Allergic Reaction and Irritation To Eyelash Extensions

As lash artists, one of the most common concerns we encounter is red eyes after a lash extension appointment. But what causes red eyes, and how can we prevent them?

This post breaks down the causes of red eyes, how to understand them better, and practical ways to prevent and handle them in the lash room.

 

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What Causes Red Eyes After Lash Extensions

Red eyes are not caused by a chemical burn or abrasion, but by irritation.

So what causes this irritation?

 

Adhesive Particles: Lash glue releases tiny particles into the air.

Similar to how nail technicians wear masks to protect themselves from fumes, it’s essential to be mindful of the tiny particles in the air.

 

Body’s Defense: When particles from the adhesive land on the eye, the body reacts by dilating the blood vessels in the eye.

This is a defense mechanism, not a sign of burning. The eye turns red as part of the body’s way of protecting itself from foreign particles.

 

Understanding the Eye’s Tear Film

The eye’s tear film is composed of three layers:

Mucin Layer (Sticky Layer): Keeps the eye moist and protected.

Aqueous Layer (Watery Layer): Provides hydration to the eye.

Lipid Layer (Oil Layer): Prevents the watery layer from evaporating.

When applying lash extensions, the natural tear film is disrupted. Additionally, under-eye pads and tape can make it harder for the tear film to function properly, leaving the eye vulnerable to glue particles and irritation.

 

Why Do Red Eyes Happen During Lash Appointments

Red eyes during lash appointments are primarily caused by disruption to the tear film. Here’s why:

Disruption of Tear Film: During the procedure, the client keeps their eyes closed for an extended period. This interferes with the tear film’s ability to protect the eye.

Lack of Blinking: Without blinking, the tear film isn't replenished, which means the eye is more vulnerable to irritants like adhesive particles.

Eye Pads: Under-eye pads can flatten the eyelid margins, making it difficult for the tear film to work as it should, increasing the chance of irritation.

 

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Eyelash Extension Allergy vs. Irritation: Understanding the Difference

Signs	Eyelash Extension Allergy	Eyelash Extension Irritation
Redness	Intense, severe redness, especially in the white part of the eye (sclera)	Mild redness, usually not as severe or widespread
Swelling	Noticeable swelling around the eyes and eyelids	Minimal to no swelling
Itching	Persistent itching around the eyes or eyelids	Occasional mild itching
Tearing	Excessive tearing or watery eyes	Minor dryness, occasional watery eyes
Rash or Hives	Possible rash or hives around the eyes or eyelids	No rash or hives present
Duration of Symptoms	Symptoms last longer, may worsen over time	Temporary discomfort that fades within a few hours or days
Cause	Immune system reaction to ingredients (e.g., lash glue, lash materials)	Caused by minor irritants like fumes, glue particles, or pressure from pads
Treatment	May require medical attention, hypoallergenic adhesives, or avoidance of the allergen	Hydrating eye drops, rest, and monitoring of symptoms

 

Understanding Lash Adhesive Ingredients

Most lash adhesives contain ingredients that can irritate the eyes.

Here are some key components:

Cyanoacrylate: This is the main ingredient in most lash glues. While it's safe for use in lash extensions, it’s still a known irritant for both skin and eyes. The fumes it emits can cause eye irritation.

Acrylate: Another ingredient used in adhesives. Although it’s generally less reactive than cyanoacrylate, it can still cause irritation in some people.

Microscopic Particles: Adhesive gives off small particles that can settle on the surface of the eye, causing irritation and redness.

Optite Low Humidity Adhesive, Elite High Humidity Adhesive, Ultra Crystal Clear Bond, Ultra Crystal Bond and Velour Adhesive are used here. To shop, please click here.

 

Want to learn more about lash glue basics? Discover everything you need to know in Cyanoacrylate Types. 👉 Click HERE to read more

 

How to Prevent Red Eyes

Prevention is the best method for dealing with red eyes.

Here’s how you can reduce the risk of your clients experiencing irritation:

Replenish the Tear Film: Keep the eyes hydrated throughout the appointment to prevent dryness and irritation. Use preservative-free, single-use eye drops like Refresh. These drops are designed to hydrate the eye and provide protection.

Avoid Fans: While it may seem like a good idea to use a fan to dry the glue, fans can actually dry out the eyes and exacerbate the problem. They also don’t remove the irritating particles from the air.

Proper Pad Placement: Ensure that under-eye pads are placed gently without flattening the eyelid margins. This allows the tear film to protect the eye more effectively and prevents additional irritation.

What to Do if Red Eyes Occur

If a client does experience red eyes, here’s how you can help them manage it:

Educate Your Clients: Let them know that red eyes are usually caused by temporary irritation and are not a sign of a serious injury or infection.

Recommend Hydration: Suggest that clients use eye drops like Refresh. These drops are safe and preservative-free, designed to hydrate and soothe the eye.

Explain the Process: If a client calls about red eyes after their appointment, reassure them that this is likely from glue particles and not from poor hygiene or unclean tools.

What Not to Use

Some common products that may seem helpful but can make things worse:

Red-Out Drops (Like Visine): These drops contain vasoconstrictors, which temporarily reduce redness by shrinking blood vessels. However, they also prevent the eye from flushing out irritants, making the healing process slower and more painful.

Large Bottles of Eye Drops: These can easily get contaminated and may contain preservatives that could irritate the eyes. Always recommend single-use vials to ensure safety and hygiene.

Saline Solution as a Substitute: While saline can help rinse the eye, it doesn’t hydrate as well as proper eye drops like Refresh. The ideal solution is to use drops that contain both saline and lipids for full hydration.

 

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TIPS TO PREVENT RED EYES DURING LASH APPLICATION

Clients may be uncomfortable with red eyes if they aren't expecting them to be red and itchy after their appointment.

Apply paper tape to secure the patches if your client's eyes are sensitive and watery during the application of extensions. This should assist the patches stay in place and not irritate the client's eyes.

Hydrogel Under Eye Patches is used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

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IF YOUR CLIENT HAS RED EYES, OR HAS LASH PATCHES THAT MOVE, TRY THIS:

If your client experiences red eyes or lash patches that move, it can be alarming. Here's a practical tip that might help:

Hydrogel Under Eye Patches, Lash Tape, Lash Wisps and Ultra Crystal Bond are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

Breathing Tape Near the Lash Line

Applying breathing tape near the lash line can provide some relief.

This tape helps to reduce the exposure of the delicate eye area to adhesive fumes, which can sometimes cause irritation.

It's a simple yet effective technique that can make a difference.

 

Explain the Chemical Burn

It's crucial to communicate with the client and explain that what they might be experiencing is a chemical burn caused by the adhesive fumes.

Reassure them that while it is uncomfortable, it is usually temporary and will improve with proper care and time.

Conclusion: Prevention is Key

As a lash artist, it’s essential to understand that red eyes are often caused by irritation, not burns or abrasions. Educating your clients and using the right techniques can help prevent this issue.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Hydrate the eyes with preservative-free, single-use eye drops like Refresh.
• Avoid using fans, which dry out the eyes.
• Place under-eye pads gently to avoid disruption of the tear film.
• Educate your clients on the causes of red eyes and how to manage them.

By following these steps, you can help ensure your clients have a more comfortable experience and avoid the common issue of red eyes after lash extensions.

 

 

These tips are just a glimpse of so many things that you need to learn on how to improve your client's retention. 

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