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What you need to know about false eyelashes

5 minute read
Salon worker applying false eyelashes

These beauty products are popular. But are they safe? Take a look at the risks before you try fake lashes or lash extensions. 

Jennifer Howze

By Jennifer Howze

Wearing fake lashes is a hot beauty trend. But make sure you aren’t putting your eye health in danger just to have longer lashes. Fake eyelashes can affect your natural ones. They can also harm the glands at the base of your lashes, your eyelids and even your eye itself.

“Our eyelid skin is the thinnest in the body,” says oculoplastic surgeon Tanya T. Khan, MD. She’s an eyelid specialist and ophthalmologist based in Dallas. “It’s particularly prone to wear and tear given the cumulative blinking and stretching of tissues over a lifetime.”

There are 2 types of fake lashes: false eyelashes and lash extensions. Both types get applied to your top lashes to make them look thicker and longer. Here’s what to know about keeping your eyes healthy when you choose faux lashes.

What exactly are false eyelashes?

False eyelashes are strips that you trim to size and apply yourself. You can buy them at drugstores, beauty stores and online. You attach them to your eyelid just above your natural lashes. The two main kinds are:

  • False lashes applied with adhesive. You apply a thin layer of adhesive to the false lash band, then press the lashes against your natural lash line. You remove them by dabbing the strip with makeup remover or warm water and gently lifting the band from the eyelid. You can reuse them as long as you clean them carefully. “You want to use an approved eye makeup remover to remove the adhesive from the back of the lash strips as well as from the eyelid itself,” Dr. Khan says.
     
  • Magnetic false lashes. Magnets hold two strips of lashes together on either side of your natural lashes (like an eyelash sandwich). To remove them, you gently tug to break the magnetic seal. Another version uses magnetic eyeliner that holds them in place instead of the sandwich technique.

How are lash extensions different?

Lash extensions are individual fibers of plastic, polyester, silk or mink. These are not do-it-yourself lashes. You need to have them applied in a salon. A professional glues each extension to an individual natural eyelash. These lashes stay on for about 3 to 4 weeks. They fall off when your lashes shed naturally.

Getting them applied can take up to a few hours, and the process might be tough for people who are sensitive to bright light or bothered by the adhesive fumes or smell.

Watch for these problems with false lashes or lash extensions

Whenever you put something artificial this close to your eyeballs, there are risks. Possible issues include:

  • Infection: Bacteria can collect under the glue or on the lashes themselves. This can happen if you don’t clean reusable false lashes after you remove them. Or you can get a bacterial infection in your eye, such as a stye or pink eye.
     
  • Allergies and reactions: Some people might be allergic to the eyeliner used in magnetic eyelash application, says Elaine Kung, MD. She’s a cosmetic and medical dermatologist in New York City. And even if you’re not allergic now, over time you could develop a reaction to the lashes or the adhesive. This can affect the skin around the eyes, the conjunctiva (the tissue that covers the surface of the eyeball and the inside of the lid) and the cornea (the transparent part of the eye that covers the pupil and iris).

    Reactions to false eyelashes are no joke, and they can be very painful. Some symptoms include:
    • Excessive tears or watering
    • Irritation
    • Itchiness
    • Redness
    • Rash
    • Swelling
       
  • Eyelash glue: It’s important to do a patch test each time you use lash adhesives to apply false lashes. Reputable salons will require that. You can develop sensitivities to the glue over time, Dr. Khan says. Reactions to eyelash glue can include pain, redness, itching and swelling, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The glue can also damage your eyes if it gets into them. If that happens, flush the eye with lukewarm water for 5 to 10 minutes and see an eye doctor as soon as possible.
     
  • Injury: Working close to your eyeballs with sharp tweezers poses a risk of injury to the eyelid or the cornea. And if false eyelash fibers fall into your eye, they can scratch your cornea or get stuck in the tissue of your eyeball, according to a report in JAMA Ophthalmology.
     
  • Eyelid issues: If you use false eyelashes often, especially heavy ones, you could do damage to your eyelids. You might have trouble closing your lid, or your eyelid might get droopy.

Think you might be experiencing any of these issues with your eyelash extensions or false lashes? We have you covered. Schedule a virtual visit today with one of our doctors.

So can you wear false lashes or extensions safely?

Doctors have serious concerns about the risks associated with these products. If you choose to wear them, follow these guidelines to stay as safe as possible:

  • Pick lashes that are close in length to your natural lashes
  • Wear partial strips rather than full ones
  • Wear them only for special occasions
  • Remove false lashes daily with an oil-based eye makeup remover

If you have any complications with false lashes or eyelash extensions, see an ophthalmologist. Don’t return to the salon or try to deal with it yourself.

Alternatives to false lashes or extensions

The quickest way to get longer, thicker lashes is to use mascara. It’s easy, inexpensive and simple to remove.

You can also try a lash growth serum. Latisse, a prescription lash medication approved by the FDA, features an ingredient called prostaglandin. It works by increasing the amount of time your lashes stay in the growth phase.

You’ll need to see a doctor for the first evaluation but also if you have any problems with the skin around the eyes, the eyes themselves or your vision. Some doctors advise against using eyelash growth serums that contain prostaglandins because of side effects. These can include red, itchy and dry eyes; darkening of the eyelid or iris; and hair growth around the eyes.

You can also try over-the counter (OTC) lash serums that don’t contain prostaglandins. These products can condition lashes and improve their appearance. (Read more about the difference between OTC lash serums here.)

Above all, remember that your eyelashes play an important role in your eye health. They keep dirt and dust in the air from getting in your eyes. Taking care of them will help you protect your vision.

Woman checking the growth of her lashes
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Complete a free assessment. If our health professionals determine you’re a match, you can get the eyelash growth serum Latisse delivered to your door within 24 hours. 

Additional sources
Eyelash extensions overview: American Academy of Ophthalmology (2018). “Eyelash Extension Facts and Safety”
Lash getting stuck in eye: JAMA Ophthalmology (2018). “Ocular Inflammation Associated With Fibers From Eyelash Extensions”