How To Prevent Red Eyes From Lash Extensions

Red Eyes After Eyelash Extensions? Here's How to Avoid That.

The last thing you want after finishing a gorgeous set of lashes, is for your client to open their eyes to see that they’re red and bloodshot. On top of that, they may be stinging and burning, maybe even streaming, which is a nightmare for retention. The chances are, you’re here because it has unfortunately happened to one of your clients, but do not fear… there are ways to reduce the chances of this happening again.

Red Eyes After Lash Extensions - What Exactly is it?

The most common misconception is that bloodshot eyes after a lash application is a sign of an allergic reaction. This is not the case, what you are dealing with here is actually a chemical burn from your lash extension glue. An allergic reaction to lash extensions will look very different. If you are unsure whether your client is suffering from a chemical burn or an allergic reaction, take a look at this article on the differences between the two.

All eyelash extension glues contain Cyanoacrylate, which is an adhesive. A chemical burn occurs when Cyanoacrylate fumes from the glue make contact with the eye. The eye must be fully closed throughout the entirety of the lash application process, so the chances are that if your client wakes up post lash-nap with angry red eyes, their eye was not completely closed. Here are some steps you can take to avoid that dreaded chemical burn.

Brief Your Client 

First things first, tell your client that their eyes need to remain shut during their appointment, so before anything else, just give them a polite reminder. It’s also a good idea to advise them to silence their phones to reduce any temptation of opening their eyes to check who’s just texted them. 

Use Eyelid Tape

You will find that some of your clients' eyes don’t fully shut when they close them. This is perfectly natural, but it doesn’t bode well when it comes to lash fumes.

The London Lash Eyelid Tape is the ultimate hack for those pesky eyes that just won’t seem to fully close. These little stretchy strips pack a punch when it comes to securing the eyelid. All you have to do is attach one end of the tape to the eyelid and one end to the under-eye pad, and that’s it! You’re ready to lash knowing your client is protected from a chemical burn.

Use a Lash Mirror

A lash mirror is perfect for checking if the eye is completely closed. It is the lash tech equivalent of a rearview mirror! This small, handheld gadget can be held directly underneath your client's eye, giving you the perfect angle to see whether any white of the eye is exposed. Using the lash mirror, you can effortlessly check that the lash lines are completely flush throughout the appointment.

No Caffeine Before Lash Appointments

We all know your clients may not take this one well, but it will make a whole world of difference. Caffeine often causes the eyelid to flutter, which increases the chances of eyelash extension glue fumes getting into the eye. So ask your client to avoid caffeine prior to their appointment. No pain no gain!

Placing Eyepatches Correctly

Under Eye Patches are used to stick down the bottom lashes, ensuring they don’t get lashed. However, these patches can often be the root cause of unclosed eyes. If the eye patch is placed too high up, it will touch the eye and cause irritation, meaning your client will struggle to keep them closed.

The type of under-eye patch you use will depend on your client's individual needs, however, some eye patches are made with this particular issue in mind. Nano-Hydrogel eye patches are made with a thin gel strip, which allows the eye to close fully, so it’s always worth having some in your lash kit.

If you’re struggling to get the eye completely closed, consider using foam tape as an alternative for eye patches. Foam tape is slightly thicker and therefore can help to bridge the gap between the eyelids.

There are many different options to try when it comes to preventing chemical burns, and hopefully one or more of these tips helps keep your clients' eyes closed. It's always better to use preventative steps where possible, to reduce the chances of irritation.