One of the questions we’re asked here regularly at Lady Lash about eyelash extensions is about the difference between silk, synthetic (also known as ‘acrylic’), mink and volume eyelash extensions. 

Using all three of these materials, we’re very familiar with the difference, pros and cons of different kinds, and why you might choose one over the others. 

Here’s a little rundown on each type, the pros and cons, and who they are most suitable for, to help you choose your next set of lash extensions! 

Synthetic eyelash extensions:

These are made from a polished, acrylic material and are the firmest/sturdiest of all. In appearance, they are a little shinier or glossier than the mink or synthetic, and when applied quite thickly, more dramatic. 

While they come in a wide variety of thicknesses and curls, and can be applied to look very natural, these are most popular with ladies wanting a more dramatic and made-up look. They hold their curl extremely well due to their firmness.

 Some people don’t find them as ‘soft’ or ‘natural’ looking than silk or mink eyelash extensions, and while they last a long time, the thickest type (we use a maximum of 0.20 mm in width) don’t have quite as good staying power as the silk and definitely not the mink. 

They are most suitable for those with healthy, dense lashes of their own, and are generally favoured by younger clients. However because they are heavier in weight than silk or mink eyelash extensions, for many people they are not a great option –personally I feel that silk or mink are the only types of extensions that should be worn long-term, to cause no thinning of natural lashes. We still offer synthetic simply because it’s what some clients want. And on some, with very thick natural lashes, it can look simply fantastic. 

Silk eyelash extensions:

These are the mid-weight type of lash extensions, and are finer and more flexible than the synthetic type. Because they are softer and more porous, they tend to hold on slightly longer than the synthetic ones. 

They can be made to look very natural or very glamorous, but sometimes quite as dense/thick as the synthetic lashes. Because they are lighter weight, they are often a much better option for your lashes if your own ones are weak or fine. They definitely last longer than synthetic lashes too. 

Like synthetic lashes, silk come in a variety of curls and lengths, though are a better option for a more natural look, as the curl is not generally as uniform or as ‘plasticky’ as synthetic lashes. 

Glamour sets of silk lashes are one of the most popular options for brides, who are looking for lashes that are full and long yet still natural looking. 

Mink lashes:

At Lady Lash, we’re against animal cruelty, which we why we do not and never will use real mink fur for lash extensions (more on this in a later post). We use faux-mink lashes, which are man-made fibres, designed to imitate real mink fur. They are very fine, soft and silky, just like real fur. However, they have been improved, in that if you wet them, they won’t lose their curl. When wet, real mink fur lashes become straight and wispy and you often need to use a curler to curl them back up.

Faux-mink lashes are becoming very popular because they are so light and fine, they feel exactly like your own lashes. They are also shinier in texture than the silk lashes, giving the lashes a glossy look. They are (with proper care!) very long lasting, and are great if your own lashes are fine and weak. Because they are so light, they don’t tend to drop or twist, even after many weeks of wear. Because they are so fine, the surface-area-ratio between your own lash and the extension is much closer to 1:1 (with synthetic it can be 1:2 or even higher) so they last longer. 

It takes a longer time (around 1.5-2 hours) to apply a set of mink lashes because we use very fine fibres and we tend to apply more. One downside is that even with a lot of volume, they are still beautifully natural and fluffy looking, so those that want a really glamorous/made up “Kardashian” look are better off going for synthetic lashes which give even more volume. 

Volume Eyelash Extensions

Applied using silk or mink only eyelash extensions

Designed to provide as much volume as possible, but in a way that does not overload or damage the natural lashes, this new technique promising the most stunning results. Volume 3D eyelashes are superfine and incredibly light, meaning that 2-6 lashes can be applied per natural lash to create volume on any type of eyelash. They last longer than classic eyelash extensions due to their light weight and the amount applied

If you have any questions about different types of eyelash extensions and want to find out more, feel free to give us a call on 0420 634 904 or check or FAQ page for endless questions and answers on everything to do with lash extensions!