The One-Size-Fits-Most Lash Mapping Style You NEED To Know!
Lash Mapping is one of the most important parts of a set of lash extensions – not only does it show your clients that you know your craft, but it’s also a huge part of their experience with you, and means that they’re going to leave your salon looking their absolute best each and every time they visit, because their look has been tailored to their unique face shape and bone structure!
What is a Squirrel Lash Map?
A Squirrel lash map is one of your four core shapes for lash mapping. This is one of the most universally flattering lash mapping styles going, so if you learn no other lash maps during your career (not a good game plan, by the way), this is the one you should commit to memory!
A squirrel lash map – also known as a kitten lash map – is quite a natural shape, it follows the brow arch and mimics the growth pattern (generally speaking) of the natural lashes.
The reason that it is a good option for almost anyone is due to this mimicry of the natural lash growth – unlike a doll eye lash mapping it doesn’t create the illusion that the eyes are closer together, and unlike a cat eye lash mapping it doesn’t create any illusion of extra space between the eyes.
Why is it Called A Squirrel Style?
It’s easy enough to understand why a Doll Eye or a Cat Eye are named as such – they give the eyes a doll-like appearance or a cat-like flick, so why squirrel?
Well, to be honest, it’s a little unclear! It has been theorized that it’s named this way because it sort of resembles the shape of a squirrel’s tail when viewed from the side which does make some sense.
As we mentioned, another name, and arguably a more common name in some places, is a kitten lash map. This also makes a fair amount of sense when you consider that a squirrel (or kitten style) is closer in shape to a cat eye lash map than to a doll eye, so can be regarded as a sort of ‘baby cat’ style.
Is A Squirrel Lash Map the Same as a Natural Lash Map?
Not quite, a natural lash map is a combination of a doll eye lash map and a squirrel lash map – if you’re stuck on a style to choose and your client is in the mood for a very light and wispy lash look, go for a natural lash map and use 5 lengths maximum!
Who is a Squirrel Lash Map Best For?
Pretty much anyone, though it’s a really good style to pick for clients who would love a cat eye, but might not be the best candidate for them due to the way their lashes are growing or if they have a lot of space between their eyes already.
Clients with hooded eyes often love a squirrel lash map as it just gives them that extra bit of lift in the outer corners of their eyes, and the lashes are that little bit longer so they don’t become aggravating by tickling their eyelids. That being said, it’s important to choose your curls well so that they also avoid tickling your clients' eyelids either when they’re fresh or as they’re growing out.
A squirrel style is pretty much always a safe bet, so it makes sense to learn it well.
Who is a Squirrel Lash Map NOT Ideal For?
Let’s say your client has a very close set of eyes, or a lot of space between their eyes – in those cases it may be better to pick a cat eye or a doll eye lash map respectively.
It’s worth mentioning here that we’re never trying to ‘correct’ anything about our clients’ faces, we’re just doing our best to complement their unique face shape and bone structure by giving them a lash set which works in harmony with them – if their eyes turn downwards in the outer corners, we want to add some lift so that their lashes don’t make them look sad.
How To Map A Squirrel Lash Style
As with any lash map, start by marking out the first and lash lash on your eye patch so that you know the area you’re working with. Make a mark in the middle of the eye as well.
Divide the outer section in half, and make the section between that line and your center line the longest section.
Divide the outermost section in half, and each of those sections in half again.
Do the same towards the inner corners, dropping down to nice short lengths in the inner corners.
The more lengths you use, the more of an arch you'll have. As a general rule, try to use at least 5 lengths in any lash map so that you get a nice styled look.
TOP TIP! Try to make it so that your inner corners have a maximum of 8mm when you’re mapping out your lengths to ensure that they are kept safe – if you need to, account for additional lengths when you’re sectioning out the inner half of your lash map so that the inner corner lashes aren’t being weighed down by longer lengths as this can cause them to twist and fall out prematurely, which can in turn damage the hair follicle.
Which Lash Curls Should You Use With A Squirrel Lash Map?
You can really use any curl when mapping a squirrel. We recommend mixing curls to really tailor the set to your client, but of course, as always, take their natural lashes into consideration.
Because a Squirrel lash map is pretty universal, it makes for a really good base for basically any trending lash mapping style, so the world is very much your oyster when it comes to what you can do with a squirrel lash map! Don’t be afraid to mix curls and colors, play with your length application on different layers to achieve different kinds of textures, and get creative to make your clients’ lashing dreams a reality!
