Key Takeaways
- Eyelash extensions DO NOT cause lash mites – Poor hygiene does. A good lash cleansing routine is the key to keeping lash mites at bay.
- Lash mites or eyelash mites (also known as Demodex folliculitis) are microscopic parasites found in the follicles on our faces.
- Common symptoms of an infestation include: redness, swelling and a burning sensation around the eye area.
If you have visited Divine Lashes then you have heard us talk to you about eyelash mites.
I know, gross!
In this article, I’ll cover what these bugs are exactly, how to prevent them and how to treat them.
I’ll share the case of two clients (with pictures) who had infestations.
I also made the video below if you want to listen while you read.
What Are Lash Mites?
Lash mites or eyelash mites (also known as Demodex folliculitis) are microscopic parasites found in the follicles on our faces. They eat the dead skin cells and oils on our eyelids. Lash mites lay their eggs in your lash follicles which can lead to clogged pores and eventually, eyelash loss.
No matter how many times I talk about eyelash mites, they always make my skin crawl!
Believe it or not, they actually help keep the lash follicles clean because they are eating dirt and oils.
They are not harmful in small numbers, but too much of a good thing can quickly become a bad thing…
So what do eyelash mites look like?
They are small, oval-shaped and have 8 legs. Their size can range from 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm. They are also translucent and usually cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Fun fact: They do not like the light, so they are usually face down in your hair follicle throughout the day. That’s why they come at during the night and you might feel them more at that time.
In the image below, you can see how they can be found in the follicles of your eyelashes.
Do Eyelash Extensions Cause Lash Mites?
Eyelash extensions DO NOT cause lash mites – Poor hygiene does. They feed on the sebum that your lash follicles naturally produce. Therefore, a good lash cleansing routine will limit the food source and prevent an infestation.
Many first-time lash extension wearers believe you shouldn’t wash or clean their extensions because they think it might negatively affect their retention.
This couldn’t be further from the truth!
In fact, properly cleansing the lashes daily is the #1 way you can maintain a healthy lash line and insure optimal retention.
Infestation Symptoms
If there are too many lash mites in one hair follicle your natural lash will slip out and you will experience lash loss.
This picture below is from a new client who visited Divine Lashes for a consultation after getting her lashes done at another salon.
As you can see, she unfortunately suffered from a lash mite infestation with visible eggs and feces.
Symptoms of eyelash mites can be classified in varying levels of severity:
- Mild symptoms. There are no noticeable symptoms at this stage. Eyelid mites are usually harmless, most people don’t even know they have them.
- Moderate symptoms. You may experience itchiness around the eye, redness, and swelling of the eyelid.
- Advanced symptoms. Symptoms will progress towards scaly, rough patches of skin. You might also feel a burning sensation in the eye, blurry vision, and light sensitivity.
How to Get Rid of Lash Mites?
The most important thing to remember is to wash your lashes daily!
Simple right?
And let me reassure you.
No, cleansing your lashes won’t make them fallout faster! In fact, the opposite is true.
If you have makeup, dead skin, and/or oils on your lash line this becomes a buffet for them.
The more they have to eat the more they will lay eggs because your lash line has become the perfect place for them to start a family.
This is how you get an infestation.
If you get your lashes done at Divine Lashes, we’ll provide you with a bottle of lash shampoo and instructions on how to cleanse your extensions.
This habit is all you need to cut down the food supply 😉
Client Example #1: Lash Mite From Goggles
Let me tell you a story about a client I once had who wore goggles in the shower.
She came to Divine Lashes for a refill after getting her set done at another salon. The build-up on her lashes was clearly visible.
I did a thorough consultation and found out that she didn’t want water toutching her eyelashes.
Why?
Because she was afraid it would make her extensions fall off sooner.
Her solution?
Goggles!
Pro Tip: I have written a complete article on how to shower with eyelash extensions without damaging them right here!
