What Are Arabic Lashes? A Complete Guide for Lash Techs
If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok lately, you may have noticed Arabic lashes becoming a popular lash trend. Known for their bold, lifted and beautifully defined appearance, Arabic lash sets are designed to create a dramatic eye look while still looking polished and carefully styled.
But what exactly are Arabic lashes, and how are they different from other lash styles?
In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Arabic lashes, including what they are, how they’re created and why they’ve become such a popular choice for clients wanting a more dramatic lash look.
What Are Arabic Lashes?
Arabic lashes are a style of eyelash extension set inspired by the bold, lifted and defined lash looks commonly associated with Middle Eastern beauty trends.
The style generally focuses on creating:
- A dramatic, lifted appearance
- Noticeable spikes or texture
- A fuller, darker lash line
- Defined sections throughout the set
- A beautifully elongated eye shape
- A glamorous but structured finish
Rather than creating a completely uniform lash line, Arabic-inspired sets often use different lengths, curls and styling techniques to create texture and dimension.
The exact finished look can vary depending on the lash technician, the client's natural lashes and the desired result.
What Do Arabic Lashes Look Like?
Arabic lash sets are usually instantly recognisable because of their bold, textured appearance.
They can combine softer fans with more prominent spikes to create a wispy effect. The lashes are often lifted towards the outer sections of the eye, although the mapping can be adapted to suit the client's eye shape.
Think dramatic, fluffy, lifted and defined.
One of the biggest appeals of Arabic lashes is that they can be customised. A client may want a softer version for everyday wear, while another may prefer an extremely dramatic, glamorous set.
How Are Arabic Lashes Created?
There isn't just one technique for creating Arabic lashes. A lash tech can adapt their application depending on their preferred method and the look they're trying to achieve.
Arabic-inspired sets can incorporate elements of:
Russian volume fans can be used to build density and create a dark, fluffy base.
Strategically placed spikes add the signature texture and definition associated with many Arabic-inspired lash sets.
Different Lengths
Mixing lengths helps create dimension rather than having every lash follow the same pattern.
Different Curls
Using different curls can help create lift, texture and contrast throughout the set.
The key is styling rather than simply applying as many lashes as possible. The finished set should be mapped carefully around the client's individual eye shape.
What Lash Mapping Is Used for Arabic Lashes?
There isn't one universal Arabic lash map.
A lash technician may use different maps depending on the client's eye shape and the desired effect. For example, a technician might use shorter lengths towards the inner corner before gradually increasing lengths and introducing longer spikes throughout the set.
Some Arabic-inspired sets may have a strong outer-corner emphasis, while others are designed to create a more open-eye effect.
This is why consultation is so important.
Rather than copying a lash map exactly from another client, consider:
- Natural eye shape
- Natural lash length and density
- Desired level of drama
- Natural lash strength
- Client's lifestyle
- Previous extension history
- The overall effect the client wants
What Lash Curls Are Best for Arabic Lashes?
The curl you choose will depend on the look you're trying to achieve and your client's natural lashes.
More lifted curls can help create a dramatic, open appearance, while other curls can be incorporated to create variation and texture.
L and L+ curls, for example, can be particularly useful when you want to create a strong lifted effect.
At Phatlash, we stock a wide range of lash curls, lengths and diameters, giving lash technicians plenty of options when creating customised sets.
What Lash Thickness Should You Use?
As with any lash extension treatment, the diameter should be selected based on the client's natural lashes and the application technique being used.
For volume work, common diameters include:
- 0.03mm
- 0.05mm
- 0.07mm
For classic lash applications, thicker options such as 0.15mm and 0.20mm may be used where appropriate.
However, the thickest lash isn't automatically the best lash.
A professional lash technician should always consider the health, strength and length of the client's natural lashes when deciding which extensions are suitable.
Why Are Arabic Lashes So Popular?
Arabic-inspired lash sets have become increasingly popular because they offer a very different aesthetic from a traditional natural lash set.
They're ideal for clients who want their lashes to be:
Bold. Fluffy. Lifted. Dramatic. Defined.
They're also highly customisable.
A lash tech can create a softer Arabic-inspired look for clients who want texture without extreme volume, or build a much more dramatic set for clients who love a glamorous finish.
Are Arabic Lashes Suitable for Everyone?
The Arabic lash style can be adapted to suit many different eye shapes, but the exact design should always be customised.
For example, the same lash map won't necessarily create the same result on hooded eyes, downturned eyes, almond eyes or round eyes.
A professional consultation can help determine the most suitable:
- Lash lengths
- Curls
- Diameters
- Mapping
- Volume
- Spike placement
The goal should always be to create a set that complements the client's natural features rather than simply recreating a trend.
Arabic Lashes vs Russian Volume
Although the two styles can look similar, they're not necessarily the same thing.
Russian volume describes an extension technique where handmade fans are created and applied to individual natural lashes.
Arabic lashes are more about the overall styling and finished appearance. They can incorporate volume fans, spikes, different lengths and different curls to achieve the desired look.
In other words, Arabic lashes can use volume techniques, but Arabic lashes describe more of a style and aesthetic than one specific application technique.
Can You Create Arabic Lashes With Promades?
Yes! Promades can be a useful option for lash technicians who want to create textured, dramatic sets efficiently.
Promade fans are already made and ready to apply, helping reduce the time spent manually creating fans.
They can be combined with individual lashes or other fan styles to create different levels of texture and definition.
The key is placement. Strategic placement of different lengths can help create the spikes and dimension associated with Arabic-inspired sets.
How to Create the Perfect Arabic Lash Set
If you're a lash tech wanting to offer Arabic-inspired lashes, start with a detailed consultation.
1. Assess the Natural Lashes
Check the client's natural lash length, thickness, density and overall condition.
2. Discuss the Desired Look
Ask whether they want soft, medium or dramatic Arabic-inspired lashes.
3. Choose Your Curls
Select curls that complement both the natural lashes and the desired finished effect.
4. Create Your Lash Map
Plan your lengths and spike placement before you begin.
5. Add Texture
Use different lengths and strategically placed spikes to create dimension.
6. Build Your Volume
Add your fans or promades while keeping the application suitable for the client's natural lashes.
7. Check the Finished Set
Look at the lashes from different angles and make sure the overall shape is balanced and complements the client's eyes.
Build Your Arabic Lash Kit With Phatlash
Want to create dramatic, textured lash sets?
At Phatlash, we stock a wide range of professional lash products designed for lash technicians, including lash trays, promades, fans, adhesives and accessories.
Whether you're creating soft and wispy sets or bold Arabic-inspired lashes, having a variety of lengths, curls and diameters in your lash kit gives you the flexibility to customise every appointment.
Ready to create your next Arabic lash set? Shop Phatlash and find the products you need to create bold, beautiful lash looks.
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