Key Takeaways
- Discomfort from lash extensions is often caused by using too much adhesive, placing the extensions too close to the eyelid, using extensions that are too heavy for the natural lashes, or attaching one extension to multiple natural lashes.
- Allergic reactions to the lash adhesive can cause irritation, redness and pain to the eye area.
- Rubbing or scrubbing your eyes can pull on the extensions and make them sensitive.
I always tell my clients that they shouldn’t feel their lash extensions at all and that it’s a completely painless procedure.
If they do, they should tell me right away.
Pain is a symptom that something is not right and should be addressed immediately.
That’s why I wrote this article, sharing the 10 most common reasons why your extensions might be hurting you.
And more importantly, what to do about it.
Reason #1: Extensions Too Close to the Eyelid
The extension should be adhered to the natural eyelash ONLY.
It should never be glued to the eyelid skin.
If it is, it would be very painful when the natural lash grows out and pulls on the extension.
It also blocks the hair follicle.
We call this a “nailhead”.
It’s the lash tech’s responsibility to know what she’s doing here.
Reason #2: Too Much Adhesive
If your lash tech applies too much adhesive, it’s problematic for several reasons.
First, more adhesive means more weight on your natural lashes.
Balancing the right length and diameter of an extension to ensure the natural eyelash can support the weight is an art.
But if the extension is soaked in adhesive, it will be too heavy and this can cause premature shedding over time (more on that in a second).
Second, if too much adhesive is used, the lash tech risks attaching the extension to more than one natural lash.
This is a sin.
We call this a “sticky” in the industry.
It’s terrible because as one eyelash grows out, it will pull on the other surrounding eyelashes that are stuck with it.
You’ll feel the discomfort.
Third, the more adhesive is used, the more formaldehyde fumes are released.
This is the number one culprit for allergic reactions.
The solution?
Sadly, there’s not much you can do as a client except making sure you go to a reputable lash artist.
Reason #3: Too Heavy
Your natural lashes can only support a certain amount of weight, depending on how healthy they are.
That’s why your lash tech will carefully select the right extension’s length and thickness.
But, if a mistake is made, you’ll feel this extra weight, and it may damage your lashes over time.
Reason #4: One Extension to Multiple Eyelashes
We call this a “sticky”.
It’s a very common mistake I see from new lash technicians.
They accidentally glue one extension to multiple eyelashes.
Why?
Simply because the isolation technique wasn’t perfect.
And the result?
Not only does it look bad, it will cause pain and shedding.
If an eyelash in the sticky is in the growth phase, it will pull on the other ones, creating a tension and pulling sensation.
Again, a good lash artist would skillfully avoid this.
Reason #5: Allergic Reaction
Your extensions are affixed to your natural lashes using a medical-grade adhesive using an ingredient called ‘cyanoacrylate’.
When the adhesive cures, it releases very little amount of formaldehyde fumes.
Most people don’t have any symptoms from it, and the exposure time is short.
However, some do.
If you do, you’ll experience redness, irritation, and swelling.
To avoid it, the only thing you can do is ask for a “patch test” where your lash tech will apply a few extensions to see how you’ll react.
An allergic reaction is not something you can control.
If you experience one, you must have your extensions removed immediately and consult a doctor.
Reason #6: Twisted Extensions
If your lash extensions are twisted and clumped together, you might feel an uncomfortable pulling sensation.
This is because the extensions are pulling in different directions.
The simple solution here is to brush your lashes daily with a clean spoolie.
Reason #7: Rubbing or Scrubbing
When you rub your eyes for any reason (removing makeup, allergies, tiredness, crying, etc.), you are also rubbing against your extensions.
This causes friction, which can lead to irritation and make your extensions fall off prematurely.
To avoid this, it’s important to be gentle when touching or cleaning around your eye area.
I always recommend using oil-free makeup that’s easy to remove and just practicing general mindfulness around your eyes.
Reason #8: Infection
A bacterial infection like a stye looks like a pimple. It can cause pain and often comes with redness alongside the edge of the eyelids.1
The best way to minimize the risk of infection is to keep a clean lash line.
Make sure to cleanse your extensions daily with a lash shampoo specially formulated for them.
Reason #9: Corneal Abrasion
If your extensions end up scratching the cornea, corneal abrasion may occur.
This serious problem is the result of excessive glue and extensions that poke and scratch the cornea upon shedding because they are too long or applied improperly.2
Reason #10: Opening Your Eyes
I always tell my clients to close their eyes during the appointment.
That’s because we don’t want to risk any adhesive getting into your eyes.
Additionally, it protects you against the formaldehyde fumes.