This is what the infestation looked like.
And guess what…
Sadly, her natural lashes were falling prematurely due to the abundance of lash mites!
Not because of water touching her face.
It took 20 minutes just to clean her lash line and remove all this junk!
We had to tell her we could no longer put eyelash extensions on her until this cleared up.
She understood the situation, took a break from lash extensions, and started washing her lashes regularly.
The infestation eventually got resolved and the client restarted wearing extensions with healthy cleaning habits.
This is one extreme example where we had to initially refuse to service a client. Any lash artist worth their salt should do the same.
Client Example #2: Lash Mites From Poor Hygiene
If you wanted to know what dirty eyelash extensions look like, you’re in for a treat.
What you see in the picture above is oil buildup that solidified.
These blocks of sebum are not dangerous but they are the perfect lash mite buffet!
This client has been coming to Divine Lashes for about a year, and never had this on her lash line before.
Naturally, I started asking questions…
She said that she doesn’t wear any makeup and doesn’t use products for her face.
So what could it be?
Turns out she wasn’t washing her lashes at all.
She even tried to remove these chunks of sebum by herself which didn’t turn out to be a good idea. That’s why you can see these twisted and messy extensions.
Remember that little bottle of liquid gold (lash shampoo) we provide at your appointment?
This is your ticket to a healthy lash line and long-lasting extensions.
Thankfully, we were able to re-educate her about washing her eyelashes daily and she quickly got better.
FAQ
Final Thoughts
Remember, a quick daily lash cleanse is all you need to keep these pesky mites at bay 😉
If you have any questions or if you have a bad experience to share, please let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
Ok, ladies and gentlemen now you know all about lash mites and how to keep your eyelashes clean. Have a goodnight and don’t let the eyelash bugs bite!
~ Asako 🙂
Want to visit our salons? Book an appointment with our Montreal or Toronto locations or e-mail us: contact@divinelashes.ca.
Ready to master lash artistry? Take a look at our online or in-person courses here.
Need lash supplies? Visit our shop here.
Additional readings:
References
- Hom, M. M., Mastrota, K. M., & Schachter, S. E. (2013). Demodex. Case Reports Optom Vis Sci, 90(7), e198-205. https://doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0b013e3182968c77
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I had a sore throat which didn’t go away for a month, and halfway through i was diagnosed with “bacterial conjunctivitis” a few days after a fill. So not only was i sick, i had an eye infection. While the sore throat cleared up, my eyes are still iffy.
I didn’t get a fill since i first noticed a few collaretes. I had yellow discharge and itchy eyes, two courses of antibiotics ointment and drops didn’t cure it, but it helped a lot. I’ve been using eye drops unfortunately because I’ve developed dry eye because of it. My eyes don’t bother me nearly as bad anymore, so i got a full again and had no issues. Recently my dry eye has been pretty bad, and i was looking at my lash extensions and noticed 4 collaretes again on my more problematic eye. I have always had good lash hygiene, but since i had this eye infection I’ve been using zofukar lash bath which made my fans close sadly, and then a ugex face wash (for demodex) and vanicream, then my serums and moisturizers. I am at a loss. I wash them, dry my lashes with a fan and comb them out twice a day, change my pillow cases every night, eat clean, eveything im suppose to. I don’t know why this happened. I am at a low weight and easily sick but why randomly after having lashes for two years by the same tech?
Hi Nic,
I’m sorry you had to go through this. It seems like you are doing everything on the hygiene side with your lashes. The only thing I could suggest is to try to take a break and see if that resolves your issue.
During and after having Covid my eyes became itchy, red and sore. I was told by a doctor that it was probably an allergy. I tried eye drops containing antihistamine. This helped but the condition re-occurred. My daughter suggested that I might have eyelash mites. Although I never wear false eyelashes (but I do wear mascara) I read your article regarding eyelash mites. It mentioned that a low immune system could trigger an increase in the mites which could be the reason for my problem as I have never suffered from hay fever or allergies before. I have an appointment with my optician and after reading your article eyelash mites are something I will mention to her. Thank-you for such no-nonsense, clear and informative information. It certainly has given me something to consider other than being told it’s just an allergy.
