“Just take a Telfast!” The mysterious world of eyelash extension allergies

You may not have had it happen to you, but I’m sure you’ve heard about it: the dreaded client reaction text.

In fact, if you’re part of any online lash technician forums, you’ve probably scrolled past many posts where lash techs are crying out for your help.

What do I do?

I told her to take an antihistamine, but it’s not going away!

She doesn’t want to remove them!

Should I try this sensitive glue?

I see these all too often. The Facebook algorithm has me dialled in and shows me them constantly because so many times, I’ve clicked the post, written a "passionate" reply, and then been too scared to post my comment.  I don’t want to get kicked out of the group, or get into a fight with a keyboard warrior who doesn’t know any better.

I was inspired to write this blog today because I saw a post that made me so enraged that I had to comment.  One poor Lash Stylist was freaking out because her client had messaged her with photos of what I recognised as a severe allergic reaction – likely to eyelash extension adhesive.  The client refused to have the extensions removed and the tech, who’d recommended an antihistamine and removal, didn’t know what her other options were.

There were ten other comments, all presenting her with more (incorrect) options.

But here’s the tea:

If this happens, you don’t have options.  There is only one, single, very important thing you need to do.

Send your client to a doctor.

That’s it!  That’s all you can do!

The thing is, we are not doctors, or ophthalmologists, or allergy specialists.  We are Lash Stylists and it doesn’t matter how much we know or how experienced we are, we are NOT qualified to give medical advice.  In fact, we are not even supposed to say to that client, “You are experiencing an allergic reaction,” because we are not qualified to diagnose.

You must not recommend any form of medication, even an over-the-counter antihistamine.  You must not recommend eyelash extension removal - the doctor may do this, and your client needs to provide you with this recommendation in writing.  

You must not try out different brands of adhesive – at this point, we know that most reactions that occur are reactions to cyanoacrylate, and any eyelash extension adhesive on the market worth using will have cyanoacrylate in it.

Simply put, your business insurance may not cover you if:

• You give professional advice outside of your qualifications and the activity you are insured for;
• You knowingly apply eyelash extensions to a person who has reacted to them before;
• You perform any treatment on a person who is experiencing a reaction without written permission from their medical practitioner.

You need to protect yourself, and your clients.  They will push you – we all know those addicted clients who can’t take no for an answer – but you have to stay strong and stand your ground.

After all, we only get one set of eyes.

That doesn’t mean we have to neglect your poor, addicted client, though.  She definitely still has options! There’s always lash lifts – amazing for those clients with naturally long, straight lashes.  Or, if she’s more on the dramatic side, maybe you could retail some LashJoy Strip Lashes. There are loads of different styles to try out.

And of course, there’s always the magic of eyelash growth serums!  At LashJoy, we are currently obsessed with EyEnvy. Pair a 12-week treatment of EyEnvy with a stellar lash lift, and you’ll be able to keep that client happy, and your insurance company, too!