13 Different Lash Extension Curl Types + When To Use Each One

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Planning to get eyelash extensions for the first time? 

If that’s the case, you should know that the key to achieving the perfect lashes is choosing the most suitable lash extension types for you. 

One of the important factors to consider to get that gorgeous set of lashes is to find the right lash curls for you out of the many lash extension curl types available. 

Moreover, you need a professional lash technician who is an expert in customizing lashes based on various variables, such as eye shape, natural lash angle, length, and more.

But if you’re curious about the different lash extension curl types, you’re in the right place!

Here, we will discuss all eyelash extension curl types — their differences, the best lash curl for your eyes, and how to maintain them. 

Keep reading this article and be informed!

Types of Lash Extensions Curls

To summarize the different types of curls you can choose for that stunning lash extensions, here’s a quick chart that you can use as your guide. 

Based on the chart above, we have classified different types of lash extension curls into four types:

• Subtle curls
• Dramatic curls
• Lift-up / straight-up curls
• Better bonding curls

Read along as we discuss these lash curl categories and their corresponding lash types.

Subtle Curls (I-, J-, B-Curls)

I-Curl Lash Extensions

The I-curl is the first option in lash extension curls. I-curl is a straight lash style fitting for people with straight eyelashes. 

Due to its refined look, this curl type looks more natural, especially for male clients who want to add thickness to their lashes without curling them.  

I-curl lashes are also a great option for aged clients who have lost their natural lash curl and would want to revive natural-looking eyelashes. 

Note that these lashes mainly enhance the length of the eyelashes rather than their curls and are only good for straight lashes alone. 

J-Curl Lash Extensions

As its name suggests, J-curl lash extensions are shaped like a J, which makes it one of the most subtle lash extension types, along with the I-curl.

J-curl lash extensions are perfect for people with arrow-straight lashes that point upward or straight. 

These curls have a slightly lifted tip angled at 30 degrees and a straight base. Since they lack curls, J-curls also look longer than other eyelash curl types.

However, if your lashes naturally point downward, you should avoid getting J-curl lashes since they will only make your eyes look heavier and smaller. 

B-Curl Lash Extensions

Compared to a J-curl, the B-curl will give a bit more lift to naturally straight eyelashes.

With a 45-degree angle, B-curl lashes are slightly curlier than J-curls. Still, both are a great option for clients with lashes that points upward. 

Moreover, B-curls are excellent for inner corner eyelashes. 

B-curl lashes will give you a soft curl, a key feature to achieving a naturally enhanced eyelash appearance with good lash retention. 

Dramatic Curls (C-, D-, U-Curls)

C-Curl Lash Extensions

C-curl lashes are the standard curl that lash technicians mostly use. With a C-curl, you’ll find that most of them have a 60-degree angle. 

This lash curl type is best worn for those with naturally average lash curls since it helps open up the eyes, making you look energetic, bright, and alert. It’s also perfect for those with pin-straight lashes to open up their eyes.

If you have heavy downward eyelashes, you should get C-curls if you want your eyes to look lifted. 

D-/CC-Curl Lash Extensions

This lash curl type is similar to C-curl eyelash extensions but is curlier at the tip. D-curl lashes, also known as CC-curls, are the best curls for those with down-angled natural lashes to offer them that noticeable and attractive look.

D-curl lash extensions are ideal for those whose natural lashes are pointing downward because they dramatically affect your eyes by making them look more open, elongated, and brighter. 

If you have droopy, deep-set, or hooded eyes, you can’t choose this lash extension curl due to its curl’s angle. 

Otherwise, these curls may irritate your eyes as they continuously brush against and prick your upper eyelids. 

U-/DD-Curl Lash Extensions

U-curl, also known as DD-curl lash extensions, are perfect for clients who have downward-angled eyelashes and want to achieve overdramatic doll-like lashes. 

Get these lash extensions if you want to have a noticeable curled lash effect with a dramatic upward curl. 

But similar to the issue with D-curl lashes, they tend to prick eyelids, especially those with heavily hooded eyes or upward-angle natural eyelashes. 

Because of that, the U-curl lash extensions are more suitable for those with lashes that have a natural angle. 

Lift-Up Curls (M-, L-, L+ Curls)

M-Curl Lash Extensions

This type of lash extension gives the opposite effect of what a J-curl offers. 

M-curl lash extensions have a smaller length with a straight base and a longer dramatic curl upward. Hence, this lash curl makes your downward-angled natural lashes look lifted. 

Its dramatic upward curl and angle create a wide-eye effect and a lash-lift look. 

Sadly, this curl type isn’t suggested for those with upward-angled lashes or hooded eyelids. 

L-Curl and L+ Curl Lash Extensions

As its name suggests, L-curl is an L-shaped lash extension. Basically, L-curls are C- or D-curls but with a flat base.

The L- and L+ curls were designed to lift naturally straight lashes and provide a wide-eyed effect to prospective clients with deep-set, hooded eyelids and older clients who have droopy eyelids. 

Its flat base helps the natural lash and lash extensions to adhere well together, leading to a secure and longer lash retention. 

The curled part of this lash extension helps give that lift to eyelashes that are facing down, making the eyes pop. 

However, remember that these lashes may appear unflattering and heavy when used on downward-angled lashes because of their long flat base. 

Better-Bonding Curls (EZ-Curls)

EZ-Curl Lashes

Compared to regular lash extensions, the EZ-curl lashes are straighter and have a more extended base that gives a more adhesive area for extensions. 

This enables beginner and even expert lash technicians to have a more effortless experience adhering fake eyelash extensions to natural lashes.  

Aside from that, EZ lash curls also offer better lash retention compared to other curls. 

