What are lash extensions made of?

I get asked this question frequently enough, that I figured it would make a good topic on the Blog. :)

What are lash extensions made of?

Well, depending on what your lash tech supplies, it could be a few things, so lets begin.

If the tech is licensed/certified, chances are your going to get good product. If not, or if you tech isn't reputable, chances are your going to get crappy product.

The product I am about to name, is pretty universal to all lash materials that are sold from all companies. SO, lets call this the "lash traffic light" - green light for good materials, yellow light for fair materials, and red light for poor materials. Red light should make you turn the other direction and run.

Green Light: Recommended Product

Mink
Mink Lashes are one of the most popular lashes requested, and the most expensive lash material available on the Market. With a feel for "Hollywood glamor", mink lashes extensions have a pros and cons. Mink lashes are the closest thing you will come to the look and feel of a natural hair follice/lash. The lashes are extremely light weight, giving a longer lash life, and lighter on the natural lashes, helping keep the natural integrity. Due to the natural origins of the mink hairs, lashes may vary in thickness, length and curl per tray/container. Because of this, mink can be annoying. Depending on the vendor you purchase from, lashes can come in different lengths, sizes, curls, and even color! In most cases, the lashes are not 100% real mink. Make sure to buy from a rep who offers mink lashes that are treated (colored and permed). The color and perm guarantees that the lash will hold the color and curl. Another problem, allergies. If your client is allergic to cats or dogs, chances are that they may be allergic to the mink lashes. Make sure to ask these questions during a consultation, and be able to offer a solution (synthetic mink). Another problem? These can easily get kinked or crimped. Do not use tweezers or lash curlers with pressure. Be gentle. The last and biggest problem I have with Mink lashes, Animal Cruelty. Most reputable brands/reps you purchase from who carry mink are animal cruelty free. Make sure to purchase lashes that are animal cruelty free. 

left semi mink - right 100% real mink

Semi-Mink (Synthetic Mink)
 Similar to human hair/ mink lashes, these lush lashes are manufactured a high grade polymer. Depending on the brand/rep you purchase from, some lashes can be mixed with silk, or other materials, so make sure to check the ingredients from reps. Synthetic lashes are great to work with, because they are easy, perfectly uniformed, sized, curled, and more. The lashes can come in multiple colors, such as white, brown, black, red, green, blue, and more. They even offer two tone! This versatile lash is also light weight, and act as a natural lash. Depending on the vendor you buy from, and what size, they can be heavy and/or overly shiny. I prefer the "matte" lashes for clients. If they choose to have a shine, I'd than offer a lash sealer to help achieve that look, and help extend the lash life. My problem with these? Depending on lashes, they come in multiple styles, such as strip lashes, to W, Y, J(A), B, C, D, ect. lashes. Volume lashes, depending on the vendor, are a pain in the butt. They don't hold the position or the seperation, but instead bunch together, making it appear as one giant lash. What should be 4-5 lashes that are "0.5 or less weight" now appear to look like a .25 or heavier. Nasty. Cluster or strip lashes should never be applied as lash extensions, and neither should some volume. Again, buy from a reputable company.

Yellow Light: Not Recommended, but on the Market. 

Silk
Silk lashes are lighter than typical eyelash extensions allowing them to flex and act as a natural lash. Silk lashes also give a high gloss look, and is a popular lash type techs use. Silk is one of the chepeast materials available for purchase, depending on the vendor. Because of this, there have been cases where the silk lashes are not 100%. The problem? Like any other "thread" or "fabric material", it can absorb. So when you dip the lash into adhesive, and place on the lashes and set/dry, they become stiff. It's not fun having needles for lashes, when they are firm. Another issue that silk doesn't present, is make sure your client is not allergic to silk/satin. You'd be surprised, there are some people allergic to the material. Another problem? These can easily get kinked or crimped. Do not use tweezers or lash curlers with pressure. Be gentle.

silk: High gloss

Red Light:

Cluster "Party" Lashes &
Stip Lashes 
These should NEVER EVER EVER be applied as lash extensions. If your tech offers this, RUN in the other direction far far away. If applied with lash extension adhesive, to the natural lashes, they can cause damage the natural lash cycle, cause premature or permanent shedding or balding, skin irritation/damage to the lid. Because these lashes are not applied on a "one extension to one lash" basis, they are applied to a group of natural lashes (2-3 or more - or strips - portion/all). If applied, they are now screwing up the natural lash cycle, and are also extremely heavy and damaging to the natural integrity of natural lashes. It's one thing if these we're applied with a semi-soft adhesive, like "DUO" that lasts for only a day.... But if you are going to see a PROFESSIONAL, and they offer these with lash extension adhesive........RUN.

clusters gone wrong!

My suggestion?
CLIENTS - Make sure to do your homework. Ask your tech if they are licensed/certified, if they have reviews, reputable references, and what lashes/brand they use.
TECHS - Ask your brand/rep about the product. Do your homework for lashes, lash materials, ingredients, where they come from, etc.