Colored Lash Extensions: A Guide for Lash Artists

Ever had a client flip through your Instagram, point to a colored lash set, and ask "Could we try something like this?" Or maybe you've noticed other lash artists posting gorgeous colored sets but weren't sure where to start? You're not alone. While colored lashes might seem tricky at first, they're actually not that different from the classic black sets you're already amazing at.

Some lash artists make colored extensions look effortless, while others struggle to make them work. The difference isn't about talent - it's about knowing the right techniques and having the right information. That's exactly what you're about to learn in this guide.

What Are Colored Eyelash Extensions and What Do Lash Artists Need to Know?

Colored eyelash extensions are synthetic fibers dyed in various shades, ranging from subtle browns and blues to vibrant purples and pinks. They're made from the same PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) material as traditional black extensions but undergo additional processing for coloring. These extensions come in different curls (J, B, C, CC, D), lengths (typically 8-15mm), and diameters (0.05-0.20mm), similar to standard black lashes.

Key characteristics of colored lash extensions:

• They require the same application techniques as black extensions
• Available in both classic and volume options
• Can be mixed with black lashes for subtle effects
• Generally cost 20-30% more than traditional black extensions
• Typical retention rates match black extensions when applied correctly

Important considerations for lash artists:

• Color intensity varies between manufacturers
• Some colors may appear different under various lighting conditions
• Darker skin tones may require more intense colors for visibility
• Proper storage away from direct sunlight helps prevent color fading
• Using clear adhesive helps maintain a true color appearance

How Colored Lashes Can Benefit Your Salon's Offerings

Match Lash Colors to Make Eyes Pop

Colorful lashes can really highlight what's unique about each eye color. If your client has green eyes, try using purple or burgundy lashes to make their natural color stand out more. For blue eyes, dark colors like navy or brown can add a nice touch of depth. People with brown eyes might enjoy the surprising contrast that comes from using deep blue or purple lashes. And for those with hazel eyes, going for brown or auburn lashes could bring out the warm, golden highlights.

Use Lash Colors to Suit Each Client's Eye Shape

The shape of an eye can guide which lash colors will look best. For example, if your client's eyes are hooded, putting darker lashes on the outer edges can make their eyes seem lifted. Round eyes look great with a mix of colors – darker on the outer part of the eyes and lighter toward the inside to make them look a bit longer. Lighter colors can help deep-set eyes stand out more, and placing darker lashes near the inner part of wide-set eyes helps them appear closer together.

Offer Natural-Look Colored Lashes for Daily Wear

For clients wanting to enhance their lashes without going too bold, there are options that look great any day. Brown lashes can give a modest volume boost that still looks natural, about 30-40% more fullness without being too flashy. Navy blue lashes have a neat trick – they look almost black indoors but reveal a hint of color in the sunlight. And if your client is in a professional setting, dark purple can offer a gentle burst of color that's not too distracting.

Add Bright Lashes for Weddings and Parties

When it comes to events like weddings, subtle tones like rose gold or champagne can add a touch of elegance. If your client will be photographed, consider lashes in deep burgundy, navy, or plum to stand out beautifully in pictures. And for those heading to a festival or party, lashes with bright tips and black bases can create a fun and festive look.

What Types of Colored Lashes Should Your Studio Stock?

Synthetic & Natural Fibers

Comparison Feature	Synthetic Lashes (PBT)	Silk Blend Lashes
Material Used	Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)	Silk fibers blend
Durability (Retention)	High (Best retention among types)	Moderate
Color Stability	Very stable (Will not fade or lose color)	Less stable (Fewer color options)
Shine Level	Standard shine	High shine (Glossier appearance)
Softness	Standard softness	Softer than synthetic
Average Cost (per tray)	$15 - $25	$20 - $30
Curl Options	Extensive (All curls available)	Limited
Standard Lengths	8mm - 15mm	Varies, not as standard as synthetic
Suitability	Suitable for most clients	Better for sensitive clients due to a softer feel

Dark and Subtle Tones (Essential Stock)

If lash studios want to please lots of different customers, they should keep a good mix of colors on hand, especially the dark and quiet ones that are really important.

