At CharmLash, we take immense pride in our diversity line. A wide range of vibrant lashes enables our community of lash artists and suppliers to push the boundaries of creative design. However, creating a lash that maintains a brilliant hue from base to tip is a complex technical challenge.
Recently, some lash artists and suppliers have reached out to us with questions about the delicate nature or twisty appearance of the tips of colored lash extensions. We want to take you behind the curtain to explain the two specific stages of production that create this unique texture.
With that spirit, let us drive you through the process of creating brown lashes in particular and trending colors in general.
I. Step 1: The original black PBT fiber
For most of the time, the original synthetic lash fibers come in black. This is where we start.
II. Step 2: The decoloring process
The fiber must first go through a rigorous decoloring or bleaching procedure, then be dyed the desired color to guarantee that a shade belonging to our matte brown lashes collection or other matte-colored lash collections looks vibrant and true to tone.
This is the only way to produce a neutral canvas that will allow a new color to be successfully absorbed without being muddy by the dark undertones that are naturally present in the fiber.
In this stage of decolorization, the PBT’s chemical structure is “opened.” Imagine it as making tiny passageways for the dye to reach the center of the strand. This alters the material’s physical state while producing the rich, steady color payoff you adore. The fiber loses its natural resin-sealed smoothness and becomes generally more fragile when the original pigment is removed.
Here’s the motto. Think of it as bleaching your hair to dye it after. It’s just like hair bleaching weakens hair structure, and fiber bleaching reduces molecular stability in the lash fiber.
III. The tapering process and delicate tips
The most important time for a colored lash is during the tapering phase. To achieve the natural, elegant point that defines a premium extension, each fiber’s tip must be thinned. This is a precise mechanical process in which the fiber is “shaved,” or tapered, to a fraction of its original diameter.
When we taper a previously decolored fiber, we work with a material that is structurally more “open” than a standard dark fiber. Because the decolorizing process has already softened the internal bonds of the PBT, the mechanical stress of tapering can occasionally cause the very fine points to appear slightly frayed or “split.”
The decolored structure is more visible as the taper becomes thinner. This is why you may notice a twisty feel, especially at the tips. It is not a sign of poor-quality material but rather a physical reaction caused by a bleached fiber being honed to a microscopic level. It is the result of balancing the desire for a clean, natural appearance with the chemical realities of high-intensity dyeing.
IV. Why twisting happens (especially on matte brown lashes)
Many of the recent inquiries have centered on our matte brown lashes. These shades are particularly susceptible to twisting at the tips due to the specific micro-treatments required to reduce shine and create that sophisticated matte finish.
When bleaching softens the fiber structure and is then followed by a matte treatment, the result is a slight increase in flexibility. For ultra-fine tapered styles, this means the tips are significantly more delicate. Under certain humidity or storage conditions, this increased flexibility can lead to tip twisting. It is important to understand that this is a physical reaction to the material’s treatment. The very process that makes the lash beautiful also makes it more responsive to its environment.
V. Why trending colors always carry a higher risk
For lash business owners, it is vital to understand the relationship between fashion and fiber. Trending colors require the most intensive processing.
The more trendy the shade, the more technical treatment is involved in its creation. This leads to a higher level of structural vulnerability. It is a reality of the industry: trend-driven products always carry a higher material risk than classic black. As a business owner, selling these colors requires awareness and a move away from demand chasing toward a more educated portfolio approach.
VI. What should lash business owners be aware of?
We believe in positioning our partners for success by being honest about production realities. Selling trending colors requires awareness, not just demand chasing. To protect your business and maintain high client satisfaction, we recommend the following:
- Educate your customers: Before selling trend-based sets, manage client expectations regarding the structure and durability of the fiber.
- Understand the trade-off: Recognize that the softness and unique color of a matte brown lash come with a different structural profile than a standard lash.
- Manage your portfolio: Factor your risk tolerance into your product decisions, knowing that fashion colors require more delicate handling and maintenance.
VII. What we do to minimize risk
While the physics of fiber processing cannot be entirely eliminated, we take rigorous steps to ensure our colored lines remain the most reliable on the market. In detail, we have been employing:
- Controlled bleaching levels: We use the minimum chemical intervention necessary to achieve the desired shade.
- Optimized elasticity balance: We constantly adjust our formulas to maintain a balance between color saturation and fiber strength.
- Strict environmental controls: Our production is conducted under tight humidity and temperature regulations to prevent fiber fatigue.
- Batch testing: Every collection undergoes testing before release to ensure it meets our structural standards.
VIII. Technical FAQ: Colored lash fibers
Q: Why do the tips of my colored lashes look frayed or rough?
A: This is a result of the tapering process and decolorization combined. Because the fiber must be decolored (bleached) to achieve vibrant shades, the internal structure becomes more delicate. When we taper that material to a fine point, the tip becomes more delicate than a non-bleached fiber.
Q: Does decoloring affect the strength of the lash?
A: The decoloring process changes the texture from glassy to matte, but the base of the lash remains strong. The only area significantly impacted is the very tip of the taper, which requires gentler handling.
Q: Will the color fade because the fiber is more delicate?
A: No. In fact, the decoloring process allows the pigment to saturate the core of the PBT fiber rather than just sitting on the surface, ensuring the color remains vibrant throughout the life of the set.
Q: Are there any benefits to this “open” fiber structure?
A: Yes! The increased porosity often leads to better adhesive “grip.” The adhesive can anchor itself into the microscopic pores of the decolored fiber, which can result in superior retention compared to smoother, non-treated fibers.
To sum up, don’t be scared if your colored lash extensions seem slightly twisted. It has gone through a lot of phases to reach your desired shade, and our team has been working on a solution to crack this case.
Check out our updates on our exclusive, diverse line of colored lash extensions on Instagram and Pinterest!