EZ curls have several variations, ranging from the least curly to the curliest EZ curl type: EZ-J, EZ-B, EZ-C, or EZ-D curls.

Choose from them depending on the level of curl you want to wear. 

How to Choose the Best Lash Curl

Now that you know the different eyelash extension curls, check out the important general factors you should consider when choosing the best lash extensions for you. 

Eye Structure

If you want to prevent lash extensions from poking your delicate eyelids, consider the structure of your eye. 

Protruding or bulging eyes are best paired with soft curl types since strong curls make their eyes excessively open, which may look weird. 

If you have deep-set eyes (eyes deep in the sockets), you need softer curls, like C or B. 

But with standard eyes, you can try any lash curl type!

Eye Shape

For best results, know that different eye shapes require different lash extension curls. Remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to lash extensions. 

So just because a curl looks great on one person doesn’t mean it will look as good on another. 

To determine the right curl type for you, it’s important to understand the ten different eye shapes, including:

• Almond
• Close-set
• Deep-set 
• Downturned
• Hooded
• Monolid
• Protruding
• Round
• Upturned
• Wide-set

Understanding how lash extensions can enhance a client’s natural eye features is key to selecting the right curl type. 

For example, if a client has hooded eyes, choosing a curl with a longer base will ensure that the lashes are visible and not hidden by the extra skin around the eye. 

Meanwhile, if a client has round or protruding eyes, it’s best to avoid lash styles that open up the eye more, such as open-eye or doll-eye styles, since these will only make them look more stunned than stunning. 

Instead, you should elongate the eyes with the cat-eye lash extension style using a looser curl like a C curl to ensure that it balances out the eye’s roundness by creating the illusion of almond eyes.

Natural Lash Angle

When deciding on the curl type to choose, remember that the angle of your natural lashes will greatly affect the final look.

If you don’t know how to determine the best lashes for you, ask your trusted lash technician to help you out. 

Here are some examples. 

• Downward-angled lashes: Choosing curlier lashes can help open up your eyes. So opt for reasonably curly lash styles like D- and C-curls. 
• Upward lashes: The best choice for upward lashes is softer curls like C, B, and J. The natural eyelashes will push the lash extensions up, opening the eyes and making them look brighter. 
• Straight lashes: People with horizontal, straight-facing lashes can wear almost any curls, depending on their style. 
• Mixed lashes: For some people, parts of the lash line can have lashes that face in various directions. In this case, mixing lash curls makes the most sense to create a more harmonious look. 

Wearing Glasses or Not?

If you wear eyeglasses every day, you may need slightly stronger curls like M-, D-, or CC-curls. 

If you choose overly straight lash curls, they will touch your glasses’ lenses, which can be unsettling for you every time you blink. 

Do Eyelash Extensions Lose Their Curl?

A good set of eyelash extensions indeed look nice and can make you feel cool and invincible. 

Because of this boost in self-confidence given the new look, some clients become reckless and less cautious after getting fabulous lash extensions.

As much as possible, you should be mindful of your lashes since lash extensions are highly delicate and need attention and aftercare or maintenance. 

To maintain your lash extensions’ curls, avoid rubbing your lashes at all costs as this is one of the most common reasons they get loose and damaged. 

Several factors cause lash extensions to lose their curls too, which include natural wear and tear, heat, improper sleeping position, low-grade lash extension material, and lack of regular cleaning. 

Moreover, it’s important to note that lash extensions are not temporary like strip lashes, which only last a day. Instead, they are semi-permanent lashes that will fall off along with your natural lashes over time. 

Therefore, proper care is necessary to ensure they last longer and the curls remain intact. 

How to Maintain the Lash Curl

In maintaining lash curls, you should know how to preserve their overall shape and take it seriously. To do that, it’s equally important to make sure that your lash extensions are well-cleaned and maintained. 

Even though you chose the perfect lash curls for your eyes, everything could immediately go to waste if you don’t do the proper aftercare your lashes need regularly. 

If you want to know how to do lash aftercare correctly, here are some of the dos and don’ts you should remember:

Dos

• Go to a certified lash artist.
• Ask your lash tech questions.
• Brush your eyelashes regularly.
• Clean your lashes regularly.
• Get lash in-fills after two to three weeks.
• Let your lashes air dry.
• Protect your lashes from heat.
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase..

Don’ts

• Don’t apply waterproof mascara.
• Don’t get your new lash extensions wet after 24 hours.
• Don’t go for hot treatments.
• Don’t go to saunas.
• Don’t let hair products seep onto lashes.
• Don’t rub your eyes.
• Don’t pull or tug your lashes.
• Don’t sleep on your stomach.
• Don’t touch your lashes unless you’re cleaning them.
• Don’t use a lash curler.
• Don’t use abrasive materials to clean lashes.
• Don’t use oil-based facial products.

What Lash Curl Type Will You Choose?

Eyelash extensions come in different types of lash curls. 

Which is the best lash extension curl type out of all the different types of lash curls listed above? 

Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer since no curl is one-size-fits-all. The truth is our eyes are shaped differently, so there is no one type of curl that suits everyone. 

If you want to get the best lash extension curl suitable for your eyes and desired look, choose a lash salon with highly knowledgeable and trained lash technicians. 

Moreover, certified lash techs should be able to analyze your natural lashes and eye shape and determine which lash extension types suit you best!

Want to read more articles about lash extensions?

Check out the following articles:

• Hybrid Lashes: What You Need To Know About These Extensions
• 9 Best Lashes For Hooded Eyes To Suit Your Eye Shape 
• 10 Best Eyelash Extension Cleansers To Clean Lashes