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Eyelash extensions are supposed to make you feel beautiful. They should make your eyes look big and bright – not puffy and itchy! In this post, we are of course talking about allergic reactions to eyelash extensions.
Allergic reactions are no fun. Here’s everything you need to know about eyelash extension allergies and irritation so you can keep your eyes looking fabulously healthy.
What causes an allergic reaction to eyelash extensions?
An allergic reaction is when the immune system decides that a foreign substance is causing harm, even if it doesn’t. We’re all familiar with nut and pollen allergies, but you can also experience allergies to eyelash extensions.
In the majority of cases, allergic reactions to eyelash extensions are caused by the glue. The main ingredient in eyelash glues is cyanoacrylateand there is a small percentage of the population that responds badly to it.
Other ingredients that may cause allergic reactions include: carbon black, hydroquinone (sometimes referred to as 1,4-dihydroxybenzene)latex, and formaldehyde.
There’s no one eyelash extension glue formula that works for everyone, so it’s worth working out exactly which of these ingredients you’re allergic to. There is probably an eyelash extension glue out there that will work for you, so knowing will make all the difference.
Eyelash Extension Allergy vs. Irritation: What’s the Difference?
An allergic reaction is a reaction of the immune system, while an irritation is a reaction to an irritating chemical. Having an allergy means you are limited in the type of glue you can use, while irritation is fairly easy to avoid.
It is very difficult to tell the difference between the two as the responses are subtle. Usually, the timeline will give you the biggest hint:
Allergic reactions they may appear soon after your lashes appear, but sometimes it will take a few days to make themselves known. The reaction will last as long as the skin is in contact with the eyelash adhesive, and sometimes even for a few days afterwards. It’s also possible to develop an allergy after years of getting extensions, which unfortunately can make things a little unpredictable.
Irritation it is more common in people with sensitive skin. It usually occurs during the curing period for your eyelash extensions and may go away on its own within a few hours as the glue finishes curing. Your channels of irritation are higher if the glue comes into contact with your eyes or skin. This largely depends on the drying time of the glue, the climate and the skill level of your lash technician.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to eyelash extensions
These are the common symptoms of an allergic reaction to eyelash extensions.
Allergic reaction to the eyelids
- Swelling
- Redness
- Itching
Allergic reaction in the eyes
- Wet eyes
- Redness in the cornea
- Itching
Symptoms of irritation with eyelash extension
The irritation can be similar to an allergy, but is usually milder, with less swelling. It is usually found more on the skin than in the eyes. These are the main symptoms:
- Mild pain or irritation
- Itching
- Redness
What about infections?
Infection is also likely to occur, usually as a result of visiting a poorly run salon or an unlicensed lash technician. If your eyes are not only red and inflamed, but also feel sticky, you may be dealing with an infection. If you experience this, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Eyelash Extension Allergy Treatment
While irritation can often go away with time, if you have an allergic reaction, you’ll probably want to do the following:
- Get your lashes professionally removed as soon as possible
- Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about treatment to relieve symptoms
- Take an oral antihistamine or use antihistamine eye drops
- Apply a topical allergy relief product that is safe for the eye area
- Try a cold compress to relieve irritation
Note that these are general suggestions and not medical advice. When in doubt, please talk to a doctor – especially if your symptoms are severe or do not improve in a few days.
Prevention of allergy to eyelash extensions
Here are the best ways to prevent an eyelash extension reaction in the first place.
Avoid professional extensions
Sometimes it’s best to avoid eyelash extensions altogether. Instead, you can try DIY extensions which tend to be friendlier to people with common glue allergies. The glue is still acrylic based, but it is milder and less likely to cause irritation or allergies.
Request a Patch Test
Ask your technician to do an allergy test. You can test for allergies by applying a drop of glue behind your ear or by applying just 2-3 extensions to the outer corner of your eye. Adverse reactions usually appear very quickly, but sometimes it can take a few hours. Consider scheduling your consultation a few days before your actual appointment to give yourself plenty of time to find out.
Choose your technician carefully
If you know for sure that you are allergic to eyelash extensions or simply have very sensitive eyes, be sure to choose your eyelash technician carefully and consult. During the consultation, ask your technician what they generally do to prevent irritation.
Here are the signs that you’ve chosen the right technician for the job:
- Their salon looks very clean and organized and the treatment area is well ventilated.
- You are reminded to keep your eyes closed during treatment.
- They explain the aftercare of the eyelashes thoroughly and carefully.
- They explain their technique in detail.
- They have a few extension glues to choose from, including options for sensitive eyes.
- They have techniques or tools like a nanomist that can speed up the curing time of the glue.
Use the right eyelash extension glue
More experienced lash technicians have a few glues they can use. They know how to choose the right adhesive for different environments and how to apply it safely to reduce any contact with your eyes or skin.
This way, even customers with sensitivities to the glue ingredient may not have negative reactions. Ask your lash technician questions and make sure they understand how the different glues in their arsenal can work.
FAQ
Is eyelash extension glue allergy dangerous?
If you treat your allergy quickly, your glue allergy probably won’t be dangerous. Dangerous side effects only come if you don’t treat your allergic reaction, in which case the damaged skin can become infected.
How long does an allergic reaction to eyelash extensions last?
Your allergic reaction should not last more than a few days, provided you stop contact with the allergen and remove the extensions. If your reaction persists, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Can you develop an allergy to eyelash glues?
Yes. Allergies are not stable throughout life. It is very common to react just fine to a product or ingredient for years, but then develop an allergy after repeated exposure.
Will the allergic reaction to eyelash extensions go away?
Yes. Your allergic reaction will definitely subside when your body is no longer exposed to the allergen. Additionally, it is not unheard of for people to have an allergic reaction to a substance once and then be able to tolerate it without problems later in life.
How common is an allergic reaction to eyelash extensions?
Allergic reactions to eyelash extensions are very rare. Exact numbers are hard to come by, but the most common adhesive allergen is latex, to which only about 1% of the population is allergic – and this adhesive is not commonly used in professional extensions. In comparison, short-term irritation is much more common.
Final thought
Allergic reactions to eyelash extensions are quite rare, while irritation is unfortunately very common. Both can be easily dealt with, but neither is fun. That’s why choosing the right lash technician and being careful with the glue is so important.
If you have sensitive eyes and are interested in eyelash extensions, you can always try a milder option like Lilac St. DIY Extensions. Here’s to keeping your eyes bright and healthy!