Like any industry, the eyelash industry has its own terminology, or “lash lingo”. The following terms will be quite useful if you’re a newbie to lashing and want to learn the language. With some study and practice, you’ll be using them like a pro in no time!
The following is your one-stop-shop for all the terminology used in the lashing industry. So next time someone mentions the word ‘Cyanoacrylate’ or ‘Crystallizing’ you’ll know exactly what they are talking about.
Here are all the lash extension terminology explained:
- Adhesive: The glue used to bond an extension to the natural lash.
- After Care: The practice of cleaning, brushing, and using extension-safe products at home between your lash refills. Also an abbreviation of “aftercare products.”
- Allergy: Some people may have an allergic reaction to substances in the glue used in the lash application.
- American Volume: 6D or more lash lengths across the lash line.
- Base: This refers to the very bottom of the lash extension and sometimes the bottom of the natural lashes where it meets the lash line.
- Before and After: An artist will often take a photo of the lashes before and after the application and use these two shots to create a single image that can be used as digital marketing content to demonstrate their ability.
- Blepharitis: is inflammation of the oil glands in your eyelids, which results in your eyelids becoming red, itchy, and swollen. The bases of your eyelashes may also look scaly.
- Blooming: Blooming can occur when excessive moisture is applied too quickly to the lash glue during the curing process resulting in the whitening or crystalizing of the glue. AKA: blanching, shocking.
- Bond: The attachment between the lash extension and the natural lash created with glue. A glue bonder can be used to speed up the curing process and improve the retention of the extensions.
- Burping: The method of releasing any air from the nozzle of the adhesive bottle by sitting the bottle down upright and giving it a gentle squeeze to “burp” the bottle.
- C-Curl: is used most commonly for just a bit of lift. CC Curl is, as you guessed, slightly curlier than C Curl.
- Carbon Black: Black coloring
- Cat Style: To create the illusion of wide-set “exotic” eyes, you would use the longest lashes towards the outside edge of the lashes. Suits: Almond, Close-set, and Round eyes.
- Certificate: The credentials that show your lash technician was trained in the lashing technique.
- Classic Lashes: The “original” method of gluing one synthetic lash to one human lash, and typical thickness ranges from .10 to .15.
- Cleansing Brush: A soft bristle brush used to clean your eyelash extensions.
- Color: Lash extensions come in many colors.
- Conjunctivitis: Pink eye caused by a bacteria or virus.
- Contraindications: A contraindication is a medical term that is a condition that serves as a reason to withhold a certain treatment. It refers to a reason which would stop lash extension applications from being performed.
- Cornea: The clear front outer layer of your eye. It covers the iris.
- Cosmetologist: A licensed beauty professional who has studied a broad range of beauty treatments, including lash and brow services and hair and nails. Cosmetology is a more comprehensive qualification than esthetician.
- Cure: Curing is a chemical process in which the adhesives crystallize completely. Eyelash extensions cure rather than dry. Curing transitions the glue from a liquid to a solid from the outside going in.
- Curing: Eyelash extension cures rather than dries. Curing transitions the glue from a liquid to a solid from the outside in.
- Curl: Lash extensions have different curl patterns; some lashes are curlier than others.
- Cyanoacrylate: the main ingredient in adhesives; a colorless liquid that ranges from thin to thick viscosity. This is what makes lash adhesive sticky.
- D Curl: Very curly and creates the most curl drama. DD Curl is also slightly curlier than D Curl.
- D: A measure of Volume lashing where the number in front of the “D” represents the number of single-strand extensions applied to a single natural lash. For example, 3D is three extensions per 1 natural lash. Options range from 2D up to 20D or more!
- Diameter: The width or thickness of an individual eyelash extension. The width is measured in millimeters and can range from .03-.25
- Dimension: The length of the eyelash extension. Eyelashes are measured in millimeters and can range from 4mm-15mm.
- Dolly-Style: Using longer lengths throughout the lashes’ midsection will create the appearance of large, open eyes. Hence the name “Dolly .”Suits: Almond and Wide-set eyes.
- Dramatic-Style: Lash extensions can create a dramatic look.
- Dry Time: The length it takes for an eyelash extension to adhere to the natural lash.
- Ergonomics: The body positioning and comfort of the client and technician are affected by the positioning of various things such as chairs/tables, work surfaces, lighting, etc.
