The Truth About Lash Extensions - What Your Esthetician Won't Tell You

We're getting down into the dirt of the cosmetic industry in this blog post and hope to shine a light on the lash extension trend that has exploded over the past few years. I know personally I never used to bat an eyelash (literally) at the products I was using every day, let alone take the time to research ingredients, but after my big intro to green beauty that all changed. The goal of these blogs is to combine the inner research nerd in me with the not so glamorous world of societal beauty standards. I’m going to be delving into lash extensions + glue this round and showcasing why ”waking up pretty,” could be doing you more harm than good.

Lash Extensions: We often meet women who come into our little beauty bar, with tiny feathery stubs where their lashes used to be. They show up hoping to find a solution to help them combat eye irritation as well as to find a quick fix to help them grow their lashes back. This of course raises so many questions as to why this happens. 

Eyelash extensions are single, semi-permanent hairs that are glued on your own eyelashes and most are made from synthetic fibers. The fact of the matter is that no matter how well or how much you pay for a “full set” you are still at risk for some of your lashes to fall out with the rest of the extensions. Eyelash extensions can also lead to an infection of the cornea or eyelid, allergic reactions, or swollen eyelids if you’re sensitive to the adhesive. This adhesive contains incredibly irritating chemicals (and the ingredients in the glues and lash removers aren’t strictly regulated). They may look incredibly lush and gorgeous, to begin with (used to seriously tempt me) but that, unfortunately, can have some serious effects on your health. It can also lead to the never-ending cycle of getting lash extensions that cause your lashes to fall out and then getting them again because of all of your lashes of fallen out.  There are numerous factors at play here but the big ones are the type of lashes used, the technique, and the adhesive itself. There are three types of lash extensions: synthetic, silk and mink. 

Synthetic: These lashes are made from a polished, acrylic material and are the firmest/sturdiest of all. They are designed to look the most dramatic but are also the heaviest on your own lashes. 

Silk: These are the mid-weight type of lash extensions, and are finer and more flexible than the synthetic type. Because they are softer and more porous, they tend to hold on slightly longer than the synthetic ones. 

Mink: They are very fine, soft and silky, but require the most maintenance. When wet mink fur lashes become straight and wispy and you often need to use a curler to curl them back up. These are the most “natural” looking and lightest as well. 

Now, on to the glue...

Glue: This is the biggest area of concern when considering lash extensions...and for good reason. Checking what kind of glue is used by the salon and even researching the manufacturer is highly recommended if you choose to still opt for extensions. In a study published in the U.S National Library of Medicine it was found that “Eyelash extension procedures may cause ocular disorders, such as keratoconjunctivitis and allergic blepharitis; indeed, all glues for eyelash extensions analyzed in the present study contained formaldehyde, which can cause keratoconjunctivitis. From the viewpoint of hygienics, it is necessary to disinfect devices, provide handling instructions for organic solvents, improve glue ingredients, and improve the ophthalmologic knowledge of the practitioners.” Unfortunately, studies have found that most of the current adhesives used for extensions have formaldehyde or cyanoacrylate included in their formula. Both of these ingredients are highly controversial and can have negative effects on your health.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a chemical that is produced on enormous scales and has countless uses. One big one is in the manufacturing of adhesives and it is commonly used as a “chemical feedstock.” The compound is generally considered to be toxic whether it is in, on or breathed into the body. Even on WorkSafe BC’s website, it outlines how even short-term exposure can cause an irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat along with coughing and wheezing. Getting extensions done in the salon and then consistently wearing the glue on your lashes can slowly build up over time and lead to increased risk of sensitivity and irritation. 

Cyanoacrylate: Cyanoacrylates are a family of strong fast-acting adhesives with industrial, medical, and household uses. All Cyanoacrylate adhesives contain low levels of formaldehyde measured in ppm (parts per million). Formaldehyde is naturally created as a by-product of the main ingredient and omits a barely undetectable amount into the atmosphere if combined with certain ingredients, or if the adhesive is not properly purified.

We recommend investing in a lash curler (we love the TOK Beauty one), using castor oil to boost lash growth at night, and applying a great natural mascara during the day and not fiddling around with that precious eye area at all

BUT, if you ARE going to opt for extensions, we urge you to tell your beauty professional to look into this new option on the market by True Glue! It's lash glue, for professional use, formulated WITHOUT: Cyanoacrylate, formaldehyde, methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, dimethicone, bht, synthetic fragrance, synthetic colors, mineral oil, latex, petrolatum, triethanolamine, mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals! 

If you decide to opt out instead, like most of our community, our Sappho New Paradigm’s Vegan Mascara has been one of our best sellers for years, as it gives incredible length and doesn’t clump or flake. We have many others too that have recently been added to our collection here, with some that are even semi-waterproof! Mascara may take those extra couple minutes in the morning but in my opinion, is worth not risking my health over. 

Sealed with a green kiss...

Lauren