Lash Mapping 101: 3 Must-Know Lash Maps Every Lash Tech Should Master

Understanding eye shapes, enhancing natural beauty, and creating designs that your customers like are all part of your creativity as a lash technician. It goes beyond just placing extensions. And at the centre of everything? Lash mapping.

Gaining proficiency in a few essential lash maps can boost your sets, increase your pace, and attract repeat business from lash artists of all experience levels. These are the top three lash maps that every lash technician should be aware of, along with expert advice on how to make them come to life.

First, What Is Lash Mapping? 

In order to achieve a certain style or appearance, lash mapping involves carefully positioning varying lash lengths, curls, and thicknesses along the natural lash line. Consider it a roadmap that directs your application and guarantees a well-balanced, polished outcome that is customised to the eye shape of each customer.

1. Doll Eye Lash Map 

The doll eye lash map is the best option if your customer wants to make their eyes appear larger, brighter, and more open.

• What It Looks Like: The longest lengths are positioned in the eye's centre.
• Tapering gradually on the outside and inside corners
• Produces a young, wide-eyed appearance.

Best For: 

• Almond, monolid, or round eyes
• Customers seeking an elevated, naive appearance
• Bridal sets and daily attire 

2. Cat Eye Lash Map

What It Looks Like: 

• 
• 
  
Internal corner lengths are shorter. 

• Lengthening gradually in the direction of the outer edge
• Produces a winged-out, pointed illusion. 

Best For:

• Upturned, round, or almond eyes
• Customers who desire a sexier or more striking appearance
• Improving lash sets in the eyeliner style

Pro Tip: Wide-set or downward-turned eyeballs should be handled carefully since the lengthy ends may pull the eye down. Instead, try a kitten eye variant. 

3. Squirrel Lash Map

The squirrel lash map, which is less well-known but very adaptable, provides a gentle, natural lift that complements the majority of eye forms.

• It appears to be medium length, beginning at the inner corner.
• Peaks at two thirds of the way out, just past the pupil.
• Tapering off the outside edge gradually 

Best For: 

• Close-set, downturned, or hooded eyes
• Customers seeking a moderate boost without much drama
• Hybrid or traditional lash sets

Pro Tip: For customers who are new to lash extensions or who are older, this map provides a mild upward lift. 

Why Every Lash Tech Needs These Lash Maps

The majority of lash sets are built on these three lash maps: Squirrel, Cat Eye, and Doll Eye. You may start modifying styles depending on the following after you know when and how to utilise them:

• The natural lash development pattern of the client
• Eye symmetry and form
• Desired result (glam vs. natural)

Although you can always rely on these fundamental styles as your trustworthy starting point, you may then venture into more complex techniques like anime lashes, strip lash effect, or wet lash appearance.

Lash mapping is an art as much as a science. Your ability to experiment and develop will increase with your level of confidence in core lash maps.

These three lash maps will be your secret weapon as trends change and customers want dramatic, Instagram-worthy sets as well as "clean girl" lashes.

For what reason, at the end? The foundation of gorgeous lashes is a good map and a skilled lash technician.