Eyelash extensions weren’t always this cute—here’s how it all began

by Artiom N

Long, luscious lashes have been a beauty goal for centuries, but the journey to today’s sleek eyelash extensions has been anything but straightforward. From ancient Egypt to the Victorian era, people went to extraordinary lengths to improve their lashes. Some trimmed them to promote growth, while others used crushed herbs or soot to darken and define them.

Long lashes were once thought to represent purity, modesty, or divine beauty in some cultures. But when you explore the history of eyelash extensions, it’s amazing to see how we progressed from homemade hacks to today’s salon-quality glam. Let’s take a look.

When lashes went from DIY to invention

While eyelash extensions have ancient roots, the concept of false lashes as we know them began to emerge in the late 1800s, not without some strange experiments along the way.

In 1899, a Paris newspaper reported on a strange beauty trend: women had human hair sewn directly into their eyelids to achieve longer lashes. Yes, you read that right: actual sewing. As unsettling as it may sound, it reflects how far people were willing to go for beauty.

The 1900s brought more refined innovation. In 1911, Canadian inventor Anna Taylor patented the first strip lash design, which consisted of a thin fabric strip with attached hair. Just a few years later, Karl Nessler, a German-born hairdresser, promoted lash services in his New York salon, offering semi-permanent lash extensions.

These early versions were neither comfortable nor glamorous, but they paved the way for modern lash technology. From crude materials to clever inventions, the beauty industry was only beginning to recognize the power of fluttery lashes, and the best was yet to come.

Hollywood gave lashes their big break

It was the glamour of the silver screen that truly launched lashes into the spotlight. In 1916, legendary filmmaker D.W. Griffith requested that actress Seena Owen have lashes "long enough to brush her cheeks" for the silent film Intolerance. His solution? A wigmaker glued strands of real human hair directly to her eyelids. The look was dramatic, and the procedure was said to be painful, but it made an impact.

From then on, lashes became synonymous with Hollywood beauty. During the 1930s and 1940s, stars such as Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe popularized false lashes as part of the full-glam look.

Then came the swinging '60s. With the rise of mod fashion, lashes took center stage once more, this time in bold, graphic styles. Twiggy, a British icon, made spidery, exaggerated lashes her signature look, inspiring an entire generation.

Suddenly, lashes weren’t just for the screen. They were a fashion essential.

Strip lashes took over for a while

From the 1930s all the way through the 1990s, strip lashes were the go-to choice for anyone looking for fuller lashes without the hassle of a salon visit. They were simple to use, affordable, and available in almost every drugstore and department store makeup aisle.

Each decade brought its own twist to lash trends. In the 1950s, lashes were soft and flirty to complement the classic Hollywood bombshell look. The ’60s took things up a notch with big, bold lashes and heavy mascara. Fast forward to the 1980s and 1990s, when styles ranged from natural enhancement to dramatic runway-inspired looks.

During this era, lash curlers also became a makeup bag staple. When paired with mascara and strip lashes, they helped achieve the wide-eyed, polished look that so many people desired.

Strip lashes made lashes more accessible, but bigger innovations were on the way.

Modern lash extensions changed the game

In the early 2000s, the lash world experienced a major transformation: individual lash extensions gained popularity, particularly in Japan and South Korea. Unlike strip lashes, these weren’t a quick fix. Lash artists began applying extensions one by one to each natural lash, resulting in a fuller, more natural look that lasted for weeks.

This careful technique introduced something entirely new: customization. Clients could choose the length, curl, and thickness that best complemented their eyes and lifestyle. And, unlike strip lashes, these did not need to be removed at night; they became a part of your daily beauty routine.

It didn’t take long for the trend to spread worldwide. Beauty salons in Europe and the United States began offering lash extension services, and lash artistry became a booming profession. With improved adhesives, finer fibers, and new techniques such as Russian Volume and hybrid sets, modern extensions quickly set a new standard.

There are so many lash types now

Today's lash scene is more diverse than ever before, which is part of what keeps it exciting. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all falsies. The lash world is bursting with options, and yes, it can feel a little overwhelming!

Here's a simple breakdown to help you learn your lash vocabulary:

Classic lashes: One extension per natural lash. Perfect for a natural, mascara-like look.
Volume lashes: 2–6 ultra-fine lashes per natural lash. Think soft, fluffy, and fuller.
Hybrid lashes: A mix of classic and volume for the best of both worlds. Excellent for a textured look.
Mega volume lashes: 6–15 super-light extensions per lash. Maximum drama!

Now let’s talk lash materials:

Silk lashes: Slightly glossy, soft, and flexible. Perfect for a bold, polished look.
Faux mink: Mimics the softness of real mink but is totally cruelty-free.
Synthetic: Firmer and shinier. Long-lasting and holds curls well, making it ideal for bold styles.

Whether you're a lash newbie or a full-blown addict, there’s a perfect lash combo out there for you.

Lash trends are always changing

Just like fashion, lash trends never stand still, and that’s part of the fun. In recent years, magnetic lashes have become a go-to for those who prefer a no-glue option. They're especially popular for special occasions or beginners seeking quick, reusable glam.

Lash serums have also grown in popularity, helping people grow and strengthen their natural lashes, while lash lifts are a low-maintenance way to enhance your own lashes without using extensions.

What's really exciting is how inclusive the lash community has become. More older clients are turning to lash extensions to brighten their eyes and make them feel more youthful. Men are also joining in, whether for natural grooming or bolder editorial looks. And let’s not forget Gen Z, who are bold, experimental, and all about creative lash styles, from colored tips to dramatic lengths.

Sustainability is also gaining traction, with more brands providing cruelty-free and reusable options. The lash industry is evolving not only in style but also in values, and we're here for it.

Looking ahead: what’s next for lashes?

The future of lashes is looking longer, fuller, and smarter than ever. With the beauty tech industry thriving, we may soon see smart tools that make lash applications faster, safer, and more precise. UV lash adhesives and customizable digital lash mapping are already transforming the industry. Some salons are even experimenting with AI-powered consultations to create custom lash styles in seconds.

At the same time, eco-friendly beauty is gaining significant traction. We can expect to see more biodegradable lash packaging, vegan materials, and sustainable adhesive formulas hitting the shelves. As consumers become more aware of the ingredients in their products, brands must respond with cleaner, greener alternatives.

Inclusivity is another exciting shift. Lash services are expanding far beyond the traditional salon patron; more men are scheduling appointments, older clients are embracing enhancements, and Gen Z is driving bold, creative trends that challenge the norm.

One thing is certain: eyelashes aren't going anywhere. Whether it's a natural lift or full-on volume drama, lash artistry is evolving to meet the needs of everyone, anywhere.