What are Hybrid Lash Extensions?

What do Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and J.Lo have in common, aside from enormous Insta followings, glamorous lives, and flawless skin?

No, it’s not the start of a bad joke. In fact, they have many things in common, but most importantly: they get Lash Extensions. While this isn’t exactly groundbreaking, the interesting thing is how they are getting them done.

Celebrities like Kim K have recently popularised the Hybrid Lash Extension, which is a method of combining the Classic and Russian Volume techniques to create an enhanced natural look. This has since made its way into popular culture (check out #hybridlashes on Instagram), and become a sought out service in lash salons around the world.

So, what is a Hybrid Lash Extension, and how is it different from other styles and applications?

This article will explore the similarities and differences between Hybrid lashes, Classic, and Russian Volume styles. While we’re here, we might as well go through the many different terms thrown about when talking about lash extensions. If you’re new here and need to clarify terminology (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), skip to FAQs first.

Hybrid Lash Extensions

Hybrid Lash Extensions are the offspring of Classic and Russian Volume lashes. It staggers the Classic lash length with the thickness of Volume sets. Hybrid lashes use the classic 1:1 lash technique with the hand-made fans from volume sets, creating a textured, unmanicured lash strand that more closely resembles the natural eyelash fibers.

To do this, the technician uses adhesive to apply a single-fan-single lash sandwich to every original hair fiber. This means that there is a fairly even dispersion of thickness and length. It is continued along the lash line until between 60%-90% of lashes are covered, depending on the client’s goals.

For lash technicians, no new skills need to be acquired in order to apply hybrid lash extensions. It is simply utilizing the techniques learned with classic and voluminous styles to create a more refined look.

Classic Lash Extensions

Classic lashes use single hair fibers that attach in a 1:1 method at the base of the original lash. This means that for every single hair you have, the lash technician applies one longer and thicker fiber. This creates beautiful length, however, can struggle to fill out the lash line in areas of sparse hair growth.

Additionally, the classic lash technique requires a lot of upkeep. Because these lashes are long single applications, they can grow out quickly and begin to look spidery. To stop this, these lashes require Infills every 2-3 weeks.

Russian Volume Lash Extensions

Russian Volume uses a hand-made fan technique to bind together between 2-6 lashes. This fan is then applied to the area around a single lash. This fills in the gaps between thin lashes and also gives that sultry, dramatic lash look. The fibers are often thinner than the fibers used in Classic extensions, because of the number of lashes used.

Cluster or Party Lashes (Falsies)

The clusters or Party lashes are temporary lash sets that can be applied at home. These are the typical ‘False Lashes’, and are not meant to work as proper lash extensions. The sets are pre-made and bound and are glued to the top of the lash line. You can get false, temporary lashes in singles, small fans, or full-length fans.

How are Hybrid Extensions Applied?

Hybrid lashes are achieved by sandwiching the hand-made fans with a single lash on either side, in a 50:50 ratio. This continues across the lash-line, until 60-90% of lashes have been extended. This is a wide spectrum of difference, which allows the lash technician to customize extensions to the needs of each client.

The sandwich technique ensures the shorter fanned lashes are bookended by the longer single lashes, creating a staggered and natural look.

What do Hybrid Lashes Look Like?

Celebrities like J.Lo have long promoted the convenience and ease of lash extensions. But the secret of their enviable eye-fluttering lashes is down to the Hybrid technique. It has created a natural-esque lash line that still delivers on heavy drama and style. Additionally, Hybrid lashes are completely customizable, so there isn’t ever just ‘one look’.

Despite the fact that they can be made to look dramatic and over-the-top, the typical characteristics of lash extensions (like the smooth curve, spidery lengths and short widths) have all but been eliminated by combining techniques into Hybrid sets. This means you will look naturally and effortlessly glamorous.

Pros and Cons of Hybrid Lashes?

Pros

Pro: Achieving a defined, natural lash look

The hybrid lashes make extensions almost imperceptible. None of the spidery lashes, short and stumpy lashes, or the smooth curve have made it into the hybrid technique. The use of longer and shorter lashes and fans sandwiched in by single fibers creates a staggered and ultimately very natural look.

Pro: Long lasting extensions

Lashes grow out at the same rate as your lash cycle, so it depends how fast your lashes grow, however hybrid lashes are typically reapplied at around 3 weeks, and will take between 4-6 weeks to grow out fully.

Pro: Opportunity for customization

Because the hybrid lashes are combining long single lashes with fanned groups of lashes, there are many ways the look can be customized to your specific goals. A Cat Eye, Doll Eye, Natural, or Staggered, are all possible styles for within the Hybrid lash application.

Cons

Con: No Mascara, oils or eye creams

As with Volume lashes, you cannot use any thick creams, oils, or mascaras on your hybrid lashes, as these will close the fans. Your skincare regimen will likely have to change to accommodate your lashes.

Con: Session time

Those who have used lash extensions in the past will know the sessions can take a while. For a full set of hybrid extensions, it will take your lash technician around 2-2.5 hours to complete. Be wary of anyone who promises to complete them in a shorter amount of time!

