Natural Eyelash Extensions: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

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While long, dramatic eyelash extensions are one of the hottest trends today, not every client aims for the lashes-to-the-sky look.

In fact, some clients prefer to have natural eyelash extensions to enhance their natural eyelashes, making their eyes pop without looking fake or overdramatic. 

But is it possible to achieve natural-looking lashes with eyelash extensions? 

Of course! With proper research about the best lash length, diameter, and curls and the help of a professional lash technician, you can achieve a natural lash extension look!

This article will discuss everything you need to know about natural lash extensions—from which types of lash extensions to get, factors to achieve natural-looking lashes, to lash extension aftercare.

If you want to know more about natural eyelash extensions, read to the end to get all the info and tips you need for your next trip to the lash salon.

Who Needs Natural Eyelash Extensions?

Natural eyelash extensions are an excellent option for a variety of people, including:

People with Thin, Short, and Sparse Lashes

If you have naturally thin or short lashes, natural eyelash extensions can help create the appearance of fuller and longer lashes.

People Who Want Subtle Eyelash Extensions

Natural eyelash extensions may be a good choice if you want a subtle enhancement to your lashes without them looking too dramatic or unnatural.

People Who Want to Enhance Their Natural Beauty

Natural eyelash extensions can enhance your natural beauty by opening your eyes and making them appear more pronounced without looking fake.

People Who Want to Skip Mascara or Eyelash Curlers

Natural eyelash extensions can be a great alternative to daily mascara application. Plus, they do not require eyelash curlers.

So, natural eyelash extensions can help you save time on your daily makeup routine. 

REMINDER: Eyelash extensions are not suitable for everyone. It’s always good to consult a certified lash technician or dermatologist before the procedure, especially if you have sensitive eyes or skin or have an existing eye condition such as glaucoma or dry eye.

Natural-Looking Lash Extensions: Is It Possible?

Natural-looking extensions are absolutely possible! Just be sure to ask for natural eyelash extensions if you want natural-looking lashes. 

The key here is to ensure that the technician you are working with is a qualified and experienced lash professional. 

When you visit a professional technician for eyelash extensions, they will work with you to create a look that suits your individual needs and preferences. 

If you request natural eyelash extensions, clearly communicating your preferences to your chosen lash tech is essential so they understand the look you want.

This means telling them exactly what you are expecting as the final result, like the length and thickness of the extensions and the overall look.

After your lash consultation, your technician should be able to create a customized look and a natural-looking set of extensions that will enhance your existing lashes while still appearing natural.

Classic Vs. Volume Vs. Hybrid: Which are the Most Natural Lash Extensions?

Even though new eyelash extensions have emerged, the OGs of eyelash extensions — the classic and volume lash styles — are still the most popular in the lash industry. 

And these types of lashes are also easy to customize for a more natural look.

You can even ask for a combination of the classic and volume lash extensions known as hybrid lash extensions.

Still trying to understand which are the best natural eyelash extensions for you? To help you decide, let’s look at your options for natural-looking lash extensions:

Classic Natural Eyelash Extensions

Classic lash extensions, also known as individual lashes, are applied on a 1:1 ratio. This means one lash extension is attached to one natural lash. 

These lashes can be achieved using either 0.10, 0.12, or 0.15mm diameter lash extensions. These types of classic lash extensions can be made of synthetic or natural materials. 

Classic eyelash extensions are the most popular and traditional style since they give you natural-looking results which are not heavy on the eye. 

So, if you’re a beginner to eyelash extensions and you want a natural look, it’s best to try these classic natural looking eyelash extensions first. 

This set of lashes will be perfect for anyone who wants just enough lash enhancement to stand out while still looking naturally beautiful.

If you request the classic natural eyelash extensions, expect the result to be subtle and lengthening without too much fullness or volume. 

Check out this classic lash extension set:

Classic lash extensions can make you look like you’re just wearing good mascara!

Volume Natural Eyelash Extensions

Volume lash extensions, also known as Russian volume lash extensions, are made by applying a “lash fan” made of two to ten 0.03 to 0.10 mm diameter lashes to one of your natural lashes, thereby creating dense, thick lashes. 

Compared to classic lashes, the extensions used for volume lashes are ultra-fine synthetic fiber made to be thinner and lighter, even though more eyelashes are attached to one lash. 

Because they aren’t too heavy, these extensions can give you a more dramatic eye look yet still look natural on the eyes.

With volume eyelash extensions, the “D” stands for multi-dimension, which specifies the number of lash extensions in every volume lash fan or the number of lash extensions attached to one natural eyelash. 

These are the different options:

• 2D and 3D lightweight volume lashes — two to three lightweight extensions on every natural lash
• 4D and 5D medium-weight volume lashes — three to four lightweight extensions on every natural lash
• 6D+ heavyweight volume lashes — six or more lightweight extensions on every natural lash

Opting for lightweight to medium-weight volume lashes is best if you’re looking for natural-looking volume lashes. 

Check out these volume lash extensions:

Lightweight volume lash extensions look more dramatic and give you a more “fluffy effect” than classic lash extensions. 

Hybrid Eyelash Extensions

If you want a combination of classic and volume lash extensions, hybrid lash extensions, also known as American volume lashes,  are the perfect set of lashes for you!

Hybrid lashes are a great compromise between the two lash types, which gives you natural-looking fuller lashes.  

Because it’s the best of both worlds, this lash style is often requested. It’s also popular for being customizable and looking like very natural lash extensions while still being fuller than the classic extensions.

These lash extensions are ideal if you prefer a more dramatic look that is not as full-looking as volume lashes. 

Check out these hybrid lash extensions:

Hybrid lashes definitely give your lashes that extra oomph but still look more natural than volume lashes!

