Can Clients Get Eyelash Extensions During Pregnancy?

Every woman wants to feel beautiful and confident, and that doesn't stop when they're expecting! Lashes are a huge part of many beauty routines, so it's natural that some of our amazing clients will ask about getting them done while pregnant. We all know pregnancy comes with a whole new set of "do's and don'ts," and lash extensions are no exception. And when that moment comes, to empower our mamas-to-be and make sure they feel comfortable and informed, let's dive into the world of eyelash extensions during pregnancy and explore some key considerations!

Things to Be Cautious of When Doing Lash Extensions for Expecting Mothers

1. Fumes and Adhesives

When it comes to lash extensions and pregnancy, fumes and adhesives are a key consideration. Pregnant women often experience heightened sensitivity, making them more susceptible to irritation from traditional lash glue. 

Major lash adhesives contain cyanoacrylate, a bonding agent that releases fumes during application. While generally safe, these fumes might trigger headaches, nausea, or eye irritation, especially for expecting mothers with heightened sensitivity. Their heightened sense of smell can also make these fumes more noticeable.

 

To minimize sensitivity to glue and fumes, consider using these products and tools:

Sensitive Glue: Consider using clear lash adhesives formulated for sensitive eyes. These do not have carbon black, which pose a lower risk of irritation. Explore hypoallergenic options as well, which are specifically designed to minimize allergic reactions.

Fast-Drying Glue: Opt for fast-drying lash adhesives to reduce exposure time to fumes. This not only minimizes discomfort for your client but also expedites the application process, allowing them to spend less time lying down during the procedure.

Lii Lash's Fast-drying adhesive collection

Use a Mini-Fans: Utilize lash fans to accelerate the drying process of the adhesive. This reduces client exposure to fumes and creates a more comfortable experience. Consider incorporating a fume extractor into your workspace to further minimize airborne irritants.

Eye Patches and Tape: For clients with sensitive skin around the eyes, apply eye patches or medical tape to create a barrier between the skin and the adhesive. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of irritation. Pre-cut eye patches specifically designed for lash application can save time and ensure proper placement.

Remmber, open communication is key. Discuss these options with your client and encourage them to mention any pre-existing sensitivities they may have, including allergies to specific ingredients or latex. Listen attentively to their concerns and tailor the service accordingly

2. Positioning

Lying flat on the back for extended periods can be uncomfortable and even risky for pregnant clients, particularly in the later trimesters. This is due to the weight of the growing uterus, which can compress major blood vessels.

One key concern is the compression of the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart. When lying on the back, the weight of the uterus can press on this vein, reducing blood flow to the uterus and the baby and causing dizziness, lightheadedness, and even hypotension (low blood pressure). This can be particularly problematic after the 20-week mark of gestation.

Best Practices for Positioning

That’s why it's generally recommended that pregnant clients avoid lying on their backs during eyelash extension appointments. Instead, they should lie on their side for the entire duration of the session. This helps prevent vena cava compression and maintains adequate blood flow.

To accommodate your expecting clients, here are some tips:

- Lay on the Side: Position your client on her side, ideally with her head straight or as straight as possible for comfort. Working at a slight diagonal may be necessary.
- Wedge Pillows: Use wedge pillows to tilt your client slightly onto her side, or to prop her up for better comfort. This can help relieve pressure on the vena cava.
- Allow Extra Time: Schedule extra time for appointments to accommodate breaks and position adjustments. Short breaks during the session can help your client move around and stay comfortable.
- Shorten Lashing Time: Prep your workspace efficiently and have everything ready before the appointment to minimize time spent on the procedure. Consider using easy fan lashes or premade fan lashes to reduce fanning time.

For more tips on how to lash faster, check out our blog: How to Lash Faster and Better.

3. Allergic Reactions

When working with expecting mothers, it's essential to address the possibility of allergic reactions to lash adhesives. Pregnancy can make the body more sensitive to allergens due to hormonal changes and immune system adjustments. This is particularly important for first-time users of lash extensions.

Allergic Reactions Can Occur Anytime

Even if your client has had multiple lash extensions without any issues in the past, allergies can develop unexpectedly. During pregnancy, the mother's body undergoes significant changes that can alter its response to substances it previously tolerated. Therefore, it's crucial to be vigilant and proactive, even if the client has no history of allergic reactions.

Recommend Patch Tests Before Full Extensions

To minimize risks, always recommend a patch test before applying a full set of lash extensions. This involves applying a small amount of adhesive to a less sensitive area of the skin to check for any adverse reactions. Here’s how you can implement this practice:

- Conduct a Patch Test: Apply a small amount of adhesive behind the ear or on the inner forearm. Wait for 24-48 hours to observe any reaction.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for signs of redness, itching, swelling, or any other unusual symptoms. If any of these occur, avoid using that adhesive and consider alternative options.

