The Downside of Eyelash Extensions: Risks, Costs, and Considerations

Eyelash extensions have surged in popularity as a semi-permanent solution for achieving a glamorous, made-up look without the daily application of mascara. These extensions involve attaching individual synthetic, silk, or mink fibers to your natural lashes, creating a fuller, longer appearance. While the allure of effortless beauty is strong, it's crucial to be aware of the potential downsides before taking the plunge.

What are Eyelash Extensions?

Unlike temporary, false eyelashes that adhere to the eyelid in a single strip, eyelash extensions are individual fibers meticulously attached one by one to your natural lashes using a specialized adhesive. This process, typically lasting several hours, aims to enhance the length, curl, and thickness of your existing lashes. Designed to remain intact for the average growth cycle of natural lashes, roughly six weeks to two months, extensions require regular maintenance to preserve their appearance.

The Application Process

Eyelash extensions should only be applied by a certified lash technician who’s undergone training specifically for this procedure. They may be a medical professional, lash stylish, aesthetician, or cosmetologist. Here are the general steps of the process:

1. Cleansing: Your clinician will gently cleanse both your eyes.
2. Lower Lash Protection: To avoid accidentally gluing your natural lower lashes to your upper ones, your clinician will tape your lower lashes to your skin with surgical tape.
3. Lash Isolation: Your natural eyelashes will be isolated, typically with a tweezer or other device.
4. Extension Application: An artificial lash will be adhered to the top of the isolated lash with a tiny drop of glue. This process will be repeated for the entire lid of both eyes.
5. The eye receiving lashes must be closed for the procedure.

Potential Risks and Complications

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the main risks associated with eyelash extensions are:

• Swelling
• Temporary or permanent loss of eyelashes
• Skin irritation of the eyelid
• Infection of the eyelid or cornea

Most complications from eyelash extensions result from a skin reaction or allergy to the chemicals used in the glue adhesive. Unsanitary conditions can also cause complications. Symptoms you may experience include:

Read also: Comprehensive Guide: Eyelash Primers for Sensitive Eyes

• Stinging and burning in the eye and on the eyelid
• Severe swelling
• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Itching
• Pain
• Rash

Allergic Reactions and Irritation

One of the primary concerns with eyelash extensions is the potential for allergic reactions or skin irritation caused by the adhesives used. Many eyelash extension adhesives contain ingredients like formaldehyde, cyanoacrylates, latex, and cellulose gum, which can trigger adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms can range from mild itching and redness to severe swelling, pain, and even blurry vision. In severe cases of blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), the eyes can swell shut.

Infections

Unsanitary conditions during application or inadequate aftercare can lead to bacterial infections. If tools aren’t sanitized properly or if you have any cuts or abrasions in your skin when lashes are being put on, that could be an entry point for an infection. Once the extensions are on, infections can also occur if you don't clean them properly. Bacteria at the base of the lashes can migrate into the oil glands, which may lead to a stye or a chalazion.

Damage to Natural Lashes

Eyelash extensions can sometimes cause bacterial infections, too. A possible long-term complication of eyelash extensions is traction alopecia. Over time, the extensions can kind of tug on your hair follicle, and it will eventually thin it out and weaken it. This often happens when people wear the extensions consistently or pull them out early.

Eye Trauma and Discomfort

The application process itself carries risks. "You’re putting these synthetic extensions so close to the eyeball using sharp tools," says Brissette, and an accident or improper use of the tools could result in trauma to the eyelid or cornea. "I’ve seen lash extensions migrate into the eye so they become trapped underneath the eyelid, causing scratches or irritation."

Eyelashes exist to help keep dirt, debris, and dust out of our eyes, Brissette explains - but more lashes doesn't necessarily mean more protection. "There's a science behind why our eyelashes are a specific length. … If they're too long it interferes with the blink function of the eye," Brissette adds. Extensions that are extra long or heavy can interfere with our normal blinking, which could lead to dryness, irritation and discomfort.

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Demodex

Demodex is a microscopic ectoparasite or mite. One cause of this is not getting your eyelashes enhanced on a regular basis; it is recommended they be repaired every two weeks. Not getting this regular repair allows dust to gather on your eyelashes and that is an invitation for problems.

Corneal Issues

Another interesting problem that can arise from wearing lash extensions is their weight, could prevent you from blinking completely. You can end up with corneal abrasions or keratitis, more commonly known as corneal inflammation.

Financial and Time Commitment

Eyelash extensions require maintenance and can be expensive. The cost of your eyelash extensions will be determined by the region you live in what the extensions are made from. Mink lashes are often the most expensive. In general, the range for having eyelash extensions varies anywhere from $125 to $300 or more. Routine maintenance, such as adding in fillers, may cost around $50 to $100 per session.

Lengthy lashes can mean lengthy application sessions. Appointments for Lash Extensions can take anywhere from 1-2 hours, and if you want to keep up with them, you need to come in every 2-4 weeks.

