Why are my eyelash extensions so sore?

Author: Mac Barrows  |  Last update: Monday, September 15, 2025

The most common technician mishap is the accidental application of glue to your eyelids instead of the natural lashes. This is bad because it will not only irritate your skin but also potentially pull out your natural lashes. Excessive gluing will also yield the same results.

How do I stop my eyelash extensions from hurting?

If you are experiencing an allergic reaction or irritation from eyelash extensions, there are several home remedies and medicines you can try to alleviate the discomfort. Home remedies include taking allergy medication, removing all adhesives and lashes, rinsing, applying cold compresses, and using aloe vera.

Is it normal for eyelash extensions to be sore?

Lash extensions should not be uncomfortable. It's normal to feel a slight sensitivity or heaviness on the eyelids, especially if you're new to wearing false lashes. However, experiencing pain or a jabbing sensation like you described is not normal and could suggest that the lash extensions were not applied correctly.

How do you soothe sore eyes after eyelash extensions?

  • Cold Compress : Apply a cold compress or a clean, damp cloth over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and soothe irritation.
  • Artificial Tears : Use preservative-free artificial tears to lubricate your eyes and flush out any irritants.
  • Avoid Rubbing
  • Check for Allergies

What are the red flags for eyelash extensions?

Signs your extensions are applied poorly or could be better!
  • You are UNABLE to brush through your extensions. ...
  • The application BURNS your eyes, throughout and after the process. ...
  • Your eyelash extensions poke and irritate your eyes. ...
  • Your full set is completed within 1 hour.

Why Do Your Eyelash Extensions Hurt? | 4 Reasons |

How do you know if your lash extensions are bad?

Top Signs of Bad Eyelash Extensions
  • Excessive Clumping or “Sticking” Lashes. ...
  • Discomfort, Itching, or Pain. ...
  • Extensions Are Too Heavy or Thick for Your Natural Lashes. ...
  • Extensions Twist, Turn, or Look Unnatural. ...
  • Lashes Are Shedding Too Quickly. ...
  • Visible Glue Residue on the Lashes.

What do ophthalmologists say about lash extensions?

It may even temporarily interfere with vision. Eyelash extensions and glue are not currently regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Rubbing, tugging or pulling can fracture your natural lashes, and even cause permanent damage to the eyelash follicle.

How do you fix sore eyelashes?

Eyelash pain and infected eyelid treatments may include warm compresses, quick procedures performed in the office such as puncturing bumps or draining a stye, antibiotic eye drops, surgery, anti-inflammatory steroid injections.

How to stop eyelash extension irritation?

How to Relieve Itchy Eyes from Eyelash Extensions
  1. Cleanse your eyes regularly.
  2. Use a cold compress.
  3. Apply eye drops.
  4. Try a warm compress.
  5. Take antihistamines.
  6. Avoid rubbing your eyes.
  7. Consult with your lash technician or eye doctor.

What does blepharitis look like?

Blepharitis is a common disease of the eyelids characterized by redness, thickening, and flakey or scaly crusting along the eyelids and eyelashes. It is sometimes known as "eye dandruff." Over time, a sticky plaque, or biofilm, forms along the lids, causing lash loss, clogged glands, infections and other complications.

Why do the roots of my eyelashes hurt?

When eyelashes hurt at the root, it is usually due to an underlying health condition. The most common causes include ocular rosacea, blepharitis, and allergic conjunctivitis.

Are extensions supposed to be sore?

Hair extensions are meant to blend seamlessly with your natural hair, not cause pain. You should feel some pressure when they're first installed, but any prolonged tension or pain is a red flag that something isn't quite right.

How do I stop my extensions from hurting?

With Proper Installation, Maintenance, and Removal, Hair Extensions Need Not Hurt Your Hair
  1. Use the right shampoo and conditioner: treat your natural hair and scalp with clean, gentle cleansing.
  2. Avoid tugging on your roots: don't pull your hair back in tight styles.

How long should eyelash extension irritation last?

Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, a person may have symptoms that last from a few hours to a few days. Treatment can also affect how long a person may experience reactions to the eyelash extensions.

How do you soften stiff eyelash extensions?

Apply heat: You can also try applying a little bit of heat to your lashes to help unclamp them. Use a hair dryer on low heat or hold a warm towel over your eyes for a few minutes to help soften the adhesive and make it easier to separate the lashes.

Is it normal for lash extensions to hurt?

Lash extensions can hurt if the lash artist glued multiple extensions together, if the extensions are too heavy, or if the lash artist attached the extensions too close to the skin or eyelid. A lot of people have common problems after getting lash extensions, such as pain, dry skin on the eyelids, and irritation.

How do you soothe irritated eyelashes?

Apply a warm washcloth to your closed eyelids for up to five minutes. Gently rub your closed eyelids with a diluted solution of baby shampoo. Use a clean washcloth or clean fingers. You might need to hold the lid away from your eye to rub along the lash margin.

How often should I wash eyelash extensions?

It is recommended that you clean your eyelash extensions at least every other day using a lash cleanser.

How do you soothe eyelash extensions?

If your eyes are irritated from applying eyelash extensions, try the following:
  1. Wash the eyelid area with a hypoallergenic cleanser, ensuring that no adhesive remains. ...
  2. Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can alleviate dryness and provide a soothing effect.

What is it called when your eyelash hurts?

Eyelash Folliculitis and Blepharitis

Inflammation of the hair follicles along the eyelid margin, known as folliculitis, can lead to pain, redness, and swelling around the eyelashes. An inflammatory condition affecting the eyelid margins is blepharitis.

Why do my eyelash extensions feel like they are poking me?

Sometimes, the poking feeling may occur as your natural lashes grow after a few days or weeks of getting the extensions. It could also be that the lashes were applied too close to the eyelid causing a poking feeling.

How often should you give your eyes a break from lash extensions?

To ensure natural lashes recover from constant eyelash extension use, eyelash extensions should be removed every six to eight months to allow the eyelid line to be thoroughly cleansed after the months of make-up build-up and bacteria, and also for the natural lashes to grow and thicken.

What is the side effect of eyelash extensions?

The most common side effects experienced were itching (n=152, 38%), lashes pulling out (n=144, 36%), heavy eyelids (n=136, 34%), and red eyes (n=136, 34%).

Is it bad to leave fake eyelashes on overnight?

Technically, it's possible to sleep with fake lashes, but we do not recommend it. Leaving false eyelashes on overnight can lead to lash damage, eye irritation, and hygiene issues. We recommend removing strip lashes and magnetic lashes, as synthetic fiber lashes are lash extensions that can't be removed.

Previous article
Is it OK to put lotion on your armpits?
Next article
Can I mix hair dye with conditioner?