Can Wearing False Eyelashes Cause Headaches?

woman wearing false eyelashes having a headache

Can wearing false eyelashes cause headaches? The short answer is yes. Wearing false eyelashes can cause headaches. A lot of people have reported experiencing headaches from wearing fake eyelashes.

However, the person does not realize it’s the false eyelashes affecting them. They continue wearing them for a while before discovering that the lashes are giving them headaches.

When they don’t wear false eyelashes the headaches stop. This post will give you a rundown on why wearing falsies can cause headaches. And we will help you find the best way to avoid headaches when wearing fake eyelashes. Let’s get started!

Why Does Wearing False Eyelashes Give You Headaches?

Some people find that wearing false eyelashes can lead to headaches. Here’s why: the eyelash glue used to attach fake eyelashes to your natural lashes can cause an allergic reaction.

Eyelash glue ingredients such as cyanoacrylate and formaldehyde can cause headaches if you are allergic to them. While there are no significant scientific studies on this topic, anecdotal evidence indicates that eyelash glue can cause headaches.

People have reported irritation of the eyes and nasal passages, as well as migraines, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty breathing after using eyelash adhesive.

Why Does Formaldehyde Cause Headaches?

Cyanoacrylate and formaldehyde are two of the major chemicals in eyelash glue. Cyanoacrylate is used in all eyelash glue, even those formulated for sensitive eyes.

The reason it’s used in all eyelash glue is that cyanoacrylate is strong-bonding and fast-drying. Without cyanoacrylate, your falsies wouldn’t actually stick to your natural lashes. Cyanoacrylate releases formaldehyde when it hardens.

Technically speaking, formaldehyde is not an ingredient but is formed when the eyelash glue dries. Formaldehyde is known to trigger allergic reactions that can lead to headaches.

Different people have different sensitivities to formaldehyde. The headaches are our body’s natural response to formaldehyde. Why certain people react to formaldehyde is unfortunately unknown.

The allergic reaction is the result of the immune system’s response to formaldehyde. A person becomes allergic when their body produces antibodies to attack the formaldehyde. Upon repeated exposure, the severity of the reaction may increase.

How Do You Treat Headaches Caused By False Eyelashes?

Most headaches caused by false eyelashes can be easily treated by doing the following:

  • It’s best to remove the false eyelashes straight away.
  • Take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin.
  • Apply an ice pack to your head or neck for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Relax and get some rest. Lie down in a dark, quiet room and take a nap, if you can.

In the case of severe symptoms that persist for more than 72 hours, seek immediate medical attention.

How Do You Prevent Headaches Caused By False Eyelashes?

While a small percentage of people develop an allergic reaction to eyelash glue, this allergy itself is not especially dangerous. Symptoms will disappear once the false eyelashes are removed. But, the allergy might happen again if fake eyelashes are applied even after some time out.

The immune system keeps a memory of the allergy. Once the immune system creates antibodies against formaldehyde, the allergic reaction won’t go away.

You’re likely to have a stronger reaction to eyelash glue next time. The best way to prevent headaches caused by fake eyelashes is to avoid using any type of eyelash adhesive.

What Are The Best Eyelash Glue Alternatives?

Many women love false eyelashes because they give your eyes a more glamorous look. However, some women have had a headache from wearing fake eyelashes.

If you know this is going to happen to you, try to avoid wearing them. If you absolutely have to wear eye makeup, try using the following alternatives:

  • Volumizing mascara
  • Lash growth serum
  • Lash lift and tint
  • Eyelash extensions
  • Magnetic eyelashes
  • Liquid self-adhesive eyelashes

With such a wide variety of lash glue alternatives and eyelash products, it can be hard to find the perfect fit. Nonetheless, there are many great lash glue alternatives that can help you create beautiful lashes without the hassle of an adhesive.

When it comes to lash glue alternatives, we’ve rounded up the best products on the market, so you can easily find the right one for your needs. To find out which eyelash glue alternative is best for you, read our post titled “What Can I Use Instead Of Eyelash Glue?

Final Thoughts: Can Wearing False Eyelashes Cause Headaches?

Women everywhere love wearing false eyelashes because they can give the appearance of longer, thicker, and more glamorous eyelashes.

Unfortunately, some women who wear false eyelashes report experiencing headaches that may be caused by their new accessory. These headaches are most likely caused by the glue that is used to keep the eyelashes in place.

Some people are allergic to the glue used to put them on and this can lead to headaches. The glue contains formaldehyde, which can cause people who are sensitive to it to have headaches.

While this type of headache is very temporary, it can still cause some discomfort. If you have headaches that seem to occur when you wear false eyelashes, it is possible that the two are connected.

Below are some of the common problems women experience when wearing false eyelashes. False eyelashes can cause a lot of issues such as eye infections, eye irritation, and in the worst cases, blindness.

Additionally, wearing false eyelashes can cause headaches. There are a few ways to fix this issue. One way is to stop wearing false eyelashes altogether, but if that isn’t an option, try liquid self-adhesive eyelashes.

Other options include magnetic eyelashes and getting eyelash extensions. You can find eyelash glue alternatives and other eyelash products online.

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Categorized as Makeup

By Cierra Tolentino

Cierra Tolentino is a beauty writer at Kintegra Research. She loves keeping people up-to-date with the latest beauty trends in skincare, hair care, and makeup. Finding answers to tough questions is her thing. When she has free time you can find her chasing down a clumsy toddler and obsessively drinking tea.