Social media may make DIY eyelash lifts look easy – but doctors are now sounding the alarm on the serious dangers that can arise from attempting the treatment yourself.
Just take it from 25-year-old Abbey Stovall, who recently went viral on TikTok for the scary allergic reaction she suffered after trying an at-home lash lift kit bought online.
In a video that’s reached nearly 50,000 views, she shared clips of her extremely red, swollen, sore eyes just one day after using the kit.
It seems to be a common phenomenon. In the comments section of both videos, many users admitted that they had faced similar adverse reactions.
And in September, content creator and model Taylor McAllister suffered from what she believed to be chemical burns after getting an eyelash lift in Texas.
When she woke up the next day, what she saw was even worse – swollen, itchy eyelids that soon became covered in scabs.
For those who may be unfamiliar, eyelash lifts are a popular cosmetic treatment beloved by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber, as it curls and lifts your natural lashes.
These lifts are applied by using multiple curling chemicals, while a silicone pad is placed on the eyelashes as a kind of ‘curling rod’ to help hold the shape. Once the treatment is done, the lift is supposed to last for about six to eight weeks.
For those who may be unfamiliar, eyelash lifts are a popular cosmetic treatment beloved by celebrities like Hailey Bieber, as it curls and lifts your natural lashes
Typically, it’s done by a professional – but in the era of COVID-19 and beyond, the DIY-version has become more popular than ever.
On Amazon alone, there are dozens of at-home lash lift systems available for purchase, and many of them are under $30.
But even though you can do it at home, you can’t underestimate the hidden dangers, according to doctors.
‘I do not recommend at-home lash lifts because they involve applying strong chemical solutions extremely close to the eyes,’ Doctor Azza Halim told the Daily Mail.
‘Without proper training, there is a much greater risk of incorrect application, chemical exposure, and injury,’ she explained.
Dr Halim warned that trying to apply these treatments yourself can set you up for serious eye injuries.
‘Potential complications include chemical burns, allergic reactions, eyelid irritation, redness, swelling, chemical conjunctivitis, corneal injury and lash breakage or loss from overprocessing,’ Dr Halim said.
‘Some eye injuries can require urgent medical treatment,’ the doctor added.
Kim Kardashian is also said to be a fan of lash lifts
Even though you can do it at home, you can’t underestimate the hidden dangers as they involve applying strong chemical solutions extremely close to the eyes (stock images)
Even at-home lash tinting kits can cause similar problems, Dr Halim told the Daily Mail.
‘Permanent hair dyes should never be used on eyelashes, as they can cause serious ocular injury,’ she warned.
Overall, the doctor did not recommend trying any of these treatments at home.
Instead, she recommended those interested have it done by a professional.
‘I do not recommend performing lash lifts or lash tinting at home,’ Dr Halim said.
‘The safest approach is to have these procedures performed by a trained, licensed professional using products specifically designed for the delicate eye area,’ she shared.
‘When it comes to your vision, the potential risks simply outweigh the convenience of doing it yourself.’
