It may come as a shock to lash artists around the world, but not every client is looking for a dramatic lash look. Crazy, I know! But it happens more often than we expect. If a client comes in wanting natural-looking lash extensions, we need to know exactly what to do to achieve that lash look. Here are some things to consider when creating natural eyelash extensions!

Whether your client wants a natural set or not, there are a few key elements that should be considered before every client. The first is the CLDC, or the curl, length, diameter, and color of lash extensions. The second is the material your lash extensions are made out of. We’ll take a look at each of these factors in more detail so you can be fully prepared to wow your clients with the most natural lash extensions.

Start by choosing a natural curl. The D Curl lash extension, and sometimes even the C Curl, are not very natural. These are curls we use when we want to lift or dramatize the lashes. For a more natural look, consider starting off with the B Curl eyelash extensions. Take some time to study your client’s natural lashes’ curl…and match it! Anything curlier than their natural lashes may not appear natural. Not sure where to start? Reference our Eyelash Extension Curl Chart to gain a better sense of what curls will work for the au naturel style.

Use a natural length! Never in the history of ever has anyone (ever) had 15 mm lashes (naturally – and if they have, they are a rare being!). So no, you wouldn’t want to use 15 mm length on your client who is requesting a natural eyelash extension look. Depending on your client’s natural lashes, you’ll generally stay at around 12mm and under in length for natural-looking lash extensions!

Stick with a natural diameter. This isn’t a hard thing to do, babes. Simply match the extension diameter to your client’s natural lash diameter or something only slightly thicker. Our natural lashes are not thick. I mean I have THICK lashes, but even so, they are only about .15 mm in diameter. So, try to steer clear of .18 mm, .20 mm, and anything thicker! Too thick of a diameter may not be the look your client is wanting.

One of the best ways to achieve a natural look is to choose a natural color! I’m sure I don’t need to tell you to avoid the purples and pinks, but don’t skip out on considering brown! Black lash extensions are the most common, but brown lashes sometimes add that little extra “oomph” of next-level natural-looking lash extensions! Black lashes aren’t a bad way to go, but give brown lashes (like The Lash Professional’s Brown Lashes) a try! You might be surprised at just how natural and stunning they look on your client.

The last element in designing the perfect natural-looking eyelash extensions is the material. Here at The Lash Professional, we’re a big fan of the faux mink lash! However, silk and synthetic lashes are also viable options for a natural look. Whichever you decide, be sure to stick with the CLDC basics to achieve your client’s dream lash look.

A combination of these factors, in just the right variation, will give your client exactly what they are looking for! Figuring out that perfect equation is up to you. Remember each of these when choosing the right lashes, keeping in mind that the more curl you choose, the less length and diameter the lash should have. The more length you choose, the less curl and diameter the lash should have! Follow our handy chart as a guide to creating the best natural-looking lash extensions.

There are just a few more factors to choose from before you reach into your professional lash kit to get the supplies you need and start lashing! We’ll dive into those in the following sections.

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect lashes to use on your client who’s requested natural eyelash extensions, you’ll need to make a critical decision — are you going to do classic or volume?!

Yes, it’s possible to do natural-looking volume lashes! All you have to do is consider the CLDC first (of course, your diameter will need to be in the volume lash range of .03mm-.10mm). To achieve the most natural lash extensions with volume lash fans, just keep your fans smaller; less than five lashes per fan should do the trick. Classic lashes (like these L Curl lashes or classic C Curl lashes) are a safe choice, but try to spice it up a little and do a natural-looking volume set! Below you can see the difference between a natural volume set (left two photos) and a natural classic set (right two photos).

You may even consider doing a hybrid natural lash look, combining a mix of classic and volume! Hybrid lashes look great and are an easy way (when you’ve chosen the right CDLC) to create a natural-looking eyelash extension set. You can even complete this look in a shorter amount of time because of the ability to fill more space at once, leaving your client more time in the day to flaunt their new natural lashes!

Just as you can do classic or volume lashes to create natural-looking extensions, you can create just about any style and pattern, too. You will, however, want to consider two things when designing or planning your style and pattern.

• “Natural” lashes are shorter toward the inner and outer corners, so consider this when planning.
• “Natural” lashes are never all the same length, so choose a few lengths to use and stagger throughout the set.

If you can remember those two things when determining a style and pattern, you’ll be good to go! Obviously, a look such as the “cat-eye” isn’t necessarily a natural style, but it may complement your client’s eye or face shape. With the right combination of CLDC and material, this could be a stunning natural eyelash extension set.

New lash clients may be unsure of what exactly to ask for when it comes to achieving a natural eyelash extension look. To help your client prepare for their lash appointment and come equipped with all the information they’ll need to achieve their dream lash look, consider offering the following tips:

• Start with research! Instagram is a great place for clients to see previous lash looks and find an example of the look they’d like. If you’ve compiled a portfolio of your work online, you can even provide them that link so they can see your fantastic lash skills.
• Share what tools you have. If your shop is fully stocked with every kind of lash out there, let your clients know that the sky’s the limit.
• Be open to questions! New to the world of natural eyelash extensions, your client is bound to have some questions and will want to be clued into the lash extension process. Be patient and answer their questions to the best of your ability so they feel comfortable and ready to enter the lash life.

