Allergy Season & Eyelash Extensions

It's that time of the year...

..and if you live in California like me, allergy season is in full effect. 

Between the Santa Ana winds, pollen, air quality, and the lack of humidity is a recipe for beauty irritations all fall and winter long. Allergy season can also trigger irritations for eyes and eyelash extensions. So what are some things you can do to accomodate your eyes to get ahead of the curve?

A few things:

1) Humidifiers

Eyelash extension adhesive typically "cures" better the higher (the temperature and) humidity. I personally have a hygrometer so I can better regulate my temperature and humidity during my lash services. Typically I aim for a 30-50% humidity range. Most adhesives recommend 30-70% humidity. If your eyes begin to have irritations or feel brittle, dry, or "crunchy," humidifiers may be a good thing to have at night or during the day. Your skin will also thank you.

Note: Humidity can also be a reason for lash extensions and adhesive troubleshooting/errors.

2) Cleansers (Lash Baths)

Lash cleansers are also wonderful to have on hand. Not just to clean your lashes and removing excess oils or make up, etc. But also because the cleansers are moisturizing and gentle to both lashes, extensions, bonds, and skin. 

My personal favorites are livery and Bella Lash. Preferably I love Bella Lash's because the brand offers a larger bottle. (50 ml & 120 ml) 

https://bellalash.com/products/lash-detox?variant=38140313665731

3) Aloe (& non oil eye moisturizers/creams)

With dry skin, especially for irritated lids aloe is soft and moisturizing and helps with irritation for the skin. This is a great alternative to eye creams and moisturizers that contain too much oil. (Since eyelash extension adhesive is not oil friendly.) I only recommend a gel but make sure to double check the ingredient listing for oils. 

4) Eye drops (or saline solution.)

Eyelashes are designed to protect the eyes from debris, dirt, etc. They also help keep the eyes hydrated. Extensions can sometimes "dry" the eye slightly, similar to how make-up affects the eyes. If the eyes get irritated, eye drops are a great quick fix. If you don't have eyedrops around, sterile saline solution is also a great alternative to help rejuvenate the eyes.

Allergic Reaction? or Sensitivity?

I've written about sensitivities and allergic reactions before. Both can be random and sporadically "pop up" out of no where, with no warning signs. The main key factor between the two is swelling. If the lids and skin around the eyes are swollen it's most likely an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, once a candidate has an allergic reaction they are typically no longer a good candidate for eyelash extensions. Some allergic reactions are across the board. They can however try two things before a candidate is deemed officially "allergic." 

1. Swap out for "clear adhesive" (no black or color pigment adhesive.) In some cases, some clients develop and allergic reaction to the black pigment and not the adhesive. On a clean canvas of lashes (or after allergic reaction or sensitivities.) , I will  do a "patch lash test" just a few in the outer corners or a few all over and wait 24-48n hours for a reaction. If no reaction, clear adhesive may be the alternative.

2. If a client is allergic to both, chances are, they are no longer a candidate. In some small cases, I've changed the brand of the adhesive and had no problems. (Both brands had different adhesive ingredients.)

3. I can't make the recommendation, BUT I did have two clients tell me what has worked for them. In the ten years of doing lashes, I had two clients who were allergic to adhesives but would take an allergy pill before their appointment, and one afterwards. And never had a problem. I realize this is more of the extreme level, not to mention I don't know if this would work for everyone. But for die-hard-lash extension ladies, this may be something to digest.

4. It may not be your body or the atmosphere sabotaging you. It could be a few other things, including vitamins, medications, recent illness, stress, etc. If you develop an allergy or reaction it could be sparked by one of these things. I tell clients to take a break for a few weeks and to plan a patch test once a client is a fresh canvas (or after allergic reaction or sensitivities.) 

Winter is coming....

but hopefully a few of these things will help you get through the seasons. 🎃🎄❄️🌬

Have any questions? Leave a comment below.

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