Even though there were cases where clients have allergies or rashes after the lash applying process, this can be avoided by using products that you’re using. In this article, we will talk about the difference between allergies and rashes and will give you some useful recommendations to ease your clients.

 

What are allergies?

 

Allergies are caused by our immune system when we come into contact with various foreign substances for our bodies. Considering lash extensions, allergies are most often caused by inhaling the lash extension glue vapors and the most exposed people are those with a medical history with regards to allergies.

Allergies can manifest themselves as swelling around the eyes, itching and during more severe reactions, can cause headaches or frequent nausea. In such cases, the client should visit an ophthalmologist, because removing the extensions can worsen the reactions. 

 

What are rashes?

 

Unlike the allergies, a rash takes place because the sensibility of the affected area. This can appear only after direct contact of the eye with a foreign body or substance, in this case. Eyepatches or medical strips which are used during the beautifying procedures are often the main factors which cause rashes.

Among the symptoms that can appear we have eye redness and excessive tearing. Compared to allergic reactions, rashes can last a shorter amount of time and they go away in 24 hours. Still, they can be avoided by respecting certain work rules, which we will detail in the next paragraphs. 

 

 

Source: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/young-businesswoman-with-cold-flu-virus-having-headache-while-working-office_25630378.htm#query=eye%20allergy&from_query=eye%20alergy&position=8&from_view=search 

 

How can you prevent allergies or rashes?

 

Especially if you’re a lash-artist that’s starting out, it’s important to take into account the following criteria to better prevent allergies or rashes:

  • Ask the client with regards to their medical history that includes allergies and if they are currently under treatment. Lash extensions should be avoided thus by persons that recently underwent a surgery around the eye area or that suffer from certain skin diseases such as contact dermatitis; 
  • Use a hypoallergenic glue. Formaldehyde is one of the ingredients which has a high chance to cause allergies or rashes, so choose a product that’s especially designed for people with sensitive skin. Be careful! Hypoallergenic means that the risk of allergic reactions showing up is small, it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk!
  • When you’re using hydrogel patches or medical strips, make sure that you’re placing them at least 2mm away from the inner eyelid in order to minimize the risk of rashes. We recommend that you use hypoallergenic strips for the same reason. 
  • Make sure that near your client’s head there aren’t any products like gel removers, primers or glue trays. Inhaling these vapors can cause unwanted allergic reactions or rashes. 
  • Work in a properly ventilated room, both naturally and artificially! This can help to lower the vapors from the air and allows the necessary airing to avoid rashes. 
  • Make sure that every client keeps their eyes totally closed for the entire duration of the procedure. Thus, the risk that the glue will come into contact with the eye directly and cause unwanted reactions is much lower. 
  • Always maintain the distance that extensions must have compared to the eyelid. Don’t ever apply extensions directly at the root of the hairs, but keep a distance of 2 mm. 
  • Make sure that you’re following the hygiene rules precisely with regards to doing this job. Always sterilize the work instruments and keep the lash glue in optimal conditions. Don’t ever use the glue if you’ve noticed that it changed its color or consistency.
  • Always clean carefully the area around the eyes, after applying the lash extensions. Only use quality cleaning products to ensure that you’re removing every residue that remained after the procedure. 
  • Many allergic reactions or rashes appear also as a result of improper lash extension care at home. Give all your clients specific instructions with regards to the daily cleaning around the eye area, so that the natural lashes remain healthy and the eyes aren’t overly sensitized.   

 

As long as you respect these precautions and you also have the right work technique, the risk of allergic reactions or rashes popping up is extremely low. If still it happens that you have unwanted reactions right after the procedure, removing the extensions has to be done by hand, without using the remover.

In order to protect your clients, it’s important to ask questions from the start about any conditions that they have or have had in the past and also to test the products you intend on using with the help of a cosmetic Q-tip beforehand. The lower area of the arm or the patch behind the ear are the most reactive areas when it comes to possible allergic reactions.