YY Lashes vs Classic Lashes: What Should Salons Stock?

When choosing between YY Lashes and Classic Lashes it is more than just opting for the option that offers the most volume. The salon needs to consider the end result for the client, how the technician works, the natural condition of the clients lashes and how many different variations of trays the salon can order on a consistent basis. Classic Lashes are a one to one product and therefore well known. YY Lashes on the other hand create a more textured and open look as they are made from a pre-formed Y shaped design.

It’s practical for most salons to keep classic lashes as a core range of products and offer YY lashes as a focused texture service that sits between classic and Volume handmade. Classic lashes are usually a daily option for technicians, and YY lashes offer more density than classic while still being a step away from a Volume handmade lash service. The assortment still needs to be sample tested, mapped out and specified.

• RIX Professional Lash Products are supplied to the salon trade, wholesalers and private-label brands. The YY range of lashes from A-RIX can be used as a comparison for the lash’s construction, curl, length as well as the tray layout and packaging and how easy the product is to place for repeat orders. The following framework is used to establish whether each product deserves a place in the purchasing teams stockroom.

How YY and Classic Lashes Differ

Even closed trays can look similar. However, the way a product is constructed has a big influence on the end result and how technicians work with it. Therefore, always compare a physical sample under the same conditions and don’t just rely on the product name.

YY Fiber Arrangement

This extension is made in a pre-formed shape of a light Y-like structure that splits into two arms. When attached to one natural lash the divided tips of the extension give a wider, more open surface area than a single classic fiber. This type of extension gives a textured look rather than being very dense and so is particularly suitable for Maps where the individual strands of lash are visible and part of the design.

Classic One-to-One Structure

For a classic service one extension is applied to one isolated natural lash. Therefore the final density of the extensions depends on the number of natural lashes the client has and the technician’s map of these. A round single fiber is easy to explain and suitable for a clean natural look. More information about this type of service can be found in the individual eyelash extension guide.

Difference in the Finished Lash Line

Classic lashes create a clean line with lashes that are individually placed to create controlled space between each lash. YY lashes add in small points of split-tip texture creating the appearance of fuller lashes in the front without recreating the look of a volume fan. The look of YY lashes depends on the curl, length, placement of the natural lashes, as well as the amount of extensions used and samples should be photographed on comparable practice maps.

Matching Each Format to Salon Services

A useful stock is based on a service promise. So when ordering, one should first of all define the clients, maps and price ranges which a tray is supposed to support, and then increase the number of curls and lengths on stock accordingly.

Natural Sets and First-Time Clients

Because they are so fine, Classic lashes are generally easier to apply as a very natural enhancement. They are also a great starting point for first time extension wearers. Although Salon owners can advise clients that the finished set will depend on natural lash count and the quality of the natural lashes, they cannot guarantee that a customer will look like a reference photograph even of Classic lashes.

Textured Sets and Visible Density

For service briefs that request lashes with a soft texture and more defined surface, YY lashes offer an alternative between a classic simple look and a fuller volume offering. The YY Lash Extensions Pre-Formed 2D Volume Strip Y Shape Eyelashes page provides a precise product reference point for discussions around sample orders that are often referred to only by the general term of YY lashes.

Refills and Consistent Mapping

Refill planning is key as the client returns with a mix of existing extensions and new hair growth. The technician needs to adhere to a set of rules to ensure that the original hair map and hair texture is maintained. If YY and classic fibers are being used, it’s also good practice to note where each is used. A map card, tray code and dated client note allow for the service to be repeated accurately and prevents technicians from repeating the service with a different fiber ratio each time.

What to Check in YY and Classic Samples

The criteria for sample approval should include assessment of how samples are handled as well as their finished appearance. These should be assessed using the salon’s normal tools and in controlled practice situations. Observations should be recorded by the technicians.

Curl and Length Consistency

When comparing strips within a tray, ensure that the curls are consistent throughout the mapped lengths. Also check that the labeled lengths increase in a consistent manner. Check the tips, bases, color and shine of the lashes under good lighting. The quality control checklist A-RIX describes the control of raw materials, of the shaping process, of finished lashes, of packaging and of packed products. This is very useful to discuss with your supplier.

Pickup and Base Control

Check for clean release of fiber from strip and for base to be in order on pickup. Check that arms on YY products are to be the correct spacing and not tangled. Check for bent tips, irregular taper and for fiber to be unstable in curl for classic products. Retain approved tray as sample for future comparison with batches.

