The lash extensions can be an excellent choice for the persons that want to have a natural look and enlarged lashes, without having to apply mascara. Still, those that have sensitive eyes and are undergoing this procedure can experiment eye rashes, allergic reactions and eye tearing.

Nearly all lash artists have had over the course of their careers clients that had sensitive eyes or that developed an allergic reaction to the lash glue. In order to offer these qualitative services, that’s adapted to their needs, it’s necessary that you know certain special applying techniques, but also using the best products for sensitive eyes. Find out what you can do to ensure that all your clients have a pleasant experience in the salon. 

What triggers the sensitivity in the eyes

There are a few causes for why a person exhibits sensitivity around their eyes when you apply the lash extensions.

The first cause is discomfort. Some people aren’t comfortable when someone is close to their eyes, which is why they can’t stop moving their eyelids or opening their eyes. If this happens, you can have eye tearing as an involuntary response, which will make the glue not stick properly.

The second cause is a possible allergy that the client exhibits to the glue that you’re using. The reaction can be different from one person to another, but it can have itches, redness, swelling and even burning sensation. Oftentimes, the reaction goes away in 24-48 hours, after the product has completely hardened. 

Tips for applying the lash extensions for a person that has sensitive eyes

Clean their eyelids 

Before starting a complete set or lash fills, it’s important to remove the potential oil residues or any leftover makeup that’s still on the skin. You have to do gentle movements, but it can be a great idea to let your client remove the makeup herself when they have really sensitive eyes. This way they can better control the pressure that they apply on the eyelids.

If the client isn’t wearing makeup, you can give her a napkin or cotton disc to remove the oils around the eye area. After cleaning the natural lashes and the eyelids, make sure that their eyes are completely dried. 

Strategically apply patches on the lower lashes

Lash patches or strips can amplify the sensitivity around the eye but it can also prevent it. Make sure you apply the patches in a safe manner, without stretching out the skin and make sure you don’t use too many layers which can cause even more rashes when it’s time to remove them.

We recommend that you use a fine strip that’s anti-irritating, which is especially made for sensitive skin. If the strip is too powerful, remove a part of the glue before applying it, by sticking it on the back of your hand a couple of times.

 

 

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Avoid talking to the client to prevent eye movement

No matter how much we love talking to our clients, try as much as possible to have conversations before or after the procedure is finished. From the moment you start applying the lashes, you can explain to your client that our eyes tend to move and open involuntarily while we are speaking. This will eventually lead to even more rashes, and the glue vapors will cause the eyes to tear up. 

Take care in which type of lash glue you are using

The lash glue can cause rashes around the eyes. When choosing such a product, check the ingredients. The most common sources for allergic reactions are coming from cyanoacrylate, carbon black, latex and formaldehyde.

If the client knows that she is allergic to one or more of these substances, opt for a lash glue which doesn’t contain them or choose a lash glue that’s suited for sensitive eyes. During application, use a small quantity. The more product you place on the extension, the larger the odds that the person will develop an allergic reaction. 

Carefully apply the lash extensions

Place the extension a little backwards from the lash line, by at least one milimeter. Once the glue is nearing the skin of the eyelid, the client is more likely to feel a burning sensation.

Also, try to avoid applying lashes that are too thick to a client with sensitive eyes. A set of lashes that’s too thick, besides it being a tough process for their eyes, can also damage their natural lashes and it can lead to their premature falling off. Make sure that you have in your kit multiple tweezers for lash extensions, such that you can choose the one which helps you doing quick work, without too many tried to fix the lashes. 

Buy fake lashes for sensitive eyes

There are different sets of lashes on the market, of varying thicknesses, lengths and curvatures. Besides these, you also have available lashes which are made from the latest materials, which are flexible, soft and are not allergic. These are better suited for persons with sensitive eyes because it can help to create a beautiful curvature, without it being a challenge for the eyelids. 

 

Finally, you can take into account these recommendations when applying lash extensions to a client with minor allergic reactions or a slight sensibility around the eyes. If they have really sensitive eyes, undergoing the procedure can lead to the reaction worsening and ignoring the symptoms can present a great risk for the client. Thus, make sure that you have in your kit fake lashes for sensitive eyes and high quality accessories in order to prevent any discomfort happening.