Are false lashes harmful to my natural lashes?

Short answer: false lashes are not automatically harmful to your natural lashes, but the glue and the way you apply and remove them can cause irritation or damage. Use glue intended for strip lashes, apply a thin layer and remove the band without pulling. Careful use helps reduce the risk, but cannot completely rule out an allergic reaction or damage.

This explanation concerns temporary strip lashes and half lashes that you apply and remove yourself. Lash extensions use a different attachment method and require different care. Magnetic lashes and cluster lashes also work differently: read how magnetic lashes work and what cluster lashes are.

What can go wrong with false lashes?

Strip lashes are attached with lash glue to the skin directly above your natural lash line. Pay particular attention to these points:

• Pulling them off forcefully: if the glue is still firmly attached, you may tug on or pull out your natural lashes during removal.
• Too much glue: a thick layer can get onto your natural lashes and make removal harder.
• Glue in your eye: this can cause irritation or eye injury. Avoid contact with your eye and the inner rim of your eyelid.
• A reaction to the glue: irritation or an allergic reaction can occur even with careful use. Latex-free does not mean a product is suitable for everyone.
• Poor hygiene: dirty hands, tools and leftover makeup or glue make careful use harder. Use clean materials and do not share them.

What are By Dash Beauty lashes made of?

By Dash Beauty lash fibres are made from PBT, or polybutylene terephthalate. This is a synthetic plastic without animal hair. Faux mink describes the mink-like appearance of the fibres. The lash band and lash glue have their own compositions.

Other brands may make false lashes from human hair or animal hair. Names such as silk do not always tell you what a lash is made from, as this term is also used for synthetic versions.

Find more information in what are false lashes made from?.

How do you apply false lashes carefully?

Start with clean hands and clean tools. Do not use lash glue on irritated or inflamed eyelids.

1. Check the fit. Hold the lash band against your eyelid without glue. Is it too long? If needed, trim a small piece from the outer end.
2. Apply a thin layer of glue. Spread glue for strip lashes along the band according to the instructions. Avoid thick drops.
3. Let the glue become tacky. Follow the waiting time on the packaging, as this can vary between glues.
4. Position the band above your natural lash line. Attach it to the skin, not to your natural lash hairs or the inner rim of your eyelid. A lash applicator can help with placement.
5. Press down gently. Start in the centre, then work towards the corners. Avoid touching your eye with the applicator.

Read the full step-by-step guide in applying false lashes.

Finding a full lash band difficult? Half lashes have a shorter band and may therefore be easier to position. See our guide to applying half lashes.

How do you remove false lashes and lash glue carefully?

For our waterproof black lash glue and white lash glue an oil-based makeup remover is sufficient to loosen the glue. Choose a remover suitable for eye makeup and follow its instructions.

Apply some remover to a cotton pad and close your eye. Hold the pad against the lash band to soften the glue. Then slowly and gently wipe along the band. Only begin to remove the false lash from the outer corner once the band releases easily. Feel resistance? Let the glue soften further and do not pull on your natural lashes.

Gently remove any remaining glue from your eyelid and natural lashes with the remover. Do not rub hard or pull on the hairs, and keep remover out of your eye. You can also use the remover to loosen glue residue on the removed false lashes.

Using a different lash glue? Follow that product's removal instructions.

How do you keep your false lashes clean?

Want to wear your lashes again? Clean them after use according to the care instructions. With our lash glue, you can often gently peel residue from the removed lash band in one strip. Hold the band and do not pull on the lash fibres. Gently loosen any remaining residue with an oil-based makeup remover.

After cleaning, let the lashes air-dry completely. Then store them clean and dry in their case. Before the next use, check that the band is intact and no stubborn residue remains. Do not reuse damaged lashes.

Clean your applicator too, and do not share your lashes, tools or lash glue with others.

Find more practical advice in our guide to cleaning false lashes.

How often can you wear false lashes?

There is no fixed wearing schedule that suits everyone. Follow the recommended wear time for the lashes and glue, and pay attention to how your eyelids react.

You can take days off from false lashes if you prefer. However, a fixed number of rest days does not guarantee that irritation or damage will be avoided.

Remove temporary strip lashes before sleeping. Are your eyelids red, sensitive or irritated? Stop using the lashes and allow symptoms to settle. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or return.

Frequently asked questions

Can lash glue irritate your eyes?

Yes. Lash glue can cause irritation or an allergic reaction, even when used carefully. Check the ingredients and follow the instructions. Latex-free glue may be suitable if you want to avoid latex, but it does not rule out a reaction to other ingredients.

How do you remove lash glue safely?

For By Dash Beauty's black and white lash glue, use an oil-based makeup remover suitable for eye makeup. Apply it to a cotton pad, close your eye and slowly and gently wipe along the lash band. Only remove the band once the glue releases easily. Gently remove any remaining glue with the remover and do not pull on your natural lashes. Do not use remover inside your eye. For other lash glues, follow that product's removal instructions.

When should you stop using lash glue?

Stop using it if you notice redness, swelling, itching or irritation. Remove strip lashes according to the product instructions, without forcing anything. Do not apply glue to irritated eyelids.

Has lash glue entered your eye? Rinse immediately with lukewarm water, do not rub, and contact your GP or out-of-hours medical service if you have pain, eyelids stuck together or reduced vision. See also the advice from Thuisarts.

Can you sleep with false lashes on?

Remove temporary strip lashes and half lashes before sleeping. You may rub or pull on the band while asleep. Make careful removal part of your evening routine.

Can false lashes make your natural lashes fall out?

Yes, for example if you pull on the band while the glue is still attached. Careful application and removal help limit damage, but cannot rule out problems entirely.

Your natural lashes also fall out as part of their normal growth cycle. One loose lash therefore does not automatically mean your false lashes caused damage. Notice obvious thinning, bare patches or persistent symptoms? Stop using them and speak to your GP.

Conclusion: are false lashes harmful?

With careful use, false lashes are a beautiful, temporary addition to your makeup. Choose suitable glue, work hygienically, apply a thin layer, remove the band without pulling and stop if irritation occurs.

Want to choose a suitable style? Explore all false lashes or choose a lash starter kit with lashes, glue and an applicator.