There are 3 crucial steps to getting natural lash extensions that complement your everyday look instead of overpowering it:
- Choosing the right technique.
- Choosing the right style.
- Choosing the right Extensions.
I wrote this guide to give you a clear picture of what to expect during your consultation if you request natural-looking extensions.
I’ve also included a video tutorial for lash techs at the end of article.
So, if you prefer a subtle change over a dramatic one, this is for you!
Step #1: Choosing the Right Technique
One of the most important decisions you will have to make when creating a natural look with eyelash extensions will be choosing between classic or volume lashes.
Classic lashes are applied one extension to one natural lash (1:1 ratio), while volume lashes are multiple extensions applied to one natural lash (1:n ratio) to create a more fluffy and voluminous look.
Pro tip: I have written an exhaustive guide to better understand the nuances between classic, hybrid, and volume lash extensions here.
Both types of lash extensions can be customized to give you a natural look or an extremely full look.
Having said that, when a new client comes into my salon and requests a natural look, I always recommend trying classic lashes first.
Classic lash extensions are great for anyone who wants just enough enhancement to look amazing but still wants a natural look.
Let’s dive into both options.
Classic Natural Look
Classic lashes give a more natural look and feel than volume lashes. These are great for people who already have long, thick natural eyelashes.
The result is subtle and adds length, but not much volume or fullness. Below are a few pictures of my clients with a natural classic lash extension set.
As you can see, a classic natural full set might give you the feeling of wearing good mascara.
If you want to see more pictures of my clients with classic natural eyelash extensions, make sure to check out our gallery here!
Volume Natural Look
Volume lashes create a fluffy effect that can look more dramatic when compared to classic lashes.
To create a natural look with volume lashes, you can play with two variables:
- Size of volume fans. When I want to make a natural look with volume lash extensions, I try to create volume fans using 2 to 5 extensions.
Of course, it is possible to create volume fans with more than 5 extensions, but the result will be more dramatic and a little less natural.
The diameter of the extensions used to build the fan will need to be reduced to achieve a natural look as well. - Spacing of volume fans. Hybrid lashes are a great compromise between classic and volume lashes. A hybrid set is a combination of classic and volume lash extensions.
The result is a fuller look, but still, a natural look compared to volume lashes. Hybrid lash extensions are perfect for those who want a more dramatic look that isn’t as full as volume lashes!
Below are a few pictures of my clients with a natural volume lash extension set.
As you can see, volume lashes add a little “humph” but can still look natural.
If you want to see more pictures of my clients with volume natural eyelash extensions, make sure to check out our gallery here!
Step #2: Choosing the Right Style
Although you can go wild with extensions in terms of styling, creating a natural look is very straightforward.
Simply extend the length of the natural lashes by approximately 2 mm.
Wait that’s it?
Basically yes. There are a few more things to consider, which we will discuss below, but that is the main idea.
So, if you have a natural cat-eye pattern with your natural lashes, I would extend it and keep the styling. If you have a natural dolly style, I would extend it slightly. Preserving your natural styling will make the extensions look more natural.
Pro tip: If you want to know more about choosing the best styling for your particular eye shape, you can consult my guide here.
At Divine Lashes, the Natural Full Set has 80 lashes per eye, depending on your natural lashes the eye design is tweaked to be longer or shorter. Our eyelash artists will never apply lashes that are too heavy or thick for your natural lashes.
For some clients, the Classic Natural Full Set is enough to give a full look, however, others may find this set is too bare for them.
This is because everyone has a different amount of eyelashes, in different thicknesses and lengths too.
Here are photos of the Classic Natural Full Sets in different eye designs.
1- Natural Sweep
Natural Sweep Eye Design has the longest lashes carried out from the middle to the outer corner. This design is a combination of Feline Flick and the Dolly Lift.
The natural sweep will open up your eyes both horizontally and vertically. The shape of the design resembles how our natural lashes grow, and will look most natural when the length is relatively short.
