Everything You Need to Know About Hay Fever and How It Affects Lash Extensions

That dreaded time of year has arrived for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. There’s nothing more inconvenient than getting your lashes done, only to be plagued with red, itchy, and watery eyes.

Here’s everything you need to know about how hay fever affects your lashes and what you can do to manage the side effects.

What Are Seasonal Allergies, and How Do They Affect Lash Extensions?

When spring and fall come around, they bring not only a change in weather but also a significant increase in airborne allergens. This can be a real struggle for those with lash extensions. Understanding why this happens is key to keeping hay fever symptoms under control. Common symptoms like swelling, puffiness, and itchiness can either indicate seasonal allergies or a reaction to the lash extensions themselves, or simply poor lash hygiene.

Suffering from hay fever can be frustrating and exhausting for your immune system. It leads to congestion, eye irritation, and severe sneezing. Eyelash extensions can trap allergens like pollen, grass, and dust, which can exacerbate your symptoms. Frequent rubbing from itchiness not only worsens your hay fever but also increases the risk of eye infections.

While antihistamines can help suppress symptoms, it’s crucial to keep your lashes clean and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. As lash technicians, understanding these issues and educating clients before allergy season hits is essential to helping them maintain lash retention.

How Do Seasonal Allergies Affect Lash Adhesive?

Applying lash extensions requires precision, and environmental factors like temperature and humidity can significantly impact lash adhesive. If it’s too hot or humid, the adhesive dries too quickly, while cold, dry conditions can cause it to dry too slowly and become thick.

Watery eyes caused by allergies can also speed up the drying process. When lash glue is exposed to moisture before it fully bonds, it triggers “shock polymerisation,” resulting in a weak bond and poor retention. A tell-tale sign of this is if the adhesive turns white on the lashes—this means shock polymerisation has occurred.

Watery eyes during and after your appointment are inconvenient, but the real problem lies in the composition of your tears. Tears contain chloride, potassium, and sodium, which weaken cyanoacrylate—the main ingredient in lash adhesive. This can lead to premature lash extension loss.

Tips for Managing Hay Fever and Lash Extensions

• Take Antihistamines

  Before your lash appointment, managing your symptoms with antihistamines is essential. These medications can reduce itching, puffiness, and watery eyes, which will prolong the life of your lash extensions and make the appointment more comfortable for both you and your lash tech.

• Cleanse Lashes More Often

  Cleansing your eyes and face regularly will help reduce the buildup of allergens. Using a daily lash shampoo will keep your extensions clean without causing irritation. If you normally wash your lashes in the morning, try adding an evening wash as well to combat hay fever symptoms more effectively.

• Alternatives to Itching with Your Fingers

  Our fingers carry a lot of bacteria, and the last thing you want is to introduce more irritants to your eyes. A great alternative is using a lash tech’s favourite tool: micropore brushes! These tiny brushes can reach areas your fingers can’t, providing relief from itchiness without pulling or tangling the lash extensions.

• Limit Exposure to Allergens

  While it’s easier said than done, reducing allergen exposure can help. Try to stay indoors when the pollen count is high, usually in the early morning or late afternoon. Keep windows closed to prevent allergens from entering, and if you need to go outside, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from allergens and prevent dryness caused by wind and heat.

• Stay Hydrated

  Staying hydrated isn’t just good for your body—it also helps combat seasonal allergies. Hydration keeps your eyes moist, reducing discomfort and dryness, which are common hay fever symptoms.

• Be Cautious with Eye Makeup

  It’s best to avoid eye makeup during allergy season, but if you need to wear it, opt for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and water-based products. Always discard old makeup and cleanse your lashes at the end of the day to prevent buildup that could irritate your eyes.

• Consider Other Lash Services

  If lash extensions are worsening your symptoms, consider alternatives like lash tinting or lash lifts. These treatments require less maintenance and reduce the need to touch your eyes, minimising irritation and managing allergy symptoms more effectively.