Hi Maureen,
I’m glad my article was helpful even if you don’t have false lashes 😉 Let me know how the appointment with your optician goes!
I have been getting eyelash extensions for roughly 6 months. I had to change lash techs. I was told to use the lash bath every other day. Ever since, I started noticing lash mites! I noticing my lashes falling out. I also workout and sweat. What should I do?
Thanks in advance!
Lid
Hi Lid,
You should cleanse your lashes daily with lash extensions, not every other day. This will prevent oil and dirt build-up which is the perfect environment for lash mites to thrive!
Hi there!
I started getting lashes 2 years ago and had no issues until maybe 6 months of getting fills. I thought it was an allergic reaction. So my tech started using sensitive glue. That seemed to lessen my reaction but not completely.
I then turned to the idea that I may have a mite infestation. My eyes were red scaly and itchy and had all the symptoms.
I took a 6 month break. During that 6 month time everything cleared up and I had no issues. I decided to try extensions again and just got a new set two weeks ago and reacted again.
But here is why I’m not sure if it’s mites or an allergy.
The first day I get lashed I’m fine. Then While asleep my lids swell and turn red and dry and itchy. During the day things seem to start clearing up. Then at night it swells up again and I wake up with horrible blepharitis. Over the course of the week the reaction gets less and less overnight, clears up and it’s fine. And I’m no longer having issues. But it’s strange that the issue gets bad over night, then improves during the day. if it was allergies it shouldn’t just get bad over the night time.
I don’t wash my lashes during the first 24 hours of getting a set or fill. But I wash them 2x a day after that with tea tree wash. I use tea tree in my hair and my face moisturizer. I dry my lashes with cool setting on hair dryer. I brush them out with mascara wand. I always ask my tech if she sees any issues with mites and she says they look clean.
So I’m struggling to understand what the issue is.
Oh additionally if I sleep with the light on, the Over night reaction tends to be less. This is not indicative of allergy. This seems more like mites. But I know I have good hygiene. So I’m confused why having the extensions seems to exacerbate the issue.
Please help!!
Hi Sher,
That’s so interesting. As you point out, an allergic reaction would not be worst at night and then clear up during the day. The progression is linear. Lash mites leave clear clues behind. If you do have a lash mite infestation, your lash artist could identify it right away. Here’s our article about it: https://divinelashes.ca/blog/lash-mites/
What should I do if my 5 year old has them will it damage her eyelashes she has like a lot and you can see them too. Please help
Hi Iman,
IF your 5 years old have lash mites, you should consult a dermatologist or ophthalmologist.
I’ve noticed these mites and when wipe with a tissue a little white looking worm is on it is this normal
Hi Phil,
Everyone can have some mites, but it becomes an issue when too many. Proper hygiene and regularly cleansing of your lashes are key!
Hi how can I inform my client I think they have lash mites with out scaring them ?? Also once I diagnose as lash mites do I have to take the lash extensions off and give them a break or just clean them ??
I prefer the honest and straightforward truth. And I think clients prefer it this way too. Yes, if your client has lash mites, it’s best to remove the lash extensions. But remember, the most important thing you can do is educate your client on proper hygiene. If the hygiene habits don’t change, you won’t address the problem at the source.
Is it possible that mites also like the eyelash glue? This is a question I have been asked by my optometrist. I wash my face and eyelashes twice a day daily and still got them. I also used non oil based eye make up remover twice a day. could it also be something other than hygiene? Could it be product? My optometrist figured it could’ve been dander from my dog. I am a clean freak with no carpets in the house either. I’m not a bit of a loss as I do not experience this without eyelash extensions. I love the idea of them and I’m sad that if this continues I will no longer be wearing them.
