Fake eyelashes pros and cons, and options available

Long eyelashes are considered a sign of beauty in many cultures. People have been using various methods to make their lashes more attractive and noticeable for thousands of years.

As an alternative to mascara, eyeliner, or eyelash curlers, fake eyelashes can be used to achieve the look of longer, thicker lashes even if your natural eyelashes are too thin or wispy for your liking. It's like having a secret weapon in your makeup bag.

Here’s what you should know about fake eyelashes, including what they are, the pros and cons, and tips for using them safely.

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Fake eyelashes, also referred to as “falsies,” are non-permanent, false hairs attached to a strip. This strip is then usually secured with lash glue to your eyelid, slightly above your lash line. They are available in a wide variety of lengths, styles, and colors.

False eyelashes come in multipack packages with individual lashes, clusters of lashes, or lash strips so that you can customize your look. You can choose between strip lashes made of synthetic material, silk, faux mink, or real mink (usually the most expensive option). You can also purchase lash kits with all of the supplies you will need.

A recent entry into the beauty market is magnetic lashes. Magnetic lashes are an option for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of eyelash glue. They work by sandwiching your natural lashes in between two strips of false lashes that stick together with the help of micromagnets.

One study of women who use false eyelashes found that 81.6% reported that the most common reason for using them was to enhance their beauty. Only a small amount (1.7%) said they were replacing missing lashes (Koffuor, 2012).

Anyone with short or thin lashes can use false lashes to create a fuller look. They add (relatively) effortless length and thickness to your eyelashes (Koffuor, 2012).

Other benefits of false lashes include:

• You customize a natural, fluttery look or a bold, glam look.

• Lashes can be cleaned and reused.

• They can be more noticeable than natural lashes in photos.

• You can choose different lengths, styles, or colors to suit your eye shape.

• They draw attention to your eyes.

False lashes aren’t for everyone. Some of the potential drawbacks include:

• Difficulty applying lashes

• Time-consuming upkeep

• Cleaning after every use

• Possible reactions to eyelash glue

• Damage to natural lashes when used incorrectly

• Not always the most natural look

Other potential risks associated with false eyelashes can be more serious.

Infection

Wearing your false eyelashes to bed or for more than one day can allow bacteria to collect under the eyelash glue and on the false lashes. Additionally, since false lashes should not get wet, you may end up washing your face or showering less often. This decrease in skincare hygiene can result in more microbes and dirt around the eye than usual, which can lead to eye infections. Symptoms of eye infection include inflammation, pain, or discharge. If you suspect an infection, you should see a healthcare provider immediately (Koffuor, 2012).

Damage to your natural lashes

Any aesthetic procedure around the eye can lead to complications (Patel, 2021).

One of those complications with false eyelashes can be damage to your natural lashes. Incorrect application of false eyelashes can cause your lashes to break or thin out. This can be worsened if you pull, tug, or rub at your eyes. In general, the gentler you treat your fake eyelashes, the less likely you are to harm your natural ones.

Adhesive allergies or burns

Most complications from false eyelashes result from skin reactions or allergies to the lash adhesive used. A review of poison control records found that the most usual substance associated with bad reactions to nail or eyelash glue was cyanoacrylate. Symptoms varied from mild to severe and included chemical burns, skin redness and swelling, and eye symptoms (Brambilla, 2020).

Cyanoacrylates are widely used as all-purpose “superglues” in surgery, dentistry, and the cosmetic industry. In the cosmetic industry, they are commonly used in nail and eyelash glues. They can cause skin inflammation and redness if you’re sensitive to them (Shanmugam, 2012).

The type of burn caused by cyanoacrylate glue is a thermal burn and not a chemical burn. These burns are rare but can be severe. Inflamed eyelids may sometimes be mistaken for an allergic reaction but can also be caused by burns. Anyone with these symptoms should be seen by a healthcare provider immediately (Nardeosingh, 2020). 

MRI interference

Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is a type of medical imaging that uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed pictures of the organs in the body. Because of the powerful magnets used, any magnetic objects can be pulled towards the machine and potentially cause serious injury to anyone in the area. All MRI sites have screening procedures to keep these objects out of the room.

Since magnetic eyelashes are relatively new to the market, not much is known about how they will affect an MRI scan. A small study was conducted to see if this should be a concern for radiologists. The researchers found that magnetic eyelashes created significant interference with the imaging. One set of lashes tested was pulled off the test material by the magnet in the scanner. The researchers concluded that magnetic lashes should be added to the MRI safety questionnaire and not allowed in the scanner room (Slonimsky, 2019).

Some tips for enjoying your false lashes and avoiding potential risks include:

• Make sure that you clean your hands and lash applicator before applying lashes.

• Check the list of ingredients used in the adhesive.

• If you have allergies or sensitive skin, try a patch test on a less sensitive area before using products on your eyes.

• If you’re allergic to latex, make sure that it isn’t used in the lashes or glue.

• Clean your lashes after each use and store them in a clean, dry place.

• Don’t share your lashes with anyone else. This could pass bacteria to others.

People with certain skin conditions shouldn’t use false eyelashes unless they check with a healthcare provider ahead of time. Consult your provider if you have:

• Dry, itchy skin around the eye

• Inflammation of the eyelids

• Autoimmune illness that causes hair loss

• Compulsive hair pulling

You should also avoid using false eyelashes if you’re undergoing any medical procedure that could affect your eyes, such as LASIK surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

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How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

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Current version

August 12, 2021

Written by

Ellyn Vohnoutka, BSN, RN

Fact checked by

Steve Silvestro, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Steve Silvestro, MD, Ro

Dr. Steve Silvestro is a board-certified pediatrician and Associate Director, Clinical Content & Education at Ro.