Eyelash extensions allergic reactions and irritations- and what to do!?
If you are a Lash Tech, Skip to here ❁
Ouch! You are having issues with your eyelash extensions- Do not panic!
Wash your lashes with the lash shampoo- this will get rid of any of the fumes curing in the glue. Blink down on a paper towel and brush your lashes through.
Take an antihistamine like benedryl to control the issue, and contact your lash tech right away!
Irritations should go away within 24-48 hours, while an allergic reaction will get worse and will require immediate removal.
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If there is any redness, you may be having a irritation or an allergic reaction. This could be caused by a number of things: the glue, tape, eye pad, cleanser, or primer.
Eyelash irritations and allergic reactions are very common, so how does it occur?
Did you open your eyes during the service?
This can cause the fumes to go in the eye causing redness, watering, and irritation. If you have an irritation during your service, let your lash tech know! They can fan your lashes to minimise the fumes, and even adjust your eye pads.
Was the eye pad applied too close to your eyes?
Your eyes may not be closed all the way during your service and fumes may have gotten in. Have your lash tech apply the gel pads away from your waterline next time! She can also check with an under the eye mirror that your eyes are shut all the way.
Is some of the lashes on the inner corner poking your eyelids?
Some clients eyes are more suited without long extensions applied to the inner corners of the eye. Ask your lash tech for lighter inner corner lashes, or skip the inner corners altogether- This will help with any itchiness in the inner corners.
Have you brushed your lashes?
As our lashes grow and shed naturally, they twist and turn, and sometimes will get stuck between the lashes. Brushing them through
Have you washed your lashes?
Initially after a lash application, the lashes feel crispy and brittle. This usually goes away and your lashes will feel softer and more flexible after 2-3 days or after their first wash. Washing your lashes also helps maintain good eye hygiene and even prolongs the longevity of your lash set 😉
If you are a Lash tech, pay attention to these few things:
Proper Ventilation
create environment that has less trapped fumes in the lash room. If you are following proper safety and health precautions, you are disinfecting and wiping down after every client. The chemicals from the disinfectants and the fumes from eyelash glue, on the trays, in the bins all add up. This can be a health hazard for you and your client! Try to shock cure your unused glue, crack the windows, and invest in a de/humidifier and a fan.
Do Not Over Prep!
Lash bath + water + saline solution + primer may work for a super oily client but may not work for your client with drier skin. Eyes and skin around the eyes are extra sensitive, so you must know how to prep for each client differently. Do only what is right for their eyes and skin- more does not equate better in this case.
You can also apply an aloe vera gel to the corners of the clients eye to soothe any dryness. This will also help prevent any irritation that may occur from over prepping.
Switch Your Tape!
Use sensitive tape or micro foam tape- to lower the chance of tape sensibility. Even medical tape can be irritating to some clients, so switch to a sensitive tape or micro foam tape, and try a silicone gel pad instead. Be sure to check the positioning of your lower eye tape- make sure it is not riding up on your clients eye!
You can also use a light layer of hydrocortisone under the lash line for any clients with tape irritations. Don’t use too much of the under eye tape or gel will slip!
Know Your Glue, Be Friends with Your Glue
Test your glues and know how they react on different your tapes. It is important to know the components of your work materials. There are so many different types of glues, tapes, and eye pads in the market- find a selection of them that work well with your skill, environment, and materials.
Conduct Patch Tests, or Strand Tests
Although patch tests and strand tests are not reliable, they should be offered to first time clients and clients with any eye sensitivity or extremely dry eyes.
Do a strand test on clients whom have a history on eye sensitivity, and or have had allergic reactions from eyelash extensions before.
Offer Sensitive Eyes Packages
Use a sensitive glue and offer more frequent retouches for sensitive eye clients.
The retention of the lashes are compromised by using a sensitive glue, so offering a frequent lash fill will prolong the longevity of a lash set.
Give your client a half set, and have them come back for weekly fills. This will decrease the amount of time exposed to the lashing materials so irritation is kept at a minimum.