After 16 years as a lash artist, I've seen my fair share of trends and techniques come and go. Recently, I had the opportunity to experiment with a unique style known as Ballet Lashes. These lashes are characterized by their wavy, crimped appearance, offering a distinct texture that sets them apart from the usual lash extensions. Here's what I learned from creating and applying a set of Ballet Lashes, and why they might be the perfect addition to your lash service offerings.
What Are Ballet Lashes?
Ballet Lashes are a new type of eyelash extensions with a wavy, crimped texture, reminiscent of permed hair. This texture gives the lashes a unique, appearance, adding dimension and depth to the eyes.
These lash extensions are versatile and can be used to achieve a range of styles, from subtle to dramatic. Whether your clients are looking for a natural, beachy vibe, or something more playful and bold for a special event, Ballet Lashes can be adapted to meet their needs.
Why Wear Ballet Lashes?
Ballet Lashes are perfect for a variety of looks and occasions:
- Natural, Beachy Look: The wavy texture of Ballet Lashes makes them ideal for clients who want a relaxed, beachy aesthetic. The waves add a touch of elegance without being too overpowering, making these lashes suitable for everyday wear.
- Fun and Themed Makeup Looks: Ballet Lashes are great for clients who enjoy experimenting with makeup and creating themed looks. Whether for a costume party, a photoshoot or just for fun, these lashes add a unique element that can enhance any makeup style.
- Artistic Lash Competitions: For lash artists who want to show off their skill set in different eyelash extension styles, or those participating in creative or artistic competitions, Ballet Lashes provide an opportunity to showcase innovation. Their unique texture allows for creative combinations and designs, giving you an edge in competitive settings.
- Create any design you want: Something limiting about recent lash trends like anime or phoenix lashes is that these styles rely heavily on one particular design or shape. This can mean if your client's eye is really suited to a cat-eye shape for example, and they opt for anime lashes, which tend to be more round or doll eye shape, it may not suit them. With ballet lashes, however, you can use them interchangeably with Russian Volume Lashes and create any shape you want. That means you can create a really personalized set of extensions for each client.
Ballet Lashes Application Experience
When I first worked with Ballet Lashes, I decided to experiment with different application techniques to see how they would affect the final look. Here’s what I found:
- Wet Set Technique: Personally created my set using a "wet set" technique, where I picked up multiple lashes at a time without fanning them out. This method helped to create a cleaner, more defined look, highlighting the waves in the lashes. The wet set technique is perfect for clients who want a more structured and polished appearance, with the waves adding a subtle, elegant texture.
- Russian Volume Fans: I also experimented with creating Russian volume fans using Ballet Lashes. However, I found that this approach made the lashes look more unkempt and messy. The added waves caused the lashes to turn and overlap more than they would with traditional eyelash extensions, leading to a less cohesive appearance. If your client is looking for a relaxed, beachy look, fanning the lashes can work well, but for a more defined and refined style, the wet set technique is more suitable.
Another advantage of Ballet Lashes is their compatibility with other lash styles. They can be mixed with more traditional eyelash extensions, to add depth and texture. This flexibility allows for endless customization, letting you create a look that is uniquely tailored to each client’s preferences.
The Finished Look
The final result of applying Ballet Lashes was something quite different from your standard set of eyelash extensions. The wavy texture catches the light differently from traditional lashes, creating a multi-dimensional effect that is both subtle and striking. These lashes are perfect for clients who want to make a statement without being too dramatic.
Ballet Lashes come in various curls, such as C, CC, D, and even U curls, allowing you to further customize the look to match your client’s natural lash shape and desired effect. Whether your client is looking for a lifted, wide-eyed appearance or a sultry, cat-eye look, Ballet Lashes can achieve it.
Practical Tips for Lash Artists
If you’re considering adding Ballet Lashes to your offerings, here are a few tips from my experience
- Tailor the Technique: Depending on the desired outcome, choose the appropriate application technique. Use the wet set method for a more defined look and consider fanning for a relaxed, beachy style.
- Blend with Other Lash Styles: Don’t hesitate to mix Ballet Lashes with traditional lash extensions. The wavy texture can add depth and interest, especially when combined with other curls like C or D.
- Photograph Your Work: Ballet Lashes photograph beautifully. Capture before and after shots to showcase the unique effect these lashes can achieve, helping to attract clients who are looking for something different.
What did I learn?
Ballet Lashes are a versatile and exciting addition to any lash artist’s toolkit. Their unique wavy texture offers something different from traditional lash styles, making them perfect for clients who want to stand out.
Incorporating Ballet Lashes into your service offerings can set you apart from the competition and appeal to clients ready to embrace a new and innovative lash style. As the lash industry continues to evolve, styles like Ballet Lashes remind us that there’s always room for creativity and innovation in our work. So why not give them a try? You might just find that Ballet Lashes become your new go-to style.
Remember that proper aftercare is essential when trying Ballet Lashes or any new style. Prolong Lash Cleanser gently removes makeup, oils, and debris while preserving the adhesive bond, ensuring extensions stay clean and long-lasting. It's a must-have for maintaining healthy, beautiful results!
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