Eyelash Extensions: What to Ask About the Adhesive

If you want fuller-looking lashes, it is reasonable to ask what will be used before you book. The finished look in a photograph does not tell you which adhesive will be near your eyes.

Why ask about the adhesive?

FDA’s¹ eye-cosmetic guidance, which displays a December 2006 update, notes that false eyelashes and extensions use adhesives. It advises checking the ingredients because allergic reactions, irritation and other injury around the delicate eyelids can be troublesome.¹

Ask for the exact product name and its ingredient information. Keep that information with the appointment details so you can refer to the same product when asking further questions.

What if I have reacted to a product before?

Tell the service about the previous reaction and any ingredient a clinician has identified for you. If you are unsure how that history affects the proposed product, discuss it with your healthcare provider before proceeding.

Try: “I have had a reaction before. Can I see the adhesive’s ingredient information so I can ask my clinician about it?”

You do not need to decide the cause of a past reaction from a product name alone. A clinician can help you assess your own history.

What if a reaction has already happened?

FDA¹ advises contacting your healthcare provider first if you have a bad reaction to eye cosmetics. It also advises immediately stopping an irritating eye cosmetic and seeing a doctor if irritation persists.¹

Tell the healthcare provider when the service took place, which product was used and what you noticed. Request care advice rather than arranging another application to see whether the same thing happens. Ask the clinician how to handle an adhesive that is already in place; this article does not provide a removal method.

What if the area is already inflamed?

FDA¹ advises avoiding eye cosmetics while you have an eye infection or inflamed skin around the eye, and waiting until the area has healed.¹

Tell the service before the appointment. If you are unsure what is causing the symptoms or whether the area has healed, get clinical advice instead of using the appointment date as the deciding factor.

Hair, Everywhere includes a Hair Log and visit script. Use them to keep product details and appointment questions together alongside professional advice. See the book.