Lifestyle

Eyelash Extensions: Are They Safe?

Eyelash extensions have become one of the biggest beauty trends in recent years, and women everywhere are paying good money to have their lashes made longer, thicker and curlier with mink or silk.

Done right (and by a trained eyelash technician), they can look wonderfully natural and can last up to 4 weeks, giving you an effortless makeup-ready face with little upkeep. And for those who love their lashes to stand out, this is a fab alternative to falsies. But is it safe for our eyes?

The biggest risk from having eyelash extensions is that the glue could become an irritant, or that it could cause your natural lashes to fall out. Our eyelashes perform a much bigger role than simply looking pretty. They are there to bat off particles such as dust and sand, and they also help to keep moisture such as sweat or rain out of your peepers.

So without them, it’s possible you may damage your eye health.  Additionally, some glues could lead to an allergic reaction or even an infection, so it’s in your interest to be careful when it comes to dabbling with this beauty craze.

Generally speaking, eyelash extensions are not dangerous. But here are some things to bear in mind before you book yourself in for an appointment…

Application Requires Skill

are eye lash extensions bad for eyes

One of the most important things to note is that applying lashes to a client takes a lot of skill. Whilst it doesn’t require a degree or extensive training, common sense tells us that precision is down practice. And lots of it. So when booking a lash appointment, it’s a good idea to find an experienced beautician.

Extensions need to be glued to your hairs and not to your skin to avoid pain and irritation, so finding someone who knows what they are doing is key. Don’t be tempted to save a few pennies by going with someone cheaper.

A Patch Test is Essential

are eye lash extensions bad for eyes

Make sure you have a consultation to find out more about the procedure before it happens and ask any questions you have then. During your consultation, your eyelash technician will also get a chance to find the right kind of extension for you, and they will also perform a patch test.

This is to ensure that the glue they are going to use isn’t going to cause problems with your skin. A lot of glue products contain formaldehyde and other chemicals, which have been reported to react badly to some people.

Follow Care Instructions

are eye lash extensions bad for eyes

Not listening to care instructions is one of the main reasons why extensions go wrong. Your beautician will tell you not to pick at your new lashes or to rub your eyes, as this can lead to damage to your own eyelashes, causing them to rip or fall out.

But many of us are unable to control what we do in our sleep and it’s very likely that your eyes will come into contact with friction. If you are the type of person who has a habit of touching your eyes or you can’t resist picking, extensions are probably not for you.

Practice Good Hygiene

are eye lash extensions safe for eyes

Another problem is that cleaning your eye area can become much harder once you have your new lashes in. You won’t be able to use any oil-based products, and you will need to be careful when washing your face. This could prevent you from cleaning your eye area properly, which is another cause of infection.

Very recently, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) published a report on some of the eye health complaints associated with extension treatments and the list included possible infection of the cornea, eyelid infections and swollen eyelids. So for anyone considering getting this newfangled beauty treatment, it’s definitely a good idea to do some research.

If you do opt for eyelash extensions, consider rimless frames such as the Dario Martini DM591 options below, to really show off those new lashes.

Dario Martini DM591

We hope this post has been helpful – for more advice and tips on looking after your vision, keep checking in on our Fashion & Lifestyle Magazine! Read our recent post ‘Top 5 Foods High in Lutein: The Eye Vitamin‘ for guidance on what to eat for better eye health.