Looking sharp at work may not be necessary for some professions but it holds true for a nurse. Many nurses like to look well-groomed at all times.
That’s because it makes you look hospitable to patients besides boosting your confidence and hiding the fact that you are so tired!
When it comes to makeup for nurses, nothing saves time (which is sparse for most nurses) like false eyelashes.
Let’s get rolling quickly!
Can Nurses Wear Eyelash Extensions?
As per the rulebook, nurses can wear false eyelashes at most hospitals. While false nails are a big no-no in most clinics, false eyelashes are pretty much allowed anywhere.
That’s because nail extensions don’t work the same as lash extensions. Although false nails are often a breeding ground of dirt, grime and bacteria, lash extensions are almost always squeaky clean.
However, hospitals often frown upon heavy or gaudy makeup as it may distract patients and staff. But natural-looking false lashes are hardly noticeable as it’s not just makeup, but a cosmetic treatment.
Pro Tip: I have written a comprehensive tutorial on how to get the more natural-looking lash extensions here!
That being said, if your false lashes look too dramatic or out of place, you might be called in by your supervisor.
While not all hospitals have rules about it, some may regulate the length and others might not allow it.
Additionally, false lashes may not be allowed during surgery in certain hospitals. For these reasons, it all boils down to the ‘Dress Code Policy’ at the healthcare institution you work.
For example, if you live in the UK, the NHS (National Health Service) Solent NHS trust states “false lashes may not be worn by staff working in direct patient contact” in their Clinical Uniform and All Staff Dress Code.
Do Eyelash Extensions Usually Fall On Patients?
False eyelashes don’t usually fall on patients. On top of it, the fall is minimal[1] according to healthcare workers.
Moreover, eyelash extensions fall off with your natural lashes, during the natural shedding time unless you pull or tug at them.
It’s sometimes more apparent when a lash extension falls because they’re longer than natural lashes.
Truth be told, there’s always that slim chance of your natural eyelashes falling on your patients just like a false lash would.
Are False Lashes Infectious?
According to the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), there isn’t any rule in place regarding eyelash extensions in the OR.
Lisa Spruce from AORN explains that any rule regarding false lashes is often established by the concerned medical establishment.[2]
This healthcare worker mentions having done an evidence review assessing the research on the surgical-site infections due to fake eyelashes for nurses in the recent past via a podcast on AORN.
Lisa didn’t find any research mentioning negative outcomes from patients or any evidence supporting the infectious nature of false lashes when worn by nurses.
Why Wear False Lashes As A Nurse?
When you’re a registered nurse in practice, you’ve tons of responsibilities and some of them include keeping your appearance on point.
Before I tell you all the merits of keeping fake lashes, you need to hear about the pediatric ICU nurse Jo Mousselli, the founder and owner of Xtreme Lashes.
Jo switched from nursing to becoming a lash tech primarily because of her ‘tired eyes, faded eye makeup, and smeared mascara[3].
That’s why she founded Xtreme Lashes in 2005 to help working women with their makeup problems, especially nurses.
Pros Of Eyelash Extensions For Nurses:
- Look permanently alert and shipshape because lash extensions open up your eyes, eliminate tired eyes, and make your eyes look bright.
- Less time for makeup when you wear false lashes as you don’t need to apply or remove mascara before and after work.
- Customized lash extensions based on your eye shape and texture as well as features of your natural eyelashes.
- No need to spend time retouching makeup every now and then because false eyelashes stay as they are till you come home unless you wash them in between. If you do wash them, all you need is a spoolie and a minute to set them back in shape.
- Get your hands on varied eyelash styles instead of a single style of natural lashes to define your eyes.
- Need not fumble with sticky adhesives that come with strip lashes every day because lash extensions stay for over a month.
- Having your eyes bright and beautiful boosts your confidence as a nurse and helps you do your job efficiently.
Check out our eyelash extensions before and after pictures if you want to have a better idea of the different services offered!
Why Not Wear Lash Extensions As A Nurse?
Now that you know the advantages of wearing lash extensions as a nurse, let’s find out the bad side of it.
- No matter what anyone tells you, getting lash extensions is a solid commitment and requires daily maintenance. While it takes very little time to maintain, you still have to clean them every day and spend two hours every month depending on what treatment you’re getting.
- If you have bad habits like rubbing your eyes (this is a certified bad habit[4] whether or not you have lash extensions) or tugging at them regularly, then your lashes will fall off prematurely.
- Costs $50 to $100 per month for regular fills[5], You need a budget for eyelash extensions because you have to keep doing it every few weeks. Annually, that rakes up to $600 to $1,200. I have written a full case study on the price of lash extensions here.
- Poorly done extensions can lead to serious problems. If you get lash extensions done by incompetent lash techs, you might be signing up for allergies (swelling), infections (lash mites), or loss of natural lashes (balding or thinning).
What Is A Decent Length Of Eyelash Extensions For A Nurse?
It is generally a rule to keep your makeup looking more natural than overly dramatic for nurses.[6] Therefore, you should opt for a more natural style for your eyelash extensions.
Before you decide on a good length for getting the ‘natural’ look with your extensions, it’s important to find out how long natural lashes typically are.
