From synthetics to minks, lashes have become a popular way for women glitz and glam up their everyday make-up routine. With every bat and blink of the eye, false lashes add drama, volume, and length to your real lashes.
Who wouldn’t love that boost in self-confidence, all from the comfort of your own home? False lashes may bring out your inner diva, but can they cause unwanted health issues?
Why Do We Need Lashes in The First Place?
Other than drawing attention to your beautiful eyes, your lashes are your eye’s first line of defense. Try touching your lashes with the tip of your finger. Even though you know it’s your own finger, your eyelashes attempt to bat you away.
That’s your body’s normal response for keeping objects like flying insects and trash from entering your eye. Unfortunately, false lashes can cause damage with your God-given lashes if they are not worn and cared for properly. Here’s what you should know before you decide to wear false lashes.
You Could Be Allergic.
The thing about allergic reactions are you don’t know you’re allergic until after the fact. Women who experience allergic reactions to false lashes may be allergic to the lashes themselves or the adhesive that was used to apply them.
How Can You Avoid This?
Before you purchase your lashes, find out what they are made of. If you know you’re allergic to any of the materials, then those lashes are off limits. For quick information on what your lashes are made of, look to the name.
Synthetic lashes are made from synthetic fibers (not real fur or hair), mink lashes are made from real hair, silk lashes are made from a combination of mink and synthetic, while sable lashes are made from sable fur.
Do a skin test by placing a drop of the glue on a small area (like the fold of your arm) for about 20 minutes. Also, allow the lashes to touch an area of your skin for the same length of time before you apply them to your lash line.
Your Eyes Can Become Infected.
The glue you use to make sure your lashes are held fabulously in place can trap harmful bacteria that causes eye and lash infections.
The glue can contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde (yep, the kind the mortician uses) that can cause irritation to the eye.
Infection can occur when lashes are left on for days at a time, when lashes are reused too many times, or if friends decide to share lashes.
How Can You Avoid This?
Clean Your Lashes Before Reusing Them.
Always make sure to wash your hands before you touch your false lashes. Bacteria, dirt, and oil from your hands can be transferred to your lashes and eyes.
If you want to reuse your lashes, clean them by removing excess glue with a pair of tweezers, remove any makeup with makeup remover, wash them thoroughly with your facial cleanser, and spray a mist of alcohol to disinfect them. Make sure the lashes are dry before reapplying them.
Remove Your Lashes Properly.
To remove your lashes, apply a good makeup remover or oil, like coconut oil, to your lash line with a Q-tip.
Once the glue is softened, use tweezers to pick up the outer edge of the lash and gently pull across.
If you feel pain or tugging, apply more oil or make-up remover. This will prevent injury to the lash line and decrease the risk of bacterial infection.
Your God-Given Lashes Can Become Damaged.
Have you been sleeping in the same pair of lashes since last weekend? If so, you could be causing damage to your real eyelashes.
The weight and tension of the false lashes can cause traction alopecia, which is a type of hair loss that comes from too much pulling.
Some false lashes come with bling and glitter that adds even more weight for your real lashes to carry. In some cases, the eyelash follicles are too damaged to grow new lashes.
How Can You Avoid This?
To put it simply, take your lashes off before your head hits the pillow. There’s no reason for you to be glammed up while you’re snoring!
Your eyelashes need their beauty sleep as well. Well, what about lash extensions that are applied one-by-one? Lash extensions don’t apply the same weight as false lashes that are on a strip. However, you should avoid sleeping on your face because it may cause friction with your real lashes and hair loss.
There’s nothing wrong with getting dolled up and fancy for a night out or on your wedding day with long pair of beautiful lashes!
Remember that your lashes are not just an accessory. They are a part of your what your body needs to stay healthy and well.
Apply what you’ve learned here before you apply your next pair of lashes.