is all about creating the illusion of a round, open, and wide-eyed look associated with a doll's eyes.

This is achieved by using longer lashes in line with the pupil and then tapering off towards the corners.

Doll Eye style eyelash extensions suit monolid, hooded, and wide-set eyes. They make eyes look brighter, larger, and rounder by emphasizing longer lashes in the middle.

This style also provides a youthful and charming look that can help balance and enhance narrow or horizontally featured faces.

Image description: The Doll Eye look is great for monolid, hooded, or wide-set eyes. 

Lash Map for Doll Eye:

• Inner corners: Shorter length lashes (e.g., 8-9mm)
• Midsection: Longest lashes to open the eye (e.g., 12-14mm)
• Outer corners: Slightly shorter than the midsection to maintain the rounded shape (e.g., 10-11mm)

Pro Tip 🌟

To help you remember what you used for your client's lashes, keep track of the map you used, either on a paper intake form or their online booking profile. This will help you replicate the look in future appointments or make adjustments as needed.

Image description: Example of a lash map.

Check out our blog on Eye Styling For Lash Artists, where our biz owner and educator, Jaz shares some insights on lash mapping!

Section 5: Educate Your Clients on Aftercare and Maintenance

So, you have just created a beautiful set of lash extensions for your client, and they are thrilled with the result!

Now, let's make sure they know how to care for their new investment so they can keep their lashes looking fabulous until their next appointment.

It's important to educate your clients on how to properly maintain their lash extensions. It is a must to keep their natural lashes healthy and extend the life of their extensions. 

By introducing them to high-quality aftercare products like lash cleansers and conditioning serums, you can enhance their overall experience.

This creates a win-win situation - clients get the tools they need to keep their lashes in great condition, and you can boost your revenue by taking advantage of an excellent upsell opportunity.

Lash Shampoo

Proper eyelash hygiene is an essential aspect of lash extension aftercare that cannot be overstated. Advise your clients to wash their lashes regularly to remove the buildup of natural oils, dust, and makeup residue.

Regularly washing lashes is proven to increase retention in extensions.

It also promotes the health of the natural eyelashes and eyelid skin by preventing potential irritations or infections.

Image description: Lashin' Out Lash Suds and a Petite Cleaning Brush.

If you want to give your clients the ultimate aftercare experience, consider stocking up on our Lash Suds. 

These amazing little cleansers are specially formulated for eyelash extensions and work wonders for keeping those lashes clean and healthy. 

You can increase your profit by purchasing them in a bundle of 6 with our Petite Cleaning Brushes at a 20% discount.

Read our blog, Let’s Talk Lash Mites, to educate yourself on these pesky little critters. One of the main causes of Demodex with lash extensions is poor hygiene.

Eyelash Serum

Another way clients can maintain healthy lashes is by using eyelash serums.

Lash serums nourish and strengthen natural lashes, promote growth, and reduce breakage.

By incorporating a serum into their daily routine, clients can see longer, thicker, and stronger natural lashes over time, even while wearing eyelash extensions.

Image description: ADOREYES Plus Lashes Serum. 

At Lashin Out, we offer ADOREYES Plus Lashes Serum. This serum is formulated with a triple peptide complex designed to boost all three growth stages of your lashes. It helps rejuvenate, thicken, and fortify natural lashes, making it a pioneer in the market!

Read our blog to discover The Benefits of Offering Lash Serum as a Lash Artist.

Section 6: Staying Ahead in the Lash Industry

If you want to stay ahead of the game in the ever-changing beauty industry, you should keep up with the newest trends and techniques. Ongoing training and certifications help you to always be able to provide top-notch services.

Whether you're a seasoned lash artist who could benefit from 1:1 assistance with a specific technique or a newcomer eager to launch a career in lashing, we're here for you. 

With over a decade of experience under our belts, we've mastered every technique there is and are passionate about our craft.

Join our Lashin Out family and take your lash artistry skills to the next level!

Our community is dedicated to providing you with the latest knowledge and techniques in this exciting and rapidly growing field. Expand your skillset and become an expert in lash artistry with us!

Level Up Your Lash Game With Lashin Out

At Lashin Out, we are not just product creators. We believe that the quality of the lash extensions and the way they are applied play a crucial role in creating a lasting impression. We encourage you to keep exploring, learning, and pushing the boundaries of lash artistry.

As you endeavor to heighten your craft and business, Lashin Out is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s continue to redefine beauty together, one lash at a time.