If you’ve ever wanted to know the ins and outs of bottom lash extensions and how they can transform your look, then this article is for you!

Since I started offering this service to my clients, they’ve been hooked!

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about lower lash extensions from how to apply them, the right curl & lenght to use, how long they last and more.

So, whether this is your first time trying extensions on your bottom eyelashes or you’re a stylist looking to add this service to your menu, you’ll find the info you need.

Let’s dive in and get started!

What Are Bottom Eyelash Extensions?

So why would you want extensions on your lower lashes? Why is it so popular?

1. Create a More Balanced Look

For most of my clients, the biggest benefit they get from bottom lash extensions is to create a more balanced look. Adding length and volume to the lower lashes helps balance out the extensions that were applied to the top lashes.

I find that a more natural look is achieved when you combine extensions on both the upper and lower lashes. This is because it creates a more symmetrical appearance, which can be very flattering.

2. Make your eyes look bigger

Another reason why people love bottom lash extensions is that they help to make your eyes look bigger and more open.

If you’re familiar with the dolly lash style, you know that applying longer extension lengths towards the middle of the eye makes the eye appear larger and brighter.

Now, imagine if you combine this effect with the addition of extensions on your bottom lashes. This super combo will create an even more dramatic open-eyed look!

Pro Tip: Check out my article on the best lash styles for every eye shape here!

3. Elongate Your Face

Lastly, bottom lash extensions can also help to slim down your face.

If you have rounder features, long and voluminous lower eyelash extensions can help to elongate your face and give you a more slender appearance.

How do Bottom Lash Extensions Work?

Lower lash extensions are done in a very similar way to upper lash extensions but in reverse!

Since the lower natural lashes are growing downwards towards the skin, the lash extension will be applied in the same direction. This means the tip of the lash extension curl will be facing downwards towards the skin as well.

The majority of people have fewer natural lower lashes than upper natural lashes. For that reason, I generally apply fewer lash extensions to the lower lash line.

I normally put 15 to 30 bottom eyelash extensions per eye, but this can vary depending on the density of the client’s natural lashes.

How to Apply Eyelash Extensions to Bottom Lashes

Step #1: Choose the Right Lashes

The first step is to choose the right lashes. Generally speaking, the bottom lashes tend to be shorter, thinner, and less curly than the upper natural lashes.

Why that in mind, you want to make sure to respect how much weight the natural lash can support. Using the wrong extensions will not give you the look you desire and can damage your natural lashes.

As a rule of thumb, these are the lengths, diameters, and curls I most often use for bottom lashes when doing a classic set:

• Length: Between 5 mm and 7 mm. You want to extend the natural lash by 1 to 1.5 mm.
• Diameter: Between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm
• Curl: B or J

As you can see, we are being more conservative than when lashing the upper eyelashes, and for good reasons.

When it comes to the material being used, you can use synthetic or mink. I personally prefer working with synthetic lashes, but you can read about the various materials available here.

Step #2: Prep the Eyes

Prepping the eyes to apply extensions on the bottom lashes is a little different than prepping the eyes for upper eyelash extensions.

1. Placing the bottom eye pad: You have to place an eye pad undeath the lash line so that the bottom lashes are exposed and laying on top of the eye pad.
2. Placing the top eye pad: Use a second eye pad to pull up the top lashes on the upper lid and completely expose the bottom lashes. You can tape the top eye pad so that it doesn’t move.

The result should be a clear view of the bottom lashes with the white background of the eye pad.

Pro Tip: Some lash artists will ask their clients to open their eyes when doing lower lash extensions simply because it saves them a bit of time. It is a terrible idea! Not only does it expose the client to formaldehyde fumes, but it also comes with a ton of other risks such as corneal abrasion, allergies, and sharp tweezers.

Step #3: Pick the Extensions

When you pull the extension off a tray, it is ready to be applied to the upper lashes.

To make your life easy, you can simply flip your lash tray upside down.

