What to do if you have an allergic reaction to lash extensions.

Developing an allergy to lash extensions can be frustrating, upsetting, and painful.

Allergic reactions to lash extensions are not uncommon. An allergy can be present at the first appointment or develop over time. If you’ve been wearing lash extensions for weeks, months, or years, an allergy can still occur.

What does an allergic reaction to lash extensions look like? The most common symptoms are swelling or pain in one or both eyes. The swelling can be on the top eyelid or bottom and can be mild or severe. Symptoms usually begin within the first 72 hours of your lash appointment. A delayed reaction can also occur, with symptoms developing days later.

Other symptoms may include:

• dry, cracked, or red skin around the eyes;

• watery eyes;

• a feeling of the lash extensions poking your eyelid (this is due to the eyelid swelling and hitting the base of the extensions)

If you are experiencing puss or discharge from your eye or eyes you may have an infection. It’s important to seek medical advice before getting a removal if you think you have an eye infection.

What should you do if you have an allergic reaction? Get your lash extensions removed ASAP. Symptoms typically subside very quickly once the extensions have been removed. Symptoms tend to get worse until the extensions are removed.

If your swelling or pain is severe, please seek medical attention before getting a removal.

Sadly, the most common culprit of an allergy to lash extensions is the cyanoacrylate in the adhesives. Currently there are no cyanoacrylate free lash adhesives available.

There are some adhesives that are marketed as sensitive or hypoallergenic. These adhesives are not suitable for someone who has had an allergic reaction to lash extensions in the past. You can ask for a patch test at a studio offering these adhesives, but it is extremely likely that you will have another allergic reaction, which may be more severe than the first.

Lash lifts are a great alternative to lash extensions. While they are usually not as glamorous or dramatic as extensions, they are longer lasting with less maintenance.

An allergic reaction to lash extensions can happen to anyone, regardless of the care and skill of their lash tech.