Hybrid Lashes: What They Are and How to Apply Them

Whether you are a newbie to the lash game or a seasoned pro with time and experience under your belt, understanding the different types of lashes and mastering various techniques is key in keeping your artistry sharp and your guests happy. You’ve come to the right place to dive into the world of Hybrid Lashes; the perfect blend between Classic and Volume lash extensions that offer the lashline a soft textured, customized look with extra density. In this guide, you’ll learn all about hybrid lashes, the different techniques necessary to get the look, and how to apply them. 

What are Hybrid Lashes? 

Hybrid Lashes are the best of both worlds, combining the soft, natural texture of classic lashes and the fullness of volume lashes. The mix of the Classic and Volume technique, offers a versatile and customized look for that guest who just wants a bit of everything - natural yet noticeable, fuller yet not too dramatic. Depending on the guest’s desired look, Hybrid lash extensions involve applying both classic lash extensions and volume fans. This technique allows you as the lash artist to let your lash creativity flow, by being intentional with where you place your classic lashes for texture and where you place your volume fans for fullness. The look suits each guest’s individual preferences and lash health characteristics. 

Understanding the Different Types of Lashes: 

Because the Hybrid lash technique usually combines two separate lashing styles, let's build a baseline of the different techniques involved. Each technique serves a specific purpose toward your artistry and the final result of your Hybrid Sets. 

Classic Lashes: Classic Lashes are the O.G. of the lash industry. The first technique to be introduced into the lash world. When doing this service, the lash artist attaches one lash extension to each individual natural lash. The most commonly used Classic diameter is .15mm. It's important to always keep in mind your guest’s natural lash health during consultations. The thinner the natural lash, the lighter the extension you should use. In this case, you would use a .10mm or .12mm for guest’s who have fine and brittle natural lashes. For photoshoots or special occasions, we recommend .18mm or .20mm classic diameters as they pick up beautifully on camera, offering a darker lash line. Classic lashes have 2 different base shapes to utilize in your Hybrid sets, a round base and a flat base. Flat base classic lashes are a great option to add to that ‘eyeliner’ look and also offers great retention. Round bases give a more lived-in look. In a Hybrid set, Classic lashes are used to maintain a natural look while adding a touch of definition and texture. 

Volume Lashes: Volume lashes are here to take your artistry to the next level. This technique attaches multiple ultra-fine lashes to an individual natural lash. The artist hand-makes the Volume fan, ranging in size from 2D-6D (two to six light weight lash extensions per fan) and a narrow to wide shape. The most commonly used Volume lash extension diameter is .06 mm or .07 mm. Because lash health is always top in mind here at Borboleta, the fan size the artist creates depends on the guest’s lash health. The finer the natural lash, the smaller the fan. And vice versa, the coarser the natural lash, the larger the fan can be. Volume Lashes are a guaranteed technique to offer the lash line density and fullness. Keep in mind when doing Hybrid sets, the shorter the fan length and the narrower the fan in shape, the more density the lash line will receive. Volume lashes can also be used in Hybrid sets as ‘bundles’ or ‘spikes’ to offer the Hybrid set texture with a wispy, piecey appearance. 

Russian Volume: Russian Volume Lashes are for the guests that ask for that traditional, perfect and polished look of Volume lashes. Each fan is as symmetrical as possible and can lock in loads of density while maintaining a precise look and feel for your guests. With the Russian Volume technique, the artist can use a wide variety of volume lash diameters, ranging from .03mm-.07mm. This technique is used in a Hybrid lash set to give the lash line an extra boost of volume. Pro tip: place Russian Volume fans on just the bottom layer of natural lashes to accentuate density and leave Classic lashes or Volume bundles to the middle and top layer for extra dimension. 