- Esthetician: A qualified beauty professional trained in facial and skin-related treatments, and lashes and brows, but does not study hair and nail-related services. This is a less comprehensive qualification than cosmetology, the other main qualification in the beauty industry. Extension: A single eyelash extension.
- Eyelash Extensions: Lash extensions are usually made from synthetic material used in the enhancement of natural lashes. AKA: extensions, individual lashes, lashes.
- False Lashes: Pre-constructed lashes that are glued on as a whole or partial piece above or under the natural lash line. False lashes can be applied to oneself – they are NOT individual extensions. Commonly known as fake lashes, strip lashes, falsies.
- Fill: A “maintenance” application done typically every 2 to 3 weeks to fill in any lashes that have fallen off.
- Flare Lashes: Small clusters of lashes, with or without knots at the base, applied with a variety of glues that can keep them on anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Also known as cluster lashes, and sometimes referred to as “individuals” even though they are not a single hair.
- Flat Lashes: A type of extension that is not round but has an oval shaft and sometimes a groove on the underside. Flat lashes sit on top of the natural lash to create a fuller line at the base.
- Formulated for use with Eyelash Extensions: A range of cosmetics that do not negatively affect the bond between the extension and the natural lash.
- Full-Set: A fresh application of lash extensions on as many natural lashes as possible.
- Fumes: The emissions of the glue in a liquid state during the curing process and sometimes after the lashes have been applied. AKA: vapor, gas, smoke.
- Gel Pad: The shield used under the eye to cover the lower lashes and protect the top and bottom lashes from becoming bonded together during the lashing process. AKA patches, pads, and gel patches.
- Glitter Lashes: Synthetic lashes can be encrusted with glitter for a more dramatic look.
- Glue: The substance used to connect the lash extension to the natural lash. AKA: adhesive. When lash glue gets old, it will typically get stringy and not dry or bond properly.
- Heat Bonded: A new innovation for pre-made fans – individual lashes are held together at the base by a heat bond rather than adhesive, making them thinner at the base and lighter.
- Humidity: The level of moisture in the air that is appropriate for the type of glue used. Humidity levels should be between 40% to 60%. A hygrometer is used to measure humidity. Some glues are known as low-humidity glues, but really they all perform better with the proper humidity level in your room.
- Hybrid: Hybrid Lashes refer to a set of lash extensions using a combination of both classic and Volume techniques.
- Hydroquinone: A safe acid that prevents a substance (such as adhesive) from curing too quickly. You will find this substance in the list of ingredients in many skincare products.
- Hypoallergenic: means a product contains few allergy-producing substances known as allergens
- Immediate retention: For how long the lashes adhere immediately following placement. This is determined during the appointment as the artist brushes through the lashes.
- Iris: A colored, ring-shaped membrane behind the eye’s cornea, with an adjustable circular opening (pupil) in the center. Otherwise known as the colored part of your eye.
- Isolation: Separating a single natural lash from the rest of the lashes on the lash line using a tweezer using your non-dominant hand.
- J-Curl: is the most like natural lashes. J Curl or I Curl are sometimes used as bottom lashes or as eyebrow extensions.
- Jade Stone: This is a flat disc-shaped stone made from a type of jade called Nephrite. The glue is placed on top, and the coolness of the stone stops the glue from drying prematurely.
- Kim K-Style: one of the most popular lash styles. The Kim-K lash look involves placing ‘spikes’ (longer lengths) in different sections of the eye to create a wispy set. Suits: Almond and Round Eyes
- Lash Bridging: a technique where you create a foundational bridge to provide consistent density to a lash line.
- Lash Capping: This is a rehabilitation method where you add eyelash extensions to existing extensions.
- Lash Cycle: The growth cycle of the human lashes.
- Lash Line: The edge of the upper or lower lid from which the eyelashes grow.
- Lash Primer: A substance used to extend lash retention of extensions by cleansing the natural lashes and removing any makeup, dirt, and oil for a longer-lasting bond.
- Lashes: Natural lashes or extensions.
- LD-Curls: Perfect for your clients with hooded eyelids and deep-set droopy eyes.
- Length: The actual measurement of the lash measured in millimeters (mm). Extensions can range from 6mm-18+mm in length.
- Lights: Adequate lighting of the lashes is very important for the accurate placement of extensions. Having good lighting also reduces eye strain for the lash artist.
- Look Book: A collection of photos demonstrating the various styles an artist can create, often made up of before and after shots. See also: Before and After. Loupes: A pair of precision magnifiers (that are sometimes fitted to glasses) to provide an extreme close-up view of the lashes worn during application.
