By Wendy Gould
Everyone admires denser and longer eyelashes.
But if you’re someone who has tried at least one of the many ways to achieve this in the past, you’ll know that it is no easy task.
You may have also found out the hard way that an eyelash straightener doesn’t actually make your lashes longer, darker, or thicker but only extends their length a little for a short while.
So, if you’re tired of all these and the side effects of fake lashes, take heart!
There are still many different types of lash extensions to choose from which are more permanent and natural-looking than false eyelashes.
However, these extensions are not created equal- they have their own advantages and drawbacks.
Find out which type is perfect for your needs, your budget, and your ideal look by reading through this article!
The Different Types of Lash Extensions
If you are not satisfied with your natural eyelashes growth, you can enhance them in different ways.
If you want a more natural look through a more natural process, there are eyelash enhancers for thicker, longer lashes. FEG eyelash enhancer products are now widely available.
Otherwise, you can opt for the more popular fake eyelashes or better yet- for more permanent lash extensions.
Eyelash extensions come in many shapes, forms, and materials.
Choosing which one suits you best will depend on what final effect you’re going for and your budget.
So, here’s a list of the types, their pros, and cons, as well as some extra information about each of them.
1. Real Mink:
Real Mink Eyelash Extension – Image/Shutterstock
Real mink lashes are among the most popular choices.
Even Beyonce wears mink lashes due to their natural yet dramatic appearance. They come from the tail of Chinese or Siberian Minks.
Price: Most expensive, $200-$500
Advantages:
- Very natural-looking.
- Blend seamlessly with natural lashes.
- Feathery soft and curl naturally.
- Most comfortable to wear.
- Very lightweight and suitable for layering or applying multiple hairs to a single eyelash in a process called volume eyelashing.
- Thin and light, last longer even on weak lashes.
- There are cruelty-free choices.
Disadvantages:
- Extensions come loose and lose their curl when they get wet
- Require daily styling and maintenance
- Not for people with allergies or animal hair
- Concerns about animal cruelty
- Because the hairs are very delicate, application is painstaking and takes a very long time
- Due to being taken from real animals, the hair fibers have inconsistent diameters
2. Faux Mink:
Faux Mink Eyelash Extension – Image/Shutterstock
Faux mink extensions are made with man-made synthetic material meant to look like real mink hair as much as possible without the high price and several other downsides of getting the real thing.
Price: At least $150 per set
Advantages:
- Cheaper than real mink.
- Natural-looking.
- Fairly lightweight, fine, silky, and soft.
- Similar appearance and texture to silk.
- Can give a matte mascara-like finish that real mink cannot provide.
- Long-lasting.
- Permanent curls even when wet.
- Removes concerns about animal hair allergies and animal cruelty.
- Thicker than silk extensions.
Disadvantages:
- More noticeably fake than real mink extensions.
3. Sable:
Sable Eyelash Extension – Image/Shutterstock
These extensions come from small animals called sables found in the forests of Siberia and Russia.
They have soft black or dark brown fur.
Price: Expensive, $300-$500
Advantages:
- Thinnest of all extensions.
- Great for people with thin and frail natural lashes that cannot hold thicker extensions.
- Light and comfortable to wear.
Disadvantages:
- Animal cruelty concerns.
- Not suitable for people with animal hair allergies.
- Relatively Rare.
4. Silk:
Due to their ability to provide natural yet dramatic looks, silk extensions are another popular choice.
Price: Medium, Starts at $100 per set
Advantages:
- Cheaper than mink and sable extensions.
- Require minimal maintenance.
- Light yet full appearance.
- Can be used for double extensions.
- You can choose from slight to very dramatic curls.
- Vegan.
- Very soft and flexible.
- Suitable for people who are allergic to animal hair.
- Comfortable to wear.
- More porous and thus hold longer onto natural lashes than synthetic extensions.
- Thicker at the bottom and thinner towards the ends making the lash line look thicker and bolder.
- Glossier, fuller, darker, and bolder than mink or sable, giving you a dramatic natural look
Disadvantages:
- Perceptibly not real in very, very close proximity.
5. Fox Hair:
Fox Hair Eyelash Extension – Image/Shutterstock
Fox fur eyelashes are the most recent trend. These are handmade from real fox hair with rich, velvety texture and appearance.
These gained popularity after being worn by Jennifer Lopez during the 2001 Academy awards.
Price: $150-$200
Advantages:
- Durable, thick, and lightweight.
- Comes in unique color blends that attract attention and give a different effect.
- They can also be dyed other colors.
- Soft and flexible.
- Fairly Expensive.
Disadvantages:
- Not very popular and not yet offered in most salons.
6. Synthetic:
Synthetic extensions, the first style of extensions to cross from exclusively being used in the fashion world to the mainstream, are made with polished acrylic material.
They are more sought-after for special occasions and dramatic, glamorous looks.
Price: Cheap, starting at $70 per set
Advantages:
- More affordable.
- Comes in different colors, curls, lengths, and thickness.
- Gives your eyes a dramatic pop.
- Firm and hold the curls really well.
- Comes with own shine and gloss.
- Thicker, darker, and fuller than other extensions.
- No need for mascara.
- Great way to try extensions before fully committing to more expensive kinds.
Disadvantages:
- Not very comfortable to wear due to their heavyweight.
- Very hard and inflexible.
- Can cause itchiness, irritation, or damage to the lash line and face if not maintained properly.
- Noticeably fake.
- Not as long-lasting as silk or animal hair extensions and so require more often fills and maintenance.
- Thickness make them too heavy to stay put and not damage thin and weak natural lashes.
Tips in Choosing Eyelash Extensions:
- Heavier extensions with less flexibility can cause more damage to natural lashes.
- Longer and heavier lashes need more frequent fills and maintenance.
- Good quality extensions are of no use if your technician’s skills are limited.
- Lighter extensions last longer and are less likely to damage your real lashes.
- No matter which type you choose, proper application and caring for eyelash extensions will determine how long they will last.
- Flares and clusters differ from extensions.
- They do not feel, look, or last like true extensions and are only meant for clients with few natural lashes.
- They are also less natural-looking and require frequent reapplication.
- Do not shower or swim immediately after getting extensions or touch-ups.
- Usually, technicians recommend waiting for 12 to 24 hours to avoid weakening the adhesive before it completely sets which can cause your extensions to fall off.
- Do not use mascara at the base of eyelashes with extensions to avoid clumping.
- Instead, apply very lightly on the tips.
- Do not rub your eyes or pull extensions as this can damage your natural lashes or even lead to eyelash loss.
- Choose a certified professional to apply and retouch your eyelash extensions to avoid potential problems and to get the best service available.
- Make sure he or she is licensed. If possible, try to ask around or read reviews of the salon extension services.
- Make sure the glue to be used is safe in your eyes and do not contain formaldehyde, which can damage your eyes.
- Watch out and know the difference between irritation, allergic reactions, and infections caused by eyelash glue.
FAQ’s:
Que: Are eyelash extensions healthy for your eyes?
Ans: The main risks associated with eyelash extensions are temporary or permanent loss of eyelashes. It also causes skin irritation of the eyelid.
Que: What type of eyelash extensions should I get for hooded eyes?
Ans: The best lash extension curls for hooded eyes are the M, L, and L+ curls.
Que: What are the different styles for eyelash extensions?
Ans: There are several types of eyelash extensions, such as B-curl, C-curl, D-curl, and the L+ curl.
Conclusion:
Now that you know the various types of lash extensions, it should be easier for you to decide which one will work best for you.
Whatever type you choose, I’m sure you’ll look fabulous!
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