Post by Lash Out! Administrator on Jun 10, 2009 5:36:40 GMT -5
I've recently helped another lash stylist by doing her clients lashes while she has been away on her honeymoon. Out of 4 clients that had come to see me - 2 had Blepharitis! Out of the 2 clients, I had to remove the entire set and get her to see and eye specialist for treatment. There are many Lash stylist's out there that do not know what it is or how to recognise it. I hope the the following is helpful to you all, as it is a VERY SERIOUS issue effecting our industry.
Ok, so what is it?
Well it is basically an infected eyelash follicle that has become blocked. The sebum (oil), dead skin cells and bacteria on the eyelid block up the natural lash follicle. Over time the mouth of the follicle (at skin level) becomes inflamed and red. The natural lashes become thinner and sparse causing big gaps between the natural lashes.
What does it look like?
The easiest way to recognise Blepharitis is that the the eyelash follicles become itchy (between the extensions/natural lashes).
Also there are tiny small white flakes between the lashes that look a bit like dandruff. Pull the eyelid and stretch the skin out to the side (like your drawing eyeliner on it) and have a good look at the follicles. The skin around the lashes will look raised, bumpy and white.
What is the difference between Bleph and an Allergy?
Allergies present themself within 48 hours after the application of eyelash extensions. The client will either be allergic to the Acrylic or the Formaldehyde that ALL eyelash extension glues contain. Bleph can be an existing condition or a new one, that gets worse with eyelash extensions - especially if the personal hygiene is not maintained.
How do I prevent it?
MANY clients go out and get a full set of lashes and pay a lot of money for them. They figure "If I don't touch them, wet them, or wash them, they will last longer"....Wrong!!!...Its quite the opposite. Your clients should be washing their eyes with a soapy based cleanser at least 2-3 times a week. Baby Shampoo (no more tears) is a cheap alternative or else you could suggest my favorite - Neutrogena Fresh Foaming cleanser. I tell ALL my clients to wash their eyes in the shower with their fingertips to prevent getting Blepharitis at least TWICE a week. Its primarily a HYGIENE requirement, not just a way to remove makeup.
Do eyelash extensions cause Bleph?
Only if they don't wash their eyes or the condition was pre existing Before they had their first full-set.
Many people have Bleph for years and don't even know they have it. Putting Eyelash extensions on a client with an existing Blepharitis infection, will only enhance the condition and make it worse.
Ok, so what is it?
Well it is basically an infected eyelash follicle that has become blocked. The sebum (oil), dead skin cells and bacteria on the eyelid block up the natural lash follicle. Over time the mouth of the follicle (at skin level) becomes inflamed and red. The natural lashes become thinner and sparse causing big gaps between the natural lashes.
What does it look like?
The easiest way to recognise Blepharitis is that the the eyelash follicles become itchy (between the extensions/natural lashes).
Also there are tiny small white flakes between the lashes that look a bit like dandruff. Pull the eyelid and stretch the skin out to the side (like your drawing eyeliner on it) and have a good look at the follicles. The skin around the lashes will look raised, bumpy and white.
What is the difference between Bleph and an Allergy?
Allergies present themself within 48 hours after the application of eyelash extensions. The client will either be allergic to the Acrylic or the Formaldehyde that ALL eyelash extension glues contain. Bleph can be an existing condition or a new one, that gets worse with eyelash extensions - especially if the personal hygiene is not maintained.
How do I prevent it?
MANY clients go out and get a full set of lashes and pay a lot of money for them. They figure "If I don't touch them, wet them, or wash them, they will last longer"....Wrong!!!...Its quite the opposite. Your clients should be washing their eyes with a soapy based cleanser at least 2-3 times a week. Baby Shampoo (no more tears) is a cheap alternative or else you could suggest my favorite - Neutrogena Fresh Foaming cleanser. I tell ALL my clients to wash their eyes in the shower with their fingertips to prevent getting Blepharitis at least TWICE a week. Its primarily a HYGIENE requirement, not just a way to remove makeup.
Do eyelash extensions cause Bleph?
Only if they don't wash their eyes or the condition was pre existing Before they had their first full-set.
Many people have Bleph for years and don't even know they have it. Putting Eyelash extensions on a client with an existing Blepharitis infection, will only enhance the condition and make it worse.
and how or why it is related to eyelash extensions. I just hope that my experience is shared and used to your advantage.
(We should always be working on our INNER beauty.... is my moto) Can I reapply my extensions after two weeks? I will apply the Lash Alive after washing with baby shampoo.... that should build them up quite quickly don't you think? As for having the Bleph before the tatooing and extensions.... definetely not.... I'm not even sure I have it, the flakes i had could have been from the scabbing period right after the procedure. I haven't had it since. It seems to have gone down since I stopped using Revitalash (another eyelash growing agent).