What is Blepharitis? How to Spot the Signs

Blepharitis: A Lash Technician’s Worst Nightmare

As Halloween creeps closer, many of us in the lash world are excited to create enchanting eyelash extension looks. But there's a scary villain in the lash world that could be lurking in your clients’ lashes: blepharitis.

It might sound intimidating, but don’t worry. Most of the time, it’s not quite as spooky as it seems, but blepharitis can still be a major hassle if not caught early. Let’s dive into what blepharitis is, how it can affect your eyelash extensions, and what you can do to protect your clients’ lashes.

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is essentially an inflammation of the eyelids, and it’s usually triggered by bacteria, allergies, or even those tiny critters known as eyelash mites. Not a pleasant thought, right? The symptoms range from mild irritation to severe redness, swelling, and flakes or crust around the eyes. If it goes untreated, blepharitis can even cause natural lashes to shed prematurely. That’s definitely not what your clients want!

The Spooky Symptoms of Blepharitis

Blepharitis can sneak up on your clients with some nasty symptoms, and as a lash tech, it’s good to be aware of what to look for. Common symptoms include:

• Redness and Puffiness: Clients might show up with swollen, red eyes. Not exactly ideal for a lash appointment!
• Itchiness and Burning: Blepharitis can make your clients’ lashes feel like they're crawling with bugs, causing an intense urge to scratch.
• Crusty, Sticky Lashes: The buildup of crusts can make their eyelash extensions sticky and hard to work with.
• Watery Eyes: Excessive tearing can create a messy situation, especially when applying lash glue or during lash primer prep.
• Demodex Mites: These microscopic pests live in our hair follicle, and can come out to live in your client’s lashes so that they can feed on the crust and bacteria around the lashes if they’re not kept clean, which causes irritation and damages the hairs. Remind clients to use a gentle lash cleanser or lash shampoo regularly.

What’s Behind the Blepharitis Scare?

There are a few causes of blepharitis, and while they might not sound like something out of a horror movie, they’re definitely no fun:

• Dry Eyes: Dryness and blepharitis often come as a package deal. Encourage your clients to stay hydrated and check with their doctor if they have persistent dry eyes.
• Cheap Cosmetics: Low-quality lash products or makeup can irritate the lash line. Advise your clients to opt for high-quality, hypoallergenic products to prevent issues.
• Bacterial Buildup: Bacteria like Staphylococcus can creep into the lash line. Proper hygiene and avoiding touching the eyes will help reduce the risk.

Blepharitis and Lash Extensions: A Scary Combo

For lash techs, the goal is to create stunning eyelash extensions that leave clients feeling fabulous. But when blepharitis sneaks in, it can throw everything off:

• Weak Glue Bonds: Blepharitis can disrupt the bond between the natural lashes and the lash glue, leading to poor retention and premature shedding.
• Itchy, Irritated Eyes: Your client might feel discomfort after getting their lash extensions, especially if they’re dealing with blepharitis. They’ll be tempted to rub, which can damage the extensions.
• Increased Infection Risk: Blepharitis can up the risk of eye infections, particularly when eyelash extensions add stress to already sensitive eyelids.
• Extreme cases of blepharitis can cause the lashes to fall out prematurely and grow back much weaker—in some cases they may not even grow back at all.

Tips to Keep Blepharitis Out of Your Lash Studio

As a lash technician, you can play a huge role in helping your clients avoid blepharitis. Here are some ways to keep your studio free of this lash horror:

• Pre-Appointment Consultation: Always ask your clients if they’ve had any eye problems or symptoms. If you suspect they have blepharitis, suggest they see a doctor before booking their eyelash extensions appointment.
• Clean Lashes, Always: Start with a thorough cleanse using a high-quality lash shampoo or lash cleanser to ensure your clients’ lashes are squeaky clean before applying eyelash primer or eyelash extensions.
• Educate Clients on Hygiene: Teach your clients the importance of proper lash hygiene, and give them tips on using products like under eye patches, micropore tape, and eyelid tape to avoid bacteria buildup.
• Choose Lightweight Lashes: If your client has a history of blepharitis, stick with lighter options like classic lashes or wispy lashes to reduce stress on the natural lashes.
• Strict Hygiene Practices: Follow strict hygiene routines during appointments. Disinfect your tools, wash your hands, and use disposable applicators to keep bacteria at bay.

Treating Blepharitis: What Should Clients Do?

If one of your clients is experiencing blepharitis, you should (politely) refuse service, and advise that they visit their doctor for treatment. Once the symptoms have all cleared up and their doctor has given them the go-ahead for lashes, you can reschedule their appointment, and make sure to reiterate the importance of thorough cleansing!

Halloween is the perfect time to get creative with eyelash extensions, whether your client’s after classic eyelash extensions, dramatic volume lashes, or playful wispy lashes, but don’t let blepharitis ruin the fun! By practising good hygiene and educating your clients on the importance of clean lashes, you’ll keep their eyes healthy and your lash extensions looking amazing. Happy lashing, and may all your Halloween transformations be enchanting!