The “Sloppy” Eyelash Extension Trend in Iran (تکنیک اسلوپی): A Comprehensive Overview

Origins 

The Sloppy eyelash extension technique, known in Persian as “تکنیک اسلوپی” (Sloppy technique) originated in Iran & has quickly become a celebrated trend in the Persian beauty scene. This style was pioneered by Iranian lash artists, notably by Fereshteh Ashkani, who invented the "Sloppy" technique at her Tehran academy⁽¹⁾. Such an origin story underlines how Iran’s beauty professionals contribute creatively to global trends, even in a field as niche as eyelash extensions.

The word « اسلوپی » (pronounced Eslopi, the English word “slope” with an Iranian accent) actually comes from the English word "slope" (slope, inclination) & not from "sloppy" (messy). This clearly refers to the extreme inclined placement of the eyelash extensions, like the slope of a mountain, not something “badly done.”

In the context of Persian beauty standards, emphasis on expressive eyes has always been significant. Iranian women often highlight their eyes with dramatic makeup & lashes, a practice reinforced by cultural & social factors (for example, eyes remain visible & focal even when hair is covered). False eyelashes & extensions have been popularized across the Middle East (particularly in Iran & the UAE) for achieving a glamorous, dramatic look⁽²⁾. The Sloppy eyelash extension trend taps into this penchant for bold eyes, but takes it to a new level of artistry. It is distinct within Persian beauty culture for its highly creative, editorial quality: unlike everyday lash styles, Sloppy sets are intentionally exaggerated & “messy” (in a fashionable way) to showcase individuality & skill. Many in Iran see beauty trends like this as a form of self-expression & sophistication, especially on social media where avant-garde looks get attention.

 

Social significance

The Sloppy technique has gained a prestige status among Iran’s eyelash extension community. It’s considered a “journal” or editorial style, essentially the haute couture of lash extensions used to demonstrate a eyelash extension artist’s highest skill level⁽³⁾. On one hand, clients who dare to get this look signal that they are trendy, fashion-forward & unafraid of bold aesthetics. On the other hand, Iranian eyelash extension artists take pride in mastering it, as it’s a meticulous art that reflects their expertise. In fact, Iranian lash trainers often note that executing Sloppy lashes with perfect precision & cleanliness is a mark of a true professional⁽⁴⁾. In a society where beauticians & artists strive to differentiate themselves, having this technique in one’s repertoire can elevate a lash artist’s reputation & even income. As one training advert emphasizes: increasing your skill with such advanced techniques ultimately increases your earnings in the beauty business⁽¹⁾. Social media has further amplified the significance, as posting a successful Sloppy lash set can garner attention & respect from peers & followers, effectively serving as free marketing for the artist.

 

Application & Style Details

Image source: Fereshteh Ashkani (@academy_moje_fereshteh), (May 31, 2025), Instagram post

An example of a colorful “Sloppy” lash extension set, featuring dramatic spiked clusters & multi-directional lashes for a textured, wispy look.

What does a Sloppy lash set look like? In a word: striking. Sloppy-style extensions create a wispy, textured lash line with noticeable spikes & an almost “messy on purpose” aesthetic. Despite the name, a well-done Sloppy set is actually very precisely engineered to appear artfully tousled. This technique is described as a unique, angled design that makes the eyes look brighter, more elongated, & deeper-set⁽⁵⁾. In effect, it enhances the eye shape in a manner similar to a dramatic winged eyeliner or a cat-eye makeup, but using lashes alone. Iranian lash experts classify Sloppy as a bold, editorial look, which immediately sets it apart from more classic styles like the cat-eye or doll-eye extensions typically requested by clients.

 

Technique breakdown

The Sloppy technique is quite complex, often taught only in advanced lash courses. Some key characteristics & steps in its application include:

• Multi-layer mapping: Lash artists work with the natural lashes’ multiple layers (rows). In the Sloppy method, each layer of natural lashes gets extensions of a different length & even color⁽⁴⁾. Stacking these varying lengths/colors gives a dimensional, “layered” effect unique to "Sloppy". Because of this, absolute precision is required. Even one misplaced lash extension in the wrong layer or length can throw off the whole design.
  
  
• Extreme lash lengths: Unlike standard extensions (which typically range ~8–14 mm in length), Sloppy sets deliberately play with a huge range of lengths – sometimes from as short as 4 mm up to ultra-long 18–20 mm in the same set⁽⁶⁾. These exaggerated length differences create the signature spiky silhouette (with some lashes notably longer, poking out for drama).  Hanieh Moazami, an eyelash extension artist notes she used “sizes 4 to 20” & reiterates this is a show-piece style⁽⁶⁾. 
  
  
• Varied curls & angles: Sloppy lash extensions usually employ strong curl types (like D, CC or L curls) to maximize visibility of the spikes & open up the eye. What really defines the look is the placement angle – sources note that Sloppy lashes are often applied at about a 45° angle (tilted relative to the lash line) instead of straight out⁽³⁾. This angled, directional placement makes the lashes fan outward toward the outer corners, amplifying the cat-eye elongation effect. Combined with the mix of curls, it gives a windswept or “fluttery” appearance, as if the lashes are dramatically flared to the side. Regular styles like doll-eye or classic extensions, by contrast, are usually applied following the natural lash direction (90° from the lid) for a neat, uniform curl – something Sloppy intentionally deviates from.
  
