Classic Lashes VS. Hybrid Lashes: Compare the Differences In These Lash Styles

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Nowadays, beauty enthusiasts have been raving about eyelash extensions. 

You probably wanted to try them but are still undecided about which eyelash extension style you should get—classic or hybrid lashes.

beautiful eyes before and after eyelash extensions

If you are still new to eyelash extension, it is vital to know the difference between various eyelash extension types to help you decide which is the perfect lash style for you.

Fortunately, you are on the right page! We will provide a detailed comparison of hybrid lashes vs. classic lash extensions—the differences, similarities, pros and cons, cost, and more.

What Exactly Is an Eyelash Extension?

Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent lashes—usually made up of silk fibers, faux mink, or synthetic lashes—that are individually hand-glued on top of the natural lashes. 

During this procedure, a certified lash technician will carefully apply these lash extensions one by one on your natural lashes using a semi-permanent, specially-formulated glue that won’t damage or irritate your natural lash. 

Usually, a full eyelash set takes between two to four hours to complete, depending on the lash extension style you want to achieve. 

Eyelash extension is the best if you want to glam up your face effortlessly every day!

Check out this video to learn everything you need to know about eyelash extension and the different types of eyelash extension you can choose from:

Classic and Hybrid Eyelash Extension: Knowing the Difference

This article will focus on the difference between classic and hybrid lash extensions.

Here’s a quick table about their key features and what makes classic and hybrid lashes different:

Classic LashesHybrid Lashes
Applied with a 1:1 lash ratioApplied with a 1:2 or 1:3 lash ratio
Achieves a natural lookAchieves a more dramatic look
100% classic lashes30% classic lashes and 70% volume lashes
Application lasts from 1.5 to 2 hours Application lasts from 2-3 hours 
Enhances length, lash thickness, and curlEnhances length, fullness, and curl

To help you imagine how these lash extensions would look on you, here’s a side-by-side comparison of classic lash extensions and hybrid lash extensions:

comparison of classic and hybrid lashes with eye photos of two women

Similarities of Classic Set Lashes and Hybrid Set Lashes

Though these eyelash extension styles are different at some point, classic and hybrid lashes also share similar features:

  • They require regular lash refills, ideally every two to three weeks, to maintain a full lash line.
  • They don’t damage the natural hairs, provided that they are applied properly by a certified lash technician. 
  • They must be brushed and cleaned twice daily with gentle, oil-free, and alcohol-free eyelash cleansers.
  • They are perfect for a no-makeup look.

Here are some of our eyelash cleansers we highly recommend that you can use for cleaning your lash extensions:

Stacy Lash Eyelash Extension Shampoo + Brush
Editor’s Choice
  • Non-burning and non-irritation formula
  • Oil-free
  • Highly trusted by lash experts
Beau Lashes Eyelash Extension Foam Cleanser Shampoo & Brush
Premium Pick
  • Infused with nourishing and natural formula 
  • Lengthens the life of lash extensions
  • Hypoallergenic
i-Laesh Lash Shampoo for Lash Extensions + Brush
Budget Pick
  • Nourishes & protects 
  • No irritation & burning 
  • Deep cleansing

Classic Eyelash Set: Pros and Cons

In classic eyelash extensions, individual extensions are applied to every natural lash you have. Sometimes, this set is called “1:1” because its ratio is one extension to one lash. 

The lash technician will get a single extension and dip it into adhesive, which will then be applied under or on top of your natural lash. They will repeat this process until every mature and medium lash is completed. 

The classic lash set should be your best go-to option, especially if you want to achieve longer-looking lashes and a more natural look.

Pros

  • Most Available
  • Most comfortable
  • Most Inexpensive
  • Natural
  • Perfect for everyday wear
  • Quickest application duration
  • Soft look

Cons

  • Don’t offer much volume
  • Most common 
  • Not good for everyone

Hybrid Eyelash Set: Pros and Cons

Hybrid Eyelash Extension is a combination of the 1:1 classic lash technique and an advanced fanning technique; Hence, the name hybrid. 

The volume fanning technique is a method used to create volume extensions. This technique involves bonding 2-8 lash extensions to create a “fan lash”—which will then be applied to each of your natural lashes. 

This technique helps create lash volume and depth. Also, you can ask your lash tech to customize it and be creative based on how full you want your lashes to be!

After that, the 1:1 lash technique will be applied to your lashes between the volume fan lashes to achieve a wispy lash look—perfectly complementing your eyes and natural lashes.

Also, if you have gaps or sparse areas in your natural eyelashes, getting the hybrid extensions is the perfect style to help disguise them. 

To perfectly achieve the wispy look, make sure that your lash technician is certified and trained to do both lash extensions and Russian volume eyelash extensions. 

