Dangers of using fake eye lashes

Beautiful eyelashes are the key to striking eyes, and
along with everything else that people have withstood
for the sake of looking more attractive, fake eyelashes
are one of the best ways to enhance your beauty. Using
fake eyelashes is by far the easiest and cheapest way to
achieve the much-desired ultra-feminine, sexy look,
and the fixing of eyelashes have become an increasing
popular trend that every fashionista is following,
especially one that wants to look perfect, prim and
proper.
The elongation of the lashes by fixing false ones adds a
dazzling look to the eye and makes it stand out. It’s
also an alternative to applying mascara, since not
everyone can be careful and meticulous in applying it
to get the perfect look. However, the problem is that
there are certain side effects of wearing fake lashes.
Trapping Dirt
Hygiene-wise, false eyelashes are a risk as they tend to
trap dirt and bacteria. Natural eyelashes prevent dirt,
foreign material, sweat and bacteria from entering into
the eyes, by trapping and keeping out anything that
comes near the eyes. But fake eyelashes tend to trap
and hold anything that comes around them. These
harmful particles that are trapped most times cause
irritation to the eyelids and eyes. This is probably the
most dangerous side effect because over a period of
time this irritation caused by fake lashes may result in
blindness if proper care is not taken to having it
professionally fixed.
Allergic Reactions
Fixing of fake lashes can also cause an allergic reaction
to the skin and eyes, which can stem from the adhesive
used to attach the fake lashes unto the eyes. Dr. Benson
Ohueri, a practising optometrist says that the false
lashes do not have anything to do with the eyes, but
then it is the chemicals in the glue used in fixing the
lashes on to the eyes that is harmful because if not
properly handled, the glue can get into one’s eyes and
since it contains chemicals, it can cause a lot of
problems for the eyes like cornea inflation, irritation
and alteration to the eyes.
He also said that he does not advise ladies to wear false
eyelashes all the time because it thins out the original
lashes on the eyelids which is not healthy. If eyelashes
are not properly fixed, they can also cause redness of
the eyes which is the most common among the side
effects. To avert such irritation, it is advised that you go
to an experienced professional if it is your first fixing,
and a patch test will be carried out to find out if your
skin is allergic to any of the materials about to be used.
Damage to Natural Lashes
According to Dr. Ohueri, a practising optometrist in
Abuja, the natural lashes can also be damaged if
artificial lashes are not properly fixed on the eyelids.
They can get into the eyes and cause a lot of problems.
Also, the use of harmful chemicals on the eyelashes can
cause them to fall quicker than they naturally would
and artificial lashes cause the eyelashes to shed quicker
than they are supposed to.
The pressure exerted in fixing the lashes can also cause
damage to the hair follicles of the eyelids, thus making
the natural lash to become sparse, brittle and break off
easily due to too much pressure on them, leading to
slow growth or it even stops their growth permanently.
Dr. Ohueri suggests that false lashes should only be
used on special occasions when you need to inspire a
totally new look which the lashes will create for you.
Experiences of Fixing Lashes
As against the thought that one cannot do certain
things when having fake lashes, Miss Chiggy does not
have such belief. She said that depending on where you
got them fixed and the quality of lash used, you can do
whatever activity you want with false lashes like
swimming, bathing and washing the face even though
people think that when you have it fixed you cannot
wash your face properly. She said that they are durable
and last for two weeks before she goes for a re-fix.
When asked if she gets tired of fixing it, she replies that
she really never had natural lashes on her eyelids and
so she does not see it as odd on her, but instead it is
normal to her.
Rita is at loss for words for she is a victim of continued
fake lash fixing and there is no going back now. She
had full lashes before but wanted more and now is
hooked and does not feel beautiful if she does not have
one fixed. So now, no matter the financial constraints
she has, she must get her lashes fixed when it is due.
According to her, she is hopeless about the situation.
According to Aisha, she fixes fake lashes once in a
while especially when she has important functions to
attend like weddings, where everyone wants to stand
out and look her pretty best. Although she naturally
has long lashes, having the fake one fixed gives it a
fuller look which is more attractive.
On the other hand, Funmi has vowed never to fix fake
lashes again. According to her, it made her very
uncomfortable and itchy, and she kept having the
feeling that there was something wrong with her eyes
as she felt heaviness all around. Probably it was due to
the fact that it was her first time, but not withstanding,
she does not want to go through the stress again and
has resigned herself to using her mascara as she has
always done.
So whatever the case may be, it is best to get a clear
picture before you decide to get artificial eyelashes
fixed on you. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons
and see how far you want to go with it. Stay beautiful
and healthy as always.