- Loose Lashes: Lashes that do not come in a strip or tray but are single lashes placed loosely in a jar. These lashes are less desirable to work with.
- M-Plus Curl: For your customers that have natural lashes with an extreme downward-facing angle.
- Mapping: A visual plan or chart of where different lashes should be placed, considering the variations available in Curl, thickness, and length. AKA Lash Map or Lash Chart.
- Mascara: One of the benefits of extensions is a reduced need for mascara to be used. However, if using mascara, it must be formulated for use with eyelash extensions.
- Mask: Masks can be used by lash artists who may be sensitive to glue fumes during application. Good ventilation is important when applying lashes for both the artist and the lash lover. AKA: the face mask.
- Material: The substance from which the eyelash extensions are manufactured.
- Medical-Grade: A quality factor used in relation to the adhesive, meaning it’s used in medical procedures and eyelash extension applications.
- Micropore Tape: Medical grade tape used for many different eyelash extension preparation needs, including, but not limited to, taping down the lower lashes in preparation for the lash extensions.
- Mega Volume: the latest trend, which uses six or more .03-.06 thickness of extensions. Similar to traditional Russian Volume, extensions tend to be longer than 1-2mm.
- Microbrush: A small micro-fiber applicator used to remove or clean lash extensions and natural lashes.
- Microswab: These are disposable eyelash-cleaning brushes. Microswabs can be used to apply removers and primer.
- Millimeter: The metric system unit of measurement of the diameter and length of lash extensions. (mm.)
- Mink lashes: taken from the actual animal, this lash extension material is becoming less popular since synthetic materials improve without involving living animals. These lashes do not hold Curl, they cost more, and can potentially cause allergic reactions.
- Nano Mister: A small handheld device that allows a fine mist of water to coat the lashes during and after the lash application. Also known as a Nebulizer or humidifier. Be careful not to apply too much mist, as blooming can occur.
- Natural Lash: Human eyelashes.
- Nebulizer: The same as the nano mister, commonly used in the medical field, but also used in place of the handheld nano mister.
- Ombre: Two-tone lashes that blend the colors. For example, dark brown at the base and blond at the tip.
- Optic-Nerve: It carries light signals from your retina to your brain, which turns them into images.
- Outgrown: Outgrown lashes are when natural lashes have grown, and it is time to replace the old extensions with new extensions.
- Patch Test: A diagnostic method used to determine which specific substances cause allergic inflammation of a patient’s skin.
- Polymerization: Cyanoacrylate is composed of single monomers (aka molecules) in liquid form. When these single monomers are exposed to water, they attach to one another to make a polymer (chain of multiple molecules). This process is known as polymerization.
- Pre-Made Fans: Time-saving fans that are pre-made in various configurations.
- Primer: Used to prepare lashes for eyelash extension application. It is a liquid product that removes protein build-up, natural oils, makeup, and any residue from the natural lashes. This process can also help the extensions bond securely.
- Pro-Made Fans: These are made by the lash artist in advance and saved for later to cut down appointment times.
- Rapid Fans: Individual volume lash extensions that are joined together at the base, on the tray, with a temporary adhesive. This allows for easy pickup of instant volume fans.
- Realistic: The art of making the lashes look like they are natural lashes.
- Remover: A solution that breaks down the glue used to remove old extensions that may be damaged or look less than perfect. Remover can be in many forms, such as gel, liquid, cream, and both in sensitive and extra-strength formulas.
- Retention: The length of time the lash extension remains bonded to the natural lash, determined by various factors such as the quality of the glue used, the technician’s skill, the environment, natural lash health, and the aftercare regime.
- Round-Style: Applying lash extensions to follow the way in which the natural lashes sit will create fuller and longer-looking lashes whilst maintaining the natural eyelash pattern. Suits: Almond and Upturned eyes.
- Russian Volume: A volume technique originating from Russia, when three or more lashes are applied to the natural lash and are only 1-2mm longer than the natural lash (usually no longer than 10mm), with a thick lash line that arches in a straight line, rather than a textured or staggered, wispy line, which describes American Volume.
- Sanitation: Using universal precautions in cleansing tools and workstation area between each client. A clean working environment and requirements learned in beauty school to become a cosmetologist or esthetician.
- Sclera: The white outer layer of the eyeball.
