Eyelash extensions can pose risk from improperly trained technician

SALT LAKE CITY — People in the business of attaching long, fluttery artificial eyelashes for women are warning customers to make sure their technician is licensed and trained.

Eyelash extensions are largely done by gluing synthetic fibers on to natural lashes one-by-one. But instead of gorgeous lashes, some customers have ended up with none or something worse by using technicians that aren't properly trained.

After reports of customer injuries, the State of Utah passed a law that requires people to get trained and licensed before applying lashes on someone else.

It's meticulous work even for those with the steadiest of hands, like Shaylynn Watson. Before Watson went into business, she earned a master esthetician license from the state. Additionally, she earned a certificate demonstrating she had hands-on training.

"It's what I planned on going to school for. To me, it was worth the money and time," she said.

However, many people who extend eyelashes haven't taken classes or obtained a license. Not only is that illegal, but it can hurt people.

"I've had clients who've had their eyes glued shut," Watson said. "I've had clients who've gotten glue on their actual eyeball from someone who didn't know what they were doing."

Chez George has seen many eyelash extensions turn into nightmares. She instructs people on the procedure at several cosmetology schools across Utah. She said if the adhesive isn't applied just right, the client can experience serious problems.

"When there is a lot of damage caused, there are ingrown eyelashes," she explained. "If that lash is glued on to several other lashes it can't go anywhere, so it's stuck. It causes an ingrown eyelash, causes sties and causes infection. It causes a major medical bill that you're in charge of."

Both Watson and George are troubled by those who go into the eyelash extension business after only watching a tutorial on a DVD or on YouTube.

"You're dealing with people's eyes. It's not something to take lightly," Watson said.

She said one client's eyelashes were "ripped out" by someone who learned on YouTube how to extend lashes.

"She thought she could do it herself," Watson said.

"It's not something you just do," George explained. "You're not building an airplane and flying it out on the salt flats. You are applying a chemical to someone's eye. You must know everything that goes into it — the product, the procedure, the person's reaction."

Technique and knowledge aren't the only concerns. Serious eye infections because of improper sanitation have also been reported.

"I've heard of people applying lashes on couches, kitchen tables, floors, carpets. They don't understand this is not a hobby," George continued.

The state regards it as a serious business. Anyone going into the lash extension trade legally is required to attend at least 600 hours of classes at a cosmetology school to become a licensed basic esthetician. That can cost about $7,000.

George has heard arguments that it takes too much time and too much money, so some people ignore the law. But she believes the state has it right.

"Not only are we dealing with the eye but we're also dealing with the skin beneath the eye. So we have to be educated on how that skin is going to respond. We need to be educated on allergies and reaction," she said.

Watson said people who refuse to get licensed and certified hurt not only their clients but business for legitimate salons.

"We have to lower our prices even though we have taken the time to get certified and we know what we're doing. We have to lower our prices in order to compete," she explained.

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