Ensuring a Safe Experience

Unless you have an underlying condition that makes eyelash extensions an inappropriate choice for you, you can usually avoid these risks by following these guidelines:

Read also: Perfect Lash Look

• Choose a Reputable Technician: Have a professional, certified cosmetologist or aesthetician attach your eyelash extensions in a clean environment.
• Inquire About Ingredients: Ask for a list of the ingredients used in the adhesive. Don’t use any adhesive that includes formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a toxin that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. If you’re allergic to latex, make sure it’s not one of the ingredients listed.
• Surgical Glue is a Must: Make sure your clinician uses surgical glue and not nail glue. This is a must-avoid red flag.
• Hygiene is Paramount: Make sure your clinician washes their hands, sterilizes their equipment, and provides clean towels or bedding for you to rest on.
• Patch Test: If you have sensitive skin or allergies to products such as makeup, ask to have a patch test done on your arm a few days before the procedure.
• Avoid Formaldehyde: Don’t use a remover that contains formaldehyde.

What To Do If You Have A Reaction

If you have a reaction, Lipner recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist to get an allergy test and figure out what component of the extension or glue causing the reaction.If severe blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) occurs, the eyes can swell shut, the experts note. In these cases, the eyelash extensions and glue have to come off immediately and the rash needs to be treated, says Lipner.

If your eyes feel mildly irritated after having lash extensions added, there are several things you can try at home to relieve the discomfort. These include:

• cold compresses
• topical hydrocortisone cream
• allergy eye drops
• oral antihistamine products

Any symptoms that last longer than 24 to 48 hours should be evaluated. If your symptoms are severe, such as extreme swelling, pain, or itching on either your eyelid or eye, see your doctor. It’s important to get the right treatment for your eyes. If you’re having an allergic reaction, your doctor will prescribe eye drops that can help reduce your symptoms. If you have an infection, you may need antibiotics.

Pros of Eyelash Extensions

If you’re trying to decide whether or not eyelash extensions are right for you, it’s wise to weigh the pros and cons of having lash extensions applied. Some of the perks of eyelash extensions include:

• They look beautiful - When done correctly, eyelash extensions will make your lashes look long, full and fluttery at all times. Unlike with strips of fake eyelashes, with lash extensions, you can wake up every morning with princess lashes with no effort.
• You don’t have to wait for them to work - You walk into your lash extension appointment with sparse, weak lashes and you walk out looking like a superstar. The instant gratification of having beautiful lashes after only one appointment is definitely appealing.
• No more mascara - That’s right. No more smudging, flaking, running or stressing that one eye’s lashes always look better than the other. With lash extensions, mascara is a thing of the past, which will also save you the time of applying and removing product from your lashes.
• They’re customizable - Whether you’re a natural honey or a dramatic diva, your lash extensions can be customized to fit your desired look. Talk to your technician about your lash goals, and they will tailor the length, color and curl pattern to meet your preferences.
• They can last a long time - As time goes on, your eyelashes’ natural shed cycle will cause the extensions to fall out along with your natural lashes. This typically starts to happen a couple of weeks after the first appointment and will continue until the cycle is complete (four to ten weeks). However, you can get regular “fills,” which will keep your lashes looking lovely indefinitely.
• The process is painless - If applied properly, you should never experience any pain with the application or wear of eyelash extensions.
• They can withstand water - After having the last extensions applied, you will have to keep the eyes and lashes dry for 48 hours. Once that time has passed, you should be able to swim, sweat and shower with your extensions, although keeping them dry will help them last longer.
• The process is (normally) safe - Experts, including dermatologists and estheticians, explain that having lash extensions applied by a licensed professional is safe, though there are risks involved.

Cons of Eyelash Extensions

While the perks of eyelash extensions are many, including the potential to complement or improve your appearance, there are also downsides to having extensions applied to your lashes.According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, some dangers of using eyelash extensions include infection or swelling of the eyelid, infection of the cornea and temporary eyelash loss. Some of the more common drawbacks include:

• Irritation and infection risk - If proper sanitation and application requirements are not met, it’s possible for irritation or infection to occur.
• The financial investment - As with most things, the price of eyelash extensions depends on where you get them done.
• Maintenance - Because extensions are so expensive, preserving them between fills is important. However, maintaining lash extensions can be a hassle.

Removal

Eyelash extensions will eventually fall out on their own. If you wish to have them removed, it’s best to have this done by a professional. The lash technician who applied your lashes will also know how to remove them. There’s typically a charge for this service.

Here are the general steps of removal:

1. Your upper and lower eyelids will be covered.
2. Lash glue remover will be applied and left on for several minutes.
3. The technician will then remove the lashes one at a time, with a sterilized tweezer, tiny brush, or other device. Keep in mind the lash glue remover may contain chemicals you’re allergic to or that may be irritating to your skin. Ask your technician for a list of ingredients first. Don’t use a remover that contains formaldehyde.

You can also try removing your extensions at home. Steam your face or apply a warm compress to your eyes, then remove the lashes with olive or sesame oil on a cotton swab. This will loosen the lashes, letting you gently pull them out. Just be careful to only remove the extensions and not your real lashes.

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