Industry expert warning: DIY lash extensions causing serious injuries
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 28 Nov 2023
You might think that you're a pro at slicking on a sliver of lash glue on a pair of falsies to glam up your makeup look for an evening out, but don't be fooled into thinking that you can handle DIY lash extensions, cautioned the founder of Lash Boss Melbourne, Ayla Akyol.
Ayla Akyol is a highly respected entrepreneur, industry thought leader and lash expert who has helped to influence and facilitate the growth and professionalism of the lash industry. As an industry leading lash technician and trainer, Akyol has years of lash extension history under her belt and is strongly warning people against trying to undertake DIY lash extensions at home using products purchased cheaply on international platforms such as Ebay and other overseas websites.
"There are high risks involved and you could seriously hurt yourself by using toxic and dangerous glues and other products. Many of these products are extremely unsafe and contain chemicals including carcinogenic ingredients. All of the products we use and sell at Lash Boss have undergone testing. Our products are high quality however are for professional use only," Akyol said.
Akyol has outlined the dangers of DIY lash extensions.
Eyelash extension glue can be dangerous
"You should always be extra careful when you're using products around your eye area. It's an extremely delicate area and you must buy lash adhesive from a reputable supplier," Akyol said.
"If you use poor quality products, you could end up damaging your eyes through chemical burns. You could even pick up a bacterial infection from improperly sanitised equipment."
Harmful ingredients
"Some eyelash extension glue sold overseas online is not regulated. This is one of the most significant dangers of buying products online from businesses and countries that don't have high levels of quality and compliance," Akyol said.
"Most overseas products are not labelled correctly and do not contain accurate ingredients information. For this reason, they should be avoided. Don't be fooled by good marketing and cheap prices."
Cornea scratching
"Eyelash extension glue contains cyanoacrylate. This is a major component of all professional eyelash extension glue. It is the base material for all fast-curing glue including glue for sensitive and allergic eyes," Akyol said.
"Experienced lash technicians are trained to apply lash adhesive in a manner that does not impact the eyeball. Unfortunately we are seeing cases where people are trying to do DIY lash extensions at home using low quality products and because they are not familiar with the techniques they are getting glue in their eye.
"This can cause burning and itching, and even worse, scarring of the cornea. Lash extensions are a safe and effective way to create more volume around the eyes, so it is important to ensure you only have your lashes done by a trained and experienced technician using quality products."
Danger of gluing your lashes together
"Professional lash extension technicians have hours and hours of practice to achieve their level of expertise. They know exactly how to place the lashes so there's never any risk of getting eyelash glue in your eyes or gluing your lashes together by mistake!" Akyol exclaimed.
"This is another risk of DIY lash extensions, you can glue your lashes together and end up losing lashes rather than enhancing them."
Results speak for themselves
"You know that exciting reveal moment when your certified lash technician hands you a mirror and you get to see your new lash extensions for the first time after you've been lying down for an hour or so? It is likely you won't be getting that breathless WOW moment if you're doing it yourself in your own bathroom," Akyol said.
"Without proper training and many hours of practice, most people aren't equipped with the knowledge and expertise of applying lashes and which lashes would best suit your face and features. It's really in your best interests to leave it to the professionals. They have the experience and they use safe products."
About Lash Boss Melbourne
Lash Boss Melbourne is one of Australia's leading and fastest growing eyelash business and lash extension academy for onsite training and online courses. The training provider delivers nationally recognised certification in eyelash extension application including classic, volume and hybrid lash extensions. Training courses are delivered in person at their Chadstone office, or as an at home online course. As a seven-figure lash business that is continually growing year-on-year, Lash Boss
Melbourne services lash extension technician students Australia wide and has branched out to include Canada, USA and New Zealand. The company also stocks a wide range of lash products and lash technician equipment and accessories.