Risk of irritation and infection: If proper hygiene and application requirements are not met, irritation or infection may occur. Most eyelash technicians should do a “patch test” with the glue before applying the extensions. A patch test will let them know if you're allergic to the glue they plan to use. Sometimes, even if there is no allergy, the chemicals in the glue can cause irritation on the eyelid.
The area around the eyes and eyelids is very sensitive, which means that the weight of the glue can also pull the hair on the eyelashes and cause irritation. In most cases, a person is allergic to the glue or adhesive that adheres to the eyelashes. Often, glue seeps into the eyelid or eye, which can cause a reaction. The Hairdressing and Cosmetology Board recommends that people with certain conditions or risk factors avoid wearing eyelash extensions.
For some people, eyelash extensions can cause an allergic reaction or cause other eye health problems. Eyelash ornaments, such as attaching small glass beads or crystals to the eyelashes or, more importantly, attaching small charms to the cables that are placed on the eyelids, pose the same risks as eyelash extensions, not to mention an additional hazard. Once applied, eyelash extensions should last the half-life of natural eyelashes, which ranges from six weeks to two months. If a reaction occurs, the person should remove their eyelash extensions and seek treatment as soon as possible.
An allergic reaction to eyelash extensions is similar to other contact allergies, also known as contact dermatitis. Not only are eyelash extensions likely to protect your eyes worse, but they can also cause other problems. Unlike false eyelashes, eyelash extensions are designed to be a more durable solution for beautifying your natural eyelashes. To avoid an allergic reaction, they recommend using formaldehyde-free products and avoiding washing your face for a few hours after applying eyelash extensions.
When applied correctly by a licensed professional, eyelash extensions can provide beautiful and safe results. Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent fibers that stick to natural lashes to make them appear longer, thicker and darker. As eyelash extensions grow farther from the root, the weight of the extension can put pressure on the natural eyelash. If you are planning to have a medical procedure that affects the eye, such as LASIK, chemotherapy or radiation, you should check with your doctor before eyelash extensions are applied.
The glues used to adhere eyelash extensions to eyelashes include chemicals and ingredients that can be irritating or harmful. The easiest way to prevent the risk of eye infection or irritation is to simply avoid putting on eyelash extensions. During the procedure, each extension is applied individually to the lash line and is “filled in” once the natural eyelash falls out (usually within a few weeks), taking the extension with you.
