2: Are Mink Lashes, Like, Real Mink?
You know you’ve wondered! You see the labels and it says Mink and you’re all like, “Did a Mink have to die for my lashes?” The short answers is, “No Becky, no Minks were harmed in the making of your lashes.”
In general, the lash extension itself is composed of a synthetic material called Polybutylene Terephthalate, or PBT for short.
PBT is a thermoplastic semi-crystalline polymer, a type of polyester, that is heated and molded into the desired lash shape that sets as it cools. Ever wonder what your makeup brushes are made of? You guessed it: PBT. It can also be found in toothbrushes and even made into yarn!
Though many lash companies advertise their lashes as “mink,” “cashmere” and “silk,” please understand in most, if not all, cases this is in reference to the finish of the extension (think matte or gloss) and how the lash is tapered on the end. What one company may consider “cashmere” can vastly differ from another companies’ definition of “cashmere” lashes.
Fact check on those who advertise their products as real mink. Seriously, let’s think about it: with technology on our side, why would you want animal fur on your eyelids anyway? To me this is almost as bad as those late 1800 Perisian’s with their crazy cocaine concoctions and what must have been the sad smell of desperation in the air; Kind of like what Britney probably experienced when Justin broke it off with her.
No, I’m still not over it.
You Oughta Know
When lash extensions first hit the market, the lash technician had to dump a small jar of lashes out and meticulously pick them up with her precision tweezers one, by one, by one. It was daunting to say the least and soon enough lash techs said bye, bye, bye to this old method! The pick-up technique is now more efficient by allowing the technician to choose her desired length, curl, and thickness off of an easy to use lash tray.
Tweezers have been developed to allow a precise hold on each lash during the pick-up. Adhesives are constantly being tweaked to allow for less allergic reactions, faster dry times and more effective results. Aftercare has been studied to determine the best practices to follow once the client gets home. A technique called Lash Mapping is now being taught as a basic part of lash trainings to accentuate the individuals eye shape and brow arch.
Every year new lash innovations are introduced to help make a lash artist’s work a little easier and to stand out against the competition. This is why it is so important to stay up with your lash knowledge so you can be sure to beat the competition with your training and expertise. You don’t “Wannabe” just another lash tech – stand out and truly wow your clients! Give em’ something to talk about!
Come back for my final post in the Lipgloss + Aftershave Intro To Lashes: A Trilogy. You will learn all about how much revenue you can earn in your business by adding lash services.
Katie Gross
Katie Gross has been in the beauty industry for 15 years. She is a trainer for Bella Lash, is a Senior International Journalist for Lash Inc Magazine, and is the Founder of The Lash Artist Box, a US based subscription box company for professional lash artists. Read More…
Come Join Us.
Live like the pros. Sign up below to have our latest posts and reviews sent directly to your inbox.
