Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, a person may have symptoms that last from a few hours to a few days. Treatment can also affect how long a person can experience reactions to eyelash extensions. A person should talk to their doctor if their reactions persist after a few days. If you start to experience these symptoms, they may last until the adhesive completely disappears from your eye.
The reaction may continue to worsen as long as the eye is exposed to the adhesive (or allergen). In fact, the greater the exposure to a specific allergen, the reaction may progress over time. On the hazard scale, allergies to eyelash extension glue are on the low end, but they can still cause extreme discomfort to the sufferer. Allergic reactions don't usually happen the same day of the service, but they appear the next day (24 hours) and usually when you wake up the next morning after an appointment.
They usually last 72 hours, after which the symptoms should go away. These reactions are due to the polymerization process that the adhesive goes through while it cures. We use a nanomister at the end of each service to cure the adhesive and prevent fumes from being released, so you don't feel burning or stinging at the end of the service. Because the eyelash extensions are cured, you can get them wet immediately after the service, which can help alleviate any discomfort if you have any reaction.
While you can never be 100% sure of the type of allergy you're facing, if you don't do more research, there are three main causes that cause customers to suffer from allergies to eyelash extension adhesives. Asako (left) and Naoko (right) are certified eyelash stylists and owners of Divine Lashes, a site for eyelash lovers to meet and learn more about eyelash extensions and lifting. The eyelash extension removal solution is designed to break down and dissolve the adhesive, thus restarting the healing process (this is the same process you could be reacting to). Cyanoacrylate is the main ingredient found in eyelash adhesive and ensures that eyelash extensions last as long as possible.
While you might not be a candidate for eyelash extensions, eyelash lifters are still an option, as they don't contain any of the same ingredients as eyelash extension adhesives. However, remember to tell the customer that latex-free glue will reduce the lifespan of eyelash extensions by about a week. However, if you're about to apply eyelash extensions to your client and they start showing signs of an allergic reaction, don't freak out. Allergies to eyelash extensions can be caused by the body's hypertensive reaction against any type of cosmetic product used by the eyelash technician.
