Home / Blog · · By Olivia Berry
When you book extensions, the look is made of a few choices: curl, length, thickness and style. You do not have to pick them all yourself, but it helps to know what the words mean so you can describe what you want. Here is a quick guide.
Curl
The curl is the shape of the extension. Curls are labeled with letters, such as C or D. A C curl is a moderate lift. A D curl is a deeper curl and gives a more open, lifted look. A bigger curl is not always better. The right curl depends on how your natural lashes grow and how open you want your eyes to look.
Length
Length is measured in millimeters. Longer is not always more flattering. A set that is too long for your natural lashes can feel heavy and look unnatural. Lengths are chosen based on your natural lashes and are often varied across the eye so the set follows your eye shape.
A good rule is to choose a length you would be comfortable with every day, then ask for a little more only for special occasions. If you wear glasses, tell me so we can keep that in mind.
Thickness (diameter)
Thickness is the diameter of each extension, also measured in millimeters. Finer extensions feel lighter and look softer. Thicker extensions look darker and bolder. A natural lash can only carry so much weight, so the thickness is matched to your own lashes. Choosing the thinnest option that gives you the look you want is usually the most comfortable choice.
Style: classic or mixed
The style decides how the set is built. A Classic Full Set uses one extension per natural lash for a defined, natural look. A Mixed Full Set blends in volume-style fans for fullness. I explain these in classic vs mixed lash sets explained.
Describing the look you want
You do not need the technical words. It helps to tell me:
- the occasion: everyday, special event or both
- how noticeable you want it: natural, medium or dramatic
- anything you do not like about lashes you have had before
Photos are useful too. Bring a couple of examples of looks you like, and one or two you do not. Once we have talked it through, I will suggest a plan, and you are free to change your mind. It is your set. If you are not sure after the first fill, we can adjust the curl or length next time.
Cat-eye and doll-eye
You might see styles called cat-eye, which is longer at the outer corner, and doll-eye, which is longer toward the center. Whether a style suits you depends on your eye shape, and I can tell you what I think when we talk at your appointment. Neither is a rule. They are starting points that we can soften or push further.
What if you only want your own lashes?
If you would rather not add anything, a lash lift gives you a curl with your own lashes. You can add a tint for more depth. See lash lift vs lash extensions for how the two compare. For a full list of definitions, visit lash and brow terms explained.
When you book your first set, tell me the look you are going for and we will choose together. I am in Bothell, by appointment only, and booking is online through Square.
A final tip: start conservative on your first set. It is easier to go bolder on your next fill or full set than to live with something that feels like too much. Wear the first set for a couple of weeks, notice what you like and what you would change, and tell me at your fill. Over time we will fine-tune the curl, length and style until it feels like yours.
It also helps to think about your natural lash direction. Lashes that grow straight down or out need a different approach from lashes that already curl up, and that is a big part of why I choose curl and length once I can see your lashes up close. Two clients can ask for the same look and end up with slightly different sets, because each set is built around the lashes underneath it. That is a good thing, and it is why the look can feel like yours.