Russian Volume Lash Extensions

Hybrid is a mix of single classic lashes and small volume fans, roughly half and half across the set.

You get texture and dimension from the fans, with the definition of classic running through it. It is the middle ground and the most requested style we do.

Result? Fuller than classic and softer than full volume. Noticeable without being obvious.

Fans cover more surface area per natural lash, so they close gaps that classic will follow. If your natural lashes are fine, sparse or unevenly spaced, this is the technique that fixes the look of it.

The other advantage is how they age. Because several extensions share one natural lash, losing a lash does not leave an obvious hole. Volume and hybrid sets look full for longer between appointments, even though the shedding rate is the same.

Fan work is where technique matters most. A poorly made fan with a closed base, or too much adhesive holding it, puts weight and tension on one natural lash. Correct isolation, ultra fine fibres and a controlled adhesive amount are what keep your own lashes healthy underneath the set.

Kate will assess whether your natural lashes can carry the density you are asking for. If they cannot yet, we will build to it rather than force it.

1. Consultation. Fan density, curl and length are agreed based on your natural lash strength and eye shape.

2. Your lashes are cleansed with a lash shampoo to strip out oils, makeup and skincare residue → Retention lives or dies on this step.

3. A protective pad is placed under each eye to hold your lower lashes safely out of the way.

4. A primer balances the pH of the lash so the adhesive can bond properly.

5. One natural lash is isolated with tweezers.

6. A fan is created by hand from several ultra fine extensions, then the base is dipped in a small amount of adhesive → The fan has to stay open at the tips and closed at the base, which is the whole skill of the technique.

7. The fan is placed around a millimetre from the skin, never on it.

8. This repeats lash by lash across both eyes. Hybrid sets alternate fans with single lashes → Hybrid takes around 2 hours, full volume 2.5 to 3.

9. The set is combed through, checked for evenness and any stuck lashes are separated.

10. The adhesive is cured with a nano mister so it finishes setting safely in the chair.

Your natural lashes shed on a cycle of roughly six to eight weeks, and the fan leaves with the lash it was attached to.

• Infills replace what has shed and rebalance the set. Book every 2 to 3 weeks.

• Volume and hybrid sets hide early shedding well, so it is easy to leave it too long. Past 3 weeks it usually becomes a new full set.

• Removals are done with a professional gel or cream remover. Never pick or pull them off, as that takes your natural lash with it.

A patch test is required at least 48 hours before your first set. Cyanoacrylate, the ingredient that makes lash adhesive work, is the most common cause of reaction.

We patch test every new client, even if you have worn extensions elsewhere. Adhesives differ between salons. You will need a fresh test after 12 months, after any change to your medical history, or if we change products.

Please tell us before booking about any eye condition, recent eye surgery, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, styes, alopecia, or a previous reaction to lash adhesive.

Volume and hybrid sets need slightly more upkeep than classic, because fans hold their shape better when they are brushed and clean.

First 24 to 48 hours.

• Keep lashes dry for 24 hours. No swimming, sauna, steam or hot yoga.

• Avoid steam heavy environments for 48 hours after any appointment.

Every day:

• Brush them gently with a clean spoolie. Hybrid 3 to 4 times a week, full volume daily.

• Cleanse with an oil free lash cleanser. This matters more with fans, as product builds up between the fibres.

• No oil based cleansers, makeup removers, eye creams or serums. Oil breaks the adhesive down.

• No mascara. Even water based mascara adds weight and clumps the fans together.

• No lash curlers.

• Do not rub or tug at your eyes.

• Back sleeping is best. Face down sleeping crushes and distorts fans, so a silk or satin pillowcase helps if you are a side sleeper.

• Book your infill before you need it rather than after.