If you accidentally open your eyes, you may feel a slight burning sensation from the fumes that should go away quickly.
FAQ
Why We Care
The key takeaway here is that pain is not normal — it’s a symptom that needs to be investigated.
Truth be told, the majority of cases are caused by a poor application technique.
So, don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
You can have beautiful lashes that feel completely natural, like this beautiful lady below (sorry for the shameless plug 😊).
If you need anything, drop a comment below explaining your type of pain, and I’ll be happy to help.
— Asako
Can i keep getting lashes if i get blood shot eyes after but no pain?
Hi Jane,
Thank you for your comment! If your eyes are red without pain after your appointment its possible that your eyes are slightly opened during the appointment. Since the adhesive cures with moisture, its possible that the adhesive is drawing out the moisture from your eyes. Try your best to keep your eyes closed or bring some eyedrops to bring moisture back into your eyes.
Can I use Clear eye drops for eye redness? Thanks!
Hi Maine, thank you for your question! Yes, you can use clear eye drops to help with the redness, but make sure to dab away the excess liquid with a kleenex.
5 days after my lash extensions im feeling some kind of pain or some scratch or something in my eye. Its only on one eye!! Its driving me crazy what could it be? There’s nothing in my eye and i brushed them like crazy and most already came off and i still feel that weird sensation? What can it be??i have an appointment but not till two days away. They are booked max, funny thing is its only on one eye!
Hey Kat, thank you for leaving a comment! Its strange that you only felt the pain or scratching 5 days after the procedure. This could have nothing to do with the extensions. You might want to check out what’s happening with your eye doctor. I hope your eye feels better soon!
My eyes are bloodshot right below my iris on the sclera part. A lot of red little lines. I accidentally opened my eyes during lashing and my eyes wouldn’t stop watering. My eye hurts when i blink hard a tiny bit than normal and when i look around especially when i look upper right. I am worried.
Hey Valarie, thank you for leaving a comment. Have you spoken with your stylist? It’s possible that the tape placed to cover the lower lashes was placed too high during the appointment. If you are worried, I would suggest for you to book an appointment with a medical professional and seek their advice. I hope you eye feels better soon.
Hello! I had my lashes done last night and during the appointment my eye wouldn’t stop watering. It was really irritated afterwards and I’ve woken up and it’s been irritated all day. In the morning it felt like something was in there and nothing was. My eyes won’t stop watering but the most painful part is when my eyes water from yawning and it hits the tops of my eye it starts stinging really bad which makes me eye water more plus my eye is a little puffy. I have spoken to my technician and she has stated that she can see me in the morning but do you have any clue what this could be, from the sounds of it’s it is possible chemical burn? Is there anything I can do to ease the pain a little bit in the meantime and do you need to have lashes removed if it is chemical burn?
Hi Jane, thank you for your question. I’m sorry to hear that the extensions are causing irritation. Is this happening to just one eye or both? Chemical burn can be a possibility if your eyes were slightly opened during the appointment. When you meet with your stylist this morning you can ask her if they were. If your eyes are constantly watery or irritated its possible that you have a sensitivity to the ingredients in the adhesive, in this case you definitely need to remove your extensions!
Hello, I just got my lashes done today. once I left and brushed my lashes it felt like the base of the lash was poking my eyelid, I also felt like I was tugging at my lashes when I brushed them. but I didn’t feel this when the lash tech was done with the service. Do you know why this is happening, I didn’t feel discomfort while I was there with the lash tech?
Hi Nancy, thank you for your comment! When you brush the lashes try to brush by the tip of the extensions. When you brush them too rough or put too much pressure on them, the bond could break leaving them lifted at the base. Have you tried to get in touch with your lash artist so she can take a closer look to see if the base is lifted?
Hi! I’ve been going to the same lash tech for a few months because I like how she installs them. The only issue is that every time I leave the salon, it feels like there is a scratch on my eye from the tape, and EVERY time, I leave with irritated, bloodshot eyes. It goes away after a few days but I am worried about the long term health of my eye. The process is almost always unenjoyable/painful and I’ve told the lash tech multiple times that my eyes are burning throughout the process. And it’s almost always in my left eye, under my pupil in the white space — when I tell her it’s burning, all she does is move the tape around, causing more irritation as if she’s slicing my eyeball with the tape. I have decided that today was the last day I am going to this salon because I have expressed my concerns to her and there is never any improvement in my experience. Will this pain and possible cuts have long term effects on my eye and/or vision?
