What Are the Different Types of Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions have grown increasingly popular, with little sign that they are going to lose their appeal. With everyone wanting longer, more beautiful lashes, the only question is how to decide which type is best for you.
There are a variety of options with lash extensions. So take some time to choose the best options for you.
What are Eyelash Extensions?
Unlike falsies that you apply at home, eyelash extensions are applied to your real lashes by a professional lash technician in a salon. They consist of either real animal furs or synthetic fibers. They use a semi-permanent adhesive to apply lashes to each of your eyelashes. A lash tech applies them only to your top lash line, but that is not always the case.
Lash extensions can be applied to each eyelash individually or in a volume fan. You can get a full set, which goes from one end of your lash line to the other. You can get a partial set, where the extensions attach from the middle to the outside of your lash line.
Choosing Your Lashes
When choosing your lashes, there are a few things to consider.
- The size of your eyes
- Your eyelids
- Your eye shape
- The orientation of your eyes
- Your natural eyelashes qualities
- Your preferences
- How much upkeep you want to do
- Your eye color
In addition to these aspects, you want to all consider animal fur vs. cruelty-free lashes. This decision can be made not only by how you want your lashes to look, but how comfortable you are with their origin.
3 Animal Lash Types
Though, most Lash Artists and product distributors in Australia are now cruelty-free, using only synthetic materials for Eyelash Extensions, there used to be three types of animal hairs for Eyelash Extensions. If you do not want to support the animal cruelty industry, make sure you choose a distributor that uses a cruelty-free manufacturer, such as Beautier. Even though the distributor is not purchasing animal products, they might still indirectly support the industry because the manufacturer still produces these products.
1. Mink Eyelash Extensions
Many celebrities have sported mink eyelashes lately. Minks are known for looking real and natural. In addition to them looking real, they consist of real hair. They give a light, more natural look.
Mink lashes are pretty controversial though, since they come from live minks. Some argue that they’re cruelty-free because they can be removed from the animal without pain. However, many still find them unethical. Therefore, we like to stick with the faux lashes, because they are cruelty-free and do not use any animal products.
2. Fox Lash Extensions
Fox fur lashes have a soft, reddish tone. They are also available with back tips or ombre style, are lightweight and natural-looking, and require some upkeep, as with most animal fur extensions. To keep their curl, you’ll need to perm them yourself.
3. Sable Eyelash Extensions
These extensions come from the sable’s fur, which is a forest animal found in many parts of Russia and Siberia. These lashes are similar to mink lashes.
The difference between sable and mink lashes is that sable lashes are the thinnest type of extensions. They are perfect for people who have really thin lashes and cannot wear heavier options. Sable lashes don’t weigh down your natural lashes and provide a natural wispy look.
This option is relatively rare, so many salons may not have the option.
Why We Choose to Go Cruelty-Free
Like many eyelash studios, Lashia Eyelash Design chooses only cruelty-free options for our lashes for both ethical and practicality reasons. It brings us peace of mind to know that we can create stunning lashes for our clients and sustainable education courses without harming animals in the process. So, it’s a win-win when you choose to stick to cruelty-free lashes.
4 Cruelty-Free Lash Types
Most lash extension fibers these days are made from Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), which is a synthetic material as close to the real deal as we can get.
1. Faux Mink Lashes
Faux mink lashes are like mink lashes but synthetic. People choose this style because they provide the same look and feel of mink lashes, but they are less expensive. If you are vegan, they are a good option because they don’t use real hair.
Another impressive effect is that they will not lose their curl if they get wet.
2. Synthetic Lashes
Synthetic lashes are by far the most dramatic of the eyelash extensions. They are what you go for when you want that bold, glamorous look. These lashes don’t have any real fur in them, so they are usually a cheaper option as well.
With these lashes, you will not need mascara and other lash touch-ups.
Since they are the least natural-looking lashes, they are perfect for special occasions. They will make your eyes pop and will always help you make a statement.
3. Silk Eyelash Extensions
Silk extensions are an excellent option for those who have allergies to specific furs, want to save money, or if they’re vegan. Silk extensions are a suitable happy medium between mink and synthetic, as far as natural appearance and thickness go. They tend to have a fuller appearance, starting thick at the bottom and thinning out gradually towards the ends. This makes the lash line look fuller.
Silk lashes are known for looking glamorous and natural. The lashes are fuller, darker, glossier, and bold–making for the ultimate dramatic look.
The lashes also require very little maintenance. You can swim, bathe, work out, play sports, and much more without worrying about them losing their curl or falling out completely. Silk extensions are also usually a much cheaper option than furs.
One of the best things about these great lashes is that they are not made of real furs, and are also therefore are cruelty-free.
4. Volume Lash Extensions (Russian or XD Lashes)
With this type of lash extension, your lash artist will apply 2-6 ultra-lightweight lashes to each of your natural lashes. You can choose 2D-6D styles. Volume lashes consist of silk or mink. These are applied differently from your typical lash extension, so expect them to take longer to apply and be more expensive.
Looking to Learn More About Lashes?
At Lashia Eyelash Design, we have a lot of things going for us, including:
- We provide mentored/extensive training. We don’t just teach eyelash extensions; we create Lash Artists.
- We have experience in the Lash Industry. We are involved in some of the most significant associations. Lashia has been the organiser of numerous lash events, such as the Swedish Championships, Lash Bash, and The Lash Open.
We provide the following services:
- We provide mentored Eyelash Extension training in small groups. We make you an expert and help you start a lash business, including one-on-one support and practical exam.
- Virtual course – includes all our fundamentals online, three-in-one person sessions, and our practical exam.
- Premium Products for Eyelash Extensions to get your career started and keep it going strong.