Pros

  • Best of both worlds
  • Ideal to try before the volume set
  • Not too simple, not too dramatic
  • Perfect for those with lash issues

Cons

  • Requires an extremely skilled lash tech
  • It costs more than classic
  • Lengthy application time

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put mascara on hybrid lashes?

If you have hybrid or volume lash extensions, you should never use mascara on them as much as possible—regardless of the brand or formula. 

short haired woman in ponytail applying black mascara on her eyelashes

Mascaras can only hurt your lash extensions, making the fan lashes shut. As a result, your lashes will stick together and look clumpy.

So, it’s best to play it safe and ditch your mascaras from now on!  

Why do I need to get lash fills?

There are two main reasons why you should get a lash fill appointment regularly.

First of all, your natural lashes have a growth cycle. As they regrow, your lash extensions lose a bit of their luster and fullness. Over time, they will naturally fall out and need to be refilled to maintain that fuller look. 

Second, you need lash refills when the adhesive starts to break down, and the lash extensions fall off. 

If you want to continue having fabulous lashes, professional lash techs usually recommend getting lash fills done every 2-3 weeks.

tweezers with a false eyelash extension near the eyelashes of a woman

Will eyelash extensions damage my natural lashes?

High-quality eyelash extensions require skills, precision, and time. However, some cases potentially damage your natural lashes. 

For instance, when the extensions are glued to more than one natural lash, the lash that grows faster will pull out the other lashes attached to it. 

Moreover, breakage can also happen to your lashes when the length or weight of the extensions exceeds what your natural lashes can deal with. 

If this happens to your lashes, apply a lash serum to help them grow stronger and faster. 

Here’s a good lash serum you can purchase on Amazon:

Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum

This premium lash-enhancing serum promotes the appearance of longer, thicker, and more nourished eyelashes. 

Primary Benefits: One-swipe wonder; Ophthalmologist tested; Cruelty-free

Features:

  • Helps improve lashes in three months.
  • Infused with amino acids and vitamin peptides.
  • Suitable for contacts and lash extensions

If you have short, thin, brittle lashes, you should get this lash serum to nourish them!

To prevent these damages from happening on your lashes, it is important to only trust a certified lash technician to perform your eyelash extension treatment—regardless of your preferred style. 

How to Choose the Right Eyelash Extension Set for You?

If you are still on the fence between classic vs hybrid lashes, we have listed some checklist—we hope you might appreciate—that can help you decide the best type of lash extension for you:

Get Classic Lashes IF:

  • You want a natural, subtle look
  • You have full natural lashes
  • You have thick natural lashes
  • You want to wear it for everyday use 

Get Hybrid Lashes IF:

  • You want to achieve a more dramatic, fuller lash look
  • You like a more voluminous extension and mascara 
  • You have thin or sparse lashes
  • You want to keep your extensions for long-term

Classic Vs. Hybrid Lash Comparison Chart

infographic comparison of classic and hybrid lashes

Conclusion: Which Eyelash Extension is For You?

As you can see, both the classic and hybrid lash extensions differ in some aspects—application, cost, and effect. 

Since both of these extension types offer something that cannot be achieved by one or another, beauty enthusiasts usually opt for them for various factors.

lash technician holding tweezers doing eyelash extension procedure to female client

Some people get classic lash extensions if they want more natural, subtle lashes that are perfect to wear daily. At the same time, other people opt for the hybrid to get that wispy, fuller lashes. 

So, it really depends on your preference, budget, and commitment to maintaining it. 

If you haven’t tried getting this treatment, you should not miss it!

Try having lash extensions at least once in your life!

We promise you; you will love it!

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Authors

  • Stephanie Martin

    Stephanie Martin blends her beauty industry background with expertise in communications to lead in the fashion and beauty world. As a fashion and beauty editor, she is known for engaging and informative articles. Her lifelong passion for fashion, makeup, and hair shines through her work, earning her widespread respect among readers and clients. Stephanie's style, a mix of classic and contemporary, makes her a dynamic and influential figure in the industry, inspiring others with her knowledgeable and approachable insights.

  • Mary Lois Jhie-an Garchitorena

    A seasoned beauty expert and permanent makeup artist with a rich educational background from top international academies, including Yumi Lashes and PhiAcademy. Her career began in 2017 out of a passion for enhancing natural beauty, leading her to master various aesthetic treatments and PMU. Mary has learned from grand masters like Dovile Zilinskaite and Anastasia Gilmanova, ensuring her clients receive unparalleled service. Despite challenges, she continues to thrive as a home-based artist, committed to delivering excellence and innovation in beauty aesthetics.

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