If you've been keeping up with the more recent beauty trends on Instagram or TikTok, soft texture, dimensional depth, and that all encompassing "just stepped out of the shower” glow are currently being pushed as the new standard in lash styles. Wet set lashes are a prime example of this. Hybrid lashes are another very popular favorite; both offer some form of volume and near constant drama, but each provides a slightly different aesthetic and experience.
A lash artist refining their menu or a client making a final style choice would benefit from understanding these nuances. Diving into the specifics is what I'll do below.
Wet Set Lashes
Wet set lashes ('wet look' being the more common phrase) are a near perfect modern volume extension. Mimicking the sleek, clumped together appearance of naturally wet lashes, they are not the fluffy 'fan' style most people think of. Tightly closed or narrow fans are used to create those defined spikes - textured, glossy, and that all round effortlessly chic finish is the end result.
Why We Love Them!
Ultra trend driven (2025 specifically requests them)
Mascara like high shine is achieved, no actual mascara needed
True dimension is added, natural base is kept
Most any eye shape works well with them
How the Application Works
The secret is in the fan structure. Fully opening volume fans (Russian volume style if I recall correctly) are avoided. Near closed fans, smaller and smaller in diameter (2D-6D being the norm), are used. L+ to C curls help lift the wet illusion. Premade super narrow fans are now a near perfect time/space efficient solution for both artist and client.
Product Recommendations
Lashestar 0.05mm Velvet Mink Lashes are to my mind the ideal wet set lash. Lighter weight, smaller and more defined than ever before.
Who Are Wet Set Lashes Best For?
Clients with medium to dense natural lashes
Those who love a bold yet refined, almost editorial look
Anyone seeking low maintenance glamour - high visual impact being the primary goal
Note: For clients with more sparse lashes, the gaps from the spiky separation will appear more pronounced; blending with classic or light volume fills is recommended.
Hybrid Lashes
Hybrid lashes blend classic (1:1) and some form of volume (2D–6D) technique within a single set. A 50/50 or similar mix is typically used. The end result is a balanced look; definition from the classic part and that all encompassing 'fluff' volume provides what many clients are after. "More than natural, less than full volume" is a near perfect description of what they want.
Why We Love Them!
A true middle ground between classic and volume
Good retention (strategically distributed weight is key)
Transitioning clients find them ideal
Customizable density and length
How Are Hybrid Lashes Applied?
Artists alternate placing single classic extensions (smaller being better, 0.12mm–0.15mm) and smaller volume fans. Feathery fullness is achieved through layering - flatness is avoided, dramatic or over done volume is not the end result.
Who Are Hybrid Lashes Best For?
First time volume clients (easing into a fuller look)
Moderate to well developed natural lash density
Everyday wear clients that just want to feel 'glam'
Which Style Lasts Longer?
Both last similar amounts of time (3-4 weeks with aftercare). Hybrid sets at least hold up to that, and to me at least, are a beautifully simple and effective style to use. Wet set, I believe, is still a very personal and/or desired end result of a client's look.
Wet Set Lashes vs. Hybrid Lashes: Key Differences
Feature Wet Set Lashes Hybrid Lashes
Appearance Spiky, glossy, "wet" texture Fluffy yet defined, balanced volume
Technique Tight volume fans (almost closed) Mix of classic + open volume fans
Lash Thickness 0.03mm – 0.05mm Classic: 0.12–0.15mm; Volume: 0.05–0.07mm
Best For Trend-forward, editorial looks Everyday fullness with softness
Skill Level Advanced volume technique needed Intermediate (familiarity with both methods)
Maintenance More frequent fills Moderate maintenance
Trend Status Viral in 2025 Consistently popular staple
Which One Should You Choose?
It really depends on your goal:
Choose wet set if you crave that high-fashion, near-dewy lash aesthetic currently trending on all social media - "I woke up like this" type of look (editorial being the perfect example).
Hybrid is the more versatile, wearable option. Work, dates, weekend brunches... you name it, volume that enhances without pushing past a certain point is what hybrid provides.
Pro tip: Many top lash studios now offer custom blends, outer wet set spikes meeting some form of central hybrid volume for true dimension.
At Lashestar we support both artistry and all things innovative; premium PBT fiber lashes, premade fans of either technique are our preference. Best selling wet set collections are always available to explore.
Follow us on Instagram and/or Pinterest if you want to see real time (to us at least) current and near future lash trends.