Hi Michele,
It’s hard to say as I am not an eye doctor. However, I think you have done the proper thing by switching to another eyelash technician if nothing was done to address your concerns. The procedure should be painless. Constant irritation and bloodshot eyes at every appointment scream to me that something has to be adapted. Perhaps it’s the placement of the under-eye tape or perhaps you would benefit from a sensitive lash adhesive.
i got my lashes done yesterday and during the appointment my right eye wouldn’t stop watering, i thought it was b ecause the tape was touching my iris.When i got home my eye was still watering and it hurts now. Whenever i look up my right eye run waters and it also pains me . After the appointment my nose starting runny and i haven’t stop sneezing. Is
this an allergic reaction? do i need to remove them
I’m scared to go to bed. I tried sleeping but when i got up my right eye started to water again
Hi Snow,
It might be an allergic reaction, but it’s hard to know without looking at your eyes. It would be best to contact your lash salon today so that they can take a look. If it is an allergic reaction, it is best if they remove your lashes right away and they might refer you to your doctor.
Hi ive been to my lash tech 3 previous times and my lashes were silky and i flet no glue , this time my eyes are burning and it feels like there is clumps of glue underneath, i also feel she used a different type of lash as theyre more course and poke me adding to the glue situation . I waited two days to see if it was just trauma from the application but im in pain and itchy . Im afraid to tell my lash tech in case she Black lists me as i do love her lashes
Hi Lou,
Getting lash extensions shouldn’t cause any pain or itchiness especially 2 days after you got them. I think it’s important to have an open discussion about your concerns with your las tech. Any reputable and professional lash tech would welcome your feedback and address your concerns. If really she does “black lists” you, there is a problem and getting lashes done somewhere else is probably a better idea.
Is it normal to always feel like the glue is hardened several days after the extensions?
I’m not sure what glue your lash tech uses. At my salon, we make sure to cure the glue during your appointment.
Hi! I had my lashes done yesterday, after the procedure I felt a stinging sensation and hardly open my eye. I had my eyes turn red but only half of my both eyes. I did use a dropper but it didn’t help. I thought its only the initial reaction of my eyes but until now I still got the redness on my sclera. What is the best thing I could do ?
Hi Love,
Is the redness and stinging going down? Normally, a chemical burn (when you are exposed to glue fumes) will go away in a few days. However, if you have an allergic reaction you should contact your salon to get your lashes removed. In any case, it’s best to contact your salon so that they can make a visual assessment and recommend the best course of action.
Hi, I’ve been going to the same lash tech over a year now and the last 4 times I’ve experienced my lashes falling out sooner with pain and discomfort after a few days or so. I clean and brush my lashes regularly, but there’s always the twisting of lashes and soreness at the base of my eye within a week to two weeks after and sometimes it’s even a bit swollen as well. I also get the feeling of something being in my eye that’s scratchy but there’s nothing in my eye. I’ve experienced my lashes falling out a lot more these past 4 times I’ve gotten my lashes done and also the extensions falling out a lot sooner there’s hardly any retention by the time of the fill. It always starts to feel like my eyelashes are trying to grow out but can’t and the eyelash extension is blocking it which causes a lot of pain on my eyelids. I just want to know if it’s something my lash tech is doing wrong? If so should I find a new lash tech? It’s starting to become an issue that I didn’t have before these last 4 times. I’m not sure what’s different but it’s definitely getting annoying.
Hi Dee,
The pain and discomfort you are expressing are definitely not something normal with lash extensions. Have you expressed it with your lash tech? If nothing is done to remedy it, I would look for a second opinion.
Hi! I got extensions, asked for a more natural look and got thick dramatic unfortunately. They’re .15mm-.20mm D curl and they make my eyes feel heavy. When I blink I feel like a sore pain on my lash line. It’s only been one day so I’m trying to see if my eyes need to just get used to them because I don’t normally wear extensions only strips. But what do you think??
Hi Tramel,
Thank you for your question! If your natural lashes are very thick, you can pull off a natural look with .15mm extensions. However, no one uses .20mm extensions anymore. It’s just too heavy for a natural look.
Hi. Just got my lashes done for the first time. My right eye feels fine. A little dryness but feels well. My left eye hurts when I blink. As if something was in my eye. I just got them done yesterday
Do you have any redness in your left eye? Irritation should have diminished by now. If it continues, it’s best to contact your lash salon. They will most likely ask you to come in for a check up.
Hi there,
Im not sure if this is a normal feeling but everytime i get lash extensions i feel the ends of the extensions rubbing against my inner eyelash line whenever i close my eyes to go to bed and or blink, and its very uncomfortable. I just wanted to know if there is something that can be done about it to whenever i do get them done or does it just mean i’m not meant to have individual extensions.
Hi Tamira,
Something is definitely not right. Lash extensions should feel completely natural when done properly. You shouldn’t feel any rubbing or itching.