Code RED. The Problem of Red Eyes. Interview With a Lash Artist.

Red eyes after eyelash extensions is a common concern among clients and lash artists alike. Whether it’s a mild irritation or a sign of something more serious, understanding the causes and knowing how to prevent or treat it is essential for safe and professional lash application.

In this interview, we’ve invited Angelina Moira @lashedbymoira_, an experienced lash artist, to share her professional insights on this important topic. With 4 years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of client care, she provides valuable guidance on the causes of red eyes after lash extensions, how to prevent complications, and when it's time to seek medical attention.

Q: Why are your eyes red after lash extensions? Could you explain the most common causes of eyelash extensions red eyes, such as glue fumes, improper isolation, or incorrect eye pad placement?

A: In my experience, my clients' eyes will become red from several factors. 

First is the fumes of the glue: If you are using tape to hold up the skin or isolate a section or layers more easily, it is very common that you may be pulling the eyelid too open that could cause exposure to the fumes from the glue. Typically this will cause the client to twitch or her eyes to water, indicating that she is discomfort. Simply check your mirror to make sure that the eyelid is not open and if it is, just fan to dry the glue faster and readjust the tape.

The second factor that causes redness is the tape that we use to hold down the bottom lashes with the eye pad. Making sure to use the best quality products and using a paper tape vs a jagged edge and/or making sure periodically that the tape is not riding up and causing the discomfort, will eliminate this issue. You can always tell after the appointment if the tape was bothering your client as there may appear to be “scratch” along the bottom side of her eye below her lower lash line.

Q: Can lash extension glue fumes damage the eyes? Are certain clients more sensitive to lash glue?

A: The fumes of the glue can cause discomfort such as redness, sensitivity to light and/or chemical burns if left unattended during a lash appointment. These typically clear within 24 hours with some good lubricating eye drops. Some people are more susceptible to this than others but overall, it is the lash tech’s responsibility to make sure the client is in the utmost comfort and any discomfort is to be addressed and fixed immediately.

Q: How can you tell the difference between irritation and an allergic reaction? What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to eyelash extensions VS a mild irritation?

A: IRRITATION: redness of the whites of the eyes, wateriness, sensitive to light, or dryness.

ALLERGIC REACTION: puffy, red, swollen eyelids and involving skin around the eyes. Sometimes pus or excess mucus, redness of the eyes, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, “stabbing” sensation, pain while blinking.

Q: How long should redness last before it becomes a concern?

A: I would give it a full 24 hours after starting lubricant eye drops.

Q: Why is the bottom half of eye red after eyelash extensions? Could it be a misplaced pad or adhesive exposure? How can lash artists prevent this?

A: It could really be either/or…. the tape/eye pads, rubbing up during the procedure, excessive exposure to the fumes either by improper tape placement, fluttery eyes, talking/moving too much, or caffeine use prior to appointment.

Tip from Stacy Lash: One of the more overlooked causes of client discomfort is an eyelash in eye, whether it's a natural lash or an extension that was accidentally placed too close to the lid, so make sure to check that as well.

Q: What questions should lash artists ask new clients to avoid risks during the procedure?

A: I always ask if they’ve had eyelash extensions before if they’ve had a sensitivity to the glue. I also asked that if they feel any discomfort during the process at all that they stop and ask me to adjust.

Q: How can poor-quality materials contribute to red eye after lash extensions, chemical burns, or swollen eyelids? Why is product choice critical?

A: As a Lash Tech, being very selective about the products that you use is so important because if a client has a poor experience or is uncomfortable during the procedure, they are less likely to continue to come back because it won’t be worth it to them if it’s uncomfortable. You also just don’t want to cause any discomfort or allergic reactions, so be smart about the products that you use.

Q: How should lash artists respond if a client experiences burning or itching during the lash procedure? What immediate steps should be taken to prevent further discomfort?

A: As a Lash Tech, your clients comfort is very important so if you notice cues that they are uncomfortable or if they tell you that it is uncomfortable or burning - you want to make sure you stop what you’re doing, and if you have a battery operated fan, air out the eyes for about 30-90 seconds, I would say, or really until your client is back to normal. After, you want to use your mirror to double check that their eyes are not open at all, and if you are maybe having a stressful conversation, let them know that it’s best if we hold the conversation until afterward to prevent further irritation as this can make the eyes twitch and flutter.

Q: What can clients do at home to relieve swollen eyelids and red eyes post-application? Are eye drops effective? When is it necessary to remove the lashes?

A: I would always recommend that they stop at their local drug store and get a fast acting allergy pill and a strong lubricating eye drop to start immediately and to use the drops according to packaging and continue as needed for relief. I always remove the lashes if there is any swelling of the eyelids as this is indicative of an allergic reaction and typically, in my experience, this will continue to happen until the lashes are removed and thus avoided in the future

Q: Final thoughts: What are your top tips for preventing red eyes and keeping clients comfortable?Any advice for fellow lash artists on improving their technique and creating a safer, irritation-free experience?

A: 1. Making your client feel comfortable enough to tell you if there is anything wrong during the process.

2. Checking your mirrors periodically through the set or any time the tape is adjusted.

3. If you notice twitching or watery eyes, make sure to stop and fan the eyes for a while to relieve the burning sensation, then adjust tape or eye pads as needed.

Conclusion

Red eyes during or after a lash appointment can be concerning, but lash artists shouldn't fear them. Instead, they should be prepared to understand, recognize, and address the issue with confidence. As Angelina has shown in this interview, knowledge is key. She’s perfectly outlined the most common causes of red eyes, including eye irritation after lash extensions, improper tape placement, and sensitivity to adhesive fumes. Her tips offer practical guidance on how to prevent red eyes after lash extensions and how to respond to concerns like bottom half of eye red after eyelash extensions, how to help swollen eyelids after eyelash extensions, or that all-too-common question, "why does my lash line hurt?

At Stacy Lash, we believe that proper technique, client care, and using high-quality products are essential to ensuring a safe, comfortable lash experience. Stay informed, stay attentive, and always choose quality – because your clients’ comfort and trust are worth it.