Contra-indications and Contra-actions

CONTRAINDICATIONS & CONTRA-ACTIONS

Introduction

Before you begin applying lashes on any client, you must perform a thorough consultation where you check and discuss any contraindications or possible contra-actions. This is a critical safety step that protects both you and your client.

Let’s cover what you need to know about contraindications and contra-actions in lash extension services.

PART 1: CONTRAINDICATIONS

What Is a Contraindication?

A contraindication refers to the presence of a condition which may make the client unsuitable for a treatment. When a contraindication is present, the treatment may not be able to take place at all, or it may need to be adapted.

IMPORTANT – Top Tip: Avoid telling your client what contraindication they may have, even if you’re sure you know what it is. You are not a doctor, and it’s possible you may be wrong. Instead, recommend they see their doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Contraindications for Lash Extensions

1. Allergic Conjunctivitis

What It Is: This occurs when eyes are exposed to allergens such as hay fever, pets, dust, pollen, or other environmental irritants.

Symptoms:

• Watery eyes
• Red eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Symptoms vary depending on client’s sensitivity level

What to Do: If your client has an allergic reaction, their eyes will be sensitive to everything. It is better to wait for any allergy symptoms to subside completely before applying lashes. Better safe than sorry – reschedule the appointment.

2. Conjunctivitis / Pink Eye

What It Is: A bacterial or viral infection that causes the white part of the eye to turn pink or, in some cases, red. Commonly known as pink eye.

Important: This infection is easily spread and highly contagious.

What to Do: DO NOT apply lashes. Advise the client to see a doctor for treatment. Reschedule the appointment once the infection has completely cleared and they’ve been given medical clearance.

3. Stye

What It Is: A bacterial infection of the sebaceous glands which causes a red, painful bump or inflammation around the eye area. It appears as a swollen, tender lump on the eyelid.

What to Do: Eyelash extensions will irritate the infection even more. DO NOT apply extensions. Advise the client to see their doctor and reschedule once the stye has healed completely.

4. Blepharitis

What It Is: Inflammation of the eyelids, often at the lash line. Can be caused by bacterial infection, allergies, dandruff, certain medications, or poor hygiene.

Symptoms:

• Dry, flaky eyelids
• Itchy eyelids
• Red and slightly inflamed eyelids
• Crusty debris at lash line

Important Note: Blepharitis is often seen in clients with lash extensions who are not cleaning them properly. Parasitic mites called Demodex that live inside our eyelash follicles can multiply when proper lash hygiene is ignored.

What to Do: If blepharitis is present, do not apply lashes. Educate all clients about the importance of cleaning their lashes daily with oil-free lash cleanser to prevent this condition.

5. Contact Lenses

What You Need to Know: It is typically safe to lash clients with contact lenses. It is your client’s choice if they wish to remove them before the service.

Recommendation: However, if a client has sensitive eyes, it is recommended to take them out. In rare cases, the fumes from the eyelash extension adhesive can get trapped underneath the contact lens, increasing sensitivity and irritability.

Always ask clients about contact lenses during consultation and discuss their preference.

PART 2: CONTRA-ACTIONS

What Is a Contra-Action?

A contra-action is when a reaction takes place as a result of a service or treatment taking place. These are reactions that occur during or after the lash application.

Your Responsibility: You must explain to your client possible reactions to expect during and after treatment. With all contra-actions, tell your client that if symptoms do not improve within 48 hours, they should contact their doctor for advice.

Common Contra-Actions for Lash Extensions

1. Slight Swelling

What It Is: Tenderness or puffiness on the eyelid or surrounding areas.

What to Do:

• Recommend applying a cold compress
• Should calm down within a few days
• If persists beyond 48 hours, advise client to see doctor

2. Erythema

What It Is: Reddening of the skin due to the dilation of blood vessels around the eye area.

What to Do:

• This is usually mild and temporary
• Should calm down after a few days
• If persists or worsens, advise client to see doctor

3. Allergic Reaction

Symptoms:

• Redness
• Moderate to severe irritation
• Inflamed eyes
• Swelling
• Itching

What to Do:

• Recommend antihistamines or seek doctor’s advice for antibiotics
• Eye drops may help
• Cool compress for relief
• Monitor for several days
• If severe or worsening, seek immediate medical attention

4. Adhesive Fumes

What Happens: It is possible that adhesive fumes can get into the client’s eyes during application, causing red and teary eyes.

During Application – If Eyes Are Tearing:

• Gently dry tears with a tissue
• Tape an adhesive wipe over the eye pad to catch tears
• This prevents the natural salts in tears from interfering with adhesive curing
• Salts can cause a white coating on the base of extensions

TOP TIP – Fluttering Eyelid: A fluttering eyelid is a serious obstacle during application. Sanitize a R5 coin and tape it on the middle of the upper lid. This stops the fluttering almost immediately.

If Client Experiences Stinging or Burning:

• Use a fan to calm the client’s eyes
• Increase ventilation in the room
• Client’s eyes may be red after application – this is normal

Preventative Measures:

For Sensitive Clients:

• Use an anti-allergy gel during the application process
• Use sensitive adhesive instead of regular adhesive
• Use less adhesive
• Use a nano mister to cure adhesive throughout the lashing process
• Fan the client’s lashes before they open their eyes
• Ensure proper ventilation

CRITICAL: Make sure the client does NOT open their eyes during the application process.

5. Improperly Applied Extensions

What Happens: If lash extensions are incorrectly applied, they can cause discomfort and irritation. The extensions will scratch the eyelid and cause a persistent urge to rub the eyes.

Common Causes:

• Extensions placed too close to skin (touching the eyelid)
• Extensions placed at wrong angle
• Poor isolation causing stickies
• Extensions glued to skin instead of lashes

Prevention:

CRITICAL RULES:

• Lash extensions must be applied 0.5-1mm away from the eyelid/skin
• Precisely measured – not touching skin, not too far away
• ALWAYS ISOLATE natural lashes properly
• NEVER STICK LASH EXTENSIONS ON THE EYELID OR SKIN

If improperly applied extensions are causing irritation, they must be removed and reapplied correctly.

6. Cyanoacrylate Allergy

What Is Cyanoacrylate: Cyanoacrylate is a key ingredient in ALL lash adhesives. Unfortunately, some clients are allergic to it.

Symptoms of Allergy:

• Eye swelling
• Redness
• Itchiness
• Discomfort

Preventative Measures:

Before First Appointment:

• Perform a patch test 24-48 hours prior to the client’s appointment
• Wait to see if they react before proceeding with full set
• In extreme allergy cases, avoid working on the client entirely

During Application for Sensitive Clients:

• Use a fan for air circulation
• Use nano mister
• Use less adhesive
• Use sensitive adhesive formula
• Ensure excellent ventilation

Note: If client has severe cyanoacrylate allergy, lash extensions may not be suitable for them at all.

7. Tape Sensitivity

What Happens: It is not uncommon for some clients to be sensitive to certain tapes used during lash application.

Types of Tape:

• Paper tape
• Woven tape
• Plastic tape
• Medical tape

Some clients may react to one type but not others.

Symptoms:

• Redness where tape was applied
• Irritation
• Itching
• Skin reaction

Solution: If the client has tape sensitivity, use gel pads instead of tape for under-eye protection and eyelid positioning.