Not everyone wants super long and glamorous lash extensions like you might see on T.V. at times. In fact, several of my clients decide to get natural eyelash extensions for their first set. These women want to enhance their natural lashes and make people wonder what changed.
In this comprehensive guide, I will share the techniques I use to achieve a subtle eyelash extension.. I will also show pictures of my clients with natural-looking classic and volume extensions.
Let’s get started!
Classic vs Volume Lashes: Which Is Best for Natural-Looking Eyelash Extensions?
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, while volume lashes are multiple extensions applied to one natural lash 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 Eyelash Extensions
Classic eyelash extensions consist of one synthetic extension applied to one natural lash. 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 Eyelash Extensions
Volume lashes involve applying multiple synthetic eyelash extensions to each natural lash. They 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!
Best Styling for Natural Eyelash Extensions
In the hands of an experienced stylist, lash extensions can be used to create any look. The four most popular styles are cat-eye, natural, natural sweep, and dolly.
Pro Tip: If you want to know more about choosing the best styling for your particular eye shape, you can consult my guide here.
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.
At our lash studio, the Natural Full Set has 80 lashes per eye, depending on your natural lashes the eye design is tweaked to be longer or shorter in length. Our eyelash artists will never apply lashes that are too heavy or thick for your natural lashes.
For some 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. Make sure to check out our article here if you want to see more before and after pictures of eyelash extensions with various styles.
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.
How to Make Eyelash Extensions Look More Natural
New eyelash extensions can truly make your eyes look more beautiful and they are a great way to make your eyes look fabulous every day. However, not all eyelash extensions look natural.
Some women prefer bolder and thicker looks while others prefer natural-looking extensions that add a little extra “Humf” to the lash line.
So, how can you make eyelash extensions look natural?
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:
- Lenght
- Diameter
- Curl
- Material
- Color
Let’s discuss each of them below.
1- Length
To achieve a natural look with eyelash extensions, 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 look.
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 my client has 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
It is possible to purchase eyelash extensions with a matte or silky finish. At my salon, I almost exclusively use matte lash extensions because they look a lot more natural.
Before getting your lashes done, simply make sure the last stylist uses the right material.
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.
Natural Eyelash Extensions FAQ
Can You Get Natural Lash Extensions?
Absolutely! The best way to get natural-looking extensions is to choose a classic style with a small diameter. This will create a more natural look, as opposed to the dramatic and voluminous styles.
How to Ask for Natural Eyelash Extensions?
Be sure to ask for classic lash extensions if you want to achieve a natural look. You can also ask your lash stylist to simply emphasize your natural lashes by extending each one by 1-2 mm. That way, you won’t change your overall look too drastically, but you’ll still get the lash boost you’re looking for.
How Long Do Natural Lash Extensions Last?
Natural lash extensions will last as long as classic lash extensions, which is approximately 6-8 weeks. It is important to note that your extensions will shed with your natural hair growth cycle. For maintenance, it is recommended to get refills every 3 to 4 weeks.
What Are the Most Natural Lash Extensions?
The most natural extension materials are mink or silk. They are also the most lightweight, which makes them ideal for those who have never worn lash extensions before.
Final Thoughts
Eyelash Extensions have become a staple in the beauty industry, and many women use the ease of extensions to minimize time spent in front of a mirror every day.
Subtle eyelash extensions are often the best choice for women who want something that will complement their everyday life.
Before booking an appointment some clients are unsure of what eyelash set and style would suit their taste and style, and sometimes opt for the first thing they see.
In this article, you can see how a Natural Full Set looks on different eye shapes that have been customized in thickness and length to help cater to everyone’s style.
I hope this guide was helpful.
If you need any help achieving a natural look with lash extensions, just drop me a line below!
– Asako 🙂
Interested in learning more about lash extensions?
Explore my related guides & tutorials:
Classic vs Volume vs Hybrid Lashes Compared
Eyelash Extension Styles for Different Eye Shapes
Eyelash Extensions Before and After
Do Eyelash Extensions Damage Your Eyelashes?
Life Is Short, Your Lashes Don’t Need to Be
Enhance your natural beauty with stunning lash extensions or a gorgeous lash lift. Click the button to book your appointment online today.
Asako Ito is the Co-Founder of Divine Lashes and a certified eyelash stylist. She has garnered acclaim for her cutting-edge techniques in the lash industry.
Holding multiple certifications and licenses, including Luxury Eye, THE LASH SHOP, World Microblading, and The Lash Bible, she has a constant thirst for knowledge. These credentials reflect her commitment to excellence and staying at the forefront of lash and brow artistry.
With over 10 years of experience, Asako continuously increases her knowledge both as a technician and educator by collaborating with top lash artists worldwide. You can read her full bio here.
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 Angela,
Thank you for your message. We’re excited that you want to try eyelash extensions! Unfortunately, we don’t have any students stylists in your area. We hope that you can find someone in Sacramento!