A Woman Couldn’t See After Nail Glue Was Used on Her Eyelash Extensions

Over the past few years, eyelash extensions have gained immense popularity, even surpassing mascara as the most popular beauty fix for voluminous looking lashes. While extensions may take some time and effort in the salon, the process is generally safe, and should result in the sky-high lashes of you dreams. However, as one Twitter user learned, it's always important to do your beauty research prior to booking an appointment.

In a tweet shared on October 19, Megan Rixson detailed the frightening incident that occurred during her recent eyelash extensions appointment. "Be very very careful where you get your eyelashes done," she wrote on Twitter. "I got my individuals done today somewhere new and it turns out they used nail glue on my lashes. I genuinely lost my sight for 2 hours."

Megan explained to BuzzFeed News that during the eyelash application process, she experienced some pain, but was told by the stylist that was it "normal." She later took a video after the appointment had been completed. In the clip, she said her eye felt like "it was on fire," that her vision had remained blurry, and that her eyes couldn't stop watering.

According to The Daily Mail, Megan later returned to the salon to let them know what happened. The salon reportedly confirmed they had used nail glue, As past research has indicated, the use of nail glue near or in the eye can result in scratches to the eye, discomfort around the eyelid, swelling, and in some cases, eyelashes have fallen out. The salon offered Megan another free treatment, but she passed.

Despite what had happened, Megan said that her eyes are feeling better. She warned others to be aware of what products are being used, Buzzfeed News reported.

Dr. Ellen Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine told Teen Vogue that eyelash extensions are generally a safe option — if you use the appropriate product. "There is no reason why one cannot get eyelash extensions as long as you are aware of the possible complication," she said. "There have been reports of conjunctivitis (pinkeye) or allergic reactions to the tape or the glue used, some of which contain formaldehyde. Lash loss can also occur especially if the extensions are removed incorrectly."

Stephanie Artiga of Los Angeles-based salon Lash Effects also noted that complications resulting from eyelash extensions are generally unlikely. However, if you do experience pain at any time before or after the appointment, you need to let your lash tech know. "If you are feeling discomfort or itchiness in the weeks following your appointment, this means the lashes were not properly applied," she said. She also warned against improper application on a technical level, noting that, "Some of your natural lashes might be attached together causing a tug-of-war effect." As she explained, people with improperly-applied extensions typically experience pain until the lashes are removed.

In order to avoid an incident with eyelash extensions, both Stephanie and Dr. Mitchell recommend doing your research and asking questions. "Make sure it is a reputable establishment with trained aestheticians," Dr. Mitchell said. "Make sure they are using good hygiene and sanitary measures and make sure to check reviews and see how long the person has been doing extensions."

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Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: Your Complete Eyelash Extensions Guide, From Avoiding Infections to Expert Advice