Have Your Clients Got Red Eyes After Lash Extensions? Here’s What You Should Know | Avoiding Chemical Burns: Tips for Lash Technicians
Imagine this: you’ve just finished a stunning set of lash extensions—whether it’s Classic, Volume, or Hybrid—and your client opens their eyes, only to find them red and bloodshot. Worse still, they might be stinging, burning, or tearing up, which is a real headache for lash retention. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are definitely ways to prevent it from happening again.
Why Do Red Eyes Happen After Lash Extensions?
First off, let’s clear up a common myth: if your client’s eyes are bloodshot after their lash session, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re having an allergic reaction. More often than not, what you’re dealing with is a mild chemical burn from the lash glue, not an allergy. Allergic reactions to lash extensions look quite different.
All eyelash extension glues contain Cyanoacrylate, the stuff that holds those lovely lashes in place. The issue arises when fumes from the glue make contact with the eye, causing a chemical burn. This happens when the eye isn’t fully closed during the lash application. So, if your client’s eyes are red and irritated after their lash nap, chances are they weren’t completely shut. Let’s talk about how to prevent a nasty chemical burn.
Briefing Your Client: Why It’s Crucial
Before you even start lashing, it’s important to remind your client that they need to keep their eyes closed for the entire lash session. A gentle reminder at the start of the appointment can work wonders. It’s also helpful to suggest they put their phone on silent to avoid the temptation of sneaking a peek at any notifications.
Using Eyelid Tape to Keep Eyes Closed
Some clients just can’t fully close their eyes, which is perfectly normal but not ideal when it comes to avoiding lash glue fumes. However, Eyelid Tape is a game-changer for those tricky eyes that won’t stay closed. These stretchy strips are brilliant for keeping the eyelid securely in place. Just stick one end of the tape to the eyelid and the other to the Under Eye Patches, and you’re good to go! Now, you can lash away, knowing your client’s eyes are safe from any chemical burns.
Why You Should Ask Clients to Skip the Caffeine
This tip might be a tough one for some clients, but it’s really worth mentioning. Caffeine can make the eyelids flutter, increasing the risk of lash glue fumes getting into the eye. So, gently suggest they avoid caffeine before their appointment—it might make all the difference.
The Importance of Using a Lash Mirror
A lash mirror is ideal for checking if the eye is completely closed—think of it as the lash tech’s rearview mirror! This small, handheld tool can be positioned under your client’s eye, giving you a clear view to check if any part of the eye is exposed; this way, you can be sure there’s no gap that might let in those pesky fumes. With the lash mirror, you can also easily ensure that the lash line looks perfectly symmetrical and with perfect coverage, as you can check throughout the appointment.
How to Properly Place Eye Patches
Under Eye Patches are essential for keeping the lower lashes in check, but they can sometimes be the reason eyes aren’t fully closed. If the patches are placed too high, they can irritate the eye, making it difficult for your client to keep their eyes completely shut.
The type of Under Eye Patches you choose will depend on your client’s needs, but some are designed specifically to avoid this issue. Nano-Hydrogel Under Eye Patches, for example, feature a thin gel strip that allows the eye to close fully, so it’s worth keeping these in your kit.
If you’re still having trouble getting the eye to stay closed, you might want to try Micropore Tape or foam tape instead of the usual patches. Micropore Tape, in particular, is a bit thicker and can help bridge any gaps between the eyelids.
There are plenty of ways to prevent chemical burns, and hopefully, one or more of these tips will help keep your clients' eyes fully closed during their lash appointments. It’s always better to be proactive and take these steps to minimize the chances of irritation. Don’t forget to prep those natural lashes properly before you start, and of course, always have a good glue remover on hand for safe removal when needed.