- Sealant: A liquid coating used on lash extensions as an aftercare treatment to help retention. Commonly known as a coating sealant or protective coating.
- Shedding: The natural process of eyelashes growing and falling out. Snatched: A form of expression when describing a volume fan having a skinny base for the best attachment.
- Spoolie: A small, specially designed brush used to separate the lashes before, during, and after as part of aftercare treatment. Typical made from nylon fibers but also can be made with silicone, aka Mascara Wand.
- Shock Polymerization: occurs when your adhesive cures too fast and the lash extensions lift off very easily. The active ingredient, Cyanoacrylate, must polymerize for the adhesive to dry or “cure.”
- Silk Lashes: A very soft eyelash extension. These eyelashes tend to lose Curl and are sized less consistently than synthetic mink.
- Squirrel Style: This look is created by starting short and gradually getting longer, with the halfway point being the longest length, and then gradually getting shorter again. Suits: Almond, Close-set, Downturned, Monolid, Hooded, Protruding, and Round eyes.
- Stacking Lashes: A technique where you place fine hair onto one natural lash in a fanned shape to create more Volume.
- Sterilization: The process of removing bacteria and germs from tools and workstation areas to avoid cross-contamination. It can be achieved through methods such as heat, UV, or chemicals. A few different options for sterilizing are barbicide, autoclave, or glass bead sterilizers.
- Stickies: Lashes that have become glued together during an eyelash extension application. Stickies can occur when your client’s natural lash has not been completely isolated and/or if you have not allowed the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next lash for application.
- Styling: The completed look of the lash extension set using varying lengths and diameter lash extensions.
- Synthetic Lashes: factory-made lashes made of a plastic fiber called Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT). PBT is a thermoplastic semi-crystalline polymer, and a type of polyester, that is heated and molded into the desired lash shape that sets as it cools.
- Synthetic Mink Lashes: These man-made eyelash extensions are the most popular in the industry. They hold their Curl, come in true black, are the most consistent, and are easy to work with. Buy synthetic mink lashes on Amazon!
- Technician: The person applying lash extensions.
- Temperature: Room temperature should be between 70-76 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your customers comfortable and your glue performing in optimal condition.
- Tools: Specialized instruments, such as tweezers, tape, gel patches, and anything used to apply eyelash extensions.
- Training: A specialist course lash artists attend to become certified in applying eyelash extensions. This is typically done in addition to either a cosmetology or esthetics qualification.
- Tray: The packaging in which rows of single-strand lashes are kept safe.
- Tweezers: The main tool used in the application of lash extensions. Tweezers are available in a range of tip configurations, including Angular, Curved flat, Curved, Precision, Needle nose, Doe foot, and L shape.
- Two-Tone: Lash extensions with two colors on each lash extension. Black color at the base of the extension, and the top half or tip of the extension is a different color. For example, we offer plum purple, royal blue, magenta red, forest green, sable brown, and new bright, vibing colors. AKA ombre.
- Under Eye: The area beneath the eye that is protected by a combination of medical tape and gel patches during the lashing process.
- Unique: A look created just for you by your lash artist.
- Viscosity: The consistency, thickness, or texture of a product.
- Visual field: Your entire range of sight, including peripheral vision.
- Volume: Volume Lashing is a technique that involves the application of multiple single-strand eyelash extensions to one natural lash while maintaining the health and safety of the client’s natural lashes. This is created by using extra thin eyelash extensions (.05 to .07). Volume lashes typically consist of anywhere between 2 hairs and five hairs per natural lash, but they can also be more. Additionally, a low-viscosity adhesive specified for Volume lashing is used.
- W-lash: Pre-made lash extensions, three strands, shaped in a W. AKA 3D.
- Wash: Lash cleanser or lash wash shampoo, developed for use on lash extensions, is safe for daily use.
- Water Line: Where your eyelids meet to close your eyes. In other words, it’s the area between the base of your lashes and your eyeball.
- Weight: The pressure on the natural lash is created by attaching a lash extension to the natural lash.
- Wrapping: When you wrap the lash extension on the natural lash, the weight can be evenly distributed, causing less stress on the natural lash and leading to maximum retention.
- Xtreme: Bigger, fuller, fluffier lashes.
- Y lash / Split tip Lash: Y or split tip lash extensions are strands of hair with a dual tip at the end of the extension.
- Y-Lash: Pre-made lash extensions, two strands, shaped in a Y. AKA 2D.
