Russian volume lashes also known as 3D volume is the latest trend to take the eyelash extension industry by storm. As the name suggests the technique originates from Russia, where lash pioneers created a bouquet of lashes, fanning out two or more lashes and placing them on to a single natural lash to create the fullest sets that were unprecedented with classic style extensions. Prior to this, it was frowned upon to attach more than one extension onto one natural lash, as it would weigh down the lash and compromise the health of lashes over time. The Russian technique uses specialised eyelash extensions that are of a mere 0.07mm diameter (sometimes even 0.05mm) to make this possible without damaging the natural lashes. Before these lashes were introduced, most technicians were typically using extensions of 0.15mm or 0.20mm width for the 1 on 1 classic style.
The volume eyelash extensions are very different to cluster lashes or flares, where multiple lashes are pre-fanned and come already bonded at the base – these types of lashes fall more into the false strip lash category, and are applied on to your eyelid. The Russian volume extensions are all hand made on the spot – your technician makes each bouquet, carefully fanning out multiple lashes using their tweezers right before attaching them to your lashes. The procedure is very delicate and much more intricate than classic extensions; absolute precision is a necessity.
The term 2D, 3D, 6D etc. in the volume technique is used to describe how many lashes are in the fan or bouquet of lashes. 3D means 3 lashes are placed onto one natural lash; 6D means 6 lashes, and so on.
How fans for the Russian volume lashes are made
So the big question is, how can placing so many lashes not cause damage? Utilising 0.07mm width lashes, a 3D fan is equivalent to one 0.12mm lash. Therefore, it in fact places less strain and weight on the natural lash than the 0.15mm lashes that are most often used in classic lash extensions. One 6D fan is equivalent to one 0.20mm lash, hence these sets are recommended for clients with strong lashes to begin with.
The main benefit of the volume technique is that, it has made it possible to give full, voluminous sets of lashes even if you have sparse, fine lashes naturally. Compared to classic extensions, the finish is much softer, fluffier, and multi dimensional. Due to the light weight of the extensions, it has been known to last longer than classic extensions on some clients.
As the Russian volume sets become more popular, some salons have been offering the service without any training. We have had clients come in with multiple 0.15mm lashes stacked on top of each other. This is not the proper volume technique and can seriously damage your natural lashes! Please do your research and only choose qualified and experienced technicians to apply your volume set on you. At MARICO Salon Melbourne (Tokyo Lashes), our stylists are trained by Mariko who is a renown volume trainer in Japan with award winning students. Experience this amazing technique at Tokyo Lashes by calling/texting 0411 281 029; you’ll soon be a convert!