Can You Wear Contacts While Getting Lash Extensions? Key Tips To Note

The world is rapidly changing, and fashion is one of the things that change in the blink of an eye. Eyelash extensions came from the idea of looking more dramatic, which can either be larger eyes or trying to change the general look of the eyes. You probably would have come across people who claim they don’t have the time for daily makeup but want to look prettier and more confident regardless.

Some people also want to boost and thicken their thin eyelashes so they consider getting lash extensions done in order to boost their self-esteem, and some claim it’s a big way to save on mascara due to the fact that the final looks imitate eyelashes that are well-polished with mascara.

I know some contact lens wearers must have thought at some point in their lives about whether they are qualified to get one since it has to do with their eyes. People who rely on contact lenses or glasses to aid their vision or for vision correction are especially sensitive and careful when it comes to their eyes, which is quite understandable. If you are in the category of those who wear contact lenses and have been wondering if you can wear contacts while getting lash extensions, then this article is perfect for you.

Your fears are valid; it’s totally okay to be curious. Understanding the potential risks for your eyes while and after getting lash extensions done is very important so you can make an informed decision. Next time you want to book a lash appointment, these tips will guide you through and ensure a comfortable and safe experience.

Eyelash Extensions and its Process

Is this your first time hearing about eyelash extensions or have you never gotten a full understanding of what they mean? Eyelash extensions are made from fibres and are meant to be glued individually to your natural lashes, which in turn extends the length, makes it fuller and thicker, and, of course, curly. The strip lashes are just placed on the entire lash line and held in place by glue which can be pulled off easily but when it comes to lash extensions, they are carefully attached to your eyelash line one by one using a strong lash adhesive or glue that bonds the extensions to your natural lashes. Although they are semi-permanent, they last longer than strip lashes.

This looks like a lot of stress, right? Especially for someone with trust issues or anxiousness. That is why this service is performed by a trained professional who is often referred to as lash artist or lash technician, so you don’t get glues or adhesives on your skin or eyeballs. The application process requires the person getting one to lie down comfortably with their eyes closed for the entire duration of the lash appointment, which can go as far as an hour or two, depending on the volume or type of extensions being applied.

Is It Safe to Wear Contacts During Lash Extensions?

Back to the main question: can you wear contacts while getting lash extensions? Well, it might be convenient to keep them in since it’s stressful taking them out and putting them in after the appointment. Still, a general survey from lash artists and eye care professionals provided the answer “NO.”

I understand you want to see clearly before and after the session, but you should not wear contacts while getting your lash extensions done. The reasons behind this conclusion will be discussed below:

Lash Extensions Application Period

The application process for getting the lash attached to your eyelash line is a long one and it requires your eyes to be closed throughout the entire period. The tear film layer evaporates more quickly with your eyes closed, and your eyes lose moisture which can dry out your contacts and make them stick to your cornea, causing discomfort or difficulty in removal.

Adhesive Fumes and Risk

During the lash extensions process, there are certain fumes that get emitted, and the lash artists are required to take precautions for minimal exposure. However, these fumes can still mess with your eyes and get them irritated, which can be worse when you have your contacts in because the contact lens can trap the fumes against the eye’s surface, causing redness or burning.

That is not all; the lash adhesive can accidentally come into contact with your eyeball since no one is perfect, although your lash artist can be careful. Imagine getting adhesive stuck on your lens; a whole lot ranging from discomfort, and damage to the lens or eyes, to eye irritation will occur. It can be difficult or challenging to remove because if care is not taken, it can leave a scratch on your cornea.

Lens Displacement

The pressure that occurs and movement around your eyelids can cause a slight displacement of your lenses during the application process, making your lens dislodged or shift. Of course, this comes with discomfort that will ventually require you to remove the contacts e.

Best Solution

All the risks listed above are what you would not want to experience, given the torture of discomfort that comes from it. So, the best solution is to wear glasses instead of your contact lenses when going for your lash appointment because it gives you a pass over every risk associated with wearing your contacts through the lash extensions process. Even if you don’t wear glasses, go with your bare eyes and insert the contacts shortly after the procedure is done and the adhesive has dried fully.

