Almost everybody can use eyelash extensions to increase the appeal and look of their eyes. The difference will be instant – your eyes will look sparkly and refreshed immediately! As the glue is applied directly to the eyelash and does not touch the skin, there is very rarely any issue with allergic reactions.

One of the questions we’re asked here regularly at Kiwi Lash n Brow about eyelash extensions is about the difference between silk, synthetic (also known as ‘acrylic’) and mink eyelash extensions. Having used all three of these materials for years, we’re very familiar with the difference, pros and cons of different kinds, and why you might choose one over the others. Please note, we no longer use the thicker, older style ‘acrylic’ lashes – they are not the best quality to we have phased them out.

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:

Silk eyelash extensions: All of the lashes we use are man-made fibres (real silk would disintegrate within days) and not hold it’s curl. Silk lashes have a slightly more matte/natural black finish, and the ends are not quite so tapered as faux-mink. We use silk lashes in all of our volume sets because due to their texture, they fan out more than faux-mink.

Faux-mink lash extensions: At Kiwi Lash n Brow, we’re against animal cruelty, which we why we do not and never will use real mink fur for lash extensions. We use faux-mink lashes, which are man-made fibres, designed to imitate real mink fur. They are very glossy and black in colour and slightly more tapered on the ends. Some say they feel softer than silk but with new developments, we feel you can’t tell the different.

Flat Lash/Ellipse eyelash extensions: These are a relatively new development, whereby the cross section of the extension is flatter or more oval in shape than traditional eyelash extensions. The benefit is that they provide a thicker, more made up look without any extra weight (each fibre appears wider, though does not actually weigh more than a regular extension). They also last quite well due to their shape. They are not really suited to very natural looks, and are better for those who like a glamourous, darker look. Flat just refers to the cross section of the lash fibre, not the curl. They come in all the same curl types as other lashes.

Synthetic/Acrylic eyelash extensions: These are made from a polished synthetic material and are the firmest/sturdiest of all. In appearance, they are more obvious looking and harder than the mink or silk, and when applied quite thickly, very dramatic. They hold their curl extremely well due to their firmness, but due to this, don’t last as well on the natural lash. Some people don’t find them as ‘soft’ or ‘natural’ looking than silk or mink eyelash extensions, and the thickest type (normally 0.20mm in width) don’t have quite as good staying power as the silk and definitely not the faux mink or flat lashes. These lashes are often the type used party or weekend lashes, as they are cheap. Due to improvements in lash technology, we phased out this type of extension in 2015.

We have a whole separate page dedicated to this topic here.

There are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you get the most out of your eyelash extensions. At your appointment, we give you an after-care card outlining how to take care of them, the main things to remember are:

Do not wet or dampen your lashes for 24 hours MINIMUM after your lash appointment – in that 24-hour period, the lash glue is still in its crucial curing period. Try to avoid: steamy hot showers, baths or the spa, heavy gym sessions, rain, facials and swimming. After 24 hours, you’re totally fine to go ahead! Some salons say you can wet them straight away. We disagree and think that it’s better to wait as steam and product exposure is not good for them immediately.

Use only oil-free products, especially makeup remover – check in with our receptionists or your lash stylist if you need any advice on removers!

Let your facialist know if you have eyelash extensions applied – lashes don’t mix well with steam, so they can usually find another way to give you your favourite facial. If you are getting a facial, please don’t do it immediately after you’ve had extensions applied.

Do not rub or pull at your lashes – the more you touch them with your fingers, the more oil and dirt you introduce to the area. They like to be left alone!

Avoid using mechanical eyelash curlers – these can rip out your extensions!

Gently brush lashes with your lash wand to put them back into place each morning – this will detangle and fluff them out!

Please avoid using mascara on your extensions!

Cleanse your lashes 3-4 times per week using a lash-safe cleanser.

To make your lashes last as long as you can, its best to avoid steam rooms, saunas and bikram (hot) yoga. If you do these things, you might need to come in a little more frequently for infills.

Yes. In fact this is one of the best things about eyelash extensions – you will have pretty eyes ALL the time – when you wake up, straight out of the shower, out of the pool. Just don’t rub them or use detergents or oily soaps and they will last a long time. Try to pat them dry gently.

You must use an oil-free, glycol-free, lash-safe makeup remover – oil-based removers will damage the lash adhesive and can make eyelash extensions fall off prematurely. Lady Lash has sourced some high-quality makeup removers specifically formulated for eyelash extensions and we’ve even made our own lash-safe cleanser, LashGame Foaming Shampoo. Please DON’T use micellar water, makeup wipes, baby oil or baby shampoo to remove your makeup – these contain oils, with makeup wipes usually snagging and pulling on your extensions. Once you’ve removed using makeup remover, cleanse with a lash-safe foaming lash cleanser. Please be gentle – they are fragile when wet – don’t rub them firmly, they need gentle cleansing to last well!

