What are eyelash extensions made of?

What are eyelash extensions made from? Neither mink, nor sable, weasels, or any other fur-bearing animals are related to the process of their manufacture. Do not make artificial hairs from natural silk. So what is used then? We will tell you everything about the materials, their characteristics and features.

What are the materials for eyelash extensions?

As part of eyelash extensions – only fully synthetic components. Artificial hairs have nothing to do with natural animal hair, silk threads, feathers. These materials are not used because they can cause severe allergic reactions. And natural hairs have a heterogeneous structure, different lengths, diameters. They fade in the sun, lose their curl under the influence of moisture – this is a significant minus for high-quality building.

Where did the “sables”, “minks”, “columns” come from then? Such names were previously used by lash makers and manufacturers to refer to artificial eyelashes with different parameters. They are gradually leaving, replacing with marking parameters – diameter, bend, length.

Varieties of synthetic fiber

There are three types of synthetic monofilament:

Polished acrylic

Polished acrylic was used in the very first eyelash extensions in the early days of the industry. They were quite hard, with increased density, unnatural glossy sheen. There was no concept of thickness – all the hairs were approximately 0.25 mm in section. They were packed in bags and jars, and in one package it was possible to meet only one bend and length. The latter was similar to the modern C bend, but was uneven – there were C, B, D hairs in the package. In a word, yesterday.

Today, acrylic is positioned as an outdated material and is not in demand among craftsmen, as it does not give the opportunity to choose the length and diameter. In addition, acrylic eyelashes look unnatural on the eyes.

PBT fiber

Special polyester PBT fiber is the leader in the list of materials for eyelash extensions. Polybutylene terephthalate, or engineering plastic, is a plastic substance that can take any shape during high-temperature processing. Due to this property, PBT fiber hairs have a wide range of bends, lengths, and diameters.

At temperatures below 100°C, the material retains its elasticity and remains dimensionally stable – with such eyelashes, you can even sleep peacefully with your face buried in a pillow, and be sure that they do not lose their shape, do not turn into hook sticks.

PBT fiber has a low density, which, combined with small volumes, gives a minimum mass – artificial eyelashes are obtained from it even easier than natural ones. In addition, the material is completely hypoallergenic. If an allergy can occur, then only to the substrates or adhesives, but never to the cilia themselves. That is why leading manufacturers of eyelash extension materials use this high-tech purified eco-friendly fiber as a raw material.

Polyester

This synthetic material is hypoallergenic, does not absorb moisture, is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation, and is not prone to deformation. Due to these properties, as well as the ability to fix the desired shape under the influence of high temperatures, polyester is actively used for the manufacture of artificial eyelashes. The hairs from it are light and strong, have a rich uniform color, and the semi-matte texture of the fiber makes it look as natural as possible.

Along with the main three types of synthetic monofilament, some manufacturing brands announce another eyelash extension material – silicone. Moreover, it is presented as a novelty, even something revolutionary. In fact, this is more of a marketing ploy, since silicone fibers are part of all artificial cilia.

Silicones are a group of polymers of artificial origin that do not provoke allergies and do not change their structure under the influence of aggressive factors. Silicone, which is part of eyelash extensions, increases their flexibility, elasticity and resilience. This allows the hairs to quickly restore their shape and keep it for the entire period of wear, making them resistant to damage and mechanical stress.

Another property of silicone is its ability to give the hairs a beautiful natural shine. Eyelashes in which a little more silicone is added have more shine. And cilia, in which there is less of this component, are more matte.

Types of synthetic monofilament – what’s the difference?

So, eyelash extensions are made from synthetic monofilament. But that’s not all – monofilament also comes in different subspecies depending on its characteristics, and each of them can say a lot about the quality of the hairs themselves.

Varieties of monofilament:

Standard class. It produces denser eyelashes in an inexpensive segment. Such a synthetic material is hypoallergenic and elastic, but it is difficult to call the hairs made from it soft and pleasant to the touch.

Premium class. The most common type of monofilament, which is characterized by high elasticity. Eyelashes from it are soft, with a velvety texture, beautiful shine.

VIP Premium Class. Luxury eyelashes are made from this fiber. To understand that you have a premium quality product, just one touch to them is enough. These hairs are elastic and plastic, they have a natural silky sheen. In addition, they are not subjected to mercerization (they are not treated with a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide).

You need to purchase all materials for eyelash extensions in specialized stores or from suppliers who can provide a quality guarantee and product certificates. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting low-quality consumables, which can cause redness of the skin of the eyelids, irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, and severe itching.