What to Do If You Lose Your Eyelashes During Chemo

A cancer diagnosis certainly sends a scare through our system that leaves us feeling helpless and unsure. If you find yourself in this precarious and frightening situation, it’s important to find a few things to use as anchors. One thing to make sure of immediately is that you have a team of medical professionals that you trust, doctors who have developed an understanding of following a patient through treatment, assuring them they are never left asking questions. Whether it’s an ultrasound, an MRI, chemotherapy, or radiation, find radiology services in New Jersey that keep patients focused on the road ahead and well-informed about their treatment and options.

While doctors and radiologists focus in on curing our ailments, there are also major changes to our everyday life to consider. Of course, the biggest change for most of us is hair loss, and for women, it’s sometimes more difficult to accept. One of the common symptoms associated with chemotherapy is hair loss in the scalp. However, eyebrow and eyelash hair are also susceptible to falling out, as part of alopecia associated with side effects of chemo. Some women opt to use fake eyelashes during this time. If that’s something you’d consider, here are a few things to know.

Faux Lashes

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Faux mink lashes have emerged as a new way for patients to replace eyelashes temporarily, while providing the comfort of knowing that these synthetic lashes look like the real thing. Silk lashes, mink lashes, and other false eyelash sets are available at most drugstores and cosmetic counters, as well as online. Prices may vary, but you can be assured of the latest technology and patient safety in higher-quality, sometimes higher priced, sets.

If you have not used false lashes before, they can be a little tricky. In this case, you may want to speak with someone at the cosmetic counter who can give you tips or even apply them for you, or check for tips online to prepare you for using of faux mink lashes. Once you’ve mastered a few simple steps you can have luxurious lashes with a realistic curl, perfectly lightweight and designed to fit your eye shape.

Applying Synthetic Eyelashes

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False eye lashes can have a natural look and a longer wear with the use of magnetic eyeliner, carefully applied to the roots of the lashes. It’s important to create a line thick enough to maintain the size of the magnetic on faux mink or synthetic lashes. Be sure to also make the line from the inner corner to the outer corner so that the magnets at the end of the lash band hold properly.

The liner should be fairly dry before magnetizing lashes and applying them. For a more natural look, you can soften the lash band to make it softer and better contoured to your eye shape.

 

If you have long lashes, make sure to get behind your natural lashes so that the synthetic fibers do not interfere with the eyeliner to magnet contact. Once lashes make contact with the magnetic liner, jut grab the lashes near the root and press into place to make sure that the mink hair sets.

These mink lashes will last throughout the day and, when you’re done, simply pull them off gently and clean your eyelids with any oil based cleanser. It is important to gently remove the glue or magnetic liner used.

Mascara

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While we commonly associate mascara with making our eyes pop and lashes looking thick and full, it’s actually not in the best interest of patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.

It’s recommended to avoid heavy mascaras, especially waterproof ones, as those can be too harsh on delicate lashes. Light touches of mascara are acceptable, but removal must be a careful process. Users should refrain from rubbing their eyes to minimize hair loss, or patting lashes to see if they are still there. It’s best to use a cotton ball and a natural eye makeup remover and gently wipe away any makeup from the eyes.