It can often be difficult to assess whether certain beauty products and accessories are vegan. In this article, we will explore if eyelash extensions are vegan so you can decide if they go hand in hand with your vegan lifestyle.
Yes, it is possible to find vegan eyelash extensions. For example, synthetic eyelash extensions are vegan, however, natural mink lashes are not vegan. You also need to consider the adhesive used: there are both vegan and non-vegan options.
The best thing to do is talk to your lash technician about the options available.
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions are fibers that are individually applied to the base of your natural lash using a specially formulated adhesive. They can last around three to four weeks before shedding with your natural lash.
Lots of people love them as it reduces the need to apply eye makeup and you can go about your normal life wearing them: you can swim, workout, sweat, and sleep in them.
Are Eyelash Extensions Vegan?
There are vegan options for eyelash extensions such as synthetic lashes. However, mink lash extensions which are offered by some salons are definitely not vegan.
Mink fur is used because the fibers are very fine, and they produce a superior quality of lash. However, the minks are kept in dismal conditions which involve cramped cages, and the animals are often visibly distressed.
Please note: We do not encourage our readers to use mink eyelashes.
What Types Of Eyelash Extensions Are Vegan?
Nowadays, there are plenty of cruelty-free options out there. This means you can indulge in your beauty regime without compromising your ethics.
Synthetic Lash Extensions
Synthetic lashes are a feasible option if you want to go cruelty-free. With a range of different lengths and curl patterns, they are the most common type of lash available.
These lashes are made from a polished acrylic material which gives them their thick, glossy appearance.
They are known for being strong and sturdy and they give the wearer a bold, glamourous look.
However, these lashes can feel quite heavy on the natural lash. Some people find them uncomfortable to wear. They can pull on your natural lashes causing some lash loss.
Synthetic lashes are a good option if you have strong, healthy lashes and you want to go for a vegan option.
Silk Eyelash Extensions
Another vegan option is silk eyelashes. In spite of their name, most silk eyelash extensions are not actually made of real silk as the material is too soft and unable to hold a curl.
Silk eyelash extensions are synthetically produced from silk fibers. These lashes are lighter and give a more natural appearance.
With a variety of styles to choose from, silk lash extensions are a good option for anyone with weaker lashes.
Note: There are lashes made from 100% silk made from boiling cocoons of silkworms. But these are both hard to find and expensive.
Synthetic Mink Lash Extensions
If you are after the qualities offered by mink lash extensions but determined to maintain a cruelty-free lifestyle, then synthetic mink lash extensions are an option.
These lashes are designed to mimic the look and feel of mink eyelashes. Apart from the allure of being vegan, these lashes are also very versatile.
They can be customized to give you a natural look or vamped up for a more dramatic look.
Synthetic lashes keep their shape and are relatively low maintenance.
Vegan Adhesive For Lash Extensions
Sadly, some adhesives used for lash extensions are tested on animals. It is a good idea to check with the salon if the lash adhesive they use is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.
How To Maintain Vegan Eyelash Extensions
When you’ve invested time and money in your vegan eyelash extensions, you’ll want to take good care of them.
Keep Your Vegan Eyelash Extensions Clean
Keeping your vegan eyelash extensions clean is the best way to maintain them for longer.
Choose a lash cleanser specially designed for lash extensions. There are gentle, vegan-friendly cleansers on the market which dissolve eye make-up while hydrating the skin. This is a good way to retain lashes.
Ensure Mascara Is Lash Extension Compatible
Even with lash extensions, you may want to wear mascara at times. First of all, it’s best to check with your lash technician that this won’t have any adverse effects on your lashes.
If you get the ok for this, choose a cruelty-free mascara that is formulated for use on eyelash extensions, and follow the application instructions to the letter.
Avoid Lash Friction
When you have eyelash extensions, avoid excessive tugging, rubbing, or itching around your lash area. It might even be a good idea to use a silk pillowcase to eliminate friction further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Many synthetic eyelash extensions are made from polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). This is a type of plastic that is not biodegradable. This means particles will wind up in the natural environment, and possibly the ocean
No, mink lash extensions are not vegan. Minks are bred and slaughtered in fur farms for use in mink lashes, among other things. These animals suffer fear, stress, and other hardships all in the name of the beauty industry.
While some salons try to promote mink lashes as ‘cruelty-free mink’, this is not the case. If the lashes are authentic mink, then they are never 100% vegan. These salons may claim that the hairs come from brushing the fur of the minks. Even if this is true, the minks are still kept in miserable conditions, conditions not conducive to healthy, happy animals.