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Russian Volume Eyelash Extensions
A complete guide to the most popular lash extension treatment. Learn all about Russian lashes treatment, aftercare, maintenance and comparison to other styles.
Image source: Instagram @prettyinlash_
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Volume lash extensions are also known as Russian lashes or Russian volume lash extensions because they were invented by a Russian lash technician. They are a relatively new treatment that has taken the world by storm.
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What Are Russian Volume Lash Extensions?
Russian lashes are a type of eyelash extensions where small fans of usually 2-6 lashes are applied to one of your natural lashes, thus creating thick, dense volume lashes. These lashes are finer and lighter than classic lashes, and give a more dramatic look to the eyes.
Want to find out more about eyelash extensions? Follow the links:
Eyelash Extensions: The Ultimate Guide
Russian Volume Lashes Materials
Unlike classic lash extensions, which can be made of natural and synthetic materials, Russian lashes are made of ultra-fine synthetic fiber, most commonly faux mink. They are made to be thinner, thus lighter because more lashes are applied to one natural lash.
Russian Volume Eyelash Extensions Thickness
Russian volume lash extensions are made of very fine lash extensions that typically come in thicknesses ranging 0.03mm – 0.10mm, as opposed to classic lashes that can be 0.15mm or 0.20mm in diameter.
They are very lightweight, thinner than your natural lashes. You can choose 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D and 6D, and some artists even offer up to 8D lashes (or more, for mega volume lashes).
- Lightweight Russian lashes – 2D & 3D
- Medium-weight Russian lashes – 4D & 5D
- Heavyweight Russian lashes – 6D and above.
Image source: Instagram @hausofbeautysalon
How Long Does the Russian Volume Lash Extensions Treatment Last?
The volume lashes treatment lasts 1.5 – 2 hours. The lash technician will clean your eyelashes and prepare them for treatment. You will decide what kind of volume lashes you want, from 2D to 6D. The lash technician will advise you on the style and thickness, based on the strength and length of your natural lashes.
The lash tech will dip each fan into the adhesive and apply it to your natural lashes. You will wait a little bit for the glue to dry.
Extra Tip
It is advisable to have a patch test before the treatment to make sure you are not allergic to the lash glue.
How Do I Prepare For the Russian Volume Lash Extension Treatment?
You need to remove all traces of makeup before the appointment. It is advisable not to use waterproof mascara for 24 hours before the treatment, to make sure your lashes are perfectly clean. Remove your contact lenses if you wear them and come showered since you will be advised to avoid water and steam for 24h after the treatment.
Image source: Instagram @mimisstudiopro
What Does the Russian Volume Lash Extension Aftercare Look Like?
Russian volume lashes do not require special aftercare. It is important not to get them wet until the glue is completely dry. So, avoid water and steam in the first 24 hours. Don’t use oil-based products and try to sleep on your back. Don’t touch your eyelashes.
How Long Do Russian Lash Extensions Last?
Russian lashes last 6-8 weeks, without infills. They are attached to your natural lashes, so they follow their growth cycle and fall off with your natural lashes.
How Often Should I Have Volume Lashes Infills?
Infills, fill-ins, or correction appointments are there to prolong the effect of volume eyelash extensions. As said above, they will fall off as your natural lashes shed. It is time to add more when you lose about 50% of your volume lashes, which is approximately 3-4 weeks after the initial treatment.
Image source: Instagram @ballylashes_lillian
How Much Do Russian Volume Eyelash Extensions Cost?
The average price for Russian volume lash extensions is somewhere between $150 and $300. The price depends on the popularity of the salon/technician, location, and materials they use.
Russian Volume Lashes Side-Effects
Adding Russian lash extensions is a pretty safe procedure, but there are some risks.
The potential complications can be caused by improper application. If the artist is not skilled enough, they can apply the lashes to the lids instead to your natural lashes, which will make the volume lashes uncomfortable to wear, and can damage your natural lashes. Also, the artist may work in unsterile conditions, so you risk getting an infection. That is why it is important to choose a lash artist carefully.
