Lash extensions are seemingly a girl’s best friend, but doctors are warning about the rise in eyelash lice because of lash extensions.

Eyelash Lice & Lash Extensions

Eyelash lice, called Demodex, love bacteria. They live in sweat glands and hair follicles and generally live on the face, but different species can be found in different areas. The total life cycle of these mites is several weeks. Dead mites decompose inside the hair follicle or sebaceous gland. (1)

Doctors are saying they’re seeing more lash mites than ever because of lash extensions. This popular beauty trend involves gluing false mink lashes on real lashes. A brand new set can run $100 to $300 and a fill usually half that. Some women fill their lashes at least once a month and some twice a month. With the cost of the lashes, women tend to get nervous about washing them in case their expensive installment falls off.

Dr. Sairah Malik told ABC 7 that lack of cleaning leads to the bacteria buildup. “Generally the idea when you have eyelash extensions is that people are afraid to touch them or wash them because they’re afraid the eyelash will fall out.” (2) But cleaning eyelids is critical.

Mites spread as they lay eggs and colonize, and can also present as rosacea and dermatitis across the face. They can be passed on to other individuals through contact with hair, eyebrows, and sebaceous glands on the nose. (1)

Avoid Eyelash Lice

The best way to take avoid eyelash lice is just to clean the lashes. Dr. Malik recommends using a natural cleanser. “We recommend tea tree base cleanser,” she said. “Any cleanser that has a diluted form of tea tree, and it is a good idea to use on a daily basis.” (2)

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is well-researched for its actions against fungus, bacteria, mites, and microbes. This in part due to its main compound called terpinen-4-ol, which was found to directly eradicate mites. (3) One study also found a 36% reduction in Demodex mites and a reduction of 6.33/eyelash to zero using tea tree eyelash wash at 7%. (4) Make sure to use a high-quality tea tree essential oil or tea tree product that is meant for health remedies. Not all essential oils or essential oil products are the same, and some are highly manufactured.

However, one thing to note is that using products with essential oils and oil base may dissolve eyelash glue. To avoid this, most technicians recommend using oil-free, tear-free baby wash daily on lashes to keep them clean, bacteria-free, and healthy.

Best Eyelash Health Tips

Proper eyelash hygiene is key for good health & maintenance. Some general tips (1):

1. Find a good technician with a clean and sanitized workspace.
2. Girl, wash your face and lashes! For daily maintenance, use tear-free, oil-free baby wash. In the middle of a problem, try tea tree cleanser. Be careful with essential oil around the eye. Make sure to use properly diluted products and don’t get it in the eye.
3. Give your lashes a break once and a while.
4. Don’t share makeup, mascara, or false eyelashes.
5. Don’t wear oily makeup.

Best advice? Wash your face diligently.