First off, the average human eyelash is 10 millimeters long. But you can’t just walk into a lash studio and say you want 10mm lash extensions because natural eyelashes are not all a single length. For example, middle eyelashes are longer than lashes on the inner and outer corners of the eye.
Pro Tip: Want to know which lash style would compliment you the best? Check out my article on the best eyelash extensions styles for different eye shapes!
Moreover, natural eyelashes vary from person to person too. With that said, ‘natural eyelash extensions’ generally range from 8 to 11 mm. So, that’s what the lash tech would do for you too when you want to go for a ‘natural’ look.
I have written an extensive guide on how to get the most natural eyelash extensions here.
10 Things You Must Do When Wearing eyelash extensions As A Nurse
When you’re wearing eyelashes as a healthcare provider, there are many things to keep in mind as it’s not like an industrial profession.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Ask your lash tech to use individual false lashes instead of cluster lashes to maintain a natural look.
- Wash them regularly, up to one time a day to keep them clean from pathogens you might accumulate from the workplace as well as to prevent eyelash mites[7].
- Brush your lashes with a mascara wand to clean debris and keep them in place instead of doing so with your fingers every now and then.
- False lashes shouldn’t be touched frequently.
- Don’t pull at or tug them with your fingers.
- Avoid using products that contain oils and emollients as it affects the retentiveness of lashes.
- You don’t need to wear mascara on top of eyelash extensions because it leads to tough cleaning practices that may reduce the lifespan of false lashes.
- Sleeping in a position that puts a strain on false lashes will lead them to fall out earlier than usual.
- Never let water directly fall on your eyelashes with high pressure because it can affect the bond between natural and false lashes.
- If you have extremely oily skin, make sure to wash your lash extensions more than once a day because it can clog your follicles besides lead to falling off of false extensions.
For a complete list of things to do to keep your lash extensions as long as possible, check out my lash extensions Do’s and Don’ts article here.
FAQ
Can dental nurses wear false eyelashes?
Yes, false lashes can be worn by dental nurses since they don’t interfere with the work that they do. While most clinics don’t have any restrictions on false lashes, you should check with your employer first in case there’s a specific rule in place regarding eyelash extensions.
Can nurses do eyelash extensions?
No, eyelash extensions can only be applied by a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician in most states in the U.S. Check out each state’s requirement for lashes here.
Are eyelash extensions unprofessional?
Natural-looking lash extensions can look very professional. In fact, many women in the workforce wear them! If you’re worried about looking too “done up,” go for a more natural style of lash extensions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a registered nurse, go for natural-looking lash extensions to avoid scrutiny and any untoward problems from department heads. Don’t forget to follow the ten things aforementioned like washing, brushing, and so on too.
If you’re worried your false lashes might fall on patients or surgical equipment, be aware that the same can happen with natural lashes too.
Moreover, AORN representative Lisa Spruce clarified that there isn’t any surgical infection in the books related to lash extensions.
So, you needn’t be worried about wearing them unless the healthcare institution you work at explicitly rules against them.
People often get confused about the safety of fake lashes because there are so many rules about false nails. But, false lashes don’t work the same way as fake nails.
All that being said, false eyelashes open up your eyes and make them look bright besides reducing the need to wear makeup and use mascara or sticky adhesives. On top of it, they also save the time usually spent on makeup.
For nurses who are still doubtful about lash extensions, all you need to do is leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you with factual answers in the least possible time.
Stay Beautiful!
– Asako 🙂
References
- Lilonetwo (2018). Individual Eyelash Extensions As A Nurse. Retrieved from https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/3176677-Individual-eyelash-extensions-as-a-nurse (Accessed on 18-1-2021)
- Lisa Spruce (2019). Periop Talk. Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/235688/1871710-q-a-can-i-wear-fake-eyelashes-in-the-or (Accessed on 18-1-2021)
- Jo Mousselli, RN, BSN. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/in/jomousselli/ (Accessed on 18-1-2021)
- Vision Texas (2017). Why Is Rubbing Your Eyes So BAD For You? 5 Reasons That Will Get You To Stop ASAP! Retrieved from https://www.visiontexas.com/general/rubbing-eyes-bad-5-reasons-will-get-stop-asap/ (Accessed on 18-1-2021)
- Healthline Staff (2019). Eyelash Extensions: What Are the Pros and Cons? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/eyelash-extensions-pros-and-cons#benefits (Accessed on 18-1-2021)
- Makeup Addiction Member (2017). Bit Of An Odd Question, To Nurses: What Makeup Do You Wear, If Any At All? Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/MakeupAddiction/comments/4mbddo/bit_of_an_odd_question_to_nurses_what_makeup_do/ (Accessed on 18-1-2021)
- Asako Ito (2021). Eyelash Mites: The Truth About Eyelash Extensions (With Pictures). Retrieved from https://divinelashes.ca/blog/lash-mites/ (Accessed on 18-1-2021)
Interested in learning more about lash extensions?
Explore my related guides & tutorials:
How to Get the Most Natural Eyelash Extensions
Classic vs Volume vs Hybrid Lashes
Eyelash Extensions Pros and Cons
I work in a residental home . Can you wear individual lashes has infection control got rules for them now
Hi Nicola,
It would probably be best to inquire about such policies with the residential home where you work. Personally, I have never heard from any of my clients that it was not allowed.