  
• Use of “spikes” &/or volume fans: The Sloppy style borrows from the Kim K / wispy lash technique, where spiked clusters are a hallmark. Lash techs create these spikes by making closed-volume fans (multiple thin extensions grouped to form a point) or using thicker singular extensions, then intersperse them along the lash line. In Sloppy sets, spikes are a must – often placed unevenly or in alternating lengths to create a staggered, textured fringe⁽⁷⁾. Additionally, volume lashes are used to fill in volume between spikes (usually lighter, shorter lashes to create a gradient from dense base to spiky tips). The result is a layered volume look where some lashes visibly stick out as spikes while others provide a softer backdrop, together mimicking a perfectly imperfect, feathery fringe.
  
  
• Color blends & creative accents: While a classic cat-eye lash uses uniform black extensions, the Sloppy trend often encourages creative use of colored lashes. Many Sloppy sets mix black with brown lashes for a softer look, or even bolder hues (blue, pink, purple, etc) for fantasy effects⁽⁸⁾. In Iran, some lash artists have showcased multi-color Sloppy lashes (for example, alternating bright pink & blue spikes). Because the style is already unconventional, adding color further cements it as a statement or “fashion” lash set. The ability to execute smooth color transitions or patterns within the chaotic design is another mark of an expert lash artist.

 

Products & tools used

Implementing the Sloppy technique doesn’t necessarily require completely different products than other lash services, but it does demand a wider variety & high-quality materials:

• Lash extensions in many lengths & curls: Technicians prepare trays of extensions ranging from very short (∼4–6 mm) to very long (16+ mm) for the same client, often in multiple curls (e.g., B or C curl for base volume fans, D or L curl for spikes). The extensions are usually the thinnest diameters for volume (0.03–0.07 mm) to avoid overwhelming the natural lash, except spikes which might use a slightly thicker diameter (0.07–0.10 mm) for stability.
  
• Adhesive: A fast-drying, strong lash glue is needed because placing spikes at an angle or on top of layered lashes can be tricky – the adhesive must hold the extension in an unconventional position. Top Persian lash artists will use professional-grade adhesives that allow enough working time to position each lash precisely, but still dry quickly to keep the process efficient.

 

Application time & difficulty

The Sloppy technique is very labor-intensive. Creating a beautiful disorder on the lash line requires exceptional focus & time. Lash artists report that a full Sloppy set can take several hours longer than a normal extension appointment. It’s not uncommon for a skilled tech to spend 4–6 hours (or more) on a single client to perfect this style⁽⁹⁾. The extended time is due to carefully mapping layers, picking the exact right length for each lash, creating dozens of tiny spike fans, & checking from different angles that the final look is balanced in its intentional imbalance. Because of the time & skill required, many salons charge a premium for Sloppy extensions, & some may even refuse it for walk-in clients unless specifically booked as a special set.

 

Rise in Popularity on Social Media

The Sloppy lash technique first emerged in the early-to-mid 2020s within Iran’s beauty circles. By many accounts it is very new. Hanna Ghadri, a eyelash extension artist in 2023 excitedly called Sloppy “one of the newest up-to-date techniques in the colorful world of lashes,” noting she had tried it a few months prior & was finally unveiling it to the public⁽¹⁰⁾. From niche beginnings, it rapidly grew into a hot trend thanks to social media exposure. Instagram has been the primary platform for showcasing Sloppy lash work. Iranian lash artists & trainers across different cities (Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, Karaj, even smaller towns) began posting photos & videos of their Sloppy sets, often tagging them with hashtags like #تکنیک_اسلوپی, #sloppylash, or related terms. These posts often highlight the difficulty & beauty of the style – for instance, showing close-ups of the eye before & after, or time-lapse reels of the multi-hour application process. Viewers are drawn in by the dramatic transformations & the rainbow of colors & spikes that set Sloppy apart from typical lash looks.

A key factor in its virality was the eye-catching nature of the results. In the age of Instagram & TikTok, beauty content that is bold & visually intriguing tends to spread quickly. A completed Sloppy lash set looks almost like lash art – something one might see in an editorial photoshoot or fantasy makeup look. This made it perfect “content” for social feeds. By 2024, the technique became widely known as a trending style (“ترند”) in Iran⁽¹¹⁾. Short tutorial clips & lash mapping tips for Sloppy lashes started to appear, with Iranian beauty influencers & lash educators explaining how to achieve the look. Even those who were not professional technicians found the process satisfying to watch, contributing to shares & saves of Sloppy lash videos. Through late 2024 & into 2025, the hashtag #اسلوپی or #sloppylash has garnered numerous posts on Persian TikTok.

