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Eyelash Extension Allergy vs Irritation

Eyelash Extension Allergy vs Irritation

As a professional lash artist with years of experience, I want to chat about something super important – the difference between an allergic reaction and normal irritation during your lash extension experience.

I’ve seen it all and personally experienced both. I’m here to help you understand exactly what happens when you have a reaction to the adhesive used in lash extensions.

Lash Extension Allergy vs Irritation – How to Tell the Difference

If you’re new to eyelash extensions, it’s important to understand the difference between allergies vs irritations and, more importantly, why this happens.

Not every uncomfortable feeling means something is wrong. Some lash glues have a strong odour, and the fumes can cause symptoms of an allergic reaction. This comes from cyanoacrylate – the primary ingredient in most lash adhesives.

The problem is that the symptoms of irritation can be similar to glue allergies. The important thing to know is that an allergy is an immune response, and while irritation symptoms are similar, they respond to appropriate treatment.

Irritation Symptoms

Slight irritation is normal and usually nothing to worry about. It is caused by the fumes of the glue used to adhere the extensions to your natural lashes. An experienced lash artist will minimise the risk of irritation during the application process.

You might experience symptoms like:

  • Slight discomfort during application
  • Minor redness to the eyes
  • Short term watery eyes
  • Slight itchiness that quickly subsides
  • Temporary skin or eye sensitivity
  • Symptoms are localised to the eyes

Sometimes, you might find your eyes feel a little more irritated during different seasons. This can be a combination of both the adhesive and seasonal allergies. 

The under eye pads also sit quite close to your bottom lash line. If you are sensitive to topical tapes or adhesives in these products, they may have caused some irritation too.

How to Treat Mild Discomfort and Reactions

Often mild symptoms can be treated with eye drops, antihistamines, and over the counter pain relief, if needed. They usually settle within a few days to a week at most.

Allergic Reaction: When Your Immune System Goes into Overdrive

An allergic reaction to eyelash extensions is your body’s immune response to one or more of the ingredients in the lash extension adhesive. The allergen is usually the primary ingredient, cyanoacrylate. The symptoms will be more persistent and severe. What to watch for:

  • Significant swelling around the eye area, often with bruising
  • Intense, persistent itching that doesn’t completely subside with an antihistamine
  • Redness that doesn’t go away after a few days
  • Potential skin blistering
  • Face and neck swelling, not just the eyes
  • In rare cases, breathing difficulties

When I experienced an allergy, the symptoms lasted up to a week. I removed the extensions and let my eyes recover. Learn more about removing lash extensions at home here.

It’s important to note you can develop an allergy to lash extension glue at any point, even after getting them for a long time.

Pro Tips from Your Lash Technician

Before your first appointment, we’ll discuss your medical history. Please be honest and tell me about any previous allergies, adverse reactions, or sensitivities. I may do a patch test to check for any reactions.

During your lash application, please keep your eyes closed as much as possible. I’ll talk to you throughout the procedure, please communicate with me and let me know if something feels off. 

Know that there are different lash glue formulations. Some are stronger than others. I use only the most hypoallergenic formulas at Hello Beautiful that are less likely to cause irritation. Let me know if you are prone to sensitive eyes, so I can choose the right adhesive for you.

My professional recommendations are:

1. Always do a patch test if you are unsure how your eyes might react to the ingredients
2. Start with a smaller, more conservative lash application
3. Choose a reputable, experienced lash technician, like myself, or those that have trained through my eyelash extension course at Hello Beautiful
4. Listen to your body

What to Do If You Think You Have an Allergic Reaction to Cyanoacrylate

If you think you are experiencing irritation or an allergic reaction, it is important to stay calm.

Irritation can often be managed with an over the counter product, such as an antihistamine, eye drops, and pain relief. 

In the case of severe or worsening symptoms, please see a healthcare professional. 

If you have any trouble breathing, please do not wait. Seek medical care immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get lash extensions if I’ve had a previous allergic reaction?

I do not recommend getting lash extensions if you have previously had moderate to severe allergy symptoms that caused you to seek medical attention.

How long do allergic reactions to lash extensions typically last?

Reactions can persist until the adhesive is removed and may continue for a few days after extension removal, depending on individual sensitivity.

Are some people more at risk for eyelash extension glue allergies?

You may be more at risk of developing an allergic reaction if you have sensitive skin, a history of allergies, or chemical sensitivities.

Final Thoughts on Eyelash Allergies and Irritations

I love making you feel beautiful with lash extensions, but never at the cost of your health. Your safety is my top priority. Every set of eyes is different, which makes my job so exciting! If you think you’re experiencing an allergic reaction or eyelash extension irritation, please speak up.

Talk to your lash technician before, during, and after the appointment about any concerns. 

(Disclaimer: I’m a lash artist, not a doctor. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.)

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