Volume, Volume Hybrid & Classic Eyelash Extensions: What's the difference?

     So what IS the difference between a volume lash set, a hybrid volume set, and classic lash set? A true volume set of eyelash extensions involves 2D-16D handmade fans, applied to each individual natural lash. The dimension chosen depends on the strength and health of the client's natural lashes. Unless the natural lashes are damaged or very fine, the average person can handle 2D-8D in a lightweight fan made of diameters ranging from a .10 diameter (2D), to a .07 (3D-4D) and .06 or .05 for 4D-8D. Higher dimensions require the smallest diameter lash extensions, such as the .04 and .03, creating a mega volume fan in 9D-16D.

     There are "speed volume" lashes being applied from several  businesses in and around Springfield, MO.  These are not true volume lashes. Volume lash extensions take time to hand make and fan out. They do not look like a clump of lashes were pulled from a strip and adhered to the natural lash...which is what speed volume lashing is and requires no skill. It's very harmful to the natural lash because of how heavy they are (too many are picked up at a time and not strategically made for the individual you are working on) and you should not pay volume prices for this.  Below, is a good illustration of what legit volume fans look like.

    Volume lash extensions take years and years to master. I offer volume hybrid lash extensions, which can also be called Kim K lashes, when styled with high alternating peaks of fans and classic lashes together. Volume hybrid eyelash extensions and full volume sets have a variety of benefits that you cannot achieve with classic one to one lash extensions.  If your natural lashes are not very thick, a volume hybrid set will make them look fuller and fill in empty space. Classic lashes only emphasize low density natural lashes. You cannot wear any mascara or upper lid liner with handmade fans, it will close them, whether it is lash extension safe or not. But you do not need it, your lashes will be nice and fluffy so you don't want to close them!

    There's a misconception that volume extensions automatically mean fake looking. That's not always the case. The person applying your extensions is in control of the appropriate size and length chosen for your set. If you look at their portfolio and all of their clients have the same looking, super long thick extensions, you know that they are not taking into consideration the damage being made by over-extending the natural lashes and weighing them down with the wrong diameter and dimension.

   True Russian Volume lash extensions are applied to add lashes, add volume and thickness. They only match the length of the natural lash so that you can apply the biggest diameter fan possible. American Volume extensions add length (not more than double the natural lash length) and thickness. This is the majority of what I do, but occasionally will have a client that simply wants the thickest lashes possible so Russian Volume is the technique used.

    These pictures illustrate the difference between this client wearing a set of one-to-one classic eyelash extensions and a simple 3D volume hybrid set of lashes, with about 10 fans added to each eye for a little something extra. The classic eyelash extensions are on the left (top if on mobile), and the volume hybrid set are below.  During a full set of Volume Hybrid lashes, I typically apply half of the natural lashes with fans, and half of the natural lashes with classic extensions. If your natural lashes are exceptionally thin, I will increase the amount of volume fans, to a 2:1 ratio of volume to classic extensions, applying more fans than single extensions.  

  The picture below demonstrates more volume fans than classic and extending 2-3mm's past her natural lashes. Her extensions will look great for 3-3.5 weeks inbetween fills.

     If you currently wear classic lash extensions and want to give handmade volume lashes a try, book a volume hybrid or full volume fill online! Volume extensions are where the industry has evolved into because they are made as thick or as lightweight as the individual client in front of you can handle, while still increasing the number of lashes you have! Bye-bye classics...we will continue to see you spike in the hybrids but there's no woman ever that doesn't want thicker eyelashes!!