not every woman is blessed with long, fluttery, luscious eyelashes. So,
it’s no wonder many go to great lengths to, well, lengthen theirs. There
are two ways: Semi-permanent extensions that you get at the salon, and
lash strips that you glue onto your lash line yourself.
Pre-made Fans Volume Eyelash Extensions
The first method involves attaching the extensions, strand by
strand, to each of your natural lash hair. It is a laborious process but
fans swear by its natural look and feel. Removing them will require an
appointment at the salon, or if you can put up with patchy lashes,
letting them fall off with your natural lashes at the end of their
growth cycle. That can take about eight weeks or so, and for this
reason, about half of your extensions will be gone after about a month,
according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).Then, there are
the single-use lash strips or tufts that you attach to your lash line
yourself using tweezers, eyelash glue and very steady hands. These can
be bought at makeup stores and even online, and come in varying degrees
of fullness, length and even embellishments.
But whether you’re getting professionally fixed extensions or
fiddling with those lash strips in front of the mirror, eye experts are
cautioning: Watch it.
According to the AAO, the risks involved include “trauma to or
infection of the eyelid or cornea, allergic reactions to the glue, and
permanent or temporary loss of eyelashes”. Here’s a look at why eyelash
extensions may not be a pretty sight for your eye and eyelash health.
THE GLUE MIGHT HAVE FORMALDEHYDE
Whether it’s for home or beauty salon use, the usually-white glue
that dries to a clear finish is typically made of latex and cellulose
gum, according to Healthline. However, check that it doesn’t also
contain ingredients such as formaldehyde and cyanoacrylate, said Dr Lana
Kashlan, an American board-certified dermatologist, who was in
Singapore to speak about hair restoration.
Formaldehyde has been linked to cancer, while cyanoacrylate’s fumes
may irritate and burn the eyes and skin. To this point, it is important
to look at the glue’s ingredient list. This is also why it pays not to
buy from cheap but dubious sources as the ingredients may not be listed
sometimes. You don’t want to save money but pay with allergies.
“Allergic reactions can be mild; ranging from burning and stinging
sensations to swelling and even contact dermatitis,” said Dr Kashlan.
“Bacteria and fungi, which thrive in Singapore’s warm and humid tropical
weather, can also be trapped under the glue and cause infection,
swelling, redness, discomfort and even pain around the eyes.”
False eyelashes, which can be made of silk, mink or synthetic
material, can amp up your eyes like Lady Gaga’s or enhance your natural
ones. But while fuller extensions look fabulously dramatic and let you
forgo mascara and eyeliner, there’s a catch: The denser they are, the
more likely they are to trap dust and debris, and harbour bacteria and
fungi, said Dr Kashlan.
Longer extensions aren’t good news for the eyes either. According to
Dr Deepinder Dhaliwal, professor of ophthalmology at the University of
Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine, lashes that are too long may increase
your chances of developing dry eyes.
In his research, Dr Dhaliwal found that there is an optimal length
for eyelashes to protect the eyes from wind, dust and other debris:
One-third the width of the eye. Eyelashes that are longer than that
create a fan-like effect with each blink, and increase air flow on the
surface of the eye that can lead to dry eye symptoms.
The Wall