Eyelash extensions can do wonders for your eye shape, cut your makeup routine in half, and even save you some money on mascaras and eye makeup removers.
But their application process sure doesn’t look very comfortable, with someone poking around your eyes for 2 hours, so you might have asked yourself: Do eyelash extensions hurt?
Read this article to find answers to this and other important questions about your eyelash extension procedure.
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent fibers applied to your natural lashes using a semi-permanent adhesive or glue. They come in a variety of styles and materials and are most often used by combining different techniques to achieve the client’s desired look.
Image source: Instagram @lashesbyails
Do Eyelash Extensions Hurt?
No. Eyelash extensions are a painless procedure when done by a certified technician.
They shouldn’t hurt or feel uncomfortable on your eyelids during or after the procedure.
Therefore, if you experience any discomfort or pain during your appointment, you should immediately tell your technician as the most frequent causes of discomfort are poorly attached extensions or an allergic reaction to the adhesive.
Red Flags During the Appointment
When you book your lash extension appointment you should expect nothing but a relaxing experience after which you’ll end up with beautifully enhanced eyelashes.
However, if you decide to book an appointment with an inexperienced artist, there are some red flags to look out for. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to switch your lash artist:
Eyelid pain
You might feel a tingling or stinging sensation and pain on your eyelids during the session.
Tugging or pulling
If you experience tugging and pulling on your natural lashes, it might be a sign of poorly attached extensions.
Burning sensation
A burning sensation can often be a sign of irritation. This feeling is most often caused by the lash extension adhesive.
Red Flags After the Appointment
After the lash extension procedure, you can experience some annoying circumstances if your tech didn’t do a proper job when applying the extensions and cleaning your lashes. Here are some of the most noticeable post-treatment red flags:
Poorly attached extensions
If you feel poking, tugging or any other kind of discomfort after your appointment, that can be a sign of improperly attached extensions. Poorly attached extensions can not only cause daily discomfort but also damage your natural lashes and cause them to break and fall out prematurely.
Extensions that feel heavy
Choosing the right kind of extensions for your natural lashes is crucial in preserving their look and preventing damage. If you feel any weight on your lashes, chances are your tech put on extensions that are too dense and heavy to begin with. This can result in traction alopecia, a type of hair loss where the natural hair falls off when it’s under too much pressure.
Adhesive residue
When your tech uses too much adhesive during the procedure, there are several complications that can occur. If your eyes turn bloodshot red or feel itchy after the appointment, it is possible that you’re dealing with an infection caused by too much lash adhesive. If you experience stinging every time you get your eyes wet, this is also a sign of too much adhesive residue.
Allergic reactions
If you wake up the day following your lash extension procedure with swollen eyelids, you might be dealing with an allergic reaction to the lash adhesive. This is caused by an ingredient that’s used in most lash adhesives called cyanoacrylate. To avoid this reaction, do a patch test before the treatment.
Common Mistakes that Make Eyelash Extensions Hurt
Choosing a certified lash technician doesn’t always guarantee flawless results. There are several mistakes that can happen due to craftsmanship, poor quality products, or just by accident – let’s not forget that we’re all human here! Take a look at the common mistakes that can happen during and after the lash extension appointment:
Mistakes during the appointment
Poor technique
The lack of experience can sometimes result in poor technique. Your tech might accidentally attach the glue to your eyelids instead of your natural eyelashes, which can result in pain, discomfort and even infection.
Image source: Instagram @luxuriouslasheswb
Low-quality products
If the lash technician doesn’t use high-quality products or maintain them properly, there is always a risk of eye irritation and the client leaving with unsatisfactory results.
Client starts crying
For people with sensitive eyes, crying can occur during the lash extension procedure. Unfortunately, this can end up causing the lash adhesive to polymerize rapidly and the lash extensions to fall off prematurely.
Client opens eyes too soon
During the lash extension procedure, your eyes should be firmly closed until your tech gives you the okay to open them. However, some clients open their eyes prematurely, causing the freshly applied adhesive to irritate the eye area.
Mistakes after the appointment
Weak adhesion
If lash extensions aren’t properly attached to your natural lashes it can cause discomfort and even permanent damage. Combing through your lashes in this case can be painful and the extensions can even rip out your natural lashes as they grow out.
Clumping
Clumping occurs when your tech applies a single lash extension to multiple natural lashes. Not properly removing the adhesive can also cause the lashes to stick together and form clumps.
Improper cleaning
When you get your lashes done, following the correct cleaning routine is a must. If you wear mascara regularly and fail to clean it properly at the end of the day, you risk accumulating bacteria around your hair follicles which can lead to infection and pain.
Forceful extension removal
Pulling out your eyelash extension or rubbing your eyes after treatment can cause pain and irritation. If a problem occurs during the lash extension process, you should have your technician remove the extensions professionally or wait for the lashes to grow and fall out naturally.
Image source: Instagram @fatima_pmu (not their work)
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s answer the most common questions about lash extensions and discomfort they may cause:
Why Do My Eyelash Extensions Hurt?
Your eyelash extensions may hurt as a result of poor application, an allergic reaction to the lash adhesive, or if they are too densely applied onto your natural lashes.
Why Do Eyelash Extensions Hurt When I Blink?
A poor choice of extensions may cause some of them to poke into your eyes or eyelids, causing pain and discomfort when blinking. The same can happen if the extensions are glued to your eyelid instead of your natural lashes.
What Should I Do If My Lash Extensions Hurt?
Firstly, you should inform your lash tech. They should assess the problem and gently remove the lash extensions. If you continue to experience pain and discomfort even after the extensions are removed, visit an ophthalmologist.
Image source: Instagram @lashfairy.lou
To Sum Up
Going to a certified lash tech is crucial to avoiding pain and oher side effects. When done by a certified professional, lash extensions are a completely painless procedure.
Do lash extensions hurt depends mostly on the technique and materials used during the treatment. An inappropriate aftercare routine and trying to forcefully remove the extensions can also contribute to your extensions being painful.
Learn how to properly care for your lash extensions here.
Cover image source: Freepik