Remember, you want the extension to follow the curve and growth pattern of the natural lash. Since bottom lashes are growing downwards towards the skin, the extension has to be applied that way too.

Step #4: Apply the Extension

Dip the extension in adhesive and apply it as you would for the upper lashes. Make sure to respect the strength of the natural lash and don’t go too wild. Lower lashes are much thinner and can’t support thick extensions.

Step #5: Repeat Until All Extensions Are in Place

Continue applying extensions on the bottom lashes. You should keep the inner corners shorter, but other than that the world is your oyster.

Before you know it, all the extensions are in place and you can go over them with a brush to make sure they are all pointing in the same direction.

How Long Do Bottom Lash Extensions Last?

Just like regular lash extensions, bottom lash extensions will last anywhere from two to four weeks. They will fall when the natural eyelash supporting the extension will eventually shed.

How long your extensions will last depends on your natural lashes growth cycle and how well you take care of your lash extensions.

Remember, lash extensions are affixed to your natural lashes one by one. Therefore, the extensions will fall out when the natural lash sheds. It is completely normal to lose up to 5 lashes per day!

How Much Do Bottom Eyelash Extensions Cost?

Bottom lash extensions cost between $50 and $100. The cost varies greatly based on where you live, but this is a good general idea.

You can expect to add between 15 to 30 extensions per eye so keep that in mind if your pricing is based on the number of extensions.

For lash techs, offering bottom extensions is a great add-on service for an existing client. It only adds a few extra minutes to the appointment for a good amount in return. For my clients, I generally add an extra 15 to 30 minutes to the appointment to perform this add-on.

Moreover, your client is already there and laying down!

Who Should (Or Shouldn’t) Get Lower Lash Extensions?

When a client comes into my salon and requests bottom lash extensions, I first have to make sure they are a good candidate.

Here are the signs I look for when determining between a good and a bad candidate.

Who is a bad candidate:

• Lower lashes pointing upwards: if the lower lashes are pointing upwards, it will be difficult to apply the extensions. Moreover, the extensions wouldn’t look very natural. In this case, I would suggest a lash lift of the lower lashes instead.
• Very thin and sparse lower lashes: if the lower lashes are very thin and sparse, it is better to leave them alone. Lashing in these conditions might cause damage or at best, offer very poor retention.
• Age-related changes: as we age, the skin around our eyes gets thinner and looser. In some cases, this can cause an overhanging eyelid or drooping eyes. Lashing the bottom eyelashes in this case would not be very esthetically pleasing.

Who is a good candidate:

• Long and strong upper lashes: If you get fairly long classic, volume, or even mega-volume lashes, getting bottom eyelash extensions will give you a more balanced look.
• Wide-set eyes: Women with wide-set eyes can benefit from longer upper and bottom extensions in the middle of the eye. This will elongate the eye and give the illusion of closer-set eyes.
• Say no to mascara: If you want to give up on your mascara, adding bottom lashes to your lash routine is a great way to do so. You will cut your morning makeup routine in half!

How to Remove Bottom Extensions

For lash stylists, the removal of bottom lashes is exactly the same as for upper lashes.

Special care should be taken not to accidentally have some remover enter the eyes. That’s why it’s always best to get your extensions removed by a professional rather than at home.

Here are the exact steps your lash stylist will take to remove bottom eyelash extensions:

1. Use professional eyelash extension remover: Lash artists use products that shouldn’t be used at home. They can dissolve the lash glue quickly.
2. Place an eye pad under the eye: This protects the skin.
3. Apply lash glue remover: The remover is applied slowly with a micro swab.
4. Remove the extensions: After waiting for a few minutes, the lash artist will remove the extensions using tweezers or a swap.
5. Clean the lashes: Once all the extensions are removed, the lashes will be cleaned to make sure there is no residue left.
6. Dry and brush: Finally, the lashes will be dried and brushed into place.

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