Eyelash strips are made by bonding multiple individual hairs (natural or synthetic) together along a thin base, creating a band that can be adhered to the eyelid. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Material Selection:
- Hairs: Lashes can be made from various materials, including:
- Human hair: Provides a natural look and feel.
- Synthetic fibers: Often made from materials like PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), offering durability and consistent curl.
- Animal hair (e.g., mink): Used for a more luxurious and natural appearance, though ethical concerns exist.
- Base (Strip): The thin band that holds the lashes together. Common materials include:
- Cotton thread: Flexible and comfortable.
- Nylon: Strong and durable.
- Plastic: Can be more rigid, but also more durable.
2. Hair Preparation:
- Cleaning and Sterilization: If using natural hairs, they are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized to remove any impurities.
- Sorting and Grading: Hairs are sorted by length, thickness, and curl to ensure consistency within a single lash strip.
- Dyeing (if needed): Lashes can be dyed to achieve different colors or shades.
3. Bonding Process:
- Manual or Automated: The bonding process can be manual (hand-tied) or automated using machines.
- Adhesive Application: A thin layer of adhesive is applied to the base strip. The type of adhesive varies but needs to be strong and flexible.
- Hair Placement: Individual hairs or clusters of hairs are carefully placed along the adhesive strip. The density and arrangement of hairs determine the style and volume of the lash strip.
4. Securing the Bond:
- Drying/Curing: The adhesive is allowed to dry or is cured using heat or UV light to create a strong and lasting bond between the hairs and the strip.
- Quality Control: Lashes are inspected to ensure the hairs are securely attached and evenly distributed.
5. Trimming and Shaping:
- Length Adjustment: The lash strip is trimmed to the desired length.
- Styling: Further shaping and styling may be done to create a specific lash design.
6. Packaging:
- The finished lash strips are carefully packaged to protect them from damage and contamination.
In essence, strip lashes are meticulously crafted by carefully selecting, preparing, and bonding individual hairs to a thin strip of adhesive. The specific materials and techniques used can vary depending on the desired quality, style, and price point.
