Working with Challenging Natural Lashes – Practical Tips for Lash Stylists

Sooner or later, every lash stylist encounters a client with difficult natural lashes. Whether they’re extremely light, short, downward-growing, or overly curled — each case requires the right technique and approach. Learn how to deal with even the trickiest lashes and create beautiful, long-lasting, and safe lash sets.

In this article, you'll learn:

✅ Which types of lashes require more attention
✅ How to work with very light natural lashes
✅ What to do when lashes grow downward
✅ When to choose a lash lift and lamination instead of extensions
✅ How to style overly curled lashes
✅ How to lash mature clients

Which lashes are more demanding?

Some natural lashes are more difficult to work with. These include:

• very light and thin lashes

• extremely short lashes

• downward-growing lashes

• overly curled lashes

• lashes of mature clients

Thankfully, with the right techniques and tools, you can confidently handle each of these challenges.

Very light lashes – how to manage?

Light-colored lashes can be hard to see, which makes isolation tricky. Here’s how to make your job easier:

Use contrast tape – black or blue tape helps highlight each lash, reducing the risk of stickies.
Good lighting is key – a quality lash lamp with neutral light will help you see every hair clearly and work more precisely.

Extremely short lashes

For short natural lashes, adjust the angle of your tweezers – hold them more vertically to access the lash base easily.
Avoid using very long extensions, which can create a lever effect and weigh down the natural lash. Choose lighter, shorter extensions that ensure comfort and retention without damaging the client’s natural lashes.

Very long, tangled lashes

Long lashes often cross over or tangle, which can be frustrating for clients. In such cases, we recommend:

✨ Lash lift and lamination – this treatment helps align the lashes, enhances their color, and nourishes them naturally – no extensions needed.

Check out the Fall in the Volume kit from Noble Lashes – perfect for lash lift pros!

Downward-growing lashes

These lashes lie flat against the eye pad and are harder to isolate. Try this:

✔️ Gently tape the eyelid upward using medical tape – it lifts the lashes and improves visibility.
✔️ Choose a curl with a stronger lift – D or L curls work best for lifting the lash line and opening the eye.

Overly curled natural lashes

It’s often hard to reach the base of a tightly curled natural lash. A useful trick:

Place the extension underneath the natural lash – this method is technically correct, keeps the direction clean, and improves retention.

Lashing mature clients

With age, the eyelid skin becomes looser, and natural lashes are often finer and more sparse. This requires extra care and precision.

Use a lifting tape to gently raise the upper lid – this improves visibility and makes isolation easier.
Adjust the client’s position – slightly tilting the head back or lifting the chin can help with access.

Lash tip: For mature clients, classic lash sets (1:1) often work best. They softly open the eye and lift the outer corners without adding too much weight.

Boost your lash skills with Noble Lashes

Want to feel confident in any lash situation?
Sign up for one of our professional courses:

Classic Lash Extension Course (1:1 method)
Volume Lash Courses
Lower Lash Extension Training
Lash Lift and Lamination Course