Some Tips About Magnetic Eyelashes
I really wanted to be someone who could successfully and easily wear false eyelashes—and yet, despite hours (legit) of practice, I am not. Like, I’ve tried every type of strip lash and individual lash, I’ve watched every tutorial on how to apply fake lashes, and I still end up with some glue-y, sticky, bent-out-of-shape nightmare. Which is why I’ve also become the unofficial mascot for magnetic lashes, the best thing to happen to my eyes since, magnetic eyelash birth?
But, of course, as with all things that we stick/glue/put on our eyes, there’s a few things to think about before going all-in. Like, are magnetic lashes safe? And which ones are the best brands to use?
What are magnetic eyelashes?
Magnetic lashes are fake eyelashes that adhere to your eyes using either (1) magnetic lash strips sandwiched together, or (2) magnetic eyeliner painted across your lid. With the “sandwiching” type of magnetic lashes, one strip (with magnets along its base) is placed below your lashes, and another strip (with magnets along its base) is placed on top of your lashes to cling together and sandwich your natural lashes between the two strips.
Magnetic eyeliner lashes, on the other hand, look like your classic fake eyelashes, but instead of using glue to adhere them, you use a magnetic eyeliner. These eyeliners are filled with iron oxides that work like a paint-on magnet, while the lashes have an itty-bitty strip of magnets along the bottom. Just line the top of your eye (cat eye, winged eye, whatever) and stick ’em on—easy.
Do magnetic lashes ruin your real lashes?
When used properly (and sparingly)? No, magnetic lashes won’t ruin your real lashes and are considered quite safe, especially if you’re using magnetic eyeliner lashes. Buuut if you’re using the magnetic strips that cling to your lashes, and you’re wearing them all day every day? Then yes, you do run the risk of stressing out your hair follicle and damaging your natural lashes.
“I’d recommend limiting the use of the magnetic lashes that sandwich your own natural lashes to avoid any potential lash damage or traction alopecia,” says Dr. Haberman. FYI: Traction alopecia is the medical term for hair loss that’s caused by repeatedly pulling or tugging on your hair. That’s not to say you can’t wear them once or twice a week, but be cautious about overdoing it.
Is magnetic eyeliner safe?
Listen, anything new that’s going near your eyes has the potential to cause irritation, contact dermatitis, or an allergic reaction, whether that’s magnetic eyeliner or just basic gel eyeliner. So basically, don’t try it for the first time right before a big event. But in terms of hair loss or natural lash damage? “The magnetic eyeliner is likely safer in terms of traction alopecia, since the false lashes are being supported by your lid, instead of just your natural lashes themselves,” says Dr. Haberman. You know, just like classic strip lashes and glue.
