If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you sleep with false eyelashes on?” there’s a direct and straightforward answer. Having false eyelashes may be a fashion ‘do’, but damaging your real lashes is never in style. Our lashes help us to function in a variety of ways. When answering this question you must think about why our lashes are essential. And sleeping with false eyelashes on isn’t good for your natural lashes or your eyes. In this article, we’ll go over why you shouldn’t sleep while wearing fake eyelashes. We’ll also detail what you should do to preserve your natural lashes should this ever happen.
Can You Sleep with False Eyelashes on? A Full Explanation
It’s easy to fall asleep with false eyelashes on. We live in a world where everything demands our time and attention. It’s understandable that after a long double shift at work or a night out with friends, you’d feel like just falling into bed. While it’s common, this is something you really should avoid. If you sleep in false eyelashes, you may do more harm than good.
Is It OK to Sleep in False Eyelashes?
While it won’t be catastrophic, false eyelashes sleep isn’t recommended. According to many experts, sleeping in falsies can cause many problems down the road. One of the main reasons why sleeping in your falsies is not a good idea is due to the weight on the natural lash.
It may not seem like a bad idea, but when you sleep with falsies, you can add extra weight to your lashes. This is because falsies are often made of materials that may pull on the lash shaft. When glues and other adhesives come into the mix, you may add extra strain. This strain can lead to many problems, including hair loss.
Experts call this condition traction alopecia. Traction alopecia occurs when there is too much force upon a hair shaft. Tension not only weakens the hair, but it may also pull the hair from the follicle. Tossing and turning in your sleep may pull on the lashes as well and, in turn, cause stress on your natural lash.
The combination of sleep, tension, and other factors can also contribute to a long-term lash loss. For example, some lashes come with a variety of embellishments, including rhinestones, gems, and feathers. These attachments can also cause the falsies to be heavy. If you add in sleep, this can especially damage your natural lash.
Can You Leave Fake Eyelashes on Overnight?
After a long night out with friends, taking off your lashes may be the last thing you may want to do. However, it’s the best thing. While adding lashes can give a makeup look some pizzazz, there’s something a bit more insidious it can bring: Germs.
Makeup can attract a lot of things, including dirt. Dirt particles often breed germs, bacteria, and microbes. While certain microbes and other living organisms are a part of our body’s natural flora, overgrowth can lead to unsavory results, like an infection.
Wearing false eyelashes overnight can increase the likelihood of contracting an infection. A combination of dirt, oils, and adhesives can create the perfect breeding ground for germs. An infection of the eye can cause maladies such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and keratitis (infection of the cornea).
When you wear false eyelashes at night, you also increase the risk of an allergic reaction. Many adhesives, while hypoallergenic, may contain irritants that cause discomfort in select individuals. Formaldehyde, for example, is often used as an ingredient in eyelash glues. It causes itching, redness, and irritation in some users, and if worn overnight may result in puffy, painful, and red eyes.
An additional concern is that while your eyes may not be harmed, your falsies may be prone to damage. There are tons of durable falsies on the market, but sleeping in them may cause rip the delicate materials. Remember, falsies can be a beauty investment. Making them last should include proper care and maintenance; taking them off before sleeping can lengthen their shelf life.
How to Sleep with False Eyelashes
There may be an occasion where sleeping in your falsies isn’t avoidable. Long nights spent studying in the library, working more than one shift, or any number of factors may occur. In cases such as these, observe a few precautions.
- It’s all about the materials: You may not think about it, but what you sleep on can make a big difference to your lashes. To minimize ripping, tearing, and other damage to your falsies, sleep on a silk pillowcase. The slick material will be kinder to your lashes by allowing less tugging and is soft on your skin.
- Sleep on your back: For many sleepers, sleeping on the side or stomach guarantees a good night’s sleep. However, when you’re wearing falsies, you’re putting undue pressure on the hair shafts. To mitigate this, try sleeping on your back. The stress of your weight and the friction of your body against sheets and blankets is minimized.
- Use a hypoallergenic glue: Wear a formaldehyde-free adhesive. To be sure that you won’t have a reaction, test the glue on another area of your body at least one day before wearing your falsies. Check frequently if there is redness, itching or any other symptoms. If there isn’t a reaction after about 24 hours, the glue is most likely okay for you to use.
- Wear a sleep mask: Invest in a sleep mask if you think you may wear your falsies overnight. Sleep masks are great for preventing the wear and tear on your lashes. It also can help keep the lashes in place. Look for a sleep mask that won’t ruin false eyelashes. This will include a mask with a contour for your eyes to prevent shifting during the night. There are tons of eye masks that false eyelashes on the market. Many of these are free of allergens like latex.
Should You Remove Your Eyelashes Every Night?
If you’re wondering if you should bother taking off your falsies at night, the answer is a definite yes. It will give your natural lash a chance to breathe, keep germs from propagating, and extend the wear time of your lashes.
To remove your lashes, soak a cotton ball or pad in an oil-based makeup remover. If this isn’t available, you can use an essential oil like coconut or almond. Go over the lash line with the oil until the glue loosens.
Gently peel off the lash and remove it from the eye. Be sure to clean the lashes and allow them to air dry properly. Once dry, you can secure them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Most experts agree that you are supposed to remove false eyelashes every night. While it may seem like a bother, it will save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
