In this guide, I want to share everything you need to know about mega volume lashes and how to do it safely.

I’ll also share pictures of a few sets I’ve recently done so you can see the final results.

As a client, understanding what mega volume lashes are and how they differ from traditional volume lashes is important to understand what to expect from your lash appointment.

As a stylist, you need to absolutely master this technique before even thinking of offering it to your clients if you want to build trust and credibility.

What Are Mega Volume Lashes?

Mega volume lash extensions is an advanced technique that creates a very dense and fuller look. Each mega volume fan uses 6 to 16 extensions with diameters between 0.03 mm to 0.05 mm.

Most of my clients only get mega volume lashes for special occasions or photo shoots.

As you can see from this picture of my client, the result is amazing.

Having said that, it’s definitely not something you would want to get done on a regular basis for most of us.

Mega Volume Lashes vs Volume Lashes

The difference between mega volume lashes and volume lashes lies in how many extensions are used to create the fan and the diameter of these extensions. A volume fan uses 2 to 5 extensions with a diameter of 0.05 to 0.07 mm, while a mega volume fan uses 6 to 16 extensions with a diameter of 0.03 to 0.05 mm.

Therefore, both techniques still use multiple extensions attached to one natural eyelash (1:n).

However, mega volume takes this to the extreme.

We use fans with more extensions that have a smaller diameter which results in a denser, fuller and bolder look.

In the picture below, you can compare a client of mine without eyelash extensions, with a natural volume set, and with a divine volume set.

How to Do a Mega Volume Set

If you’re a lash artist and want to see how to style, map and actually perform a mega volume set, this video from Kaitlyn Elford is excellent.

Check it out!

Volume Fan Weight Calculation

The appropriate weight of a volume fan is controlled by managing two crucial variables:

1. How many extensions used to create the fan. This is also referred to as “D” for dimension.
2. The diameter of the extensions used to create the fan.

For example, a client with healthy natural eyelashes should handle the weight of a 0.15 mm diameter classic extensions (only one extension on the natural lash).

Using this as a baseline, the same client should also be able to handle the equivalent weights of the following volume fans;

• Up to 3D volume fans using 0.07 mm diameter extensions.
• Up to 7D volume fans using 0.05 mm diameter extensions.
• Up to 12D volume fans using 0.03 mm diameter extensions.

Number of Extensions vs Diameter

Not too surprisingly, there is a negative relationship between the number of lashes in a fan and their diameters.

To keep the weight of a fan constant, if the number of lashes increases, the diameter must decrease.

If the diameter increases, the number of lashes must decrease.

But how come three 0.07 mm extensions would be equal to one 0.15 mm? Even better, how come twelve 0.03 mm extensions would be equal to one 0.15 mm?

Because of negative space!

Negative Space

Negative space in a volume fan is the space that would otherwise be occupied by a single lash extension when comparing the volume fan to a single extension.

Are Mega Volume Lashes Safe?

Yes, mega volume is safe for your eyelashes as long as the weight of the volume fan can be supported by your natural eyelash.

As you can see in the “volume fan weight calculation” section of the article, lash techs will balance the number of extensions used in a fan and their diameter in order to keep the weight constant.

That way, we ensure your natural lashes can always support the volume fan and not get damaged.

However, over my years of lashing, I’ve seen lash techs do two common mistakes when performing a mega volume set.

Mistake #1: Completely filling all the natural lashes regardless of the growth stage they are in.

Clients love the initial look but will hate it in 3 weeks. Applying fans on baby lashes will definitely cause damage to the natural lashes.

For example, last week, we had a client from a different lash artist looking for a mega volume lash fill at our studio. 

In the photo below, you can see the stylist had completely filled ALL the natural lashes including the baby lashes.

Her once full and fluffy lashes are now a (not so hot) mess.

So what’s the problem here?

The problem is that the same length extensions are applied on both mature lashes and baby lashes.

After a fresh set, they look uniform and beautiful but when they grow out they look like the above.

The mature lashes fall out naturally, whereas the baby lashes are still growing.

In 3 weeks, these baby eyelashes will grow into teenage lashes which will mess up the design, and it could potentially cause damage (extensions that are sticking out are more likely to get caught or prematurely shed).

That’s not to mention the weight that’s on the baby lashes, is the same as the mature lashes.

If there is too much weight on a lash, it could snap off or weaken.

After discussing with the client, I gave her an everyday volume set that would not damage her lashes and maintain its design after 3 weeks.

Take a look at the before and after picture below.

This is a much more sustainable and healthy set.

Mistake #2: Improper isolation.

When applying a mega volume fan, you need to make sure that the fan is only applied on one single natural lash and that there is no sticky (this is true for any application).

Mega volume makes isolation more difficult because the base of the lash line becomes very thick with all the fans.

Practice makes perfect here.

There’s no doubt that a well done mega volume set is stunning, bold, dark and beautiful. These sets take a lot of time, precision and advanced skills.

How Long Do Mega Volume Lashes Last?

Mega Volume lashes will last from 3 to 5 weeks before a refill is needed.

They typically have a longer retention than classic lashes due to a larger surface for the adhesive to adhere to.

Imagine a single extension bonded to a natural eyelash.

You’ll notice one thing.

The bonding surface is quite limited.

However, the mega volume fan will “wrap” the natural lashes and have a stronger grip.

Take a look at this 3-week retention photo. Here you can see there was minimal loss after 3 weeks AND they still look even.

They are all within the design and her lashes look healthy- and will continue that way!