Flat Lashes Vs Regular: When To Use Them

Have you ever come across the term “flat lashes” in your lash course or through social media? You’re probably wondering what they are and how they’re different from regular, round lashes. Flat and round lashes are both extremely popular in the cosmetics industry.

Regular lash extensions are round and mimic natural lashes. Meanwhile, flat lashes have oval ends, which is why they are also known as “ellipse” lashes.

Let’s find out all about flat lashes vs regular lashes below!

Bases of Flat Lashes vs Round Lashes

Round Lashes

Classic or round lashes are the most commonly used lash extensions and are often the first ones that you learn about in a lash course. They are round from the base and taper towards the tip, just like natural lashes.

Often made from synthetic or mink, they are typically applied with the 1:1 technique, with one lash extension applied on one natural lash.

Classic lashes are most popularly used in a 0.15 mm diameter. However, weaker natural lashes often require 0.10 mm to 0.12 mm diameter extension lashes. Stronger, tall telogen natural lashes can use much thicker lash extensions, with a diameter of 0.18 mm to 0.20 mm.

Flat Lashes

In recent years, flat lashes have become increasingly popular, although many professionals are still new to using them.

As the name suggests, they are designed in a manner where the middle section is slightly flat, and the ends are oval-shaped to curve around the edge of the natural lashes.

Flat lashes have a wider surface area when they adhere to the natural lashes compared to round lashes. They are also more sturdy and lighter compared to regular lashes.

Classic and Hybrid Lashes with Flat Lashes

Classic lash extensions follow a 1:1 technique where a single extension is applied to each natural lash.

Since they offer a more natural look, classic lashes are ideal for everyday use or for those who just want their lashes to look longer and fuller. It provides the effect of mascara, without actually having to apply any.

Hybrid lashes fall on the spectrum between the classic and volume lashes. They provide both texture and fullness, giving clients the best of both worlds! Hybrid lashes are great for daily wear and those who like having thick lashes.

Volume and Mega Volume Classic Lashes

Volume and mega volume lashes are typically made with fans of two to twenty lash extensions. They're perfect for creating a dramatic look when a client wants to make a statement.

These lashes are ideal for those with extremely sparse or thin lashes, adding a bit of oomph to make the natural lashes look extra full.

In the discussion of flat lashes vs round lashes for creating a fuller lash look, the client's preference and lash type also need to be considered. Although flat lashes are being used more commonly nowadays, round lashes continue to be more popular for creating volume or mega volume lash effects. This is also because round lashes are easier to work with.

Round lashes look much more natural and give a soft yet defined and elegant look. They are pretty, reliable, and can be easily customized according to the client's needs when they want voluminous, full, and fluttery lashes.

However, if a client has thin or damaged lashes when it comes to flat lashes vs round lashes, flat lashes would be a better fit compared to round lashes as they have greater retention and are incredibly soft.

When to Use Flat Lashes vs Regular Lashes

Sometimes clients may want to use classic lashes for a full, voluminous look, but their lashes could be too thin. This can make it difficult to fill their lashes with classic extensions. In such situations, flat lashes would be the ideal solution.

Flat extension lashes are ideal for clients who have short, thin, or sparse natural lashes as they can use a smaller diameter of flat lashes that still provide a thick, full lash look. They are also ideal for those who require a stronger base that remains adhesion for longer.

On the other hand, some clients may prefer the natural appearance of regular lashes. Regular lashes may not be as strongly attached as the base of flat lashes, but they have been a go-to for lash professionals for decades.

Regular lashes have a reasonable retention period and can help your client get fluttery lashes without needing to apply mascara every day.

Flat lashes help provide a dramatic look without any extra volume, whereas regular lashes provide a natural look as they resemble the effect of mascara. So, which type of lashes you use for your client tends to depend on their particular requirements and natural lashes.

So, when debating between flat lashes vs regular lashes, both types of extension have their own benefits. However, as mentioned above, if a client with thin, weak, or sparse lashes wishes to have mega voluminous extensions, then flat lashes may be preferable.

Despite their seemingly long list of benefits, flat lashes aren't necessarily better than round lashes. Both have their own diverse strengths and uses, and it all comes down to the client's personal preference.

See more: How to use ellipse flat eyelash extensions

Benefits of Flat Lashes (For Newbies)

Both regular and flat lashes have their own benefits to offer, but when considering lashes for newbies, flat lashes come out as the clear winner in the debate between flat lashes vs regular lashes.

Flat lashes have a flat base that strongly adheres to the natural lashes. As they taper off at the end, it gives them a broader and more voluminous appearance.

Flat lashes are highly beneficial, especially for newbies, because they:

• Don’t require extra glue and yet adhere very firmly
• Increase the retention period and don't fall off easily
• Provide the illusion of thicker, more voluminous lashes due to the tapered end
• Are very lightweight, allowing you to apply a thicker lash even on clients with short or thin lashes without compromising on the health of their natural lashes
• Provide easier application and have a stronger bond with the natural lashes
• Add texture and extra definition
• Can provide the illusion of a thicker lash (For example, a 0.15 mm flat lash can look like a 0.18 mm lash when applied)
• Make the lash line look darker and outlined well