Mink eyelash extensions are all the rage right now—the thick, fluffy look they afford is luxurious and decidedly glam, but real mink lash extensions can come with a whole host of issues. As a lash artist, it is your responsibility to make sure that your clients eyes and lashes are well taken care of, which is why here at NovaLash, we want you to have all the facts on real mink eyelash extensions versus synthetic mink lashes. We’ve previously touched on the key differences between these two products, but the complications that real mink lashes can present and the difficulty of their upkeep warrant further discussion of the subject.

Read more: Real Mink Eyelash Extensions vs. Synthetic: Which Is Better?

Why Are Real Mink Lash Extensions Unsanitary?

Because real mink lash extensions are sourced from live minks, it is hard to ensure that they are free of mites and other tiny pests. Sometimes, mink lash extensions can irritate the eye in other ways—causing pink eye or uncomfortable reactions. Mink lash extensions have to be diligently cleaned, otherwise bacteria and other grime can accumulate on the lash and worse, within the hair follicles of the natural lashes that they’ve been attached to. Synthetic lashes come with similar risks, of course, but because the upkeep of real mink lash extensions is so involved, it is less likely that mink lashes are being cleaned or replaced as often as synthetic lashes. This build-up of dirt and bacteria can lead to infection in the eyelid or even swelling, which is not healthy for your clients’ eyes.

Taking Care of Real Mink Lash Extensions

In addition, because real mink lash extensions are made from natural fibers as opposed to synthetic fibers, they can only be cleaned with very gentle soap and water. This makes the cleaning process arduous and time-consuming. Synthetic lashes like NovaMINX are single-use, which not only is more hygienic for the wearer, but also easier to handle. Furthermore, mink lashes, when washed, tend to flatten and lose their curl, meaning that your clients will have to spend time re-curling them every time they go out—an added headache to an already time-intensive process.

Read more: How to Raise Your Prices at a Lash Extension Salon

Why NovaMINX Is the Best Synthetic Mink Lash Alternative

For all these reasons, NovaLash created our NovaMINX line of mink-inspired synthetic eyelash extensions. Suitable for almost all lash types and lengths, our NovaMINX line gives the full, luscious look of real mink lash extensions without the hassle, and with considerably less risk than the real thing. Plus, NovaMINX lash extensions are cruelty-free. Unlike mink lash extensions, NovaMINX lash extensions do not cost your client close to $500 a set, but you as a lash artist can still make a decent profit with NovaMINX—while feeling confident that you’re making a health-conscious beauty recommendation that your clients can trust.

If your clients are hoping for the luxuriant look of natural mink lashes, suggest NovaMINX instead.