Allergic Reaction To Eyelash Extensions – What To Know
Eyelash extensions can offer stunning results, especially when the lash tech is experienced, professional, and hygienic.
However, while eyelash extensions sound like a noninvasive semi-permanent service, clients are still at risk of developing allergies.
A lash tech should be trained to distinguish mild irritation during an extension service from a severe reaction.
Likewise, clients should always communicate when something doesn’t feel right during or after their lash service.
Surprisingly enough, it’s pretty standard to have an allergic reaction or flare-up during/after a lash extension service.
Although it’s crucial to ensure you find the best and most professional lash tech in your area, who knows how to deal with these reactions.
What are some of the allergic reactions to eyelash extensions?
If you find your eyes, lashes, or any surrounding area is beyond irritation, even after the glue has dried, chances are it’s an allergic reaction.
Some people are more sensitive than others, and while your lash tech should be trained to have good hygiene practices, allergies can arise from anywhere.
An allergic reaction can occur if the body is sensitive to a particular product.
Let’s talk more about when to be concerned and how to handle an allergic reaction to your lash extensions.
Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction
Do you know the difference between irritation and an allergic reaction?
Irritation can occur during the lash extension service and will disappear shortly after your extensions are completed.
In addition, the irritation is mild or lasts only briefly.
However, an allergic reaction is much more intense and can last long after your lash extension service.
Also, your allergic reaction can stem from the extensions being misapplied by an inexperienced or unprofessional lash tech.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include swollen or puffy eyelids, which may look like a stye. Other symptoms include dryness and puffiness.
In addition, if your eyes or cornea are red or the area around your eye is itchy, it may be an allergic reaction.
Also, consider where the reaction is occurring.
For example, the eyelids or the eye itself can react to lash extensions.
In addition, symptoms such as redness, tearing, and irritation can indicate a possible allergic reaction.
A typical allergic reaction that can affect the eyes is blepharitis.
According to Medical News Today, “Blepharitis is an eye condition that affects the eyelids. It can produce clumping and stickiness around the eyelashes.”
Inflamed eyelashes aren’t fun to deal with, and a lash tech should be able to notice symptoms of allergic reactions like swelling, flaking, or blepharitis.
While lash techs do not have the power to diagnose clients, they should refer them to a doctor.
Before undergoing any semi-permanent beauty services, it’s crucial to understand the side effects, risks, and potential reactions.
Regardless of the service, it’s always better to proceed with caution, especially when it comes to your eyes.
Swollen Eyelid After Eyelash Extensions
One of the most intense allergic reactions to eyelash extensions is swollen eyelids.
Unfortunately, this symptom is highly uncomfortable and can worsen or remain stagnant over time if not addressed promptly.
Most allergic reactions can develop within 24-72 hours after your eyelash extension service.
In addition, eyelash extensions that are not applied correctly can become a catalyst for irritation or an allergic reaction during/after the service.
Another culprit for swollen eyelids is lash glue.
Lash glue is composed of various chemicals that allow the extensions to adhere to your natural lashes.
If your lash line is clogged or the product irritates it, it can cause swollen eyelids or blepharitis.
Swollen eyelids can also result from the eyes not being closed or remaining closed during the extension service.
In addition, the fumes of lash glue and other lash products can be pretty intense and triggering for many people.
However, swelling and pain can indicate a severe reaction.
Eyelash extensions should always feel weightless and comfortable, so if your eyes begin to swell after the service, it may be time to seek medical help.
Swelling can occur from chemical ingredients in lash glue or from improper application techniques by your lash tech.
Itchy Eyes After Eyelash Extensions
Itchy eyes following your eyelash extensions can mean one of two things.
First, it can be mild irritation that will usually disappear within 48 hours, or it can be the beginning of a more intense allergic reaction that refuses to improve or diminish over time.
Itchy eyes are common during the service once the glue is applied to the lashes.
However, irritation can usually subside once the adhesive is properly cured and dried.
In addition, itchy eyes can result from improper application or preparation methods.
On the other hand, itchy eyes can indicate something much more severe, especially if your symptoms haven’t subsided after 2-3 days.
Itching can take place on the eyelid and surrounding skin or within the eyes themselves, both indicating a potential allergy.
In addition, once your eyelash extension service is completed, your lash tech should provide instructions on your aftercare routine.
The first 24-48 hours are crucial to the longevity of your extensions, and any form of moisture can disrupt your lashes.
How Do You Know When The Allergic Reaction Is Serious?
As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to know the difference between mild irritation and an allergic reaction, as they share many of the same symptoms.
In addition, knowing what you are dealing with will ensure you can diffuse the problem effectively.
Irritation can occur during or after your lash extension service, but it usually fades within 48 hours.
However, if your symptoms worsen quickly, they may indicate an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of irritation include redness, itching, watery eyes, and dryness.
However, if this persists longer than 48 hours, it may be more serious.
An allergic reaction can happen at any point during or after your eyelash extension service.
However, it can lead to more severe symptoms, such as swelling, crusts on the eyes, tearing, redness, and itchiness.
If the allergic reaction symptoms persist or get worse within 24-72 hours, it may be time to seek medical help.
Switch Out Your Glue
The lash glue can usually cause allergic reactions because it’s formulated with potent chemicals that allow the extensions to stick to your natural lashes.
However, the lash extensions themselves rarely elicit a response because they’re just a fiber of hair.
Glue can cause a problem for a wide variety of people.
If you know you are prone to sensitivity, consult with your lash tech before your service to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction.
