Avoid Risk
Is your Eyelash Extension Specialist licensed?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) REQUIRES an Eyelash Extension Specialty License to apply and remove semi-permanent, thread-like extensions composed of single fibers to a person’s eyelashes, and cleanse the eye area and lashes. Other cosmetology and esthetician licensing, especially nail tech licenses, may not apply to eyelash extensions.
What products are they using, and where did they come from?
It is important to know not only what products are being used on you, but where they were manufactured. Not all adhesives or eyelash extensions are the same! Your lash extension specialist should be able to provide you with a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for all of the products they are using on you.
- Make sure your Lash Extensionist is using Medical-Grade adhesive designed specifically for eyelash extensions!
There are a variety of individual eyelash extensions including acrylic synthetics, faux mink, and silk. Each has a unique benefit and weakness as well.
- Acrylic Eyelash Extensions – The original, harshest, and most dramatic. Pro: They come in every desired length and curl and thickness. They are widely available and the most common lash used in this industry. You get maximum drama with plastic synthetics. Con: Very hard, not flexible, heavy, cause damage if not well maintained, do not last very long and require frequent fills. They tend to lift, flip around and lean to one side or the other as they grow out because of their heavy weight.
- Synthetic Mink (poly-fiber or poly-fiber PBT blend AKA faux mink) - The one that changed eyelash extensions forever. Pro: Like plastic synthetic, these come in every length and curl but have more flexibilty and are more natural looking. Some have called this higher quality synthetic eyelash extension a MINK. Con: Firmer lash type and not suitable for very fine, weak and sparse natural lashes.
- Silk: (silk blend or poly-fiber, is sometimes called silk) The one that introduced softness. Contrary to popular belief, these lashes are not actual silk, but a synthetic silk. Pro: They are quite soft and flexible. They come in all lengths and curls. They are light. They can look natural or applied for drama. Con: They don't provide as much drama as plastic synthetics and are more vulnerable to kinking and changing shape.