Responsible Comfort and Retention Review

Remember that a lash shape alone does not guarantee comfort or wear. Many factors influence the quality of lashes including the natural lash, the adhesive, environment where applied, placement of individual lashes, aftercare of lashes and the skill of technician. Sample reviews can detail application and visible results but further evidence is required to back up any medical or hypoallergenic claims. A wider lash quality-control checklist can help to formalise receiving checks at salon.

Building a Profitable Salon Assortment

The best range is not the largest range of products with the most SKUs. The best range is one that covers all of the salon’s repeatable maps, can be restocked without having to find substitutes on an ongoing basis, and creates differentiation between services to allow clients to know why they would choose one service over another.

Core Classic Inventory

We start with the diameters and lengths of curls that our technicians use most frequently in the salon’s highest volume natural hair maps. We track actual usage of each length of product in a tray as opposed to ordering all of the sizes. We keep mixed trays of different lengths for testing out new services or low volume services and single length trays for the most frequently used lengths. We also keep the codes the same for the booking menu, stock sheet and the salon’s reorder request form.

Focused YY Inventory

YY lashes should be introduced with a limited map library and a small selection of common lengths. Review pre-formed YY lashes as a complete specification including fiber appearance, curl, lengths, strip removal, tray labeling and packaging. Add to this offering only as repeat business is reflected in appointment records as opposed to one time curiosity.

Training and Menu Language

Have your technicians make up side-by-side samples and discuss how you will be describing the two different services. Be careful not to make YY out to be the better service of the two, and make sure to not make classic sound obsolete. Use language in your menu descriptions that refers to the visible results of the service: classic = clean definition, YY = soft split-tip texture. Before-and-after photos of the same map, taken with similar lighting, will also help to make sure that your salespeople are delivering the message that your team can do.

Working with a Supplier on Repeat Orders

Convert the salon’s preference for format mix into a written and repeatable specification for the supplier. This is particularly important for multi-location salons and private-label suppliers.

Confirm the Product Specification

This is a list of all the parameters which can be customized for any A-RIX product: fiber type/finish, color, curl, thickness, length, tray configuration, tape behavior, and labels. All of these can be modified within the boundaries of a given project. Reference the A-RIX product catalog to determine potential ranges for given parameters. Finalize all customized parameters on sample and order document.

Approve Packaging and Brand Details

Private-label buyers need to approve the tray label, outer box, barcode area, instructions and carton markings. Packaging is made of paper or rigid cards, plastic parts, inner trays, outer boxes and printed instructions. Current options and production requirements need to be confirmed with the A-RIX service team before the artwork is finalized.

Create a Reorder Control Record

Keep an approved physical sample, specification sheet, artwork proof, order code, and receiving checklist together. On arrival, compare cartons from different positions in the shipment and record visible differences by lot or order reference. When a change is needed, describe it against the approved sample. This gives the supplier a clear correction target and protects consistency across future salon promotions.

Conclusion

Classic lashes are best used as a base for most salons offering natural/defined extension services. The YY design is a soft texture/lots of density pre-formed split-tip lash that would be an addition to your current stockist of Classic lashes. The ratio would depend on appointment data, technician ability, map usage and sample results. A-RIX YY lashes are available as an exact replica and therefore can be compared before purchasing in bulk. Please ensure you document the exact specification required and utilize the contact channel to request samples, packaging etc. for further repeat orders.

FAQs

Are YY lashes the same as volume fans?

No. YY lashes have a unique pre-formed split design, whereas volume fans can be made with varying numbers of fibers arranged in different ways. Therefore compare the base to the finished lash and do not just rely on the category name.

Can salons use YY lashes for natural-looking sets?

You can create this style when you are limiting the length, curl, spacing and map. This style has visible texture from the divided tips of the ends, so you should clearly inform the consultant of this characteristic prior to the service.

Should a new salon stock YY or classic lashes first?

Classic lashes tend to be the wider initial range of products offered by a salon. Then specific YY trays can be added as salons find out which of the textured lashes their technicians and clients like best.

What should buyers compare between YY lash suppliers?

Curl and length consistency, tip alignment, base shape, pickup, tray labeling, packaging, sample-to-batch consistency, customization, and handling of specification changes.

Can YY and classic lashes be used in the same set?

A hybrid method can be used where the technician is using a particular method and the client has sufficient natural lashes to form part of the design. The salon should record the design used and refrain from making general comments regarding comfort, retention or suitability for all clients.