1. Dark Brown: Dark brown lashes, especially types #2 and #3, are super popular because they work with a lot of looks. They make up a big chunk – 70% – of all the colored lashes that get sold. This shows a lot of people like them. They look really natural, which is great for people with light hair, and they're okay to wear to most jobs, so every lash place should have these.

2. Navy Blue: Navy blue lashes are key too because you can use them two ways. Inside, they look just like your standard black lashes, but step outside and they show off a little bit of blue. That's cool for people who want to add a bit of color but keep it low-key. Since navy blue is a favorite pick for nearly half the folks trying out colored lashes for the first time, it's smart to have these around.

3. Dark Purple: Dark purple lashes are also getting noticed a lot more these days. They're awesome for anyone with green eyes because they make that color really stand out. And they're still okay to wear to the office, giving people a way to be a bit different without going overboard. With more and more people liking them, stocking dark purple lashes isn't a big gamble, and they could even bring in customers looking for new things.

Pastel Shades (Specialty Stock)

1. Light Brown: Lash studios aiming for a special touch should definitely think about adding pastel shades to their lineup. Light brown lashes are perfect when you're going for that natural vibe. They're especially nice for clients with blonde hair and work wonders when placed in the inner corners of the eyes, giving a soft, blended look if you mix them with darker shades.

2. Grey-Blue: Grey blue is the go-to for a trendy, modern flair. Brides often ask for this color because it's unique but still doesn't shout for attention. Plus, it looks fantastic in photos, capturing a subtle coolness that can make wedding or event pictures stand out.

3. Rose Gold: Rose gold has the potential to be priced a bit higher since it's such a hit for special events. It's the kind of shade that gets people excited on social media, making any lash job look glamorous. You don't need to stock a lot, but having some on hand means being ready for clients looking to add luxury to their look for a big day or a night out.

Vibrant Neon Colors (Optional Stock)

1. Bright Purple: For lash studios looking to cater to the more adventurous clients, consider bringing in some vibrant neon colors. Bright purple lashes are a hit during festival season and at special events where making a statement is part of the fun. They tend to draw in a younger crowd, so it's a good idea to keep these in supply based on demand.

2. Electric Blue: Electric blue lashes are another bold choice that really stands out. They're popular for photo shoots and stage makeup because they catch the light and draw attention to the eyes. You won't need too many in stock, as they're not an everyday pick, but when you do sell them, you can usually add a higher markup due to their special-occasion appeal.

How to Prepare Your Client for Lash Extensions

Start by having a detailed talk with your client about which lash colors they like and what their daily routine is like. Snap some photos of their current lashes and go over what look they're aiming for. Then, you can start the prep work.

Clean Lashes:

1. First, give the lashes a good clean with an oil-free lash shampoo for about 15 to 20 seconds.

2. Next, do a second wash, this time really working on the lash roots, for around 10 to 15 seconds.

3. After that, rinse the lashes well with distilled water until they're completely clean.

4. Then, gently pat the lashes dry with a cloth that doesn't leave any bits behind, like a microfiber towel.

Prepare Lashes for Extension Adhesion:

1. Now, put on some protein remover and let it sit for half a minute.

2. Afterward, mist the lashes lightly with a nano mister set to the lowest setting – just 3 or 4 sprays should do it.

3. Get those lashes fully dry using a small fan in a medium setting.

4. Lastly, take a close look with a magnifying light to make sure there's absolutely no dampness left before you start applying the extensions.

How to Apply Colored Eyelashes: Professional Application Methods

Individual Lash Method (Primary Technique)

1. Isolating the Lash

• Make sure to separate the lashes with at least a tiny gap (0.3mm) so they don't stick together.
• Hold the lash you're working on at a 45-degree angle for good control.
• Keep the base of the natural lash in clear sight to know exactly where you'll place the extension.

2. Dipping the Extension

• Dip the colored lash about 1mm deep into the glue.
• Pull it out in one smooth movement to get rid of extra adhesive.
• Look for a small glue bead at the end of the extension – that means you’ve got enough.

3. Placing the Extension

• Attach the extension slightly away from the skin, about half a millimeter from the eyelid.
• Make sure it's lined up with the natural direction of the lash.
• After placing it, check that it's sticking properly to the natural lash.

