Home Makeup What Are Eyelash Extensions Made Of?

What Are Eyelash Extensions Made Of?

by Gabbi
Woman Getting Eyelash Extensions

False eyelashes can be glued to the lash line to enhance your features. However, they can be challenging to apply everyday, so most people have opted to try eyelash extensions.

Eyelash extensions are popular because they are a semi-permanent service that can last for a few weeks at a time and cut down your beauty routine. They also replace the need to glue strips or individual lashes and can be customized to fit your eyes. 

If you’re interested in eyelash extensions, you’ll want to visit a licensed and certified lash technician. These technicians will know how to properly glue and install your extensions without damaging the integrity of your natural eyelashes. 

A lash technician will glue fibers to the lash line to create a custom shape and length. The service will be complete once the lash tech adds the ideal amount of fibers to the lash line. Eyelash extensions offer different materials and curl patterns.

What are eyelash extensions made of? The most popular eyelash extensions are made of synthetic fibers or faux mink. However, eyelash extensions can also be made from silk and human hair. Each material gives the eyes a unique result.

In this article, we’ll explain all there is to know about the characteristics of eyelash extensions so you can choose the right ones for you!

What Materials Are Used To Make Eyelash Extensions?

Surprisingly enough, eyelash extensions can be made from various materials. For example, silk, mink, synthetic hair, and human hair fibers are all popular sources to craft eyelash extensions. They each have a unique texture and result. 

However, some materials are more popular than others. For example, synthetic fibers are some of the most popular materials for lash extensions. Nowadays, technology has advanced, and synthetic lashes feel very similar to mink or human hair lashes.

There are more expensive materials like silk and mink. However, these materials, especially mink, are not ethically-sourced, which is why companies are focusing on vegan alternatives.

What else should you know about the production of eyelash extensions? 

Silk 

Silk is a luxurious material that’s used to create various beauty products, including eyelash extensions. This is a popular option because it’s flexible, and it can suit eyelashes that are particularly fine in texture.

However, natural silk is derived from the cocoons of silkworms, and it can be tough to source ethically. Thankfully, faux silk is an alternative. Faux silk is made from synthetic fibers that mimic the look and feel of natural silk eyelash extensions.

Silk eyelash extensions generally create a soft and glamorous look for your eyes. However, it won’t offer a dramatic flare like other eyelash materials. Most silk eyelashes on the market are faux silk, and they feel light on the eyes. 

Mink 

What’s the difference between real mink and faux mink? Well, just like silk, real mink isn’t ethically-sourced or cruelty-free. Real mink eyelash extensions are decreasing in popularity because faux mink is a high-quality vegan alternative.

Faux mink lashes are also made from synthetic fibers, creating the same illusion of natural mink lashes. You can expect to achieve a natural and lash-like result with faux mink lashes. They also have a satin-matte finish.

Faux mink lashes offer all the benefits of real mink lashes without animal cruelty. Faux mink lashes are significantly less expensive and more accessible than their real counterparts. 

Synthetic Fiber 

We’ve mentioned numerous times that synthetic eyelash extensions are growing in popularity. 

Many people prefer synthetic lashes because they can add drama to the lash line and hold shape. Artificial eyelashes are generally vegan and cruelty-free.

The drawbacks of wearing synthetic eyelashes are their weight and finish. For example, some artificial eyelashes can appear shiny or plastic-like from production. However, some synthetic fibers mimic the look and feel of real human hair.

Faux mink and faux silk eyelash extensions are made from various synthetic fibers. Overall, most people opt for synthetic eyelash extensions because they offer longevity and can hold the curl pattern very well. 

Synthetic Vs Natural Lash Extensions 

The two main categories of lash extensions are synthetic and natural fibers. Each eyelash extension material we’ve mentioned can fit into either category. However, it’s crucial to remember that other materials, like human hair, also exist.

