Author: LASHMAITRE Team

Topic: Health & Safety Protocols

Reading Time: 20 Minutes

---

Introduction

In the thriving beauty industry, client safety is the bedrock of a reputable salon. With approximately 45 million Americans wearing contact lenses, the intersection of optometry and cosmetology is unavoidable. For salon owners and lash artists, the topic of eyelash extensions and contact lenses often falls into a grey area. Some technicians allow clients to keep lenses in for convenience, while others strictly mandate removal.

However, as we move into 2026, the standards for liability and hygiene are tightening. Treating the relationship between eyelash extensions and contact lenses as a mere preference is a business risk. It involves complex chemical interactions between adhesives and hydrogel materials, potential liability for corneal abrasions, and the overall comfort of your client.

This comprehensive guide serves as your salon’s safety whitepaper. We will move beyond the basic “can I wear them?” questions and dive deep into the science of fume absorption, the necessity of contact lens safety during lash application, and how sourcing the right hypoallergenic supplies from LASHMAITRE can protect your business and your clients’ vision.

---

The Market Reality: Why Ignoring Contact Wearers is Bad for Business

Understanding your demographic is the first step to profitability. The overlap between contact lens wearers and lash extension clients is massive.

The Demographic Overlap

Most contact lens wearers are women between the ages of 18 and 44—the exact core demographic for the lash industry.

• The Convenience Factor: Clients who wear contacts often do so to avoid glasses, which can interfere with the aesthetic of long lashes (lashes brushing against lenses). Therefore, contact wearers are more likely to seek out extensions than glasses wearers.
• The Business Implication: If your salon does not have a specific, comfortable protocol for eyelash extensions and contact lenses, you are creating friction for nearly 50% of your potential clientele.

Data Insight: Vision and Beauty Trends

According to The Vision Council and beauty industry market analysis from 2025:

• Usage Rates: 41% of lash extension consumers report wearing contact lenses at least 5 days a week.
• Sensitivity Reports: Clients who wear contacts are 2x more likely to report “stinging” or “redness” post-service if proper removal protocols are not followed.
• Retention Correlation: Salons that provide complimentary lens cases and solution see a 15% higher retention rate among contact-wearing clients due to the perceived “concierge” service level.

---

The Chemistry of Risk: Fumes and Soft Contact Lenses

To make an informed decision, we must look at the chemistry. Why is the combination of eyelash extensions and contact lenses potentially dangerous during application?

The Sponge Effect

Modern soft contact lenses are made of hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. These materials are designed to be hydrophilic (water-loving) and highly absorbent to allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea.

• Fume Absorption: When lash adhesive (cyanoacrylate) cures, it releases fumes. If a client keeps their contacts in, the lens acts like a sponge.
• The Trap: The lens absorbs the adhesive fumes and traps them against the cornea. Unlike a naked eye, which has tear film to wash away irritants, the lens holds the chemical vapor directly on the surface of the eye.
• The Consequence: This leads to fumes and soft contact lenses creating a chemical burn environment. The client may wake up the next day with severe redness, dryness, or a “gritty” sensation that mimics an infection.

Dryness and Polymerization

Cyanoacrylate needs moisture to cure. It will pull moisture from the nearest source.

• Desiccation: If the eyes are not fully closed (a common issue called lagophthalmos), the glue fumes will pull moisture from the contact lens itself, drying it out. A dried-out lens can shrink and suction-cup to the cornea, causing pain and potential abrasion upon removal.

---

The Great Debate: To Remove or Not to Remove?

This is the most critical section for your salon’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). While some artists argue that modern glues are safe enough, the professional consensus regarding eyelash extensions and contact lenses is clear.

The Gold Standard: Removal is Mandatory

For contact lens safety during lash application, removal is non-negotiable during the service.

• Safety: Removing the lens eliminates the “sponge effect.”
• Emergency Access: In the rare event that liquid adhesive or remover accidentally enters the eye, a contact lens can fuse to the eye surface or trap the chemical. Without the lens, the eye can be flushed immediately with saline.

Data Comparison: Removal vs. Non-Removal

Feature	Protocol: Remove Lenses	Protocol: Keep Lenses In
Fume Absorption	Zero risk. Fumes dissipate or are washed by tears.	High risk. Lenses absorb and trap fumes.
Corneal Safety	High. Eye can be flushed instantly if needed.	Low. Lens can trap chemicals against cornea.
Client Comfort	High. No dryness during 2-hour service.	Low. Lenses often dry out during service.
Liability Risk	Minimal. Standard of care followed.	High. Negligence claims possible if injury occurs.
Service Time	Adds 2-3 minutes for removal/insertion.	Saves 2 minutes initially.

---

Establishing a Salon Protocol: The “Safety First” Workflow

Implementing a strict policy about eyelash extensions and contact lenses doesn’t have to be an inconvenience. Turn it into a luxury experience.

The “Vision Station”

Do not ask clients to remove lenses in their car or using a dirty bathroom mirror.

• The Setup: Create a small, well-lit station in your waiting area or restroom.
• Supplies: Stock single-use contact lens cases (give them away for free, they cost pennies), travel-size saline solution, and lint-free hand towels.
• The Script: “To ensure your absolute safety and prevent any fume irritation, our insurance policy requires contact lenses to be removed during the service. We have prepared a fresh case and solution for you right here.”

The Waiver Update

Update your digital consent forms.

