We all hear eyelash extension horror stories, but are they just botched eyelash extensions or an allergic reaction? Let's separate the two.
Allergic Reactions
While allergic reactions are rare, they do still occur. A true sign of an allergic reaction is swelling of the eyelids, sore watering eyes, and or runny watery nose. Some cases are more severe than others. Symptoms can occur minutes into your service, or up to 48 hours after your service is done. First of all, what is the most common allergen used during your service?
Glue- This is the most common allergen. An allergic reaction mostly occurs if the glue touches your eyelid (sometimes runs down the lash if there is too much or humidity too low) or is too close to the skin. All eyelash extension glues contain cyanoacrylate which ensures the bond of the extension to the natural lash. This ingredient cures by using the humidity in the air, while at the same time releasing fumes which look for moisture. Hence why clients or lash techs sometimes get watery eyes or runny nose post appointment. It's because the fumes irritate your mucus membranes (eyes/nose). If you develop an allergy to cyanoacrylate, eyelash extensions might not be for you. Another ingredient you could be allergic to is Carbon Black, the pigment which makes the glue black. If this is the case, your lash tech could try a clear glue. Allergic reactions do not subside untreated and get worse over time. Some treatment options could be antihistamines, cortisol creams or using a cold compress on your eyes. However if the extensions are not removed you will keep experiencing these symptoms. In this worst case scenario, you need to see a medical professional!
Picture from CTV News Ottawa Showing a woman's allergic reaction (link in picture)
I've had watery red eyes after my service, was this an allergic reaction?
The answer is no. Severe allergic reactions are rare and get worse over time if left untreated. If it's not an allergic reaction, then what is it?
Chemical Burn- Usually is not as scary as it sounds. Chemical burns can occur if fumes from the glue seep into the eyes. This can occur if the client is talking, which could shift the position of the gel pad allowing fumes to seep in. Also if the gel pad is applied in a way which drags the bottom lash line down this will cause the eyes to stay slightly open. Chemical burns cause sore, red eyes which could look and feel a bit like pink eye.
Poor Gel Pad Placement- Poor gel pad placement can cause symptoms very similar to chemical burns and could be mistaken for an allergic reaction. Gel pads too close to the waterline can rub and irritate the eye surface causing bruising or micro tears on the eye surface.
If you have any of these symptoms, they usually clear up within 48 hours.
Source from Lash Affair showing a chemical burn. Poor gel pad placement looks almost the same. (link in picture).
Patch Test- If you are worried about sensitivities to products used during your service, you can ask your lash technician for a a patch test. A patch test includes gluing 3-4 eyelash extensions to each eye and waiting a period of 48 hours to see if there are any adverse reactions. This test can help predict if you are at risk for a reaction, however it cannot guarantee it if you do not exhibit any discomfort during your patch test period.
Botched Eyelash Extensions
Ever had your eyelashes fall out in clumps? You could've be victim to a botched eyelash extension job. Ever seen a deal too good to be true? "Eyelash extensions, $20 only!" The reality is, if it's too good to be true- it usually is. If someone advertises $20 lashes done in under an hour, my recommendation is to run! Here are some reasons why:
Cluster Lashes- These eyelashes are fine, as long as you're using normal falsies adhesive and you're not wearing them for more than a day. However, there are "lash technicians" whom use this during your service, with glue designed for lash extensions. In some cases they even glue the lash cluster directly to the eyelid! Hello swollen eyes (and allergic reaction). Why they use these lashes: they are cheap and apply quickly, hence the price and shorter service times.
Cluster Lashes. Source from AliExpress (link in picture)
So whats the worst that could happen?
Painful lash extensions, falling out in clumps. Your lashes all grow at different rates. Some are shorter and some are longer. When cluster lashes are applied on top of your lash line (without isolating individual natural lashes) they end up pulling on the lashes they are attached to, causing them to fall out prematurely. Continued use of this could cause irreversible lash damage.
Source from Bella Lash Showing cluster lashes vs. regular volume lashes (link in picture)
So lash clusters can cause a painful, botched lash extension job, but what else?
Poor Workmanship- Cluster lashes are not the only culprit. Rushed work with disregard for a clients lash health can also lead to a botched extension job. Even if your lash tech is not using cluster lashes, there could be a possibility that they glue fans without properly isolating natural lashes. The result? Same as cluster lashes. Your lashes are painful and fall out in clumps. Now what I'm not saying is that you should dump your lash tech if you see an extension fall out with a couple hairs attached. Rare occurrences like this happen, especially if they are a new lash technician. There's not a lash tech in the world which hasn't accidentally done this before. These mistakes disappear with experience, however if your lashes shed in clusters regularly then maybe you should consider finding a new lash technician.
-Dee
Hopefully this blog cleared up some questions clients or lash techs might have. Have you ever experienced any of these symptoms or have you had to remove a botched job? Comment below!
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