By: Khumbuzile Mbuqe

The trend of using false eyelashes has grown at great speed but medical and beauty experts are concerned about the dangers the lashes can pose for those who wear them.

The lashes, which were made popular in South Africa by celebrities including Sophie Ndaba who played the character Queen Moroka in the SABC 1’s soapie Generations, pose a health
hazard and can be blamed for the permanent loss of eyelashes.

Pinetown based beauty therapist, Thule Hlophe, said that women needed to see professional beauty therapists.

“Clients often don’t understand the importance of going to a qualified beauty therapist for intricate beauty fixtures such as lashes, laser treatment and removal of facial hair,” Hlophe
said.

In an article published in the Daily Mail Online on the 8th May, it was reported that many of the adhesives used by beauty salons contain formaldehyde, which some people are allergic to.

Pinetown based eye specialist, Essop Makada said that he sees many stalls along Hill Street in Pinetown just outside his practice, where ladies have their lashes installed at worryingly
low prices.

He said that many of the makeshift beauty salons use unsterilised equipment that increased the chances of an infection.

“The glue used by these bogus salons often forms lumps that scratch the cornea, which can increase the risk of ulcers and infection, in some situations cause permanent damage to
vision,” explained Makada.

Khethi Mzimela, uses fake lashes and she is aware of the dangers of using unprofessional salons. She said she goes to well-trained beauticians.

“Lashes brighten up my face, they do more for my face than make-up does,” Mzimela said.

She said she prefers the individually applied lashes as they have a more realistic look when compared to strip lashes, which are self-installed and available at most salons

Hlophe further said that she recommends that women should purchase authentic mascara, which gives the illusion of longer fuller lashes than using fake lashes.

The price of fake lashes, including having it fixed on, is said to vary from R20 to R550 depending on the size and the quality.