Hi Jen, thank you for your message. Lash adhesive becomes hard plastic state once it’s completely cured, so there’s nothing yummy for the lash mites there. Mites love dead skin cells and oils. When the extensions are placed near the base of the extensions, it makes it tricky to really get in between the extension and the skin. We all have a bit of last mites, they only become an issue when they are many of them. The best thing against lash mites is keeping up good hygiene. Make sure to use clean brushes to cleanse your lashes! I hope you can continue wearing eyelash extensions 🙂
Is it contagious can you get this off somebody and can little kids get this because I saw this little girl that she had that stuff in her eyelashes and she’s always getting stye in her eyes she is my neighbor and is it contagious
Hi Patty, thank you for your question! Yes, they can be contagious, which is why its important not to share eye cosmetics with others. This is mainly caused by poor hygiene so you can get them at any age.
I have been suffering with either lash mites or blepharitis for a few months now. How do I know which one I have? A lot of the symptoms point to dust mites but also blepharitis. I have had to stop getting eyelash extensions but I wonder if I will ever be able to wear them again ????
My Doctor told me to take a wash cloth and warm water and apply it to my eyes every morning, but maybe I should do it at night too.
Hey Louise,
Thanks for leaving a comment! I think it would definitely be helpful to cleanse your eyes morning and evening 🙂
Oh wow I knew nothing about lash mites I’ve been wearing this set of lashes for probably a year now???? I don’t clean them but definitely clean my face. I was actually shopping for lashes (finally) and ran across this article. Now I know why my lashes always fall out. I will be throwing them away and buying new ones with a correct cleaning routine. Thanks for this.
Hi Destini,
Thank you for your comment! I’m so glad you found this article helpful 🙂 When the lashes are applied properly they will fall out with your natural eyelashes, some clients can shed anywhere from 1 to 5 lashes per day, so some fall out is completely normal. However, lash hygiene is super important while wearing lash extensions so please try it and see if it helps!
How should the baby shampoo be applied to the lash line? I was never given the proper information on how to cleanse my lashes, I’m afraid I HAvnt done it correctly.
Hey D,
Thank you for your question! The baby shampoo should be applied to the lashes in a foam format, and the best way to get a deeper cleanse is using a soft eyeshadow brush. I hope this was helpful!
Can you get lash mites from mascara tube?& can they live in the tube?
I read you can spray rubbing alcohol on your makeup,& clean your brushes with soap&water and then spray them with rubbing alcohol, and use tea tree oil on your eyelash line. Would using a spoolie with a shampoo help or is it better to use a makeup brush?
Hey Julie, thank you for your question! Yes, lash mites can transfer onto your make up, which is why you should never share eye make up with others. Cleaning your make up brushes on a regular basis is a very good hygiene practice. To clean your lash line we recommend using a make up brush rather than a mascara spooly.
I think I have them only on my right eye my eyelid gets swollen. Red and itchy and dry I thought it was psoriasis my extensions have been coming out without a lash attached and a lot. Omg im gonna wash wash wash home remedy would you say baking soda and a mild soap or antibacterial soap I use the cleaning stuff they gave me but this has to be whatz going on
Hey Ashley,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! You can definitely start with cleansing the lash line with the shampoo that your studio gave you. Another tip is you can get a deeper cleanse if you use a eyeshadow brush to help cleanse the lash line.
Thank you Asako for sharing this article. I honestly had no clue about lash mites…
Hey Elizabeth. Most people don’t 😉
I had no idea about lash mites! They give me the creeps 😉 I have been wearing eyelash extensions for more than 2 years and never had the issues mentioned in this post. I take my eyelash hygiene very seriously.
Hey Catherine,
Thank you for sharing your experience! I couldn’t agree more with your comment about lash extension hygiene. We always educate our clients on this very important habit.