Fans, mapping, isolation, C or D curl… Start looking into eyelash extensions and you’ll quickly run into a vocabulary of its own — and in Fortaleza you may hear it in Portuguese, too. This glossary covers the most common terms, A to Z, with short explanations, the Portuguese name where it helps, and links to the posts that go deeper.
A
Adhesive (cola). The special glue applied at the base of the extension, close to the root of the natural lash but never touching the skin.
Application. The session where extensions are bonded to your natural lashes while you lie down with your eyes closed. See your first eyelash extension appointment.
B
Brazilian volume (volume brasileiro). Y-shaped fibers for light, natural volume. See the Brazilian volume service.
C
Cat eye (gatinho). Lengths that gradually increase toward the outer corner, elongating the eye.
Classic lashes (fio a fio). One extension applied to each natural lash, with no fans — a common reference point for understanding other techniques.
Cleansing foam. A lash-safe foam for daily washing, used with a soft brush. Step by step in how to clean eyelash extensions.
Curl (curvatura). The shape of the extension’s curve, labelled with letters such as C or D. Stronger curls open the eye more; softer ones look subtler.
D
Deposit (sinal). Paid when booking to hold your slot and deducted from the total on the day.
Doll eye (boneca). Longer lashes in the centre for an open, rounded look.
F
Fans (leques). Tiny handmade fans of ultra-fine fibers, applied to a single natural lash — the basis of Russian volume.
Fox eye. Elongated lashes swept toward the outer corner for a lifted, striking look. Compare every style in lash styles for every eye shape.
G
Glue allergy. A reaction some people may have to lash adhesive, with signs like redness, itching or swelling. If you notice symptoms, see an ophthalmologist or dermatologist. Read eyelash glue allergy signs.
Growth cycle. Each natural lash grows, rests, sheds and is replaced. Extensions fall out with it, which is why they don’t last forever — see how long eyelash extensions last.
I
Isolation (isolamento). Separating each natural lash before applying an extension so it never sticks to its neighbours — key to healthy lashes, as explained in eyelash extension myths and facts.
L
Lash artist (lash designer). The professional who assesses, plans and applies your extensions or lift. See how to choose a lash artist in Fortaleza.
Lash lift (lash lifting). Curls and nourishes your natural lashes, with no extensions; it generally lasts about 6 to 8 weeks. Learn more in lash lifting in Fortaleza.
Length (comprimento). The extension’s size, usually in millimetres, always matched to what your natural lash can carry.
M
Mapping (mapeamento). The plan of lengths, curls and placement across the eye, made before application. It turns technique into a style.
N
Natural. A style that follows your own lash pattern, with lengths close to your natural lashes.
P
Primer. A prep product some lash artists use to cleanse natural lashes before application so the adhesive bonds better.
R
Refill (manutenção). Replacing the extensions lost to natural shedding, recommended every 15 to 21 days. See how often to get a lash refill.
Removal (remoção). Taking extensions off with a dedicated remover — always by a professional, never by pulling or using oil. Read eyelash extension removal.
Russian volume (volume russo). Handmade fans for a dense, bold look. Compare in Brazilian vs Russian volume.
T
Thickness (espessura). The diameter of the extension fiber. Finer fibers are lighter; the choice should respect a healthy load on your natural lashes.
Everyday care terms
| Term | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| First 24 hours | No water, steam, sauna or heavy sweating |
| Oil-free remover | The only kind of makeup remover to use |
| Waterproof mascara | Skip it with extensions |
| Fresh-water rinse | After the beach or pool, rinse and pat dry |
Spending time at Praia do Futuro or the Beira-Mar? See eyelash extensions, beach and heat and makeup with eyelash extensions.
From glossary to appointment
Now that you speak the language, it’s easier to ask for the look you want. At Niely Oliveira — Studio de Cílios in Cambeba, in Fortaleza’s south zone, appointments are private and scheduled. Choose your service and book online — confirmation and prep instructions arrive on WhatsApp.