You may also be allergic to the lash glue, so it is advisable to do a patch test before the treatment. Also, if you pull the lashes, and try to remove them on your own, you risk damaging your natural lashes. So follow the tips given by the lash tech and found in this text, to make sure there are no any side-effects.
How Can I Remove Russian Volume Eyelash Extensions?
It is best to leave it to a professional since you risk damaging your natural lashes. The technician will use special products formulated for removing old eyelash extensions properly, without ruining your natural eyelashes.
Some technicians will charge $20-$30 for a removal service. There are also some lash techs who sell the products for safe lash extension removal. Check the removal options with your lash artist.
Image source: Instagram @philashes.by.zeinab
Russian Lashes vs Other Styles
What Is the Difference Between Russian Volume Lashes and Classic Lash Extensions?
Classic eyelash extensions treatment means applying 1 lash extension to 1 of your natural lashes, while with Russian volume lashes, fans of 2-6 thin lashes are applied.
While classic lash extensions add length to your lashes, volume lashes will fill in the gaps between sparse lashes and add fullness, thus creating a fluffy, softer look. Volume lashes are for people who want a more dramatic look, they create wispy, full definition that makes eyes really pop, while classic lashes look more natural.
Volume lashes are said to last longer than classic lashes. They also need less adhesive.
What is the Difference Between Russian Volume Lashes and Hybrid Lashes?
Hybrid lashes mix classic lash extension and Russian volume eyelash extensions. Individual classic lashes will give length, while volume lashes will add depth and density.
By combining the two techniques, with hybrid lashes you get length and fullness. Hybrid lashes are perfect for people who want a fuller lash line and a more texturized lash look. Hybrid lashes are sometimes called American volume lashes.
What is the Difference Between Russian Lashes vs Mega Volume Lash Extensions?
Mega volume lashes create a glamorous and dramatic look and are perfect for people who really want to stand out. They use up to 16 lash extensions, of 0.03 and 0.04 thickness.
Classic, Volume, or Hybrid Lash Extensions – Which To Choose?
It all comes down to your preferences.
- Classic lashes (1:1) – for people who want natural look, to add more length to your natural lashes;
- Russian volume lashes (2-8 lashes on one natural lash) – for those who prefer a more dramatic look and like wearing makeup
- Hybrid lashes – (classic + volume lashes) – for those who don’t have long and thick lashes, the combination will give length and fullness for great results.
Image source: Instagram @swaniyalashes_factory
How Do I Maintain Russian Volume Lash Extensions?
Getting Russian eyelash extensions is a perfect way to skip your morning makeup routine. They are low-maintenance, but not no-maintenance.
- Book an infill appointment after 3-4 weeks.
- Brush your volume lashes with a clean spoolie every day.
- Clean Russian volume lashes with prescribed mild soap, or most commonly used micellar water, then rinse gently with water. You can use an eyeshadow brush. Be gentle, no rubbing.
- Don’t use oil-based products, since they will dissolve the glue.
Can I Wear Mascara on My Russian Volume Lash Extensions?
No, it is not advisable to use mascara with Russian lashes. First of all, there is no need for that – your lashes will look pretty good without mascara. Secondly, it can harden the lashes and cause breakage. Also, it will affect the lash glue.
Image source: Instagram @lashes.by.cea
Do Russian Volume Lashes Damage Your Natural Lashes?
If done properly and if you follow the aftercare tips, Russian eyelash extensions will not damage your natural lashes. Even though it doesn’t sound like that, they are usually lighter than classic lashes and use less glue.
Russian Volume Eyelash Extensions – Main Takeaways
With Russian volume lashes, everyone can have Hollywood lashes whenever they want. It is just important to choose a lash technician wisely. Don’t let an uncertified person do your lashes if you want to to avoid the risk of getting an infection.