I’ve given you the main points to consider when creating natural-looking lash extensions, the rest is up to your expert judgment! You are in this lash industry for a reason, so I know you can create some of the most stunning work ever!

Slay the natural lash look game with these helpful tips and be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram so we can see the awesome work you are doing!

As lash artists, losing lashes is the last thing we want! But did you know that we actually lose lashes regularly during the eyelash growth cycle? That’s right — every few months, you grow a whole new set of beautiful, natural lashes! If you’re wondering how this growth cycle works or how you can promote healthy natural lashes during this cycle, we’ve got you covered. We hope you’re ready to learn because class is in session!

Ready for a biology lesson, babes? We’ve got the rundown on eyelash growth cycles. At any given point, your eyelashes are in one of three phases — Anagen, Catagen, or Telogen. Let’s take a look at each one and what these mean for growing those stunning natural lashes we all dream of.

Whether you’re trying to grow your own stunning set of natural lashes or looking to offer advice to your loyal clients, we have a few favorite tips and tricks to growing long, luscious lashes during the natural growth cycle!

There is no arguing that the hardest part of our job, as lash artists, is all the silly (and sometimes difficult) questions our clients ask us. Knowing how to answer your client's questions, such as 'why are my lashes falling out' can literally make or break your career! Don’t believe me? Let me explain why! I’ll even break down some of the question’s and the appropriate way to answer them.

Your ability and willingness to thoroughly answer your client’s questions will play a huge role in your success as an artist. Here’s why. If you have a client who is nervous about a possible allergic reaction/sensitivity, you need to be sure that you are covering all bases as far as what to look out for and how to proceed. If you give them a simple “I am sure it is fine” or “We can use sensitive glue next time,” you may create serious health issues! You need to fully inform your client of any red flags, such as redness and swelling. If you don't feel confident enough to answer questions like those, read my blog post on How to 

Treat an Allergy to Eyelash Extension Glue!

Your job, as a professional, is to educate your clients! If you fail to educate your clients, your reputability and clientele may drop…severely.

So, let’s recap!

Is redness normal with lash extensions?

Redness is common as your eyes adjust to having lash extensions but paired with any irritation or swelling it may be a problem! Closely monitor your eyes and lash line and be sure the symptoms don’t progress or worsen. If you begin to swell, reach out to a medical professional immediately, as you may be having an allergic reaction!

or

Am I having an allergic reaction to my lash extensions?

What are your symptoms? A combination of redness and irritation and/or swelling may mean you are allergic to a chemical that is present in one of the products we used. Monitor your eyes and lash line and be sure the symptoms don’t progress or worsen. If you begin to swell, reach out to a medical professional immediately, as you may be having an allergic reaction! In the meantime, try using Benadryl to help the symptoms subside while you seek medical attention.

Now that I’ve explained why casual responses may not be in your favor, or your businesses, let me give you some answers that WILL work in your favor! If there is a topic or some client's questions that I don’t cover, just assume that any response that is less than three sentences is just not going to cut it. Thorough responses will also show your client that you care and know what you are talking about; it instills a deeper trust which will lead to a loyal client!

Lash extensions are made of all types of things! Mink and silk lash extensions are most common. The lashes that we use are from The Lash Professional and are synthetic mink and are cruelty free.

Lash extensions can fall out for a number of reasons. Be sure you are following the aftercare instructions provided to you to ensure proper retention. Things such as sleeping on your back and eliminating products with oil will help! You'll want to avoid touching them, as well, because the natural oils from your skin/hands can cause poor retention, too!

The life of lash extensions varies, depending on your lifestyle! Avoid things such as oil, moisture within the first 24 hours, extreme humidity/sweat, touching your lashes, sleeping on your lashes, etc.! Keeping good care of your lashes is work but will be so worth it when you’re lashes last three weeks or more. However, lashes most commonly last about two weeks before needing a fill. Stock your salon with our Eyelash Extension Aftercare Kit With Sleek Retail Display to encourage clients to take care of their lashes after leaving the salon.

NO, Lash extensions absolutely should not ruin your natural lashes. Actually, natural lashes only become damaged from extensions if they are applied incorrectly! But, natural lashes shed every day and the loss of 3-5 natural lashes a day is normal, keeping in mind that natural lashes will shed with their extension as they are attached! However, more shedding may suggest that you are experiencing a lash cycle. Monitor your lash shed, though, to ensure your extensions aren’t the culprit of your excessive loss!

No, no, NO! Never trim your lash extensions. This is because each extension tappers to a fine and narrow point to imitate natural lashes. Because of that, trimming extensions would create a blunt and unflattering appearance. Trimming your extensions is also dangerous as there is limited line of sight when operating close to your eyes. If you feel your extensions are too long, a removal is a much better alternative.

I am well aware that these questions won’t even begin to answer all the crazy questions and inquiries you’ve probably received (at all hours of the day...and night!). They will, however, give you an idea of how in depth you should be when you answer your client's questions. You are the professional and your clients are relying on you to show them the way. Don’t let them down!

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