4. Clients' Condition

Hormonal Changes and Temperature Fluctuations

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause significant temperature fluctuations. As a lash artist, it’s essential to be prepared for both hot and cold scenarios to ensure your client's comfort throughout the session.

- Blankets: Keep blankets on hand for when your client feels cold. Hormonal changes can cause pregnant clients to feel chilly unexpectedly, and a cozy blanket can help maintain their comfort.
- Fans: Have a fan available for when your client feels too hot. This can help keep them cool and prevent overheating, which is especially important during longer sessions.

Nausea Management

Pregnant clients may experience nausea during their lash extension appointment. To help manage this:

- Hard Candies: Keep hard candies available. Sucking on something sweet can help reduce the sensation of nausea and make the client feel more comfortable.
- Breaks: Allow for short breaks if your client feels nauseous. This can provide them with the opportunity to sit up, move around, and alleviate any discomfort.

 

5. Retention and Shedding:

Hormonal Fluctuations During Pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can cause various changes in the body, including how hair grows and sheds. These hormonal fluctuations can affect the hair growth cycle, influencing both lash retention and shedding.

Although significant changes in hair loss are more common postpartum, some clients may experience these effects during pregnancy as well. Hormones can alter the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding or changes in retention rates for lash extensions.
- Postpartum Hair Loss: After pregnancy, many women experience postpartum hair loss due to the sudden drop in hormones. This can result in increased shedding of lashes, affecting the retention of lash extensions.
- Daily Lash Shedding: It's normal to lose one to five lashes per day, depending on factors such as age, health, and lifestyle. This natural shedding process continues regardless of pregnancy or the presence of lash extensions.

Tips for Improving Lash Retention

To help your pregnant clients maintain their lash extensions, consider the following tips:

- Use a Primer: Applying a primer before the lash extension application can help cleanse natural lashes beforehand, fasten drying time, hence; creating a better bond between the natural lash and the extension, improving retention.
- Apply an Accelerator: An accelerator can speed up the adhesive's curing time, reducing the likelihood of lashes falling out prematurely.
- Use a Super Bonder: A super bonder can help lock irritating fume from the adhesive, make bonding more flexible, improve retention and fasten curing time.

Pre-Natal Consultation

Through all those precautions, it is unclear if lash extensions is safe for pregnant clients. These aforementioned ways are the best to reduce potential risks. But as we aren't professional doctor, seeking professional help is the best way and the most reliable way 

Consult Doctor's Advice

Encourage your pregnant clients to have a thorough discussion with their doctor or their healthcare provider before getting lash extensions. 

Before that, explain carefully to your clients the potential risks related to eyelash extensions while pregnant. Pregnancy can cause increased sensitivity to adhesives or a higher risk of eye infections due to hormonal changes.

Then, advise your clients to get personalized advice from their doctor about the impacts of lash extensions on both the mother and the baby. for making informed decisions. This ensures their choice is safe and well-considered.

Know Your Client's Medical History

It's essential for your clients to share their medical history with you in consulation. Here are some key points to discuss:
- Pre-Existing Eye Conditions: Urge your clients to inform you about any existing eye conditions, such as dry eyes, conjunctivitis, or blepharitis. This allows you to take necessary precautions, like using hypoallergenic adhesives or modifying your application technique.
- Report Allergies: Encourage clients to disclose any past allergic reactions to beauty products. This is especially important during pregnancy when sensitivities can change. Suggest conducting a patch test to ensure the adhesive does not cause a reaction.
- Provide Information on Medications and Treatments: Ask your clients to provide details about any medications or treatments they are currently undergoing. Certain medications can affect lash health and retention, and knowing this information helps you manage any potential issues effectively.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with unique considerations. By understanding the potential challenges of lash extensions during pregnancy, you, as a lash artist, can empower your clients to make informed decisions and create a safe, comfortable experience. Here are some key takeaways:

- Health Questionnaire: Have your clients complete a detailed health questionnaire that covers current medications, recent treatments, and known allergies.
- Discuss Pregnancy-Specific Concerns: Address specific concerns related to pregnancy, such as increased skin sensitivity, hormonal changes, and potential nausea or dizziness during the appointment.
- Conduct a Patch Test: Always conduct a patch test at least 24 hours before the full application to monitor for any delayed reactions to the adhesive.
- Create a Customized Lash Plan: Develop a customized lash extension plan based on the client's health information. This might include using gentler adhesives, scheduling shorter appointment times, and allowing for frequent breaks to ensure comfort and safety.

By advising your clients to have these detailed consultations and sharing your thorough process, you enhance their trust and satisfaction. This careful approach not only prioritizes their health but also promotes a safe and positive experience with lash extensions during pregnancy.

Remember, fostering open communication with your clients throughout the consultation and appointment is key.  Listen to their concerns, address any anxieties they may have, and tailor the service accordingly.  Ultimately, your goal is to help expecting mothers feel confident and beautiful throughout their pregnancy, and a gorgeous set of lashes can be the perfect finishing touch!