Classic Lashes Are Out: Alternatives For Natural Lash Looks

We’re not afraid to say it — we think classic lashes are fading in the lashing world. That’s not to say you should trash all your classic lash extensions and start to offer only volume sets! We just mean that this year, we’ve noticed a decrease in only classic set lashes.

That’s not to say that natural lash looks are totally done! Actually, we’re seeing more and more natural lash sets in 2024 than ever before! But how can we be seeing classic lashes fade with the rise of natural looks?

That’s because there are a lot of lash options in between classic and volume! Lashes have come a long way in the last few years, and there are a ton of varieties that can give a natural look that classic lashes do. In this blog, we’ll go over why we predicted a decrease in the standard classic lash set and what we recommend as great alternatives.

Remember that this is just our opinion. While we are discontinuing our standard classic lash trays, we still have flat lashes to satisfy you!

Hot Take: Classic Lash Set Is On Its Way Out

Classic lashes have been around forever. They are a staple in the industry and are usually the first lashing technique new artists learn. However, their popularity has been fading.

While classic lashes will always have a place in the lashing world, they do have some limitations. When you do a classic full set of lashes, you don’t have the freedom to make fans to cover up gaps in the lash line or camouflage twisted lashes. 

Why Classic Lashes Still Have Loyal Fans:

Natural Look: Classic lashes are ideal for clients who want subtle enhancements. With diameters like 0.12 through 0.18, they look just like natural lashes, perfect for that “no-makeup” vibe.

Awesome Retention with Flat Lashes: Flat lash extensions have a concave base, giving you extra contact with the natural lash, which means they hold better and last longer.

Minimal Product - Maximum Impact: Since you’re only applying one extension per lash, classic lashes use less product overall. This gives a subtle spiky effect, perfect for clients going for the “clean girl aesthetic”. 

Classic lashes are great for clients who love a more natural, low-key beauty look but still want good retention and shorter appointment times.

Then there’s the topic of classic vs hybrid lashes. A hybrid lash set uses a mixture of classic and volume lash extensions to create a set that is somewhere in the middle. They have a bit more texture and fluff than regular classic sets without the heaviness and darkness of a full volume lash set. Hybrid lashes are a great option for lash techs who are seeing a decline in classic clients but don’t want to fully transition to volume.

Options For Updated Classic Set Lash Extensions

We still love a classic lash set! Not everyone wants volume or mega volume lash extensions, so the classic look isn’t going anywhere. However, there are updated lash options for artists who want to offer classic in the modern lashing industry. Here are our favorite lash varieties for creating lash looks that appear like classics, but are even better!

YY Lashes and W Lashes

YY lash extensions and W lash extensions are a great jumping off point for lash techs looking for an updated classic option. These lashes each have a split tip, breaking off into either 2 or 3 lashes. They are absolutely perfect for adding just a hint of texture to a set without too much extra weight. They can also cover small gaps in the lashes that standard classic lashes cannot.

Fairy Lashes

If you want to add some spikiness to your classic sets, fairy lash extensions should be your go to! These beautiful lashes are technically 2D fans with a spike right down the middle. Fairy lashes allow you to recreate trendy looks, and mix amazingly well with YY lashes for even more texture. 

Clover Lashes

These 4D fans are a great option for creating hybrid lash sets, or even transitioning to light volume. They add a tiny bit of fluff to a standard set, and their straight, flat bases allow for flush application and solid retention. Plus, clover lash extensions can be priced as hybrid or light volume on your lash menu!

Wet Set Lashes

Wet lash extensions (also known as closed volume fans) give a fuller, fluffier vibe while still keeping things sleek and soft. Wet lashes have blown up because they give that perfect “fluffy/classic plus” effect. You pick up a few volume lashes, but instead of fanning them out, you keep them in a thin, spiky shape. This gives a fuller, textured look while still feeling soft and natural.

With the rise in popularity of wet lashes this year, we wanted to take a closer look as to why they are so popular and whether it could be a good pick for you.

Here’s why artists are loving wet set lash extensions:

Better Retention: The loose base of wet lashes allows for more contact area with the natural lash, which means they achieve a stronger bond and last longer.

Super Lightweight: Wet lashes use super-thin extensions (0.03-0.07 diameters), so they feel light and comfortable. Clients get a fuller look without the weight.

Soft Tips: Since these are made with thinner lashes, the tips stay soft and natural, even though the overall look is thicker.

Wet lashes give you that perfect mix of volume and comfort, so clients can have a full look without sacrificing a soft, natural feel.

Which One Should You Pick: Wet Set Lashes Vs Classic?

Both wet look lashes and classic lashes have their perks. Wet lashes are ideal for clients who want a fluffier, fuller look with awesome retention and lightweight comfort. However, with wet lashes depending on the desired style and the health of the client's natural lashes you may need to keep a larger variety of inventory in stock for different styles which is not always easy. They are great for those who love a soft yet noticeable lash look that doesn’t require too much day-to-day effort and especially for client’s whose natural lashes are not strong enough to safely hold a thicker diameter lash.

Classic lashes, on the other hand, are perfect for clients who prefer a natural, low-maintenance look. Using a single 0.12 or 0.15 flat lash is as lightweight as a .07 diameter lash extension and gives clients with shorter natural lashes the look of a lash lift on super long lashes. They enhance the lashes without going too bold and with flat lashes, they offer excellent retention too. Perfect for clients who want to rock that effortless, polished style.

In the end, both styles give beautiful results. It’s all about understanding your client’s preferences and natural lash health to determine what will make them look and feel their best.

Whether you go for wet lashes for their fluffy, long-lasting look or classic lashes for a more subtle, natural vibe… both have their place. Understanding the benefits of each technique means you can give your clients exactly what they’re looking for, every time.

The Classics Never Truly Die – Stay On Top Of The Trends With PLA

As mentioned, we’re not saying that classic lashes are gone for good. We’ve just noticed a decrease in traditional classic lash sets, and we can understand why. But classic lash extensions are called that for a reason — they’ll always be an option! There are simply better ways to create classic sets now, and we think they’ve made classic lashing easier and more beautiful than ever.

We’re always working on new, innovative products to make your lashing experience smoother! Stay tuned to our social media so you never miss new product launches and announcements. 

Happy lashing, everyone!