Some of you may have heard or read this report:
www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/05/eyelash-extensions-can-pose-health-risks/index.htm
This article starts out with formaldehyde being the culprit. The first thing you need to know is that formaldehyde is an everyday product ingredient that is used in normal household items and we are surrounded by it daily. It might surprise you to know that much of the shelving, furniture, wall finishes, carpet, cabinetry and flooring in your home most likely contain this chemical. Formaldehyde can also be found in glue, fiberboard, insulation, plywood, particleboard and timber paneling. It is also in many personal cleansing and beauty products such as face and body lotions, shampoos, sunscreen, soap bars, cosmetics, body wash, toothpaste, baby wipes and bubble bath. We are continuously being exposed to it.
Other names for formaldehyde are Methylaldehyde, Methanal, Oxymethylene 1,3-Dioxetane, Quaternium 15, Formic Aldehyde, Oxomethane, Formalin, Phenol-Formaldehyde Urea Methylene Oxide. You may find these listed in the ingredients in your everyday household cleaning products as well.
The person mentioned could be allergic to the cleanser that the lash artist used to cleanse her lashes, she could also be allergic to the tape or eye pad that is being used, she could also be allergic to the primer. Sylvia has had several clients that were allergic to the cleanser but okay with the adhesive and they had an allergic reaction that was identical to someone who was allergic to the adhesive. Anyone who has seasonal allergies can go through a more severe reaction because if they are not cleansing their eyelash extensions regularly, the allergens get trapped in the eyelash extensions and cause more irritation to their eyes than they would have had if they did not have eyelash extensions applied.
People can be allergic to anything and it can happen at any time, even if you have been exposed to it for years prior.
Regarding the loss of natural eyelash hair, again, if you are using lashes that are too long and heavy for your natural lashes, then you risk the loss of hair. If you do not cleanse your lashes regularly, then you can damage the hair follicle and cause the hair to grow back weaker and thinner. If you pick and play with your lashes and are constantly touching them, you will loosen the natural lash. Continually doing this will damage the hair follicle.
If you are not careful who you choose to have do your lashes then that person can damage your lashes with their applications. Sylvia has had to turn away clients that insisted that they want the longest thickest lashes, but after examination, she learned their lashes could not support them. Individuals have walked in with lash extensions that were touching their eyebrows and insisted Sylvia fill them in the same way. Sylvia will not perform this type of service, because first and foremost the health of her client’s lashes is more important to her, but if that look is desired she suggests using strip lashes as they can be taken off daily. Sylvia definitely cannot recommend additions such as crystals or glitter to the eyelashes. That again, would put too much pressure on your precious eyelashes and may also cause corneal abrasions or worse. Sylvia wants you to keep your natural lashes and eyes healthy, doing so keeps her in business. It is that simple.