Lash Extension Anatomy, Growth Stages, and Terminology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering eye anatomy, lash growth stages, lash extension terminology, and adhesive chemistry basics.

Conjunctiva

Thin, transparent protective membrane covering the front of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelids.

Eyelid

Fold of skin that protects the eye.

Upper eyelid

Upper movable fold covering the eye.

Lower eyelid

Lower movable fold beneath the eye.

Lacrimal gland

Organ that produces tears.

Tear duct

Drains tears away from the eye.

Canthus

Corner where the upper and lower eyelids meet.

Medial canthus

Corner of the eye closest to the nose.

Lateral canthus

Corner of the eye closest to the ear/temple.

Eyelash (cilia)

The individual hairs growing from the eyelid margin.

Lash follicle

The tiny structure in the skin where the natural lash grows.

Lash bulb

The enlarged base of the hair inside the follicle.

Lash shaft

The portion of the natural lash that extends out from the skin.

Lash line

The area along the edge of the eyelid where the lashes emerge.

Anagen

Growth phase where the lash is actively growing.

Catagen

Transition phase where growth stops and the follicle begins transitioning.

Telogen

Resting phase where the lash rests before eventually shedding and being replaced.

Classic lashes

Lash application technique where one extension is applied to one natural lash (1:1).

Volume lashes

Lash application technique where multiple lightweight extensions are made into a fan and applied to one natural lash.

Hybrid lashes

Lash extension technique using a combination of classic and volume techniques.

Lash extension

A synthetic or other manufactured fiber attached to an individual natural lash to enhance its appearance.

Lash fan

A group of multiple extensions arranged together for volume application.

Isolation

Separating one natural lash from neighboring lashes before applying an extension.

Adhesive

The product used to create the bond and attach the extension to the natural lash.

Attachment

The connection between the extension and natural lash.

Retention

How long extensions remain appropriately attached to the natural lashes over time.

Shedding

The natural loss of a lash as it completes its growth cycle.

Fill/Touch-up

A maintenance appointment where extensions are replaced as natural lashes shed and new lashes grow in.

Mapping

Planning where different lengths, curls, or styles will be placed across the lash line.

Cyanoacrylate-based

The primary ingredient family found in most professional lash adhesives.

Cure

The process of adhesive hardening/polymerizing when reacting with moisture/humidity in the environment.

Humidity

Moisture in the air that reacts with cyanoacrylate-based adhesive to trigger curing.

Dry time/speed

How quickly a lash adhesive grabs/cures.

Adhesive fumes/vapors

Vapors released during and around the curing of lash adhesive.

Ventilation

Air movement or exchange that helps manage exposure to adhesive vapors.

Retention

How well the adhesive bond holds over time.

Fresh Adhesive

Adhesive that is within its recommended usable period and stored appropriately for consistent performance.

Manufacturer Instructions

The specific directions and environmental requirements provided by the adhesive manufacturer; these should be followed for that particular adhesive.

Cleaning

Removing visible dirt, debris, oils, and other contaminants from a surface or implement.

Disinfection

Using an appropriate disinfectant to destroy many pathogenic microorganisms on suitable nonporous surfaces.

Sterilization

A higher level of microbial control that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores.

Hand Hygiene

Cleaning the hands before and after client contact and as required by infection-control protocol.

Single-Use Item

An item intended for one client or one use and then discarded.

Cross-Contamination

The transfer of contamination between contaminated and clean items, surfaces, or people.

Blood Exposure

Contact with blood requiring the service to stop and the appropriate exposure-control procedure to be followed.

Mapping

Planning the lengths, curls, styles, and placement of extensions across the lash line.

Hooded Eyes

An eye shape in which the eyelid fold can cover part of the lash line.

Downturned Eyes

An eye shape in which the outer corners naturally angle downward.

Upturned Eyes

An eye shape in which the outer corners naturally angle upward.

Close-Set Eyes

Eyes that sit relatively close together.

Wide-Set Eyes

Eyes with relatively more space between them.

Deep-Set Eyes

Eyes that sit farther back within the eye socket.

Monolids

An eyelid shape without a pronounced crease separating the eyelid from the brow area.

Doll Eye Map

A lash map with the longest extensions concentrated toward the center of the eye.

Cat Eye Map

A lash map with the longest extensions placed toward the outer portion of the eye.

Squirrel Eye Map

A lash map that increases in length toward the outer-middle of the eye, reaches its longest point there, and then decreases toward the outer corner.

Isolation Tweezers

Tweezers used to separate and isolate one natural lash from neighboring lashes.

Volume Tweezers

Tweezers used to pick up multiple lightweight extensions and create volume fans.

Spoolie

A disposable lash brush used to groom and maintain the lashes.

Microbrush

A small applicator used by the lash artist for precise product application or removal.

Pickup

The step of picking up an extension or fan with the appropriate tweezer before application.

Direction

The angle or orientation in which an extension is applied so the finished set has a controlled and consistent flow.

Placement

Positioning and attaching the extension appropriately on the isolated natural lash.

Separation

Checking and separating lashes so neighboring lashes or extensions are not stuck together.

Finishing

The final checks and grooming performed after application to ensure the lash set is separated, neat, and complete.

Temperature

The temperature of the environment, which can affect how the adhesive behaves.

Sclera

The white outer portion of the eyeball that helps protect the inner structures of the eye.

Natural Lash Growth Cycle

The repeating process in which natural lashes grow, transition, rest, shed, and are replaced.

Length

The measurement of a lash extension from base to tip, usually measured in millimeters (mm).

Curl

The shape or degree of bend of a lash extension.

J curl

A very subtle curl with a mostly straight base; gives the most natural and least lifted appearance.

B Curl

A soft, natural-looking curl with slightly more lift than J curl.

C curl

A noticeable, commonly used curl that gives the lashes a lifted appearance.

CC Curl

A stronger curl than C, creating a more lifted and dramatic appearance.

D curl

A very strong curl that creates a highly lifted and dramatic appearance.