Dangers Of Using Fake Eyelashes

Beautiful eyelashes are the key to striking eyes, and along with everything else that people have withstood for the sake of looking more attractive, fake eyelashes are one of the best ways to enhance your beauty. Using fake eyelashes is by far the easiest and cheapest way to achieve the much-desired ultra-feminine, sexy look, and the fixing of eyelashes have become an increasing popular trend that every fashionista is following, especially one that wants to look perfect, prim and proper.

The elongation of the lashes by fixing false ones adds a dazzling look to the eye and makes it stand out. It’s also an alternative to applying mascara, since not everyone can be careful and meticulous in applying it to get the perfect look. However, the problem is that there are certain side effects of wearing fake lashes.

 Trapping Dirt

Hygiene-wise, false eyelashes are a risk as they tend to trap dirt and bacteria. Natural eyelashes prevent dirt, foreign material, sweat and bacteria from entering into the eyes, by trapping and keeping out anything that comes near the eyes. But fake eyelashes tend to trap and hold anything that comes around them.  These harmful particles that are trapped most times cause irritation to the eyelids and eyes. This is probably the most dangerous side effect because over a period of time this irritation caused by fake lashes may result in blindness if proper care is not taken to having it professionally fixed.

 Allergic Reactions

Fixing of fake lashes can also cause an allergic reaction to the skin and eyes, which can stem from the adhesive used to attach the fake lashes unto the eyes. Dr. Benson Ohueri, a practising optometrist says that the false lashes do not have anything to do with the eyes, but then it is the chemicals in the glue used in fixing the lashes on to the eyes that is harmful because if not properly handled, the glue can get into one’s eyes and since it contains chemicals, it can cause a lot of problems for the eyes like cornea inflation, irritation and alteration to the eyes.

He also said that he does not advise ladies to wear false eyelashes all the time because it thins out the original lashes on the eyelids which is not healthy. If eyelashes are not properly fixed, they can also cause redness of the eyes which is the most common among the side effects. To avert such irritation, it is advised that you go to an experienced professional if it is your first fixing, and a patch test will be carried out to find out if your skin is allergic to any of the materials about to be used.

 Damage to Natural Lashes

According to Dr. Ohueri, a practising optometrist in Abuja, the natural lashes can also be damaged if artificial lashes are not properly fixed on the eyelids. They can get into the eyes and cause a lot of problems. Also, the use of harmful chemicals on the eyelashes can cause them to fall quicker than they naturally would and artificial lashes cause the eyelashes to shed quicker than they are supposed to.

The pressure exerted in fixing the lashes can also cause damage to the hair follicles of the eyelids, thus making the natural lash to become sparse, brittle and break off easily due to too much pressure on them, leading to slow growth or it even stops their growth permanently. Dr. Ohueri suggests that false lashes should only be used on special occasions when you need to inspire a totally new look which the lashes will create for you.

Experiences of Fixing Lashes

As against the thought that one cannot do certain things when having fake lashes, Miss Chiggy does not have such belief. She said that depending on where you got them fixed and the quality of lash used, you can do whatever activity you want with false lashes like swimming, bathing and washing the face even though people think that when you have it fixed you cannot wash your face properly. She said that they are durable and last for two weeks before she goes for a re-fix. When asked if she gets tired of fixing it, she replies that she really never had natural lashes on her eyelids and so she does not see it as odd on her, but instead it is normal to her.

Rita is at loss for words for she is a victim of continued fake lash fixing and there is no going back now. She had full lashes before but wanted more and now is hooked and does not feel beautiful if she does not have one fixed. So now, no matter the financial constraints she has, she must get her lashes fixed when it is due. According to her, she is hopeless about the situation.

According to Aisha, she fixes fake lashes once in a while especially when she has important functions to attend like weddings, where everyone wants to stand out and look her pretty best. Although she naturally has long lashes, having the fake one fixed gives it a fuller look which is more attractive.

On the other hand, Funmi has vowed never to fix fake lashes again. According to her, it made her very uncomfortable and itchy, and she kept having the feeling that there was something wrong with her eyes as she felt heaviness all around. Probably it was due to the fact that it was her first time, but not withstanding, she does not want to go through the stress again and has resigned herself to using her mascara as she has always done.

So whatever the case may be, it is best to get a clear picture before you decide to get artificial eyelashes fixed on you. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons and see how far you want to go with it. Stay beautiful and healthy as always.