4. Positioning the Extension

• Gently direct the colored lash so it lies straight like the other lashes.
• Be careful not to let it touch the neighboring lashes until the glue is dry.
• Let go of the isolated lash slowly and smoothly to avoid shifting the new extension out of place.

Cluster Method (Accent Technique)

1. Starting with the Base Layer

• Begin by applying clusters of a darker shade to set the foundation.
• Space each cluster about 1mm apart to avoid a clumped look.
• Make sure each cluster is attached securely right at the lash line.

2. Adding the Color Layer

• Place lighter-colored clusters next to add depth and variety.
• Keep these clusters tilted upwards at a 45-degree angle for a full, open look.
• Regularly step back and check that both eyes are looking balanced and symmetrical.

3. Perfecting the Final Details

• Use single lashes to fill in any small empty spaces between the clusters.
• Mix the colors so they transition smoothly and look natural.
• Tailor the overall shape and fullness to complement the client’s face shape.

Use Color Mapping Techniques

• For Classic Sets: When doing classic lash sets, use lighter colors on the part of the eye closest to the nose, which is about a quarter of the eye's length. For the middle half of the eyelid, go with the main color you’ve chosen for the set. Then, towards the outer edge of the eye, switch to the darkest color to give a sense of depth and make the lashes look fuller.
• For Volume Sets: For volume lash sets, it’s important to keep the color of your lash fans the same. If you're making fans with 3 to 5 lashes, use just one color for all lashes in the fan. When you’re making bigger fans with 6 to 8 lashes, you can start mixing in different but similar colors. This gives a rich, layered look that really makes the eyes pop.

Do a Quality Check

Before finishing up with your client, make sure everything is perfect:

1. Gently tug on the lashes with tweezers to see if they're glued on tight.

2. Step back and check that the colors look even on both eyes.

3. Use a magnifying lamp to make sure each lash is separate and not sticking to its neighbors.

4. Give them a light brush to see if they stay in place.

5. Then, use a soft air blow to tidy up the style and spot any missing spots of color.

6. Make sure the lashes can flutter freely.

7. Finally, snap some photos for your records so you remember exactly what you did next time.

How to Give Great Colored Lash Services

Ever notice how clients get excited about colored lashes but seem unsure about actually trying them? Don't worry - here are some simple tips that'll help both you and your clients feel more confident about colored sets:

1. Start with showing your clients a card that displays how different colors look on lashes, so they can pick what they like.

2. Take pictures of their lashes before and after the service, in various types of light, to show the change clearly.

3. Have some examples of colored lashes ready for clients to look at, helping them to imagine how they'll look.

4. Write down which lash colors suit your regular clients best, so you can quickly know what they prefer for next time.

5. Note down which lash colors are favorites among different age groups and jobs; it'll help when giving suggestions to new clients.

How to Promote Your Colored Lash Services

1. Showcase Your Work:

Good photos make a huge difference. Use daylight to take pictures because it shows the true colors of your work. Always snap pics of clients' eyes before and after their appointments so people can see the change. Take shots from different sides and zoom in on the lashes so everyone can see the fine details.

2. Social Media Content

For your social media pages, keep things fresh and fun. Post pictures of the lash color mixes you've done, give out tips on how to keep lashes looking great, and show off big changes your clients love. When seasons change, like spring or fall, talk about which lash styles are in.

3. Salon Display Ideas

In your shop, set up boards with samples of different lash colors for customers to look at. Put up pictures that show off how you do lashes step by step. Have some photos around of your actual work, too – maybe in a book or playing on a screen. And put the most popular lash styles right where people can see them when they come in. This way, your clients might be tempted to try something new and trendy.

Start Creating Beautiful Colored Lash Sets Today

Adding colored lashes to your service menu might feel like a big step, but it's one that could really set your work apart. You don't need to stock every color in the rainbow or completely change your technique. Start simple: maybe try some subtle brown shades with your adventurous clients, or offer navy blue for those who want something different but not too bold.

Pick up a few basic colored lash trays, practice on your mannequin head, and give it a try with a regular client who's excited about something new. Take some great before-and-after photos, share them on your Instagram, and watch how many clients start asking about colored lashes. Trust us - once you start offering colored sets, you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner.