What Are LED Lashes And How Do They Work?

LED lashes involve a slightly altered application technique than traditional eyelash extensions. The biggest difference is the adhesive type used, and the curing technique. Sometimes referred to as UV eyelash extensions, UV lashes or LED eyelash extensions, this is not so accurate – as it’s actually an LED light, which is quite different. It is an advanced technique, where a high level of skill and precision are needed, but when done by an experienced professional, the results in terms of retention will generally surpass those of traditional eyelash extensions. It’s safe and has been well tested!

Benefits Of LED Lashes

Due to this curing method, the bond is extremely strong and oil resistant, which is a major benefit if you are someone who struggles with lash retention, has oily skin and/or hair, or has lashes that are very thick/straight and have had trouble holding extensions in the past. The adhesive cures instantly and does not require that you keep them dry for 24 hours to avoid unstable curing and extension loss. If you’re a swimmer/everyday gym goer etc, this could be a game changer for you.

For those of you who are time poor, we’re finding that most people are getting an additional week between infills with this type of technology.

If you are prone to very sensitive eyes and tend to find regular lash extension application irritating, in most cases, this will completely eliminate any irritation from adhesive fumes, and you will have zero redness after the treatment.

Allergies (normally characterised by puffy, swollen eyelids) to eyelash extension adhesive aren’t eliminated with regular LED, however the chance of them is lessened. We now have a second LED adhesive that is more resin-based and does not contain the same primary ingredients, and in fantastic news, we are finding that most individuals who have previously been allergic to regular lash extension adhesives do not react to this one!

There are a few circumstances where LED lashes are contraindicated – if you are on photosensitizing medications/have photodermatosis, have epilepsy, hemophilia, are undergoing cancer treatment or have active skin cancers, it is not recommended.

After care for LED lashes (washing them every day with a lash cleanser) is the same; for good eyelid hygiene, you do need to take care to keep your lash extensions clean, whichever way they’ve been applied. LED lashes can be wet immediately after the treatment, however.

Would It Be An Issue If The LED Lash Treatment Used UV Light?

If the LED lash treatment does use UV light, like that used for gel manicures of any kind or even blue LED light, it would certainly be a cause for concern.

UV light is incredibly damaging to the eye. Even with eyes closed, there is a risk of mutating the skin cells on the delicate eyelid. Research published this year by the University of San Diego found that even one session of using a UV lamp for just 20 minutes to dry a gel manicure caused 20-30% cell death.

Your eyelids alone are not enough to stop UV light rays – that’s why you’re always told never to look at the sun, even with your eyes closed! This means that any UV exposure to the eyes, even if they’re closed, could cause irreversible damage to the front, middle and back of the eye.

Many sight-threatening eye diseases are linked with UV exposure, cataracts (a clouding of the middle ‘window’ of the eye; the lens), as well as macular degeneration (which is irreversible).