Synthetic eyelashes are made with a plastic fiber called PBT or polybutylene terephthalate. This fiber is a type of polyester that is heated and molded into the desired eyelash shape. These types of eyelashes tend to be thicker than normal eyelashes and generally feel heavier on the eyes due to the stiffer band. Eyelash extensions are cosmetic applications that improve the length, curl, fullness and thickness of natural eyelashes.
The extensions can be made of various materials, including mink, silk, synthetic, human hair, or horse hair. The main method for applying extensions is to use a cyanoacrylate adhesive to apply the extensions to the natural eyelash 1 or 2 mm away from the base of the natural eyelash, never making contact with the eyelid. As mentioned above, synthetic eyelashes are made with a plastic fiber called PBT or polybutylene terephthalate. Temporary false eyelashes are applied with temporary glue and are not intended for use when showering, sleeping, or swimming.
Appearing in Vogue, false eyelashes have officially become popular and have received the Vogue seal of approval. Although horse hair is still used to some extent, there are now three main materials currently used for false eyelashes. In 1915, Karl Nessler, a hairdresser known for his permanent waves, opened a hairdresser in New York and sold eyelash services, promoting false eyelashes in his salon as, according to the New York Times, “protection against the glare of electric lights”. In 1902, the German-born hair specialist and renowned inventor Charles Nessler (also known as Karl Nessler or Charles Nestle) patented a new or improved method and means for manufacturing artificial eyebrows, eyelashes and the like in the United Kingdom.
Synthetic eyelashes are the most common type of false eyelashes and tend to be much thicker compared to natural human eyelashes. Because humans lose natural eyelashes every day, eyelash extensions usually last between three and four weeks, and during that period, natural eyelashes begin to fall out or thin. A lot of people were still skeptical of false eyelashes in the 1920s, but it was a different story among fashion lovers. McCabe wrote The National Encyclopædia of Business and Social Forms, where, in the Etiquette Laws section, he stated that eyelashes could be lengthened by cutting the ends with scissors.
They give depth, fullness and subtle length to natural eyelashes without giving the appearance of fakes. With such a dark and dangerous history and such an exhausting application, it's surprising that false eyelashes are so popular. This means that you've probably considered wearing false eyelashes or that you're already a full time member of their fan club. The false eyelashes that were made from human hair were specifically woven piece by piece by a local wig manufacturer.
But what exactly are false eyelashes made of? Are you choosing the right ones? Are false eyelashes vegan and cruelty-free? In the United Kingdom, the Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists accredited courses for the safe application of individual semi-permanent eyelash extensions.