• Checkbox: Include a mandatory question: “Are you currently wearing contact lenses?”
• Clause: “I acknowledge that I have been advised to remove my contact lenses. If I choose not to (against advice), I accept full responsibility for any irritation or injury.” (Note: Even with a waiver, it is safer to mandate removal).

---

Sourcing for Sensitivity: Hypoallergenic Lash Adhesive for Sensitive Eyes

Even after the lenses are removed, contact wearers often have more sensitive eyes due to long-term lens wear. Your supply chain must reflect this.

Low-Fume Chemistry

Standard adhesives use Ethyl Cyanoacrylate, which is strong but high-fume.

• The Alternative: For clients sensitive to the eyelash extensions and contact lenses dynamic, consider stocking an adhesive based on Alkoxy Cyanoacrylate or Butyl Cyanoacrylate.
• The Trade-off: These glues have lower fumes (medical grade) but cure slower and have slightly shorter retention (3-4 weeks).
• Marketing: Advertise this as your “Sensitive Eyes Option.”

LASHMAITRE’s Solution

At LASHMAITRE, we provide hypoallergenic lash adhesive for sensitive eyes. Our formulations are purified to reduce the stabilizer content (PMMA) that often causes irritation.

• Freshness: Old glue produces more fumes as it degrades. Our domestic shipping ensures you get fresh glue, minimizing the chemical off-gassing that irritates contact wearers.

Shop our Sensitive & Low-Fume Adhesive Collection.

---

Education is Retention: Lash Extension Aftercare for Contact Wearers

The service doesn’t end when the client leaves. Managing eyelash extensions and contact lenses at home requires specific techniques.

Insertion and Removal Technique

Teach your clients how to handle their eyes without ruining their lashes.

• The “Scoop” Method: Warn against pulling the eyelid sideways (the “Asian eye” pull) to insert lenses, as this twists the extension bases.
• The Alternative: Teach them to gently pull down on the lower lid only, or lift the upper brow bone to insert the lens, avoiding contact with the lash line.

Product Compatibility

• Eye Drops: Many contact wearers use rewetting drops. Ensure they use oil-free drops. Some lubricating drops contain glycerin or oils that can weaken the adhesive bond.
• Saline Solution: Remind them that saline is safe for lashes and is actually great for flushing out pollen or dust from the lash line.

This level of detailed lash extension aftercare for contact wearers builds immense trust.

---

Mitigating Liability: Eye Infection Risks with Lash Extensions

A red eye is a red flag. You must be able to distinguish between a reaction to eyelash extensions and contact lenses versus an infection.

Distinguishing the Symptoms

• Chemical Irritation: Redness usually appears at the bottom of the iris (where fumes settle) and happens within 24 hours. It is usually bilateral (both eyes).
• Bacterial Infection: Symptoms include thick discharge (yellow/green), crusting, swelling of the lid, and pain. This often happens days later.
• Contact Lens Overwear: If a client leaves lenses in for the service, they might develop Hypoxia (lack of oxygen), which looks like red veins radiating from the center.

Risk Management

If a client complains of pain:

1. Do NOT offer medical advice.
2. Refer to an optometrist immediately.
3. Document: Note in their file that they wore contacts/removed contacts.
4. Policy Check: This reinforces why the strict removal policy protects you from claims of eye infection risks with lash extensions.

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Lash Safety

---

Conclusion: Comfort is the Ultimate Luxury

The relationship between eyelash extensions and contact lenses is a defining factor in client retention. A client who wakes up with red, gritty eyes after an appointment will assume “lashes aren’t for me.” A client who is guided through a safe removal process and wakes up with clear, beautiful eyes will become a lifelong patron.

For salon owners, this is an operational choice. By implementing the “Vision Station” protocol, mandating lens removal, and sourcing high-quality, low-fume adhesives from LASHMAITRE, you elevate your brand from a service provider to an eye health advocate.

Don’t let convenience compromise safety. Equip your salon with the knowledge and supplies to serve the 45 million contact wearers in the US with confidence.

Ready to upgrade your safety standards?

Partner with the supplier that prioritizes eye health.

Register for a Wholesale Account & Shop Sensitive Supplies

---

People Also Ask (FAQ)

Q: Can I wear contact lenses during eyelash extension application?

A: It is highly recommended that you remove your eyelash extensions and contact lenses before the application begins. Soft contact lenses can absorb the fumes from the adhesive, trapping them against your eye and causing dryness, irritation, or chemical burns. Most professional salons will require removal for safety.

Q: Can I wear contacts with eyelash extensions?

A: Yes, absolutely! Once the application is finished and the adhesive is cured, you can wear your contact lenses as normal. In fact, many people prefer extensions over mascara because flakey mascara can irritate contact lenses. Just be gentle when inserting and removing your lenses to avoid tugging on the lash line.

Q: What eye drops are safe for eyelash extensions?

A: If you wear contacts and have extensions, look for “oil-free” rewetting drops or standard saline solution. Avoid thick, gel-based lubricating drops or those containing mineral oils, as these can break down the lash adhesive and cause your extensions to shed prematurely.

---

📅 Content Administration

• Last Updated: January 13, 2026
• Changelog:
  • v2.0: Updated CDC statistics on contact lens usage. Added “Vision Station” protocol section.
  • v1.5: Revised adhesive recommendations to include Alkoxy formulations.
• Next Review Date: July 15, 2026

CDC: Contact Lens Wearer Health and Safety

Read our guide on The Science of Cyanoacrylate Adhesives.