Choosing the Right Lash Tray Curl/Length Mix: A Supply Checklist for Volume and Hybrid Sets

by Sarah Schissler October 30, 2025

As a lash artist, few things are worse than running out of the perfect curl mid-set—or realizing your trays don’t match your client’s desired style. Stocking your lash supplies strategically keeps your workflow smooth, your results consistent, and your artistry sharp.

Whether you specialize in volume, hybrid, or custom lash sets, this guide will help you choose the right lash tray curl, length, and diameter mix, plus give you a smart checklist to keep your cart stocked like a pro.

1. Start with the Basics: Understanding Curls

Every lash artist has their go-to curls, but knowing when (and why) to reach for each one can make or break a set.

Here’s a quick curl refresher:

Curl Type	Shape	Best For	Pro Tip
J Curl	Slightly curved	Very natural looks or inner corners	Use sparingly—it’s a rare request, but great for subtlety.
B Curl	Soft lift	Classic or natural hybrid sets	Ideal for clients with straight or downward lashes.
C Curl	Noticeable curl	Most popular across all styles	Stock extra—this curl works on almost every client.
CC Curl	Slightly more lift than C	Volume and hybrid sets	The sweet spot for balanced lift without looking “too curled.”
D Curl	Dramatic curl	Volume, mega volume, or “open-eye” looks	Keep in shorter lengths for inner corners and layered dimensions.
L / L+ Curl	Straight base with strong curl	Hooded eyes or straight lashes	Excellent retention and visibility for special eye shapes.

2. Match Curl Type to Client Style

Before you order in bulk, think about what your client base loves most.

Ask yourself:

Do most of my clients want natural, wispy looks or full-on drama?
What’s trending in my area, light volume or mega volume?
Which curls do I use daily vs. occasionally?

Pro stocking tip:

Keep C and CC curls in higher quantities, they’re your everyday heroes.
Keep D and L curls on hand for your signature looks or specialty clients.

3. Build a Balanced Length Range

Stocking the right length mix is all about creating seamless mapping options.

Here’s a standard lash length breakdown for most sets:

Short (8–10mm): Ideal for inner corners and bottom layers.
Medium (11–13mm): The core of most hybrid and volume sets.
Long (14–16mm): Great for outer corners or creating spikes in textured looks.

When in doubt, go for mixed-length trays to keep your kit flexible. They’re perfect for mobile artists or anyone still experimenting with lash maps.

Pro stocking tip:
If you do high client volume, invest in single-length trays for your most-used lengths (typically 11mm–13mm). They’ll save time and reduce waste.

4. Volume vs. Hybrid: Supply Needs Differ

Volume and hybrid sets might look similar at a glance, but your lash trays should reflect their differences.

For Volume Sets

You’ll want:

Diameters: 0.03mm to 0.07mm
Lengths: 8mm–15mm
Curls: CC and D for fluffier texture

Pro Tip:
Stock extra of your mid-lengths (10–13mm) for inner and middle zones—these build the fullness your clients love.

For Hybrid Sets

You’ll want:

Diameters: 0.05mm to 0.15mm (mix of classic and volume)
Lengths: 9mm–15mm
Curls: Mix of C and CC curls for balanced texture

5. Your Smart Lash Tray Checklist

Here’s your go-to checklist before every restock:

✅ Curls:

C Curl (11–13mm)
CC Curl (8–14mm)
D Curl (10–14mm)

✅ Lengths:

Mixed trays (8–16mm)
Single lengths for 10, 11, 12, and 13mm

✅ Diameters:

0.03mm and 0.05mm (volume)
0.07mm and 0.12mm (classic and hybrid)

✅ Extras:

Lash tile or palette
Tray organizer

Keeping your supplies organized saves precious time, and ensures every set feels intentional and seamless.

6. Common Curl + Length Pairings That Never Fail

If you’re unsure where to start, try these tried-and-true combinations that work for nearly any client:

Look Type	Curl	Length Range	Notes
Natural Hybrid	C Curl	9–13mm	Great for clients new to extensions.
Wispy Volume	CC Curl	8–15mm	Perfect for trendy, airy looks.
Dramatic Volume	D Curl	10–16mm	Your go-to for full glam.
Textured Hybrid	C + D Curl Mix	9–14mm	Add depth and dimension by layering curls.

7. Bonus Tip: Stock by Season

Trends change with the seasons, and your lash trays should too.

Fall/Winter: Fuller, darker volume sets reign.
Holiday Season: Dramatic D curls and mega volume lengths fly off your shelves.
Spring/Summer: Expect lighter, wispier hybrid looks.

Plan your lash tray restocks around your appointment calendar and client trends so you never have gaps during peak booking periods.

Final Thoughts: A Well-Stocked Cart = A Confident Artist

Running out of the right curl mid-set can feel like a creative crisis, but it’s completely preventable. By building a lash tray supply that covers your most-used curls, lengths, and diameters, you’ll always be prepared to deliver consistent, flawless results.

Think of your lash trays like your paint palette,the more thoughtfully you stock it, the more freedom you have to create beautiful, customized looks every time.

✨ Ready to refresh your lash stash? Shop Lash Trays →