My absolute favorite lash service is a Russian Volume Lash Set! Although, I can appreciate a great Classic Lash Set, I just love how dense the baseline of a Volume can be, in addition to the fluffiness of the tips. It can be natural and soft, yet it can be transformed into full on drama! 

So what's the difference? 

Russian Volume: 

It consists of 2-6 individual lash hairs that are "hand-made" and applied onto (1) natural lash hair. But don't be scared off by the idea that the more lashes on (1) hair you have, the more damaging it can be. Because with the right person who is trained and qualified to perform the service, you may come to find many benefits to this service, including: Better Retention, Fullness, Fluffier and...dare I say...Better for your Lashes!
How so you ask? 

Russian Volume Diameter                              Classic Lash Diameter

         0.03 - 0.07                                                                          0.15 - 0.25 (+) 

Think of these (2) Columns as weights per lash, with Classics being much heavier individually. We normally, never go past 0.15 in Classics as we value the integrity of a Client's own natural lash. If you were to break it down in the form of an equation, it would look something like this: 

Russian Volume Lash per Natural Hair: (0.05 x 3 Lashes) = 0.15 

So, essentially you can add up to 6 hairs, depending on the health and texture of each Clients natural lash. You could also disguise holes that may be found on a Clients lash line or create a softer or bolder look by how many lashes you add. Better retention also depends if the Lash Technician is "hand making" the Volume Fans, which is then placed using a "wrapping" technique to encase the entire lash or if they are using pre-made fans, which does not have good retention.  

It is also important to note, that it is NOT recommended to go over (1) lash hair that is more than 0.07 in diameter when creating fans and it highly recommended that you go to a trained professional! If the person performing the extensions does not understand the formula to proper lash application in a Russian Volume Lash Set, it may result in permanent hair loss. 

The photo above is poor application from another Lash Technician at a different salon, which made the claim that they were knowledgeable in this service and yet under close examination, the lashes came out in clumps. Your lashes should look uniformed and harmonious and never grouped together! 

Above Photo, not my work!

Why are most photos for Microblading, pictured from the side profile as opposed to the front facing photo’s? 

Like fingerprints, Microblading can display consistent stroke patterns that can be linked to the Artist themselves. Although Artists trained through specific Certification Programs will have somewhat similar protocols, most over time will develop their own signature strokes. 

You will also notice as the brow transitions from the front or inner part of the brow, whether or not it has a smooth or harmonious transition. Most brows should curve into the front of the brow and blend the ¼ of the way towards the full brow. Multiple strokes should be seen within those strokes and the tail should not have a “V” or “Fish Tail” look.

Most of the Artist will keep a consistent strokes which most Clients, especially those that are collecting information, will not always catch when viewing before and after photos of the companies their researching.  I have had (1) Client who was impressed by the work of one company and received her service only to be disappointed with the results. The Client believed that she was receiving the same experience and expertise as displayed in the photo.

When I asked to see the Companies FB page, I noted the different stroke patterns and specifically one that copied and not their own work. It is important to notice stroke patterns and even to go further back within their photo history to see the improvements over time or the experience that comes with it. 

The main reason that I display mostly, not all, side profiles of Microblading, is to view the stroke patterns…and maybe because I am a little obsessed with “Strokes”. Be on the look out for more upcoming Blogs about Our Services. (Next Blog: What to Expect in Microblading)

We are so excited to have worked with Gretchen Kamp & Co. who re-designed Our Logo and Our Website! It has been quite the journey and we couldn't have done it without the support and love of Our Clients. We are happy to announce that you can now book appointments, purchase products, view our menu, read our blogs and visit our staff! 

Continue to be on the lookout for upcoming blogs! 

- Jin Mi