Different Types of Lash Extension Curls — and Which One Is Right for You
Discover the fundamentals of professional eyelash extension curls, breaking down their specific technical angles, unique eye-shape compatibility, and aesthetic effects - from natural lift to dramatic curve to help you choose the perfect customized look for your eyes.
Violetta 6 min read
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So, you’ve decided to get eyelash extensions and now have to choose between many types, styles, and volumes. It might get hard and even confusing. In this guide, written by a lash artist with over 9 years of experience, you will find out how to pick the right shape, curl, and volume based on your eye shape. Keep reading!
How to Choose the Right Lash Curl for Your Eye Shape
The choice always starts with an assessment of eye shape and natural lashes. What looks great on someone else might not be suitable for you. The goal is to figure out what would work best for YOU.
- Round Eyes
The goal here would be to soften the look and make the eyes appear more of an almond shape. For round eyes, we recommend C or L curls.
- Hooded eyes
Often characterized by excess skin on the eyelid. The goal would be to widen the eye and to make sure the eyelashes do not touch the eyelid. C curl is acceptable, but we prefer L curl with a flat base.
- Almond Shape
It looks great with many different styles and shapes. We notice the best results with C curls, but if you prefer a more dramatic look - D curl is acceptable. L and M curls could be used to create a specific effect.
- Monolid
It might sound counterintuitive but flatter lashes look best. We like B curls and even J curls for this shape. M curl could be used for more dramatic effect.
Why Lash Curl Type Makes a Huge Difference
Choosing the right curl is one of the easiest ways to ensure your lashes will look good with extensions. However, this isn’t really your job as a client. There are no good or bad curls, only better suited for certain eyes or occasions. If you prefer the most natural look, stick with B and C; if you’d like a more dramatic effect, you can’t go wrong with a D. If you’ve tried the classic looks and are looking for something special and trendy, try L or M shapes.
What happens if you choose the wrong curl? Good news! Lash extensions are semi-permanent, meaning they last as long as your natural lashes last, which is typically between 4 and 8 weeks. You can change a style during your refill, which typically takes place in about 2-3 weeks. If you are absolutely unhappy with a style that was done, you can ask your lash tech to remove the extensions right away, but honestly, the best approach would be to wait 2 weeks and make adjustments then.
The Most Common Lash Extension Curl Types
Below you will find the most commonly used curls in eyelash extension artistry. This guide can be used by both clients and beginner lash techs. Please note that the curls may vary by brand. Especially C and D as those are the most popular.
J Curl: The Most Natural Look
J, or sometimes referred to as A curl, is the flattest lash available and the least popular. It is mostly used to fill the inner eye or mix with other shapes and rarely on its own. Used to create a natural “Lash Lift” kind of look or an eyeliner effect.
B Curl: Soft Lift with a Natural Finish
Flat at the base, a slight curve from the middle to the tip of the lash. Used on clients who want the most natural type of extensions. Looks very good and natural on older clients and monolid. Commonly used in the inner corners to follow natural lash patterns.
Tip for lash artists: to create a B shape from C lash, cut 1 mm at the base on the extensions with scissors or a scalpel.
C Curl: The Most Popular Choice
Ohhh this is definitely our clients’ favorite. It is used to create a variety of styles: from the most natural looks to Wispy, Anime, Cat Eye, Eyeliner Effect, Kim K and so on. If unsure, go with C. You can always change it later. It works well for deep-set and downturned eyes.
D Curl: Dramatic Lift and Maximum Curve.
D calls for drama. It is way curlier than natural lashes, so it makes the extensions more noticeable and dramatic. It is mostly used in a mix with C to create a popular Wispy style or on its own for a bolder effect. We recommend using it carefully for clients with monolid, hooded eyes, downward-growing lashes, and anyone who is looking for a natural effect. It does look more glamorous and can be a great solution for people who wear false lashes daily.
L Curl: The Best Option for Straight and Downward-Pointing Lashes
L shape is different from what is commonly used, as it bends in the middle. Unpopular opinion: this shape is very underused and underestimated. It is a perfect solution for someone with short lashes, as you can use shorter length of the extensions and achieve longer-looking lashes without overweighting them. It is commonly suggested for clients with downward-facing lashes. It is also used to create more trendy styles, like Anime, Wispy, and Manga.
M Curl: Noticeable lift without overly round and dramatic finish.
Similar to L but instead of going straight from the middle like L-lash goes, it slightly curves. It is kind of a mix between L and D as it has a flat base, but a D-like finish. It is a perfect lash for a Doll effect.
How a Lash Artist Creates the Perfect Curl Combination
At Beauty Republic, we take great pride in customizing sets for each client individually. We have different lash curls available and can mix different ones across the set to create a look that would suit you best. Your first appointment with us will consist of the following steps:
Consultation. If you had extensions before and loved them, we encourage you to describe precisely what you had so we can match the set to your expectations. Not sure? Not a problem! Our talented artist will assess your eye shape, your natural lashes, ask about your preference, and suggest the best set for you. We will also look together at different examples of extensions to make sure we are on the same page.
Curl Selection. We have all types of extensions available to make sure we can create any look. The specific option chosen for your set will depend on the look we agreed upon as well as the direction of your lash growth.
Choosing the right thickness.The thickness and specific amount of lashes applied to each of your natural lashes will depend on your desired result, as well as your natural lash density.
Don’t guess! Schedule a consultation with our certified lash artist to find the perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions
