Everyone wants lush, long lashes. It seems like every day there is a new quick fix beauty product or treatment that promises the best lashes ever. We try everything for that ideal solution. What’s the real risk?
Lashes can be permanently damaged — that means they will NEVER GROW AGAIN!
I wish someone had explained this to me when I was your younger. It’s not sexy or fun but it’s the truth. So, here are some tips that will help you protect your eyelashes.
False Eyelashes
- DON’T – Rip them off. Remember that these are applied with glue and when you pull them off you could pull off your own lashes. Worst case scenario; you damage your hair follicle permanently and no new lashes will grow.
- DO – Use as little glue as possible when applying. Be extremely gentle
when removing and applying them. Carefully remove them with a cotton ball soaked in oil based makeup remover or coconut, baby, or olive oil. Hold the cotton over the eye for 20 seconds to loosen the glue. Then rinse.
Tinting Eyelashes
- DON’T – Go cheap or casual on this treatment. In 2016 the FDA commented that tinting eyelashes has been known to cause serious eye injuries (up to and including blindness).
- DO – Review and seek a proven esthetician to be sure they are experienced and capable. Also be sure they share the chemicals
used in the tint — especially if you have sensitive skin or eyes.
Curling Eyelashes
- DON’T – Curl lashes after mascara is on. If you do you’ll have clumpy lashes and/or get them stuck in the curler and your lashes can get ripped out.
- DO – Curl your lashes before applying mascara. Be sure to invest in a good eyelash curler. Keep it clean and be sure to replace the rubber or silicone as needed. This will minimize lash damage and irritation.
Eyelash Extensions
- DON’T – Rip them off! Extensions are fused to your lashes so not only can you be ripping off the extensions but also your lashes. Worst case scenario, you could be damaging your hair follicles permanently and if that happens the lashes won’t grow back.
- DO – Seek a qualified professional to apply your extensions; especially if it’s your first time. Once you have eyelash extensions it’s important to groom them. Brush them daily, clean them every 3 days, use only mineral eye makeup. Do not use oil based products as this will loosen the adhesive.
Magnetic Eyelashes
- DON’T – Put them on hastily. If they are not put on properly you can damage lashes and possibly your eyes or eyelids. * Since these are relatively new we don’t have a long term understanding of the risks.
- DO – Take the time to apply them properly — many struggle with this. Be sure to clean them after use. Note: there are lots of tips on line if you need some help.
Mascara
- DON’T – EVER share mascara or sleep with it on. Sleeping with mascara can cause infection and increase breakage as your lashes rub against the pillow.
- DO – Use only your own mascara and check the date. Be sure it’s fresh.
Mascara Removal
- DON’T – Rub, scrub and tug your lashes to get them clean. You could lose lashes and cause permanent lash loss.
- DO – The best way to remove mascara is to wet a makeup pad with your favorite makeup remover, hold it over your eye for 20 seconds, then gently wipe away the mascara in a downward motion. Rinse and your ready to apply any nighttime solutions.
Waterproof Mascara
- DON’T – Use this EVERYDAY. It’s harder to remove and therefore more likely to cause you to rub, scrub and tug when you try to remove the mascara.
- DO – Use it sparingly. After all how often do you cry or swim? Personally, I hardly ever use it. To remove waterproof mascara try using micellar water, coconut oil or a special waterproof makeup remover. Follow the same steps used to remove regular mascara.
Touching & Rubbing Your Eyes
- DON’T – Touch or rub your eyes. The average person touches their face 2,000 – 3,000 times a day. That’s 2-5 times a minute. It’s not hard to imagine that a good portion of these might be your eyes. When you touch your eyes you apply germs which could lead to infection and/or lash loss.
- DO – Stop touching your face and eyes. If you find yourself touching your eyes regularly it’s worth understanding why. Are your eyes sore? Maybe your makeup is causing irritation or you need new glasses? Try to minimize the number of times you touch your face. This will help minimize infection and possible lash damage.
Lash Lifts
- DON’T -Do it without investigating the details. This is the newest “hot” lash treatment so side effects are still being reported. Many have reported irritation from the chemicals. If you have a history of eye allergies, eye infections, skin sensitivity, styes, chronic dry eye or watery eyes DON’T try it.
- DO -Be sure to go to an experienced Aesthetician. Be sure you’ve considered any eye or skin sensitivities and be sure your lashes are completely free of makeup and cleaning residues. Maintenance is importance once you get the treatment so be sure to follow instructions.
If you have damaged your lashes or want to help nourish them so they continue to grow we recommend a natural solution like WINK. WINK harvests the power of natural fatty acids to stimulate resting or damaged hair follicles into a growth state. It also nourishes existing lashes so you have less breakage and loss.
