Applied by a licensed beauty professional in a sanitized setting with products to which the client is not allergic, eyelash extensions can be safe, provided all these conditions are met, according to ophthalmologists.
But those caveats are essential as is the phrase “can be safe” instead of “are safe.” And that’s for good reason given the proximity of glue, pointy tweezers and a chemical used for embalming so close to delicate eyes.
While many people are giving up fake lashes for a softer and natural look, just as many are regularly attaching mink, silk or synthetic fibers to their lashes and eyelids at a cost ranging from $100 to $500 for a full set.
Financial analysts report that the popularity of fake lashes will reach a global market value of approximately $155 billion this year and increase to $2.56 billion by 2033, according to Business Research Insights.
Those values indicate millions are continuing the self-care beauty routine. If you’re among them, knowing the risks and possible mitigating precautions for lash installation can prevent injury, infections and blindness.
The chief warning from eye specialists and aestheticians regarding eyelash extensions is to skip the DIY approach. Non-professionals might not sterilize equipment properly. Inadequate sanitation techniques can lead to infection.
Additionally, one blogger notes that professionals use medical-grade adhesives to affix fake lashes. Do-it-yourself kits likely offer glue of a lesser quality, which could cause permanent lash damage or won’t hold or last as long.
And then there’s the lack of a steady hand. Professionals have experience sharpened by repeatedly performing the precise application task. Amateurs should avoid handling sharp implements near their eyes.
Potential allergic reactions to glues and tapes also create health risks. According to the Missouri Poison Center, these allergens are commonly in adhesives used to apply temporary and semi-permanent eyelashes: benzoic acid, latex, cellulose gum, cyanoacrylates and formaldehyde – the same chemical used to embalm bodies and preserve animal corpses for biology class.
Formaldehyde and chemicals that emit formaldehyde gas are found in a variety of beauty products, including hair gel, nail polish, baby shampoo, and color cosmetics, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. On eyelash glue containers, formaldehyde is listed as DMDM hydantoin, according to the cosmetic safety organization.
Due to the popularity of lash extensions, a group of researchers investigated dozens of eyelash glues, as very few studies have examined the presence of carcinogens in eyelash glue.
The researchers evaluated 37 eyelash glues – 17 available to consumers and 20 professional-grade adhesives. Of the 17 consumer glues, two that listed the presence of formaldehyde tested positive for the chemical, and so did two others that did not declare formaldehyde as an ingredient. Fifteen of the 20 professional glues tested positive for formaldehyde.
Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require cosmetic manufacturers to secure prior approval from the government for ingredients they use or for how to label ingredients. The FDA does intervene if a health-threatening condition arises. For example, the regulatory agency issued alerts in 2010 and 2017 when eyelash kits from two companies were found to be contaminated with bacteria.
Magnetic lashes are an option for lash extension wearers who are concerned about using glue. Magnets on strips above and below the eyelid sandwich that tissue between a row of small magnets and the lash strip. A brow and lash expert recommends using them only for special occasions and investing in lightweight magnetic strips to help prevent lash loss or ingrown hairs.
Seeking professional lash extension applications and avoiding DIY lash jobs can help prevent injury and infection if you want longer lashes as part of your self-care and beauty routines. It’s essential to seek a physician’s care immediately upon noticing any eye irregularities, such as redness, swelling, discharge or pain.
