It’s the unexpected situations in life that can be unsettling… and experiencing an allergic reaction to lash glue can be highly stressful. When a client calls in a panic and asks if you changed anything because she has swollen lids (and has sent you the pictures to prove it), as lash artists, we need to have answers.
Let’s talk about what does an allergic reaction to eyelash glue look like and how to treat allergic reaction to eyelash glue.
Can You Have an Allergic Reaction to Eyelash Glue?
Let’s dive right in! Can you have an allergic reaction to eyelash glue?
In a nutshell, anyone exposed can have an allergic reaction to eyelash glue. Almost all lash glues contain cyanoacrylate which is one of the main ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities.
It should come as a relief to know that traditional cyanoacrylate adhesives cannot cause a life threatening allergic reaction, though it can be uncomfortable.
What Causes an Allergic Reaction to Lash Glue?
The cause of an allergic reaction to eyelash glue is the adhesive coming into contact with the body, which causes swelling. Lash adhesives are known to cause irritation to the eyes and skin, so regardless of whether you use a sensitive or low fume formula, it is extremely important to understand how to talk about an allergic reaction to eyelash extension glue and how to treat allergic reaction to eyelash glue.
PLApro Tip: The technical term for an allergic reaction to lash glue is called contact dermatitis. Knowing this and using this term with your clients will help to elevate your understanding and professionalism.
Who is Most at Risk of Developing Adverse Reactions to Lash Extension Glue?
While it’s possible for anyone to develop an allergic reaction to eyelash glue it is more likely to occur when the skin barrier is compromised. If the skin is healthy and intact, it can be better at defending.
Here are some common ways the skin barrier can be compromised:
Spending time in dry climates and higher altitudes.
Having skin that is prone to dryness.
Physical rubbing of the lids and eyes (watching a tear jerker, crying at a wedding or seasonal allergies can all contribute to a compromised skin barrier)
Differentiating Between an Allergy vs Irritation
There are two types of contact dermatitis: allergic and irritant. They both present themselves similarly, but it is important to understand the difference.
An allergy is an immune system response to an ingredient in the adhesive (most often cyanoacrylate). Allergies can worsen with repeated exposure and will often not improve until the allergen is removed. The key thing to note is that it is an immune response.
An irritation is a non-immune response. It can happen to anyone if your skin barrier is compromised, and can be caused by fumes, improper curing or poor application.
For example, say you’ve scraped your hand and you get detergent on the area that is scraped, and it gets irritated. It doesn’t mean you’re allergic, it just means that your skin found it irritating on the part of your hand that had a compromised barrier.
PLApro tip: Oftentimes reactions to lash glue are irritations and are not truly an allergic reaction to lash glue. The good news is that this means that they can go away with a strong, healed, intact skin barrier.
What Does an Allergic Reaction to Eyelash Glue Look Like?
Whether your client is having an allergic reaction to eyelash glue or just has an irritant reaction, they can both present similarly – typically with red, swollen and itchy eyelids, and often appearing the day after the service.
Let’s dive a little deeper.
Common Symptoms of a Glue Allergy
Common symptoms for an allergic reaction to eyelash extension glue are redness, swelling, and itching eyelids, affecting the upper eyelid the most. You usually see this on the skin around the eye, and not inside the eye itself. The symptoms can present in one eye, or both, and your client may not have all 3 symptoms.
If the eyeballs or sclera are red, irritated, burning, watery or glossy, this is an indication that the eyeball was dried out during the service and adhesive fumes settled in, causing irritation or a chemical burn. An easy fix for this is to simply use eyedrops!
How Quickly Symptoms Appear After Exposure
Whether your client is experiencing an allergy or irritation, symptoms can show up as early as 12-18 hours after the service. However, it is common for symptoms to appear the day after a service, and can appear up to 72 hours after.
PLApro tip: If your client suddenly experiences redness, swelling, or itchiness after the 72 hour window, the chances that it is an allergic reaction to lash glue is unlikely.
Mild vs Severe Reactions
Mild reaction symptoms might be hard to detect, such as a little swelling in just one portion of one eyelid or no redness at all.
PLApro tip: Mild symptoms are usually matched to the level of concern that is coming from your client. If she prefaces her question with something like, “this may not be anything but…” it’s a pretty good indication that she’s experiencing mild symptoms, or simply just an irritation.
On the other hand a severe allergic reaction to eyelash glue almost always includes lots of swelling of the lids of both eyes equally, with marked redness and severe itching. In more severe cases, the swelling will affect both the upper and lower eyelids and sometimes appear to be spreading outside the orbit of the eye.
How to Treat Allergic Reaction to Eyelash Glue
If your client comes to you and says they are having an allergic reaction to eyelash glue, your first instinct is to want to do anything you can to help. Before diving into treatment options, it’s important to remember that, as lash artists, we are not medical professionals. We can’t diagnose or treat allergic reactions, but we can help guide our clients by recognizing the signs, communicating clearly, and pointing them in the right direction.
Here’s what you need to know if a client experiences a reaction—and how to respond within your scope as a licensed professional.
Immediate Steps to Take When You Suspect a Reaction
Typically, your client will reach out to you and ask something like, “what does an allergic reaction to eyelash glue look like?” or send them a picture of their eye. If you see swelling (even if it’s only on one eye), redness on the lid, or she complains of itching, these are the hallmarks of an allergic reaction to eyelash glue (or at least an irritation).