Con: A lot of room for creative differences

As above, hybrid lashes are the perfect set for customization, however this also means you are putting a lot of trust in your lash technician. Make sure you do your research into the styles and techniques your lash technician is familiar with, and whether they would feel comfortable delivering to your specific needs.

FAQs

1: How can you tell the difference between Classic, Russian Volume, and Hybrid sets?

The main characteristics of the three techniques are:

Classic: Long, single strand fibers attached to the original lashes at a rate of 1:1. This creates length, however, doesn’t fill in any gaps of sparse hair growth. Also the most likely to become spidery as they’re growing out. Need Infills within 2-3 weeks.

Russian Volume: Hand-made fans of 2-6 lashes are applied along the lash line to create a lot of volume and drama, but not necessarily as much length as the Classic technique. These sets can have the ‘smooth curve’ which is a clear giveaway that the lashes are fake.

Hybrid: A combination of Classic and Russian Volume techniques that bookends 1-2 fans of lash fibers between individual lash fibers. This is worked all the way along the lash line to create a natural, unmanicured look that is hard to detect. Also easily customisable and creative!

2: What does 1:1 mean?

1:1 refers to the amount of lash extensions applied to the original lash fiber. In this case, there is 1 extension placed to 1 original lash. This technique is used in Classic Extensions.

3: What is a Lash Fan?

Lash fans are multiple hair fibers bound together to create a thick and full lash line. For extensions, these are typically between 2-6 lashes. Fans are used in the Russian Volume & Hybrid extensions.

4: How long do they last?

It depends on the speed of your lash cycle, but most extensions need to be redone in 2-3 weeks from your original appointment.

5: How do I care for my Hybrid lash extensions?

While it is important to keep the area around your lashes clean and healthy, you’ll need to steer clear from any cleansers that will affect the adhesive on your lash extensions. Talk to your Lash technician for advice on the sort of cleanser you can use, and the frequency you should use it.

6: Can I wear Mascara with Hybrid Lashes?

Though many lash technicians or salons stock special mascara for use on Classic extensions, it is not recommended for use on Hybrid or Russian Volume sets. This is because the mascara can close the hand-made fans that hold the extensions together. However, your lash extensions are made to achieve that mascara look without any product.

7: Are Hybrid Lashes Right for Me?

This entirely depends on your lash goals! If you already have thick lashes and only want length, then the Classic technique may be more your style. However, if you are looking for a thicker and longer lash line without any of the tell-tale signs of lash extensions, the Hybrid method would be an excellent choice for you.

Anyone that is new to lash extensions, or wanting a new look, or obsessed with celebrity eyelash looks would love a Hybrid set!

8: If Something Goes Wrong, Would My Insurance Cover This Technique?

All lash technicians need reliable public liability insurance in order to practice. The Hybrid technique shouldn’t change your insurance, if you are already covered for Classic & Russian Volume techniques. However, it is recommended to check with your insurance provider before offering the Hybrid technique.

9: Where Can I Learn to Do Hybrid Lash Extensions?

If you have studied as a lash technician, there is no need to further your training for this technique. It combines the skills from Classic & Russian Volume lash extensions into a Hybrid set. However if you are new to lashes, or just want to feel more confident delivering a Hybrid set, there are many short courses offered specifically targeting the Hybrid Lash technique

10: Will They Damage My Natural Lashes?

No! This is a common misconception regarding eyelash extensions, mostly due to clusters & party lashes, as well as client goals.

Clusters & party lashes are your typical false lash. They can be applied at home and are only intended for short term wear. The lashes are bound together in a premade fan, or in single lashes. No reputable lash technician should apply these as a long term extension.

Additionally, some clients ask for heavy volume lashes to be applied to their naturally fine hair fibers. This is not recommended by lash technicians as it can cause damage and fall out of the natural lashes, however it is ultimately the client’s decision.

11: Is the Application Process for Hybrid Lashes Painful?

Absolutely not. Qualified lash technicians are trained to provide the lash extensions in a safe and protected environment. Because the eye area is such a delicate area, the utmost care is taken to ensure the client is comfortable throughout the treatment.

12: Can I Get my Hybrid Extensions Wet?

Yes! And please do! It is important to maintain proper hygiene around your lash extensions, so bathing & swimming is recommended.

However, it is important to wait 24 hours after your lashes have been applied to get them wet for the first time. This is to allow the adhesive to bond correctly. Your lash technician will advise on correct cleaning procedures and products, but ensure you aren’t using any detergents or oily soap products around your lashes.

13: How do I Care For my Hybrid Extensions?

For best practice procedures, discuss care instructions with your lash technician. The below is a general guide:

Wait 24 hours after your lash appointment to wet your lash extensions, to allow the adhesive to bond.
Don’t rub – Pat dry!
Use specifically-formulated cleansers or soaps to make sure you’re not damaging the lash glue.
Don’t wear mascara! It will close the fans and make your lashes clump

14: How Much do they Cost?

A full set of Hybrid lash extensions tend to cost an average of $160 (AUD), but can regularly go for $200+.