Not every reaction is an allergy — but if your eyes are red, itchy, or irritated after a lash appointment, it's important to know what's normal, what's not, and when to contact your lash tech (aka me).
Let’s break it down.
Mild irritation or itchiness
Slight tearing or dryness
Redness that fades within a few hours
Slight discomfort only on one eye (often from tape or placement)
Sensitivities are usually caused by:
Fumes from the adhesive during application (could be from eyes tearing up or fluttery eyes/not fully closed eyes, allowing fumes to reach the eyes)
Too much glue on a lash or one placed too close to the skin
Dry eye or seasonal allergies being triggered by the service
Client movement during the appointment, causing tape to shift or poke
Sensitivities are often manageable and may fade as your eyes adjust over time.
Severe itchiness or burning
Swollen eyelids (often within 24–48 hours)
Puffy, red, irritated skin around the lash line
Persistent watering, stinging, or crusting
Symptoms that get worse with every new set
A true allergy is a reaction to cyanoacrylate, the base chemical in all lash adhesives — even “sensitive” ones. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for this allergy, and reactions tend to get worse over time.
If you experience this:
You should have the lashes professionally removed and discontinue extensions permanently.
Sometimes, one eye appears bright red and painful after a lash appointment — but it's not an allergy or infection. It’s called a scleral hematoma, or eye pad bruise.
Causes:
Under-eye pad or tape sliding into the eye
Excess pressure on the pad from eye movement
Rubbing or adjusting pads without closing the eye
Symptoms:
Sharp, irritated pain when blinking
Redness on the white part of the eye (not the eyelid)
Feels like sand or grit in the eye
Appears suddenly after the appointment
The good news:
It looks worse than it is and usually goes away in 1–2 weeks. But it is completely avoidable with proper application and minimal eye movement during the service.
We take extra care to place and secure eye pads properly and will always ask if you feel discomfort before starting. We will ask that you let us know if you experience discomfort and will check in once in a while to be sure.
If you're experiencing discomfort after a lash appointment:
Take a clear, makeup-free photo of both eyes
Note the timing — Did it happen immediately? Overnight? After a few days?
Contact us ASAP — I’ll walk you through next steps (removal if needed). If it is severe, you may have to contact your physician.
Keep your eyes still and relaxed during your appointment
Let me know if you’ve ever reacted to glue, adhesives, or medical tape
Don’t come with lots of caffeine (can cause twitching and eye pad issues)
Avoid applying makeup, serums, or creams near the eye before your service
Not all irritation = allergy. But when something feels off, always reach out. We care more about your comfort and safety than pretending everything’s “fine.”