It will look the most dramatic with longer-length lashes because the longer lashes cover the most distance out of the three designs.
This client is using thicker eyelash extensions, this is the most volume you can achieve with Classic Natural Full Set.
2- Dolly
This design has the longest lashes in the middle so that it will open up your eyes. It will make your eyes look rounder and eyes look bigger vertically. This client has thinner but longer eyelash extensions.
3- Feline Flick
The Feline Flick places the longest lashes at the outer corners. This will elongate your eyes horizontally and will give you the “Winged” or “Cat Eye” effect.
This design complements well with winged eyeliner. Feline Flick is a good choice for clients who wear glasses as the long lashes (depending on the length) usually do not flick against the glasses each time you blink.
Step #3: Choosing the Right Extensions
Choosing the right lash extension with the same characteristics as the natural lash is the first step to achieving a natural look.
A big revelation I know…
There are 5 aspects to consider when choosing the right extension for a natural look:
- Length
- Diameter
- Curl
- Material
- Color
1- Length
To achieve a truly natural look, you should extend the length of the natural lashes by approximately 2 mm.
Do you think extending a 10 mm natural lash to 14 mm will look natural?
Definitely not.
For example, if a client has a 10 mm natural lash, I would use an 11 mm extension.
The majority of my clients have natural lashes with a length ranging from 8 mm to 12 mm, so I rarely go much longer than that to achieve a natural style.
Remember that the extension should never be applied at the very base of the natural lash where it would touch the skin.
This extra space already adds a bit of length even if you choose an extension with the same length as the natural lash.
Extensions glued on the skin are a very common mistake that will damage your natural lashes.
2- Diameter
Stay away from very thick extension diameters such as 0.18 mm, 0.20 mm, or even thicker!
Instead, simply matching the natural lash diameter or going slightly thicker is the way to go for a natural look.
If you have natural lashes 0.07 mm in thickness, I would use the same diameter or 0.1 mm for a natural lash look.
3- Curl
Again here, spend some time looking at the curl of the natural lashes.
You want to choose lash extensions with a similar curl or only slightly curlier. Anything curlier might not look very natural.
If my client is a natural C curl, I would use C or perhaps CC extensions for an everyday look.
For a complete list of the different curls available, you can visit our comprehensive guide on eyelash extension types here.
4- Material
The most natural extension materials are mink or silk. They are also the most lightweight, but require a lot of maintenance.
However, it’s uncommon to find salons that use natural materials. The industry primarily relies on synthetic extensions made from durable PBT.
Synthetic lashes come with a matte or silky finish. At my salon, I almost exclusively use matte lash extensions because they look a lot more natural.
5- Color
Eyelash extensions come in various colors. The most common color is black, but it is possible to have brown, blond, or even more prominent colors.
If you want to achieve a natural look, you should choose lash extensions that are the same color as natural lashes.
Classic Natural Lashes Video Tutorial
In this video, Savana walks us through a full lash appointment where she performs a very natural-looking set for her client.
She explains her thought process for choosing the appropriate technique and styling.
It’s a must-watch!
Final Thoughts
Most of my clientele wear their extensions all year long, so they want a look that is suitable for their everyday life.
Nothing beats crafting a truly beautiful set of lashes that look completely natural and enhance the client’s eyes.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on our contact page.
~ Asako
Hello, and thank you for the very good information regarding eyelash extensions applied properly for non-damaging purposes.
I’d like to try lash extensions, and was wondering if anyone in my area has been trained by you, or would be as cautious as you are. I’m in the Sacramento California area, and any help you can be would be greatly appreciated.
I see you don’t publish email, please don’t publish my name either.
Thank you so much in advance!
Hi,
Thank you for your message. I’m excited that you want to try eyelash extensions! I’ve trained several students but mostly in Canada. Unfortunately, I don’t think we have any certified stylists in your area. I hope that you can find someone in Sacramento!
I’ve also edited your name to “Secret Name” since you requested to not have it made public.