Troubleshooting Common Lash Extension Issues: From Allergies to Fallouts

As lash artists, red eyes after a lash extension appointment can be a common concern for clients. But what exactly causes red eyes, and how can we prevent them? 

Here's a breakdown of the key information to help you understand and prevent red eyes in the lash room.

 

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What Causes Red Eyes After Lash Extensions?

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

Adhesive particles: Lash glue releases tiny particles into the air, similar to how nail techs wear masks to protect themselves from particles.

Body's defense: The eye turns red as a defense mechanism, not because it’s burning. It’s simply irritated.

Redness: This irritation occurs when the glue particles land on the surface of the eye and your body reacts by dilating the blood vessels.

 

Understanding the Eye’s Tear Film

The tear film in the eye has three layers:

Mucin Layer (Sticky layer): Keeps the eye moist and protects it.

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

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

When you apply lashes, the tear film gets disrupted. The pads and tape can also prevent the tear film from doing its job. 

Without this protection, glue particles from the lashes can settle on the eye and cause irritation.

 

Why Do Red Eyes Happen During Lash Appointments?

Disruption of tear film: During the service, the eye's natural defense (tear film) is interrupted because the client keeps their eyes closed for a long time.

Lack of blinking: When the client isn't blinking, the tear film isn’t replenished, leaving the eye vulnerable to irritants.

Eye pads: Under-eye pads can flatten the eyelid margins, making it harder for the tear film to protect the eye.

 

Understanding Lash Adhesive Ingredients

Cyanoacrylate: Most lash adhesives contain this ingredient, which is a skin and eye irritant. Even though it’s safe in lash extensions, the fumes can irritate the eyes.

Acrylate: Some adhesives use acrylate, which can also cause irritation, though it’s generally less reactive than cyanoacrylate.

Microscopic particles: The adhesive gives off tiny particles, which can settle on the eye, causing redness and irritation.

Ultra Crystal Clear Bond is used here. To shop, please click here.

 

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How to Prevent Red Eyes

Replenish the tear film: Keep the eyes hydrated during the appointment to prevent dryness and irritation.

Use single-use, preservative-free eye drops like Refresh. These drops are designed to hydrate the eye and provide protection.

Avoid using fans: Fans may seem like a good idea to dry the glue, but they actually dry out the eyes further. The fan doesn’t remove the irritating particles; it just makes things worse.

Proper pad placement: Ensure that under-eye pads are placed gently and not flattening the margins of the eyes. This helps maintain the tear film and prevents further irritation.

Cashmere Noir Collection Lashes, Velour Lash Adhesive, Incredible Retention Primer and Super Bonder are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

What to Do if Red Eyes Occur

Educate your clients: Let them know that red eyes are usually caused by temporary irritation, not a serious injury or infection.

Recommend hydration: Suggest using eye drops like Refresh to help rehydrate the eyes. These drops are safe, preservative-free, and designed to mimic the body’s natural tear film.

Explain the process: If a client calls about red eyes after their appointment, reassure them that it’s likely from the glue particles, not a sign of poor hygiene or dirty tools.

 

What Not to Use

Avoid "red-out" drops (like Visine): These drops contain vasoconstrictors, which shrink blood vessels to reduce redness. However, they prevent the eye from flushing out irritants, which makes the healing process slower and more painful.

Don’t use large bottles of eye drops: These can easily get contaminated, and they contain preservatives that can irritate the eye. Stick with single-use vials for safety and hygiene.

Saline solution as a substitute: If eye drops aren’t available, saline solution can help flush the eye, but it doesn’t hydrate as well as proper eye drops. Refresh is ideal because it contains both saline and lipids for full hydration.

 

Lash Extensions Falling Out

Is it normal for some lash extensions to fall out straight away?

Yes, it's normal for a few lashes to fall out immediately or within the first couple of days due to the natural lash cycle.

However, if a significant number are falling out, it's time to reassess your application technique or the products you're using.

Organized Pro-made Fans, Optite Low Humidity Adhesive, Super Bonder and Lash Wisps are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

What causes lash extensions to fall out?

• Natural Lash Cycle: It's natural for lashes to shed and regenerate. Lash extensions attached to lashes at the end of their lifecycle will fall out sooner.

• Improper Aftercare: Oils or glycol-based products can break down the adhesive, causing early fallouts. Make sure your clients are aware of proper aftercare.

• Faulty Application: Too much or too little adhesive can affect the longevity of lash extensions.

 

Why do lash extensions fall out faster on one eye?

This can happen for several reasons:

• Sleeping Habits: Sleeping on one side can cause more pressure and friction on lashes, leading to premature fallouts on that side.

• Differences in Natural Lashes: One eye might have lashes that are in a different phase of the growth cycle compared to the other.

• Inconsistent Application: Ensure that the adhesive is applied evenly and consistently on both eyes.

 

Conclusion: Preventing Red Eyes Starts with Education and Hydration

As a lash artist, it’s crucial to understand that red eyes are caused by irritation, not burns or abrasions. By replenishing the tear film and educating your clients, you can prevent this issue from occurring. Here’s a quick recap:

• Hydrate the eyes with preservative-free, single-use eye drops like Refresh.
  
  

• Avoid using fans, which can dry out the eyes further.
  
  

• Place under-eye pads gently to prevent disruption of the tear film.
  
  

• Educate clients on the causes of red eyes and how to manage it.
  
  

By following these steps, you’ll 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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