Yes, you can – as long as it oil-free and very low in glycol/glycerin. These ingredients attack the glue, loosening the lash bond and causing extensions to fall. We’d recommend:

Liquid/pen liner (oil-free, of course) – gel liner tends to stick in the roots of the lashes and is tough to remove. We stock great, tested products here

Powder-type eyeshadows are fine – check the ingredients list of liquid/stick eyeshadow for glycol and glycerin, as sometimes these products are snuck in!

To avoid using mascara if possible – this product causes the extensions to clump together, and often contains oils to weaken the glue bond on your lashes. Especially waterproof mascara! If you are intent on wearing mascara, Lash Lady stocks Max2 Volume Up mascara made specifically for use on eyelash extensions. To get the best out of your extensions and mascara, just apply the product to the very tips of your lashes and avoid the roots.

PLEASE DON’T use mascara on volume or hybrid lashes – regardless of which brand you use, mascara makes volume fans snap shut. This means your lashes will look clumpy and stick together. We will not be able to infill volume lashes that have had mascara applied to them.

No – once your eyelash extensions are applied, they should feel just like your normal lashes. The eyelash extension is bonded to the actual lash (not your eyelid) so it feels just like your normal lashes. The only way that lashes can become uncomfortable is if you repeatedly rub your eyes or are rough with your extensions – this can damage or twist the extensions, which could make them feel awkward on your eye.

Absolutely not – if they are applied properly! At Kiwi Lash n Brow, we take special care to ensure that our lash extensions are all applied individually and correctly to maintain your eyelash health. To ensure the long-term health of your lashes, we highly recommend that you take the advice of your lash stylist regarding the maximum thickness and length that your lashes can safely hold. As long as an extension of the appropriate/safe length and thickness has been applied, your natural lashes will continue to grow through a normal lash cycle. Please listen to your lash stylist’s advice about how long/heavy you should go, especially if you have naturally thin or sparse lashes. Don’t try to remove the eyelash extensions yourself – this could easily damage your natural lashes, as the adhesive bond is extremely strong.

Sometimes clients choose not to take our advice regarding the lashes and do request extra long and thick lashes be applied to their thin or fine natural lashes. We strongly advise against this, as we cannot guarantee that they will last well if they are too long or heavy for your natural lash to support. At Kiwi Lash n Brow, we will apply the lashes that you request within reason and always advise you if there are any issues. Usually, as a one-off or special occasion wear, extra long or thick lashes will cause no problems at all, but long-term it can weaken your lashes.

The short answer: Roughly 5-6 weeks before every lash sheds, you’ll need iniflls at 2-4 weeks.

The long (and better!) answer: There are many factors at play here, including your individual lash cycle and your aftercare. You might be surprised to learn that everyone’s lashes have a life cycle and shed, just like the hair on your head! Once a natural lash’s life cycle is complete, the lash falls out naturally, taking the extension with it. Everyone’s lash cycle is a little different, but on average you should be experiencing a turnover of your natural lashes every six weeks or so.

If you want to maintain your lash extensions, we recommend infilling your lash set approximately every 2 – 4 weeks. By this stage, some lashes would have fallen out as new lashes have grown through. In an infill appointment, we carefully replace these fallen extensions with brand new ones! If you care properly for your lashes, your extensions will last longer (i.e. remove makeup correctly, don’t wear mascara, avoid oily products on your face, and avoid tugging/pulling at your eyelash extensions). Some clients who take extra good care of their lashes get 4 weeks before they need infills! If you happen to have very oily skin, you will normally need infills more regularly.

One of the questions we’re asked regularly about eyelash extensions is about the difference between silk and mink eyelash extensions. Having used these materials for years, we’re very familiar with the features of each material and why you might choose one over the other. You don’t have to worry about choosing which material at your appointment – your lash stylist will be more than happy to assess your lashes and recommend a material for you. All of our lashes are vegan and cruelty-free!

Here’s a little rundown on each type:

Silk eyelash extensions: A man-made fibre with a matte/natural black finish. We use silk lashes in all of our volume sets because due to their texture as they fan out better than faux-mink.

Faux-mink lash extensions: At Kiwi Lash n Brow, we’re against animal cruelty, which is why we do not and never will use real mink fur for lash extensions. Not only this, real mink will not hold it’s curl once wet. We use faux-mink man-made fibres designed to imitate real mink fur. They are very glossy and black in colour and slightly finer.

Flat eyelash extensions: These are a relatively new innovation in lashes – with flat lashes, the cross section of the extension is flatter or more oval in shape than traditional eyelash extensions. This means they provide a thicker, more made-up look without any extra weight (each fibre appears wider, but doesn’t weigh more than a regular extension). Flat lashes are better for those who like a glamourous, darker look. Flat just refers to the cross section of the lash fibre, not the curl. They come in all the same curl types as other lashes.