Thankfully, there are multiple lash glues on the market formulated for sensitive eyes, ensuring there won’t be inflammation or allergic reactions.
However, lash glue doesn’t have the cleanest ingredients, so it’s crucial to take all necessary precautions for the service.
Lash glue can also have a potent aroma that can make eyes water or become irritated, especially if your eyes aren’t properly closed.
In addition, applying too much glue can result in uncomfortable lashes.
In most cases, using lash glue with caution or switching to a sensitive formula will help reduce the number of allergic reactions during eyelash extension services.
Will Allergic Reactions To Eyelash Extensions Go Away?
Normal or mild irritation can last for a few hours or up to 2 days.
An allergic reaction can last from a few hours to a few days, depending on its severity. Regardless, the allergic reaction should eventually go away.
However, anyone can develop an allergy to lash extensions at any time; it doesn’t matter how frequently you apply them or whether you don’t apply them at all.
So chances are, if you had a severe allergic reaction to extensions before, it could recur with another application.
With proper treatment, irritation and allergic reactions will eventually fade.
However, repeating the same process that triggered your response in the first place can cause the flare-up again.
So if you find a reason for these reactions to eyelash extensions (like a glue allergy) and can correct the problem, the reactions should diminish with each service.
Whenever you are dealing with an intense allergic reaction, it’s always wise to seek help from a doctor or medical professional.
How To Alleviate Allergic Reactions
So, are there any creams, products, or remedies that can alleviate allergic reactions?
For mild reactions or irritation, there are a few things you can do at home to ease your discomfort.
Medical News Today suggests the following steps to help alleviate reactions:
- Cream/Ointment – Applying a hydrocortisone cream carefully to your inflamed eye area has the potential to solve your allergic reaction.
Hydrocortisone is commonly used to treat multiple skin conditions that have symptoms like itching and swelling.
- Cold Compress – A cold compress is the most noninvasive method to minimize your allergic reactions.
While it may not completely cure your reaction, it will at least alleviate some pain and itching until you are able to see a doctor.
- Eye Drops – Suppose your eyes are the sensitive area and not the surrounding skin. It’s possible that eye drops can work to decrease your symptoms.
However, if you are unsure, contact a medical professional to ensure you take the correct steps for your issue.
- See A Doctor – Most importantly, see a doctor. Lash techs, by law, aren’t allowed to diagnose or treat a medical issue from the result of lash extensions gone wrong.
So if your symptoms worsen or persist for a few days, contact a medical professional for help.
How To Reduce Chances Of Allergic Reactions
Thankfully, multiple steps will help reduce the risk of irritation or an allergic reaction.
1. Perform A Patch Test
By far, the most important step anyone can take is to perform a patch test.
First, take whatever products you will use during the service and apply a small amount of each to the inner arm.
Then wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs.
You will always know whether a product is safe by conducting a patch test.
The best part is finding out the severity of a potential reaction without putting your eyes at risk.
2. Use Sensitive Skin Safe Glue
If you are prone to sensitivity, opting for a sensitive glue formula will reduce the risk of irritation during the service.
In addition, it may help minimize the risk of an allergic reaction after the extensions are applied.
3. Consultations
Just like patch tests, it’s crucial to have an in-depth consultation to discover any underlying health conditions or allergies that could potentially trigger an adverse reaction to eyelash extensions.
Again, communication with your eyelash technician and a medical professional will always give the best results.
4. Close Your Eyes Properly
Lash glue can also emit a strong fume that can cause the eyes to water or itch.
Your eyes should be secured and closed during the entire service to reduce the chance of irritation.
The glue should be cured entirely before you open them again.
5. Stay In A Ventilated Area
Staying in a well-ventilated area can make everyone happy.
Neither the client nor the lash tech should work in a confined space that traps fumes and heat.
Working in a spacious, well-ventilated area will keep everyone comfortable and irritation-free.
6. Apply Lashes With Care
Finally, the lash tech should apply the extensions correctly and with care.
They should be the correct length and curl to fit your eye shape and lash pattern.
In addition, an adequate amount of glue should be applied for the longevity of the lashes.
7. Caring For Your Eyelash Extensions
As mentioned earlier, a crucial step in preventing allergic reactions and irritation is to care for your lashes after the service.
A lash tech should provide you with an aftercare guide to help you maintain your results for as long as possible.
The first 24-48 hours after your eyelash extension service are the most crucial.
You’ll want to avoid wetting your lashes or doing any physical activity that can cause you to sweat.
Moisture can disrupt the glue on your lashes, causing them to fall out.
Next, it’s crucial to clean and brush your lashes daily.
Removing daily dirt, dust, pollution, or makeup can help prevent irritation or reactions.
In addition, it will avoid crusty yellow or white residue from forming and clumpy lashes.
Finally, you’ll want to wash your face with cotton rounds and micellar water instead of disrupting your lashes with water or excess product.
Following these simple steps can reduce the risk of allergic reactions until it’s time for your refill.
The Takeaway
Allergic reactions to eyelash extensions can happen more than you would think.
While most people aren’t sensitive to glue or fumes, anyone can develop an allergy to eyelash extensions.
Symptoms include swelling, itching, redness, and more.
Allergic reactions can stem from multiple factors, such as the wrong lash, the shape and curl of the extension, improper application methods, or underlying/previous health concerns.
Keeping your lashes clean will ensure they stay happy and healthy.
A patch test and consultation should always be conducted to prevent an allergic reaction from occurring in the first place.
In addition, if your symptoms worsen or persist even after 2-3 days, it’s best to seek help from a doctor.
