Can eyelashes be too long? – Trichomegaly and eyelash styling
“I want the longest lashes possible!” - this is a sentence that probably every lash stylist has heard. Many clients dream of long and thick lashes, but what if they are too long? Trichomegaly - when long lashes start to become a health problem.
In this article you will learn:
➤ Trichomegaly - what is it?
➤ Can you shorten lashes that are too long?
Contraindications for lash styling - what you must remember
The most important aspect of lash styling is always safety. We want every client to leave our salon with a smile on her face. There are situations when we have to refuse a lash extension procedure.
- Infections - bacterial, viral, fungal (e.g., stye, conjunctivitis, chalazion)
- Allergy - to cyanoacrylate or other substances contained in the adhesive
- Active inflammatory skin conditions around the eyes
- Surgeries in the eye area eyes - e.g. Treatment of glaucoma, cataracts etc
- Trichomegaly
Trichomegaly - what is it?
Trichomegaly is a medical term describing abnormal overgrowth of eyelashes. You will recognize it when a client’s lashes:
- Reach over 12 mm in length
- Are unnaturally thick and stiff
- Get tangled and grow at different angles
Where does eyelash trichomegaly come from?
The most common cause of this condition is genetics; sometimes you can develop the problem by taking certain medications, as a side effect of another disease, and also through the use of eyelash serums.
Eyelash serums with prostaglandin analogs, i.e., so-called growth stimulators, affect the natural hair life cycle. They prolong the anagen phase and block eyelash shedding in the telogen phase, so instead of falling out, the hair keeps growing, which makes it unnaturally long and thick.
Why can’t you apply lash extensions with trichomegaly?
Trichomegaly itself is dangerous for the organ of sight. Pathologically lush lashes add a lot of weight to the eyelid, and they can curl inward and irritate the cornea. Adding artificial lashes and adhesive will cause even greater discomfort.
Excessive overload of the eyelid:
- Ptosis - drooping of the eyelid
- Eyelid twitching
How to shorten overly long lashes at home?
This question is probably asked by anyone with unnaturally long lashes. The information should be clearly communicated: With trichomegaly you must not shorten your lashes on your own.
With such a problem you should see a doctor, an ophthalmology or dermatology specialist. The doctor may decide on a procedure to shorten natural lashes.
Lash extensions after shortening
After a doctor shortens the lashes, they become very thick and dense, but short, which may cause discomfort on the client’s eyes. Then it’s your turn to rescue the situation. How to extend lashes so that they are comfortable?
- 1:1 method - best masks lashes cut very short and gives a natural effect
- Thickness 0.7 - 0.10 - remember to put as little load as possible on the eyelid