Did you know that eyelash extensions can actually be dangerous? Here’s everything you need to know, and how to avoid getting stung.
Considering Lash Extensions? Beware of These Dangers
If you like to wake up looking glam or you want to save some time when it comes to your make-up routine, eyelash extensions can feel like the easy way out. While they may take expensive and annoyingly frequent maintenance, we can’t deny that there’s something great about rolling out of bed looking ready for the day. In fact, we’re so addicted to our fake lashes that the industry is set to boom to a massive £1.2billion this year alone. But before we start spending out, we need to know what the price is we’re going to pay (and we don’t just mean hard-earned cash). It’s SO important to know what you’re at risk of - because knowledge is power, even when it comes to seemingly basic beauty treatments!
Irritation and redness
Whether it’s from the glue used or just the weight of the lash extension being too much for your eyes, it’s common for them to become red and irritated after having extensions applied. Look out for irritation that lasts for longer than a couple of days, as this could signal a more serious issue.
Swelling
In addition to irritation and redness, swelling can also be a risk factor. If your eyes are extremely irritated or they have not responded well to the products used (whether that be the lash primer, glue, bonder or anything else), your eyes are seriously prone to swelling up. Not a good look.
Infection and styes
The aftercare that’s recommended for lash extensions is often not to scrub at them or use oil-based products around the eye area (this is often known to dissolve lash adhesive). But in doing so, you may be leaving your eyes open to infection if you’re not cleaning your lashes properly. Why? Bacteria and dirt can get trapped in the extensions, which can give them easy access to your eye. They can also block the oil glands that naturally sit at the base of the eyelash which produce oil to help protect your eye - but when this is out of sync, you could get dry eyes, styes and even develop infections which can become serious. Look out for any crustiness, too, which is a telltale sign of a bacterial infection.
Eyelash loss
Eyelash extensions that are too heavy for your natural lash (think Russian lash sets on sparse or thin lashes) can seriously impact your lash health. If your lash health is compromised, this can lead to eyelash loss and extreme thinning.
Allergic reactions
If you don’t have a patch test before your treatment (any good lash technician should require this before working on you), you are at risk of developing an allergic reaction to the products that are used. The most common reactions are to the lash adhesive, so it’s important to test it on a good-sized area of skin and leave it on for 48 hours before going ahead with your treatment.