How to Choose Eyelash Extensions: Length, Curl, & Thickness

Before applying lash extensions, you must learn how to choose eyelash extensions. Even if you’re having your lashes done by a professional, it’s always a good idea to learn about your options. Your lash artist should be able to recommend a look based on your unique face shape, eyes, and style preferences, but knowing the basics is always helpful!

If you’re interested in doing lash treatments on your clients, you don’t want to wing it—especially if you’re charging money. This handy guide will give you a brief overview of how to choose lash extensions, but you’ll need to take a class if you want to work professionally. Read on to discover the basics when it comes to selecting the right length, curl, and thickness.

1. Important Factors to Keep in Mind

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to lash extensions. Each and every client is unique, so learning how to choose eyelash extensions takes in-depth training and first-hand experience. In order to choose the perfect type of lashes, you’ll need to consider the following:

Personal taste: Flashy? Classy? Dark? Glamorous? Natural? Subtle?

Eye shape and placement: Round? Almond? Wide-set? Close-set? Hooded? Monolid? Upturned? Downturned? Protruding?

Eye size: Small? Medium? Large?

Natural lash characteristics: Thick? Thin? Long? Short? Color?

Eye color: Brown? Blue? Green? Hazel? Gray? Amber?

2. How to Choose the Right Length

Lengths will vary depending on where you shop. At Yegi Beauty, we offer a wide range of lengths so you can find the perfect set. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Short: 6-11mm
• Medium: 10-14mm
• Long: 14-22mm

Because understanding how to choose eyelash extensions requires in-depth training, the best choice is to either take an online or on-site course or get your lashes done by a professional lash artist.

It’s not as easy as simply deciding whether you want short, long, or in-between lashes. For example, if your natural lashes are short, they may not be able to support longer volume lashes. If your natural lashes are long, you may want to add short extensions to increase fullness. You want extensions that enhance your natural lashes without taking them over.

Most clients opt for lashes around 11-13mm. Those lengths tend to be the most forgiving, and they provide an improved look without being too drastic. Again, if you haven’t been properly trained on how to choose eyelash extensions, you should seek further training before practicing this craft. As always, we’re happy to assist you!

3. How to Choose the Right Thickness

Much like length, there’s no single ideal thickness. As you learn how to choose lash extensions, you’ll develop an instinct for which thicknesses to recommend to clients. That said, you probably have a general idea of which thickness to choose based on the look you’re hoping to achieve.

First, do you want classic extensions or volume extensions? Both have their own unique benefits. As you discover how to choose eyelash extensions, you’ll find that these are the two big categories to consider.

Classic lashes use a 1:1 formula, meaning one lash extension is applied to one natural lash. If your customer wants to retain a natural look but with more length, classic is the way to go. You’ll need to have a good base of natural lashes to work with. If you don’t have a lot of lashes to work with, volume extensions may be a better choice.

Volume lashes (also known as Russian lashes) look fluffier, lighter, softer, and fuller. You apply two or more lash extensions to each individual natural eyelash. If you apply two lashes, it’s known as 2D lashes; if you apply three lashes it’s described as 3D lashes, and so on.

4. How to Choose the Right Curl

The last step in your journey to understanding how to choose eyelash extensions is the amount of curl. Here’s a quick look at your options:

Basic curls: B, C, D, and L

Mega volume curls: B+, C+, CC, D+, and DD

As a general rule of thumb, a higher letter means a more pronounced curl. An L curl is the exception. L curls have a unique shape that extends up and out more than other curls—kind of like if you used your lash curler a bit more than usual. L curls provide a ‘wide open’ look, so it’s great for clients who have naturally sleepy eyes.

Get in Touch for Expert Guidance

Now you should have a general idea of how to choose eyelash extensions. At the same time, we realize this is a lot of information to take in, especially if you’re just getting started. If you’re ready to learn how to choose lash extensions and apply them like a pro, we encourage you to take one of our classes.

Becoming a lash tech is an amazing way to be your own boss. The job is fun, flexible, and profitable, if you work hard. There’s also plenty of room for growth. Just look at Yegi. She started as a lash tech, and now she’s an educator, YouTube personality, and business owner.

The great thing about our classes is that they help you get to work fast. You’ll learn how to choose eyelash extensions and apply them properly, as well as a ton of other valuable information. As long as you have your beauty license, you simply take a quick course, and you’re ready to start your new career (or add new services to your salon).

Want to know more? Read our student testimonials to see what our alumni have to say about their experiences. You can also browse our FAQ section for answers to common questions. And, of course, we would love for you to contact us for assistance. We’re known for our personalized support, and we’d be delighted to help you follow your dreams to the top. Knowing how to choose eyelash extensions is the first step. Continue your journey with Yegi Beauty!