For celebrities like Kim Kardashian, they are essential to maintaining a glamorous appearance.
However, experts warn that eyelash extensions can do more harm than good when done at home with products purchased cheaply online.
Burns, swelling, scratched corneas and eyelash loss are among the dangers of the DIY beauty trend.
“When you use products purchased cheaply on international platforms such as eBay and other foreign websites… you carry high risks and could seriously injure yourself by using glues and other toxic and dangerous products” , said Ayla Akyol, founder of Lash Boss in Melbourne.
“Many of these products are extremely dangerous…”
Ms Akyol said some eyelash glues made overseas are still unregulated but are being bought online by Australians.
“Some homemade lash kits aren’t even labeled correctly,” she added, saying they may contain inaccurate information in the ingredient list.
Besides allergic reactions, she said other DIY risks include individual eyelashes sticking in and out and even eye damage.
“Unfortunately, we see cases where people try to do eyelash extensions at home using poor quality products and because they don’t know the techniques, they get glue in their eyes,” she said. said Ms. Akyol.
“This can cause burning and itching, and worse, scarring of the cornea.
“It is for this reason that they should be avoided.
“Experienced lash technicians are trained to apply lash glue in a way that does not impact the eyeball.”
She said eyelash extensions are a safe and effective way to enhance your appearance when performed by a trained and experienced technician using quality products.
“All the products we use and sell at Lash Boss have been tested,” Ms Akyol said.
“Our products are of high quality, but are reserved for professional use.”
Perth lash and brow expert Laura Alexander, owner of LA Lash and Brow Artistry in Swanbourne, said eyelash extensions don’t come cheap – starting at $150 for a full natural set that can last up to six weeks.
However, she said that while DIY kits may be cheaper, they’re not worth it.
“I have had clients come to me who have done homemade lashes and overuse of glue is a very common problem which can lead to adverse effects including damaging your natural lashes causing infections requiring the use of eye drops antibiotics and a client of mine ended up in hospital because the tweezers in the kit were so sharp they scratched his eye,” Ms Alexander said.
She works with about 10 clients a day and said there is a huge demand in Washington state for beautiful, long eyelashes because they create a very flattering appearance and there is no need for eye- liner or mascara, making it quicker to get ready each day.
“It looks like you have mascara on 24/7,” Ms. Alexander added.
“You wake up and look ‘done,’ which is what most clients like. »
She said another benefit of paying for a professional is that they will create a look tailored to your face and features.