Factors to Consider for Natural-Looking Lash Extensions

There are several factors to consider to achieve natural-looking lash extensions:

Material

The most important factor to consider is the materials of your falsies. Common materials used for natural eyelash extensions are silk, mink, and synthetic. 

Each material has its unique characteristics and benefits. Here is a brief overview of each:

1. Silk eyelash extensions

• Made from a synthetic material that mimics the look and feel of mink lashes. 
• Considered more durable than mink lashes and are more affordable, making them a popular option among professionals and customers. 
• Thicker and more durable than synthetic extensions
• More flexible and have a softer texture, which creates a natural look.

2. Mink eyelash extensions

• Made from the hairs of minks
• Considered the most natural-looking and the most lightweight extensions
• Considered a premium product
• More expensive than synthetic and silk extensions
• Ideal for people who want a very natural look and don’t want their lashes to feel heavy.

3. Synthetic extensions

• Made from a man-made artificial material
• The most affordable option
• Less flexible and stiffer than silk and mink extensions
• Less durable and tend to have a shiny appearance which can make them look fake
• Not ideal for people who want a natural look.

So which is the best eyelash extension material to use to achieve natural-looking lashes?

Lashes made of silk or mink are considered the most natural eyelash extensions. 

These extensions mimic the look and feel of your lashes and can blend in seamlessly with natural lashes. They are also more flexible and lightweight than synthetic lashes.

Length

To achieve natural-looking eyelash extensions, your extensions should only extend 2mm of the natural length of your natural lashes. This ensures that the extensions blend in seamlessly with your natural lashes.

According to lash experts, natural lashes should be shorter toward the inner corners of the eye and longer toward the outer corners. 

A good lash technician won’t exaggerate this pattern. Otherwise, it may result in a dramatic cat-eye, which does not look that natural.

Thickness

As much as possible, avoid getting lash extensions that are too thick, like those at 0.18 mm, 0.20 mm, or thicker!

The thickness of the extensions should be similar to the natural thickness of your lashes or just slightly thicker. This will help prevent the extensions from looking too heavy or unnatural.

Curl

The curl of your extensions should match the natural curl of your lashes to create a natural and seamless look.

Choosing anything curlier than your natural lashes might look unnatural, which goes against the plan of having natural-looking lashes. 

For the most natural curl, opt for B and C lashes. If you tend to curl your eyelashes before you apply mascara, choose a combination of C and D extensions to give you the most natural look!

Color

One of the best ways to achieve natural-looking lashes is to opt for a color that best matches the color of your natural lashes.

Remember that darker extensions will give you a more dramatic look, while lighter extensions will give you a more natural look.

Black lash extensions are the most common lash extensions, but you can also give brown lashes a try for elevated natural-looking lashes.

You might be pleasantly surprised to see how stunning and natural brown lashes look on you!

Lash Quality

The quality of the lashes that your lash tech uses is also important, as lower-quality lashes may have uneven lengths, thicknesses, or curls, making them look unnatural.

Application

The extensions should be applied to mimic the natural growth pattern of your lashes. This will help create a natural and seamless look.

Lash Artist

It’s essential to find a skilled and experienced lash artist who can understand your needs and apply your extensions in a way that will achieve the natural look you want. 

Remember that the final result will depend heavily on your lash tech’s skill and the quality of the extensions used. 

Finding a qualified and experienced technician who can customize the look of your extensions is one of the best ways to ensure you get a natural-looking set of extensions that you’re sure to love.

How to Maintain Your Natural-Looking Eyelash Extension?

Maintaining natural-looking eyelash extensions requires proper care and regular touch-ups.

Here are some tips for maintaining your extensions:

Clean Your Lashes Regularly

Clean your lashes with a gentle, oil-free cleanser designed for eyelash extensions. This will help remove the dirt, oil, and makeup that can cause the extensions to become dirty and lose their natural-looking appearance.

Brush Your Lashes

Use a clean, soft-bristled brush to gently brush your lashes every day. This will help keep them from clumping and tangling, and it will also help distribute the natural oils from your skin throughout the extensions, keeping them looking natural.

Avoid Oil-Based Products

Avoid using oil-based products near your extensions, as oils can weaken the adhesive and cause your extensions to fall off.

Avoid Excessive Heat

Avoid exposing your extensions to excessive heat, such as from saunas, steam rooms, or hot yoga. This can cause the extensions to lose their shape and become less natural-looking.

Be Gentle When Removing Makeup

Be gentle when removing your eye makeup, and avoid tugging or pulling at the extensions because this can cause them to fall off or become misaligned.

Regular Touch-Ups

Regular touch-ups are crucial for keeping your extensions looking natural. Your technician will be able to fill in any gaps caused by natural lash growth and loss and ensure the extensions remain properly attached.

Following these tips and maintaining regular touch-ups can help keep your natural-looking eyelash extensions looking great for longer. 

Whenever you are unsure, it’s always best to consult your technician for specific aftercare instructions.

Try Natural Eyelash Extensions Today

If you want to step up your lash game and elevate your natural lashes, you can absolutely use lash extensions for some length and volume and still keep them looking natural. 

If you’re still a lash extensions beginner, you can start by getting one of the natural lash extensions listed above. 

And be sure to choose extensions closest to how your natural lashes look so that your extensions blend in seamlessly.

Lastly, choose the best lash technician and let them know your preferences, likes, dislikes, and all the details you can about the results you want to achieve.

If you remember the important tips we’ve shared, you can find the perfect eyelash extensions that look natural and beautiful!

Want to read more articles about lash extensions?

Check out the following articles:

• Classic Lashes VS. Hybrid Lashes: Compare The Differences In These Lash Styles
• Cat Eyelash Extensions: Are They Perfect For Your Eye Shape?
• Cluster Lashes: Why You Should Avoid It + Lash Alternatives