Mega Volume: Mega Volume lashes are the definition of bold and drama. This technique involves the lightest diameter in the Borboleta diameter family, our Cashmere Touch .03s.The same hand making fanning technique as regular Volume is used, just larger fans with a finer diameter. This will result in a more dramatic lash line. While Mega Volume lashes can add extra flair and dimension to a Hybrid set, you can expand your skills with our Pro Artistry Lash Extension Course. Learn how and when to utilize Borby Blend fans for a modern twist on Mega! 

Who Are Hybrid Lashes For?

Hybrid Lashes are incredibly versatile! They offer a customized look that provides the natural, lived in appearance of Classic lashes combined with the fullness of volume lashes. You as the artist can create a natural everyday look or a more dramatic noticeable set, both offering great retention and feel for all different lash healths. To get more specific, Hybrid lashes are great for guests who want:

• A subtle, yet full lash look. 
• More density but a lower price than Volume 
• A textured lash look 

Kind in mind, Hybrid sets will naturally grow out to look more textured than when you placed them due to unpredictable lash shed. 

Before: 

After:     

 

Supplies Needed for Applying Hybrid Lashes–

• Lash Cleanser + Cleansing Brush 
• Gel Pads + Tape 
• Lash Palette
• Lash extensions: A mix of classic and volume lashes and/or pre-made fans. 
• Lash Adhesive 
• Tweezers, an isolator & placement tweeze

How to Apply Hybrid Lashes: 

Now that you know the essential products needed to do a Hybrid set, let's go through the step-by-step process to apply Hybrid lash extensions. 

Step 1: Consultation 

1. This is your opportunity to let your professionalism and artistry shine. Get to know your guest’s desired result with their set, any allergies or sensitivities and past experiences with lash extensions. 
2. We recommend incorporating lash pictures of all your offerings during every consultation. This will help you and your guests get on the same wavelength on appointment wants and needs. 

Step 2: Lash Care 

1. Set lash care expectations: Educate your guests on how they will take care of their lash extensions by washing them daily with Borboleta’s Lash Cleanser and the Clean Swoop Brush.
2. Cleanse your guest’s natural lashes: Start by cleansing the guest’s natural lashes with Borboleta’s Foam or Gel Lash Cleanser to remove any natural oils. If makeup is visible, use Breakdown Oil Free Makeup Remover.

Step 3: Lash Prep 

1. Lock down bottom lashes: Using gel pads and tape, secure down your guest’s bottom natural lashes to help avoid discomfort and lash stickies during the appointment. 
2. Lash design: Using a sharpie, write your lash map on the gel pads based on the consultation. This will create a roadmap to help know where each lash goes in the Hybrid set covering lengths, curls, and diameters, to ensure a symmetrical look. 

 

 

 

Step 4: Lash Play 

1. Stock your lash palette: Include all lengths, curls, and diameters needed to complete the look.  
2. Apply Volume Lashes: We recommend placing volume lashes during the first half of the appointment to lock in the fullness and density of the Hybrid set. Place one lash fan in each section on your lash design, bouncing eye to eye, to ensure symmetry between the two eyes. 
3. Apply Classic Lashes: During the second half of the appointment, place one classic lash in each section on your lash design, bouncing eye to eye, to ensure symmetry between the two eyes. For extra texture and noticeability, extend the lengths of the Classic lashes 1-2 mm longer than the Volume fans.  

*Pro tip: follow the application system of isolate, pick up, dip, place*

Step 5: Finishing Touches 

1. Check for symmetry: Brush out the set and make sure each eye is symmetrical when comparing each section in the lash design. 
2. Under eye care: Remove gel pads and tape mindfully and apply Borboleta Calming Cooldown Mask.
3. Take after photos & video for social media content and lash look book.

Ready To Give Your Guest’s Hybrid Lashes? 

Hybrid lash extensions offer a customized, beautiful look that will keep your guests coming back appointment, after appointment. We recommend lashing a variety of eye shapes and lash healths to help master your artistry and fall in love with doing Hybrid sets. 

Ready to stock up your lash inventory with the best supplies for creating Hybrid sets? Our Classic & Volume Kit is your solution. 

Shop now - BorboletaPro Lash Products