Key Takeaway
Yes, nurses can wear lash extensions because they don’t interfere with patient care or pose safety risk in most cases. However, you should always consult your workplace policies as there may be circumstances that prevent them such as working in an operating room.
A lot of my clients are nurses that work in nearby hospitals.
They love their lashes because their eyes are pretty much the only thing you see and stand out when you are in full PPE (personal protective equipment).
It gives them a way to express themselves and feel confident even during long shifts.
I wrote this article to address any questions nurses might have before getting their lashes done for the first time.
Know Your Workplace Policies
Some hospitals or healthcare facilities have specific policies that forbid nurses from wearing false eyelashes in general (that means individual lash extensions, strip lashes, DIY lashes, magnetic lashes, etc.).
You can usually find such restrictions in the dress code and personal appearance guidelines policies.
If there aren’t any specific rules laid out, then you should use your professional judgment.
Most of my nurse clients opt for a very natural look that enhances their beautiful eyes but still makes you wonder “are those really her own lashes?”.
Pro tip: If you want a subtle look, check out my guide on how to get the most natural-looking lash extensions here.
What About the Operating Room?
Most hospitals don’t allow false eyelashes (this includes individual lash extensions) in the operating room for safety reasons and potential contamination.
The concern is that your extensions might have bacteria or particles that would compromise the sterile environment.
And again, if there isn’t any specific policy against it, use your best judgment.
What would happen if, in an unlikely event, a false eyelash falls into the patient’s open wound or incision during surgery?
Personally, this is a case where I would advise my client to not get lash extensions.
Policy Resource List
A recent client of mine visiting from the U.K. shared with me her workplace policy about fake lashes. So I thought I would add it here if it helps anyone else.
If your specific facility or regulating body has its policy available online, it would be great if you could let us know in the comments of this article.
We could slowly build this into a great resource.
| Country | Regulator / Facility | False Lashes Allowed? | Policy | Link |
| United Kingdom | Solent NHS Trust | No | “False eyelashes may not be worn by staff working in direct patient contact.” | https://www.solent.nhs.uk/media/1300/uniform-policy.pdf |
Saving Lives With Stunning Lashes
I always feel grateful when a nurse trusts me with her lashes.
I know how demanding this profession can be, so it warms my heart to see these amazing women taking care of themselves for once.
If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment section! I always try to answer quickly.
If you’d like to share with other nurses what your workplace policy states regarding fake lashes, please feel free to do so in the comments as well!
— Asako
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.