Synthetic eyelashes are made of artificial fibers that are supposed to mimic the look and feel of natural hair. In this category, you would find faux mink and faux eyelashes. Most brands that kraft vegan eyelash extensions use synthetic fibers.

Natural lash extensions refer to anything that uses real hair or animal products. For example, real mink uses fur, and silk is derived from silkworms. Human hair eyelash extensions also exist that also fit into the natural eyelash category.

Synthetic 

Most eyelash extensions on the market are made of some synthetic fiber. We mentioned that synthetic lashes are growing in popularity because they offer a vegan alternative to real mink and silk. However, they do have their pros and cons. 

For example, synthetic lashes are ideal for achieving drama, length, and curl. This material offers longevity and is available in varying finishes to achieve your desired look. They’re also less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

The downside of synthetic lash extensions is that they can feel stiff and heavy. Because this material is more durable, it’s not as flexible and soft as natural hair. They can also look shiny and like plastic. 

However, as technology advances, more synthetic lashes look and feel softer like real hair. 

Natural

Natural eyelash extensions are pretty controversial. They are becoming less and less popular, and many brands are choosing not to work with these materials. Also, some beauty retailers are banning mink fur for lashes.

Mink, silk, and human hair would fall under the natural eyelash extension category. While they do offer a natural finish and flexibility, their benefits do not outweigh their cons. These materials are much more costly to use and produce. 

Another negative of using mink or silk is that they don’t offer longevity, especially if you want to hold a curl. People can also be allergic to the fur.

Thankfully, as the beauty industry develops, more people turn to vegan and cruelty-free alternatives.

Other Eyelash Extension Details 

Now that we’ve covered the main materials that eyelash extensions are made from, what else do you need to know? Eyelash extensions offer variety, and there’s a lot more to consider than choosing what material they are made from. 

For example, eyelash extensions differ in length, size, curl, and color. These characteristics also impact your eyelash extensions’ material, finish, hold, and overall look.

Eyelash extensions should be customized for each client, and they should accentuate the eye shape. You can personalize eyelash extensions with fashion colors or opt for a more dramatic curl.

Length

You don’t want your lash extension to be too short or long. Short lashes may not make a difference in your eyes, and long lashes can be uncomfortable or heavy once they grow out. So, finding the correct length is crucial so you can be comfortable. 

Eyelash extensions made from synthetic fibers are most likely able to hold longer lengths. Because synthetic fibers are durable, they can have your desired shape and curl.

Lash extensions are measured in millimeters, and the most common sizes range from 5 to 16mm. This covers your short, medium, and long fibers.

Color

You can also choose your desired color of lash extension. Of course, the most popular shades are black or deep brown to create the illusion that they are natural. However, you can also opt for bright fashion colors for drama and flare.

This is another reason synthetic eyelash extensions are growing in popularity because of fashion colors. Artificial eyelashes are vivid and shiny, so they can beautifully display any fun colors.

More creative lash techs might even offer other add-ons like glitter to your lash extensions.

Curl 

Lastly, you’ll want to consider your desired curl pattern. There are various curl patterns like C, D, J, and more. You can find soft and natural curls, curls that fit straight lashes, and more intense or curlier eyelash extensions.

The stronger the curl, the more durable a lash material you will need. Synthetic lashes are often used to create a dramatic and uplifting curl pattern. You can mix and match lengths or curls to achieve a more natural result. 

Wrap-Up 

You might be surprised about how much thought goes into creating eyelash extensions. Eyelash extensions can be made of natural or synthetic materials, each with its own pros and cons. 

Some of the most well-known materials used for lash extensions are synthetic fibers, faux mink, and silk. However, most people lean towards synthetic lashes because they offer a vegan and cruelty-free alternative to mink and silk lashes that is also more durable.

You can also decide the curl, color, and length of your lash extensions and see how the material of your lashes affects these characteristics. 

If you’re still curious about the world of eyelash extensions and aren’t sure how to choose the right ones, here’s a great video from Alysa Fullons on YouTube explaining all there is to know!

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