The most important thing to do is respond calmly, and remember that you are not a medical professional.
At-Home Remedies for Mild Reactions
If you suspect your client is having some mild irritation, and not a severe allergic reaction to eyelash glue, here are some things you can recommend.
Instruct your client to wash their eyelids, eyelashes and eyes with a lash cleanser, like PLA Pure Cleanser, very thoroughly - this will help remove any particles of adhesive that may have settled.
If your client is complaining about stinging, advise them to use over the counter artificial tears, but to avoid redness relief drops which can cause more discomfort and pause healing.
Apply a cool or chilled compress – this can help alleviate some swelling and provide comfort.
When to Refer Clients to a Medical Professional
In more severe cases, with extreme swelling, redness and itching—especially if the symptoms worsen over time, your client should be contacting a medical professional. While we are licensed to apply lashes, we are not licensed to treat or even diagnose allergic reactions, and attempting to do so is outside our scope of practice. With a severe allergic reaction to eyelash glue, even a lash removal process can worsen symptoms.
Instead, reassure your client, explain that their symptoms may be related to contact dermatitis or can be an allergic response, but recommend they see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re ever unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and refer them to their healthcare provider.
Why You Should Never Try to Re-Lash Over a Reaction
A reaction indicates that the skin barrier has been compromised or that the immune system is actively responding to an ingredient in the adhesive. Reapplying after a reaction, whether irritant or allergic, not only increases the risk of a more severe reaction, but it can also interfere with healing.
Even if your client insists, it is your professional responsibility to wait until the area is fully recovered and cleared by a medical professional.
Plus, in the case of a real allergic reaction, it may never be safe to apply lashes again.
Tips on Preventing an Allergic Reaction to Lash Glue in the First Place
We recommend starting the conversation at their consultation. Discussing the possibility of an allergic reaction with every client is what makes the most professional, responsible, and exceptional lash artist stand out in a sea of others. The most prepared and equipped lash professionals will have already let their clients know the process of getting eyelash extensions carries a very small risk (but it is indeed a risk) that they can develop a reaction or irritation.
Use Hypoallergenic or Low-Fume Adhesives When Needed
You may have heard of “hypoallergenic” adhesive, but this can be misleading. Most adhesives are still made with cyanoacrylate. Even if your adhesive is not made with cyanoacrylate, it probably still has another type of acrylate,, which can be the ingredient responsible for a reaction in the first place. If your client experienced a true allergic reaction to eyelash extension glue, switching to a different adhesive, no matter the label, will likely not prevent another reaction.
That said, low-fume adhesives can be helpful for those clients who experience mild sensitivities or irritation issues, especially those triggered by strong odors. These formulas still contain cyanoacrylate, but release fewer fumes and may be more comfortable to more sensitive clients who haven’t shown signs of a true allergy.
The Practice of Patch Testing
If you are not familiar, a patch test involves applying a few lash extensions to each eye a few days before a full set to see if the client has a reaction to the adhesive.
Although patch testing was once standard practice, it is now considered, by many industry professionals, to be outdated and unreliable. The small amount of adhesive used in a patch test doesn’t accurately reflect the level of exposure during a full lash set. This means if a client shows no reaction during a patch test, they can still experience one during their full set.
Additionally, reactions can develop over time, and if your client has a compromised skin barrier, the chances of an irritant reaction increase.
In short, patch testing doesn’t truly prevent allergic reaction to lash glue.
Proper Application & Ventilation Techniques
While proper application can’t prevent a true allergic reaction, it can help reduce the risk of irritation. Placing extensions too close to the skin or failing to isolate properly can cause itching, swelling or discomfort, which is often mistaken for an allergy. Clean technique and precise placement are key to keeping your clients comfortable.
Similarly, ventilation won’t prevent an allergic reaction, but is just as important. Lash adhesive releases fumes as it cures, and without proper airflow, those vapors can linger and cause irritation for both you and your client.Make sure your workspace has good air circulation to keep everyone breathing easy.
Educate Clients With a History of Sensitivities
One of the keys to preventing allergic reactions is simply asking your client if they’ve ever had a reaction, from lash extensions and even to skincare or cosmetic products. Your client may even ask you, “can you have an allergic reaction to eyelash glue if you’ve had one before?”
It’s important to talk to them openly about the possibility of irritation or an allergic reaction to lash glue. Be transparent about what they should be looking out for, and how to treat allergic reaction to eyelash glue. Clear communication will build trust with your clients and positions you as a lash artist that prioritizes safety.
Source High-Quality Lash Glue at PLA Pro
At PLA pro, we offer professional grade eyelash extension glue trusted by lash artists around the world. Whether you’re working in high humidity, low humidity, need a specific cure time, we have the eyelash extension adhesive for you.
We also carry quality eyelash extension supplies, whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for private label lash suppliers or wholesale eyelash extension suppliers.
Final Words on Allergic Reaction to Eyelash Extension Glue
Allergic reactions can be stressful, for both lash artists and clients, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can respond calmly and professionally. Remember, your job is not to diagnose or treat – it’s to recognize the signs, stay within your scope, and guide your clients to the appropriate care if needed.
Prioritizing consultation, clean technique, client education, and high-quality adhesive, you’re already taking the best steps to prevent problems and protect your clients’ safety.