Safety Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

• Take out your contact lenses before your appointment, most safely, at home, and bring along the contact lens case with contact solution for use after the session.
• You can opt for glasses for your appointment for clearer vision and use your contact lens after it’s done. In some cases, sensitivity after the session might not permit you to put in contact lenses, so your glasses can help out.

• Let your lash artist know that you are a contact lens wearer so they can take extra precautions during the application process and communicate any discomfort you experience immediately.
• Although it can be a bit tough, try to keep your closed eyes still as much as possible during the application process because excessive movements can trigger adhesive fumes. You don’t want your eyes irritated, do you?
• Don’t rush to put your contact lens in, wait for the adhesives to be completely dry because it’s better to wait than get fumes trapped under your lens. Be careful when applying eye drops, and stick to preservative-free ones to reduce the risk of irritation.
• You have no business with oil-based makeup and skincare products if you don’t want your extensions to fall out prematurely due to the lash adhesive breakdown. Clean your face gently and apply extra caution around the eyes without rubbing or pulling on your lashes. Control your hands as much as possible when removing or inserting your contact lenses so they don’t touch your lashes unnecessarily and introduce debris or oil that can weaken the adhesive bond.
• During contact lens removal, use a gentle downward motion to prevent touching the lash line. This is easier by using your index finger to pull your upper eyelid gently and your middle finger to pull the lower lash line down.
• If you have ever experienced allergic reactions to makeup or other products, let your lash artist know beforehand so they can use adhesives meant for sensitive eyes, and you may likely find yourself in a situation where you have to wear glasses for a longer period due to sensitivity. There are some specific aftercare instructions to follow after your eyelash extensions, so ask your lash artist to guide you because they are essential for the prolonged life of your lashes, minimization of complications, and your general eye health.

Allergic Reactions You Might Experience

Even if you don’t belong to the class of contact lens wearers, you should be aware of the possible allergic reactions to the lash adhesives when you get your lash extensions done. Allergic reactions don’t equate to the products used being bad. Still, your eyes or skin are sensitive to one or two components used for the formulation. Some of the materials used during lash extensions contain synthetic mink lashes, cyanoacrylate, or carbon black.

If you find yourself developing excessive swelling and redness, watery eyes, hives on body parts, and, in the worst case scenario, difficulty breathing after getting a lash extensions session, then you should complain to your lash artist and rush down to visit your eye care professional. A swift action and treatment are needed so it doesn’t escalate your eye problem and cause permanent vision loss.

Final Note

Getting lash extensions done is part of fashion and a way to improve appearance with little or no makeup, so there is no crime in getting one. You just have to make an informed decision about how to handle both pre-lash extension sessions and post-session treatments and care.

Taking out and fixing back your contact lens because of lash extensions can be tiring, but when you weigh out the options of convenience and safety with potential risks attached, you will realize that prevention is actually better than cure or treatment. In the process of getting one done, if you suffer or experience any overbearing symptoms, you should research what you are allergic to and get it treated if you cannot abstain from getting your lash extensions done totally.

The eyes are one of the most important body organs; you must treat them with optimal care. From experiences of people battling with one eye problem or the other, you can deduce that managing your eye and sticking to routines can be quite challenging so protect your eyes jealously against any potential harm.

Lash extensions are not a bad idea; you deserve to look beautiful and confident in your appearance. Just make sure you follow all the necessary tips required for a successful lash session, and it doesn’t end there; how you treat your eyes and the lash extensions itself after getting it done is crucial. Stay informed and intentional.

Bibliography

https://www.feelgoodcontacts.com/eye-care-hub/contact-lenses/wearing-contact-lenses-with-fake-eyelashes#:~:text=Particularly%20for%20lash%20extensions%2C%20it,lenses%20out%20before%20the%20procedure.
https://www.rmlashandbeauty.com/allergic-reactions-to-eyelash-extensions/#:~:text=An%20allergy%20is%20a%20more,the%20body%2C%20and%20difficulty%20breathing