Regionally, the Sloppy technique has also jumped borders. Middle Eastern lash artists outside Iran started to adopt the style or at least acknowledge it. In neighboring countries like Iraq & Azerbaijan, & among the Persian diaspora in places like Dubai or even North America, you can find lash techs showing off Sloppy-inspired sets. Often they still reference it with the same name “Sloppy” (indicating the term itself is spreading globally in the lash industry). Kokie Lashes, an Iraqi eyelash extension artist on Instagram, demonstrated a Sloppy set & explicitly noted that this technique “requires time & skill” & is meant to showcase the art of lashes, “not an everyday extension”, cautioning her followers accordingly⁽¹²⁾.

There have even been international competitions & showcases featuring the Sloppy technique. Iranian lash artists competing abroad have presented fantasy models with Sloppy-style lashes. For instance, in 2025, Asal Yaqoubi's creative Sloppy lash work themed as “Cruella”, won 4th place in an international lash championship in Armenia.

 

The industry opinion

This technique is somewhat mixed, balancing admiration with caution. Within the lash artist community, there’s a general agreement that Sloppy is a “master-level” technique – a sort of pinnacle of lash artistry that not everyone can do (or wants to do). Top Iranian lash academies have added it to their advanced training curricula & advertise that by learning such special techniques, lash artists can set themselves apart & attract clientele willing to pay a premium⁽¹⁾. Seasoned professionals often enjoy the creative challenge & use Sloppy sets in their portfolio to showcase their skill. There is even friendly competition among artists to produce the most stunning Sloppy designs, sometimes incorporating themes (e.g. colored lashes for Yalda night, or spikes arranged in an “anime” inspired style – indeed, related trends like “anime lashes” or “wet look lashes” have intersected with Sloppy styling in Iran).

Conversely, some practical lash technicians note that while it’s a gorgeous effect, “not every client can pull it off” or maintain it. The consensus is that Sloppy works best for photos, special events, or competitions, rather than as a day-to-day lash solution. Thus, many in the industry position it as a luxury or occasional service. They also stress educating clients: managing expectations that the look is high-maintenance & explaining the extra cost/time. So far, the feedback from clients who do try it is positive in terms of the unique beauty – they love the dramatic, eye-brightening effect & the flurry of compliments or curious inquiries it brings. But clients also acknowledge it’s not a “forever” style; it’s something fun to experiment with.

Our colleague MissLodie is among the very first professionals in France to offer the “Sloppy” technique. Based in Freyming-Merlebach, Lorraine (57), she is already sharing her first creations (currently on mannequin models) & showing her dedication to introducing this innovative style to the French public. You can follow her work & progress on Instagram.

 

Image source: MissLodie (@miss_lodie)

Conclusion

In summary, Iran’s تکنیک اسلوپی (Sloppy lash technique) represents a fascinating case of a local beauty innovation making waves. Culturally, it aligns with Persian beauty’s love for bold eyes, yet stands out as an artistic rebel against conventional styles. Technically, it’s a demanding craft – blending multi-layered lashes, extreme lengths, angles, & colors to achieve that signature wispy-spiked allure. The trend’s trajectory, fueled by social media, has turned it from a niche experiment into an international talking point among lash aficionados. Whether one views it as a fleeting Instagram fad or a lasting addition to the lash lexicon, Sloppy technique has undeniably expanded the creative boundaries of eyelash extensions. It underscores that beauty trends in 2025 are global & borderless – an idea born in Iran can instantly spread to salons across continents via a hashtag.

For those considering trying the Sloppy look, the advice is: choose an expert lash artist (ideally one trained in this specific method), be prepared for a long appointment & diligent aftercare, & enjoy the fabulous, head-turning results – even if just for a short while. After all, trends like these are as much about the experience & expression as they are about everyday practicality. & in the grand theatre of beauty & fashion, the Sloppy eyelash extensions have certainly proven that sometimes, looking a little “messy” can be the ultimate chic.

 

Sources

1. "کاشت مژه رو اینجاها یاد بگیر | ۶ تا بهترین کلاس آموزش کاشت مژه در تهران", AhmadList
   
2. "The History of False Eyelashes and Their Cultural Significance", Glance Cosmetics
3. Tara Fotuhi (@Tarabeautyart), (November 26, 2023), Instagram post
4. Mahsa Hosseini (@mahsahoseini.extension), (April 12, 2025), Instagram post
5. Negin Samadian (@neginsamadian_extension), (August 16, 2025), Instagram post
6. Hanieh Moazami (@extension.hni), (October 6, 2024), Instagram post
7. Parvaneh Ghasemi (@academy_moje_parvanehghasemi), (December 25, 2023), Instagram post
   
8. Fereshteh Ashkani (@academy_moje_fereshteh), (May 6, 2024), Instagram post
9. Mahsa Hosseini (@mahsahoseini.extension), (January 29, 2025), Instagram post
10. Hanna Ghadri (@hanna_eyelash_extension), (January 5, 2024), Instagram post
11. Lily Rakhshani (@philash_yaldarakhshani), (October 10, 2023), Instagram post
12. Kokie Lashes (@kokie.lashes), (March 8, 2024), Instagram post
13. Asal Yaqoubi (@lashextension_asall), (February 12, 2025), Instagram post