What they don't tell you about eyelash extensions?

Eyelash extensions can also cause an infection in the cornea or eyelid, allergic reactions, or swelling of the eyelids if you're sensitive to the adhesive. This adhesive contains incredibly irritating chemicals (and the ingredients in glues and eyelash removers are not strictly regulated). If you're planning to get eyelash extensions, ask a licensed beautician to apply them to avoid these side effects. Next, two eyelash experts, a dermatologist and a plastic surgeon will discuss everything you need to know about eyelash extensions, from finding the right eyelash artist to the cost, risks, and everything in between.

Magnetic eyelashes and eyeliners are considered safe for most people, especially compared to false eyelashes that require glue. When it comes to safety, dermatologists compare eyelash extensions to acrylic nails; they're not necessarily good for you, but they're not likely to cause serious health problems, so you may decide that the aesthetics of the extensions outweigh the potential side effects (which, most commonly, include irritation, infection and allergic reactions). All your eyelashes are at a different stage at any given time, which means that some of your eyelashes are about to fall out, while others are experiencing a growth period (this is true whether you have eyelash extensions or not). The cost of eyelash extensions will be determined by the region where you live and where the extensions are made.

Look, I'm not proud of it, but the first time I bought eyelash extensions, I forgot to ask all the important questions before my appointment. One of the scariest things about eyelash extensions is that the process isn't regulated in some states, such as Alabama, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho and Wisconsin. Eyelash extensions aren't dangerous or bad as long as the technician follows the right methods and uses the right materials. Unlike temporary false eyelashes, which are attached to the eyelid in a single strip, eyelash extensions are individual eyelashes.

If you really care for them (more on that later), eyelash extensions can last six to eight weeks until they fall out naturally, as your eyelashes usually do. So when eyelash extensions started to become popular, I didn't take a break before booking an appointment. However, there is a very small risk of developing traction alopecia, says Dr. Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, adjunct professor of ophthalmology at Baylor School of Medicine in Houston, where natural eyelashes can fall out as a result of the consistent weight of repeated eyelash extensions.

But with that said, you can do everything right and still discover that eyelash extensions break your natural eyelashes.

Bette Kalloch
Bette Kalloch

Wannabe food lover. Infuriatingly humble food ninja. Infuriatingly humble social media ninja. Incurable twitter nerd. Hipster-friendly beer lover. Communicator.