Russian Volume Lashes: The Ultimate Guide
Russian Volume lashes are now hotly in-demand! It’s a look that was first developed in the advanced beauty scene of Russia, hence the name, and it’s now very popular in the UK and anywhere with a thriving beauty industry.
It’s a much more complicated procedure, requiring its own techniques, tools and even different extensions, but due to its rising popularity and profitability, it’s a skill that’s well worth mastering for any lash tech. Your customers may well have already asked you about it.
If you’re thinking of adding this style of lashing to your repertoire but don’t know where to start, we’re here to take you through everything you need to know about Russian volume lash extensions.
What are Russian Volume Lashes?
Volume lashing is a technique in which involves applying multiple lash extensions to a single natural lash. This creates a really full and fluffy look that classic extensions simply can’t achieve. It’s an extra-glamorous look, yet it can still be very natural looking because the lashes used are very fine and soft.
Individual lash extensions are first formed into ‘fans’ – ranging from just a pair of lashes in a V-shape, all the way up to 10 lashes per fan for a really dramatic look. You may have heard the terms 2D, 3D, 4D etc – this refers to the number of lashes per fan.
To create a fan, a number of lashes are pinched together towards the base using professional tweezers. Alternatively, pre-made fans can be purchased, which takes less skill and makes the process faster, although there is a greater cost outlay to the lash technician, which eats into your profit. Whether you make your own fans or work with ready-made, the pinched end is then dipped into adhesive and applied to the natural lash.
How Long do Russian Lashes Generally Last For?
Russian Lashes can last up to 8 weeks if properly applied, and may last for a full month until the first infills are needed. Their durability is due to the lightweight nature of the extensions used and also the way that fans can wrap around the natural lash. However, as with classic lashes, it can be necessary to book infills every fortnight, to keep them in tip-top condition and check that the client’s lashes are healthy.
How Long Does It Take to Apply Russian Lashes?
Applying Russian lashes could take from 1.5-hours for a complete set to 4-hours if you want a more extravagant look with a large number of lashes per fan. Russian Volume Lashes require a lot of skill and dexterity to apply them correctly; an intricate process that simply can’t be rushed.
How Much do Russian Lashes Cost?
Each lash artist must consider their own price positioning to reflect their level of experience and the area they serve.
We recommend charging £60-£200 for a full set of Russian Volume lashes, depending on the look desired. Top-up sessions are generally rated in terms of half or one-hour appointments, with the average for a half-hour appointment being £35 and an hour-long being £50.
Russian Lashes vs Classic: what's the difference?
In classic lashing, just one lash extension is applied to a single natural lash. This is ideal if a client has quite full but short lashes, as it’s a technique that primarily enhances length. Volume looks enhance fullness, making them ideal for people with very fine or sparse lashes – or anyone who wants a more glamorous and dramatic lash look.
For more information take a look at our classic vs volume lashes comparison.
Do You Need a Patch Test?
In a word – yes. You need to carry out a patch test at least 48-hours before you perform the treatment. It’s wise to choose a reputable retailer offering good quality products with options that are formulated for sensitive skin. Even so it is better to be safe than sorry as the eye area is more sensitive than other parts of the face and it is not worth risking your customer having an allergic reaction.
Can Russian Lashes Damage Natural Lashes?
Owing to the increased quantity of lashes being applied, it’s natural that clients may ask you this question. However, if the procedure is carried out correctly, these kinds of lashes can help to stimulate the growth of natural lashes as the fibres are incredibly light and will not place too much pressure on existing natural lashes. The key is to use the correct thickness, and to use increasingly thin lashes the more lashes are used per fan.
How to Apply Russian Volume Lashes
- Plan shape of the extensions to suit the client’s eye
- Prepare the client with eye pads/ tape
- Create a fan of the desired number of lashes by pinching together with tweezers
- Dip the pinched end of the fan into adhesive and remove excess product
- Isolate the natural lash with isolating tweezers and apply the fan
- Shape lashes as desired
- Repeat process until full set is complete