How Seasonal Allergies Affects Your Eyelash Extensions

Believe it or not, many Canadians have or will experience seasonal allergies, at least once in their lives. We are not talking about just 1 season, like the Spring, but rather all 4 seasons, which means you can potentially have seasonal allergies the whole year-round. However, most people will encounter seasonal allergies during the Spring season when pollen is prevalent and in full swing. 

The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies are the following:

• Sneezing 
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Watery and itchy eyes
• Burning sensations in the eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Dry and red/bloodshot eyes

These symptoms are usually harmless and can be easily cured by taking antihistamines. But in extreme and rare cases, seasonal allergies might lead to extreme discomforts and may even require medical attention.

For lash artists, seasonal allergies are a pain in the neck. It can lead to major retention problems and increases the risks of negative reactions to the client. Here are 3 possible problems and scenarios you might encounter when your client is having seasonal allergies.

Problems with applying eyelash extensions on wet natural lashes

Humidity and temperature are not only the factors that affect the curing process of your lash adhesive. During the lash extension application, as the lash artist, you need to attach every extension. This is a very tedious task especially if the lash glue is not curing as quickly or slowly as you might want. 

If your client has seasonal allergies that are causing their eyes to water, it can speed up the curing process of your adhesive. You need to keep in mind, in order to start the curing process of your lash glue, it needs to be exposed to water.

However, too much exposure to water (or in this case moisture from your eyes) can make your adhesive cure too quickly resulting in poor attachment to the natural lash and overall weak bonds. This will lead to retention problems and may even cause adhesive beads to form (depending on how much adhesive you are using). 

Watery eyes can weaken the adhesive on your eyelash extensions

The real problem with watery eyes or crying because of allergies is not the eyelash extensions getting wet. It is the tears and what they are made of, especially during and immediately after your appointment. 

Tears contain chloride, potassium, and sodium - these are electrolytes - salt, fatty acids, and other proteins. Natural tears are rich in salt and oil which are the #1 enemy of lash glues. Salt and oil can break down the bond which keeps your eyelash extensions in place and connected to natural lashes. 

Cyanoacrylate dissolves when exposed to salt and oil. This compound, cyanoacrylate, is the main ingredient in lash adhesives which strengthens the bond. Hence, when your clients start to get teary, it will weaken the lash glue on your eyelash extensions.

In addition, your client will want to wipe their watery eyes, this could cause premature shedding by inadvertently pulling the lash extensions. This can damage the natural lashes themselves if they are pulled with the lash extensions, which tends to happen when you are not careful with wiping. 

Rubbing your itchy eyes may damage eyelash extensions

As lash technicians and eyelash extension lovers, we all know that these symptoms of seasonal allergies can lead to disasters. Itchiness in the eyes can lead to rubbing then pulling then damaging your lash extensions and natural lashes in the process. 

Rubbing, tugging, or picking at the lashes will damage the eyelash extensions by causing premature shedding. Similar to wiping the eyes, rubbing can pull the natural lashes with the extension and interrupt your client’s hair growth cycle. 

If your client needs to wipe or rub their eyes, it is best to tell them to pat-dry instead and be very gentle.

Tips to help your eyelash extensions last longer with seasonal allergies

To be honest, there is no possible way to avoid seasonal allergies. As the season and weather change, our surroundings change as well causing the pollen to fly around leading to irritation. All we can do is to help ease and relieve its symptoms.

For lash lovers who are experiencing seasonal allergies and their symptoms, it is best to ease and relieve themselves of the symptoms first before going to your lash technician. Also, it helps to let your lash tech know that you are having seasonal allergies, this way they can take the necessary precautions. 

Here are 5 things you can do to help your eyelash extensions last longer even if you are experiencing seasonal allergies.

Take your choice of antihistamines

The morning before going to your scheduled appointment, take the antihistamine of your choice. This is very important to ease the symptoms you feel, this includes watery and itchy eyes which can negatively affect your eyelash extensions. It also helps prevent sneezing and buildup around the eyes making it easier for your lash tech during your appointment.

Avoid pulling or rubbing eyelash extensions

When your eyes begin to feel itchy, our instincts are to rub them. We are all guilty of this, at least once in our life. Eyelash extensions along with natural lashes are pulled and fall out because of rubbing.

You can avoid this from happening. When your eyes are feeling itchy, instead of rubbing, place a cool or warm damp cloth over your eyes until the itchy feeling subsides. Don’t over soak the cloth. Leave it for a few minutes and don’t leave it over your eyes. It will greatly help to relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies and make your lashes feel less irritated.

Keep tissues and cotton swabs on hand

Having tissues and cotton swabs on hand can be a true lifesaver when you are having seasonal allergies. Seriously!

When your eyes start to get itchy, use the cotton swabs to gently pat your eyelashes along your lash line. Using cotton swabs also helps prevent you from rubbing, pulling, or tangling your natural lashes and extensions. 

While bringing tissue all the time will help you gently tap dry your eyes when they get watery. 

Always clean eyelash extensions every day

Cleaning your natural lashes and eyelash extensions every day will greatly ease the irritation you are feeling. We assure you, you will feel so relieved afterward.

We highly recommend doing it twice a day. Once in the morning and at night. Use an oil-free and eyelash extensions friendly cleanser. Remember, be gentle when cleaning your lashes. 

Use mascara wands to brush out the itch

When your eyelids and eyes are starting to get itchy, you can use mascara wands to brush away the itch. It is also a great way to remove all the debris, dirt, and residue stuck in your eyelash extensions. Just remember to be gentle and do not tug or pull your lash extensions.

We experience many discomforts when we have seasonal allergies. But who says you can’t be gorgeous and have beautiful eyelash extensions when you are having allergies, right? You might need to exert more effort and time but at least, you have amazingly stunning lash extensions.

For all your lash supplies and client aftercare products, visit Cartel Lash for everything you need, all in one convenient place!