How to Choose the Proper Shape and Styling of Lash Extensions to Suit Your Client's Face Shape and Eyes?
Cat eye, Kim-K, Baby Doll, open eye; lash extensions allow various captivating shapes and styles that accentuate your client's eyes. They might come to your salon with their mind set on a specific look, convinced it will fit them well.
But one eyelashes extensions style will look alluring on one client and disproportionate on another. Regardless of how much you'd like to give them a look that matches their Pinterest or TikTok inspiration, that's only sometimes possible.
Always consider whether the style your client wants matches their eye shape. Your objective is to emphasize your client's natural beauty, which requires choosing the right lash extensions.
That's where your top-notch eyelash artist skills come into play. A successful lash extensions appointment starts with identifying the eye shape of your client and the best eyelash style.
8 Most Common Eye Shapes
Here are the eight eye shapes you'll see most often in your salon.
1. Almond Eyes
Almond eyes are typically the easiest to style due to being considered the most conventionally pleasing. Their name is self-explanatory - these eyes are almond-shaped, meaning their length surpasses the height, and the outer corners have a tiny upward flick.
Since this eye shape is highly versatile, it all comes down to personal preference. Every lash style will look attractive on them.
The Cat eye look makes almond eyes come off as mysterious and seductive, while the Doll eye and Open eye will make them more prominent. The latter especially suits green and blue eyes, making the style more dramatic and distinctive.
2. Close Set Eyes
Even though this is more about the spacing than eye shape, we included it as it affects the lash extensions style you should choose. The gap between these eyes is shorter than one eye, making it crucial to emphasize the outer corners.
As a result, nothing looks better on these eyes than the Cat Eye style, as it gives more length to the eyes in the outer corners and makes the gap look bigger.
3. Deep Set Eyes
Like the previous, deep-set eyes are about the eye position, but it impacts the eyelash extension style. These eyes are positioned deeper into the eye sockets, and your goal should be to make them come further out.
The best thing about this eye shape is that they're perfect for extensions, as they help create an effect of more depth. Because of that, the Open Eye and Baby Doll styles fit them best.
However, if your client has round eyes, go for the latter. But if they have another eye shape (especially hooded), choose the Open eye look.
4. Protruding Eyes
Contrary to deep-set eyes, protruding eyes are positioned more outward in the eye sockets, which is why they often overshadow other parts of the face. They're typically round and more prominent.
The ideal style emphasizes the outer corners of this eye shape. That makes the Cat Eye or the Kitten Eye (a shorter alternative) look the best for protruding eyes, giving them an almond-shaped eyes effect and extra length.
5. Downturned Eyes
The outer corners are turned downwards in downturned eyes. Inappropriate lash extensions could make them come across as tired, making it crucial to go for a style that gives the outer corners more volume and lifts them.
The Cat Eye look typically fits best eyes with this angle if they have naturally voluminous lashes. However, the Baby Doll and Open Eye styles are an equally good match, as they will concentrate the length toward the eyes' center and ensure the eyes don't look sad or exhausted.
6. Hooded Eyes
Inexperienced lash technicians often mix the hooded with monolid eyes. However, the former eye shape includes creases, but the excess skin folds over the upper eyelid.
The objective is to open up the eyes, making the Open Eye style ideal for the hooded shape. This look will create more length and fullness at the center, but you must taper off toward the outer and inner corners.
7. Single-Lid or Monolid Eyes
The creases are not visible at all in single-lidded eyes. Therefore, this eye shape requires a style that will open them up and make them look larger.
Since these eyes typically have straighter eyelashes, you should go for a mix of the Baby Doll and Cat Eye styles. That will add more length and flare to the outer corners while looking natural.
8. Round Eyes
Round eyes are prominent as the length and the height are (nearly) the same. People with this eye shape often look curious and bright, but inadequate extensions could make them come across as shocked or surprised.
That's why you should soften them and choose the Cat Eye or Natural style. The most extended eyelash extensions should be on the outer corners of the eyes, creating the illusion of an almond-eye shape.
Remember Your Client's Face Shape
Face shape also plays a significant role in choosing the right lash extensions for your client. For instance, dramatic looks are better suited for wide faces, but you should avoid the Open and Doll Eye style.
On the other hand, a narrow face shape will carry those lash extensions looks effortlessly. But the Cat Eye style is among those you should avoid when choosing eyelashes for clients with narrow face shapes.
Finally, remember the curl of your client's natural lashes. J, B, and C are the most suitable curl for upward-growing eyelashes, while C, D, U, and M are best for those with a downward angle.
Straight natural lashes look good with every curl type, while L and L+ are ideal for downward-growing monolid eyes.
Plan the Ideal Eyelash Extension with Mapping Technique
Lash mapping represents the technique that will help you plan the thickness, curls, and lengths you will use for eyelash extensions for each of your clients. Once you master mapping, you'll feel more free to experiment with different styles, as every client has a unique eye shape.
Although they will likely want a specific lash look, you must always provide expert suggestions and opinions. Be supportive and explain why some extension styles are better for their eye shape and angle than others.
Also, remember that you can never practice mapping enough. The more you try, the better you'll get at choosing the best look for your clients.
Selecting the most alluring lash extension for your client's eye shape can be challenging. It takes practice and paying attention to detail.
But with patience, passion, and adequate equipment, you'll get there. Let your client's unique beauty guide you, and rely on your artistry and supplies to create the look that will emphasize their features.
