Classic lash extensions vs. flat lash extensions

Lash experts BELO Lash explain the differences between flat lashes and classic extensions so you can make the best choice in your eyelash treatment.

What are Classic Lash Extensions as opposed to Flat Lashes?

Eyelash extensions come in a wide variety of lengths, curls, and finishes, so you’re wondering which ones to go for in your lash treatments. You might have heard of "flat lashes," one kind of lash extension, but what are they exactly? How do they vary from conventional eyelash extensions?

Lash specialists BELO Lash explain the differences between flat lashes and classic lashes, and how to decide between different lash styles for your set.

CLASSIC VS FLAT LASHES

Flat lashes and conventional eyelash extensions differ significantly in terms of weight and shape.

Do not be misled; flat lashes possess a lovely curl. In actuality, flat lashes—also referred to as cashmere or ellipse lashes—can be offered in a variety of lash lengths and curls depending on what brand of extensions your lash tech uses. BELO's cashmere flat lashes are available in a D curl, for example.

The word "flat lashes" refers to the shape of the fibres which the extensions are made from. The main distinction between flats and traditional eyelash extensions is that, as you might have guessed, flats have flatter fibres than traditional lashes. Flat lashes benefit from a concave base on the lash extension that creates a wider bonding area for the adhesive to attach the extension to the natural lash, whereas traditional extensions are round in shape with a smaller surface area.

BELO Cashmere Flat Lashes

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF FLAT VERSUS CLASSIC LASHES?

Flat lashes provide many advantages for your lash sets, especially if you opt for classic lashes, where one eyelash extension is attached to each of the client's natural lashes.

BETTER RETENTION

As mentioned previously, compared to classic extensions, the concave shape of a flat lash provides a wider bonding area for the flat extension to cling to the natural lash. This is due to the fact that a flat lash's concave shape hugs the natural lash's shape, whereas a traditional lash extension's circular base is positioned on top of the eyelash.

As lash adhesive can wrap the natural lashes more efficiently on a greater bonding surface, flat lashes retain eyelash extensions better than classical. The eyelash extension is securely fixed onto the natural lashes because there is a bigger area of contact between them.

This means that flat lashes offer better retention potential for your lashes and that your beautiful sets can last longer!

FEELING WEIGHTLESS

Flat lashes weigh around half as much as traditional eyelash extensions.

This advantage of flat lashes over classic is obvious, as your lash extensions will feel completely weightless. Additionally, because flats are lighter than traditional lash extensions, less stress is put on the lash glue, which improves retention.

PERFECT FINISH

Split tips on the extension are a common feature of flat or elliptical lashes. BELO loves the way a split tip can give eyelash extensions a fluttery finish. Flat lashes with a split tip can give a faux-volume impression which you just can't get using traditional eyelash extensions for classic lashes. Flat lashes give natural-looking lash sets a hint of glitz.

BELO's Cashmere Classic Flat Lashes are 0.2 thick, ultra dark, split tip lashes that nicely add a dark lash finish to any classic lash combination. Their Cashmere flat lash extensions, which come in single length trays of 9-16 mm and D curl mixed length trays of 8-15 mm, are the ideal choice for clients who desire traditional lashes but still want a beautiful finish.

WHAT MAKES FLAT LASHES UNSUITABLE FOR VOLUME LASHES?

Flat lashes are not intended for use in volume lash treatments. Please be aware of any lash tech that tries to use flat lashes for volume sets. Despite being lightweight, flats are not as well suited to producing the volume lash fans required for a volume set because of their concave shape.

The circular shape of traditional eyelash extensions is more suited for volume lashes as they are more regular in shape. Volume lash fans are created using 2–18 traditional lashes, depending on whether you’re producing a volume or super volume full set. The bases of traditional lash extensions are more consistent and bind better in a fan than ellipse.

CAN I APPLY HYBRID SETS WITH ELLIPSE FLAT LASHES?

Yes! For hybrid eyelash extensions, using flat lashes is a fantastic technique to guarantee retention and a lovely, light set. You’re alright as long as you use flat lashes for 1:1 applications rather than volume fans.

Why pick one side between classic and flat eyelashes?

For traditional lash sets, BELO adore using elliptical flat lashes. Their Cashmere lashes have a split tip, are extremely black, and have enough thickness and curl to add a touch of glitz to any set of traditional lashes.

This does not mean that traditional lash extensions can't provide dramatic, full sets of volume lashes. By following the proper pre- and post-treatment procedures, you may still guarantee maximum retention while utilising traditional eyelash extensions to produce volume fans.

Read BELO's blog on eyelash retention to get more advice if you’re struggling with retention issues.

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