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Irritation (redness/itchiness) after eyelash extension?

Does it happen to everyone?


This is a topic that I wanted to discuss for a long time, because it is unfortunately an issue that selective few clients are likely to experience at least once. Eyelash extensions use special type of adhesives that are used to adhere the extensions to your natural eyelashes and these adhesives are made up of mixture of chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions. The chemicals do not make direct contact with the eyes, but the initial fume it releases in the fist few hours can often trigger allergic responses.Some common ingredients are cellulose gum, cyanoacrylates, benzoic acid, latex, and in some cases formaldehyde or propylene glycol. I, personally make the extra effort to find adhesives that has no latex, formaldehyde or propylene glycol which seemed to be the main triggers, but it is simply impossible to predict how some clients will react to different adhesives. Every technician has multiple adhesives in their arsenal simply because some clients will react to one glue and some will show no symptom at all.


What can I do when it happens?


Fortunately, the symptoms will be kept at minimal and should go away in two or three days as long as some precautions are taken. First, try not to aggravate it by excessive rubbing. Just like other allergic symptoms, it will only get worse, if you apply too much pressure. There are things that you could do to make it better.


1) Use cold packs gently around the eyelids while making sure excessive pressure is not applied

2) Use eyedrops that are especially designed for allergic symptoms

3) Take antihistamine pills just as you would for your seasonal allergy

4) If it is your eyelids that are irritating, you can also apply hydrocortisone cream around the eyelids


I have clients who never experience such symptoms even after years of application and a few who unfortunately show the symptoms on their very first extension experience. Please do not be alarmed or discouraged after experiencing the symptoms. Lash Extensions are considered to be safe procedures and you will unlikely experience the similar symptoms after taking the precautions. The symptoms are often not repeated after switching to different adhesives. However, I do not recommend the procedure for those with extra sensitive eyes or those who persistently show the symptoms despite taking precautions. If you get symptoms soon after lash extension, it is strongly recommended to do the following: 1) get the lashes removed by a technician 2) consult a doctor.


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