Yes, underlash clusters can be reasonably safe when they are designed for underlash application and used exactly as directed. They are not risk-free. Possible problems include eye irritation, allergic reactions, infection, corneal scratches and damage to your natural lashes.
Do not place ordinary strip lashes, professional eyelash extensions or household glue underneath your lashes. Use a temporary adhesive made for the eye area, and keep the lashes and adhesive away from the waterline and eyeball.
Underlash Safety at a Glance
| Product or method | Safety verdict | Main concern |
|---|---|---|
| Underlash clusters with temporary lash bond | Usually acceptable when used correctly | Glue or lash fibers may touch the eye |
| Ordinary strip lashes placed underneath natural lashes | Not recommended | Thick bands and excess adhesive may irritate the eye |
| Professional lash extensions | Use a trained, sanitary professional | Allergic reactions, infection and natural-lash loss |
| Nail glue, super glue or general-purpose adhesive | Never use | These adhesives can injure the eye and glue the eyelids shut |
| Applying lashes over the upper lash line | Usually easier for beginners | Clean tools and eye-safe adhesive are still required |
Why Can Underlash Lashes Be Risky?
Underlash clusters sit closer to the underside of the natural lashes and the eye's surface than traditional strip lashes. That leaves less room for mistakes. A misplaced cluster, sharp lash edge or blob of adhesive can cause a foreign-body sensation, tearing, redness or a corneal scratch.
Eyelash adhesive can also cause contact dermatitis or allergic eyelid swelling. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises checking the ingredients in false-lash adhesive because the skin around the eye is delicate.
False lashes can pull on natural lashes, too. Heavy lashes, repeated tension and rough removal may lead to lash breakage or traction-related hair loss.
How to Apply Fake Eyelashes Under Your Lashes More Safely
If you choose to use underlash clusters:
Choose a product labeled for underlash or lash-cluster application. Do not assume that every false-lash adhesive is suitable for placement beneath the natural lashes.
Keep the adhesive on the lash or intended bonding area. Never apply glue to the waterline, inside the eyelid or directly onto the eyeball.
Wash your hands and clean your tools. Contaminated cosmetics and applicators can introduce bacteria or fungi near the eye. Do not share lashes, tweezers or adhesive.
Use small, lightweight clusters. Heavy or overly long lashes can put more tension on your natural lashes and make blinking uncomfortable.
Apply them in good lighting while keeping your eye still. Never apply lashes in a moving vehicle, and do not rush with tweezers close to the eye. The FDA warns that eye-cosmetic applicators can cause injury if they slip.
Stop if you feel burning, sharp pain or ongoing irritation. Do not cover the discomfort with more makeup.
Remove the lashes according to the product instructions. Use the recommended remover or warm water when the instructions allow it. Do not pull or rip attached lashes. Removing semi-permanent adhesive at home can pull out natural lashes.
A patch test on the skin may reveal some adhesive sensitivities, but it cannot show whether the product will irritate the eye.
Which Glue Should You Avoid?
Never use nail glue, super glue or general-purpose cyanoacrylate adhesive for DIY false lashes. Professional lash-extension adhesives may also contain cyanoacrylate. They are intended for trained application, not casual underlash use at home.
Cyanoacrylate adhesives can irritate the eye, form hardened particles that scratch its surface and accidentally bond the eyelids together. Poison Control advises using only products made for eyelashes and seeking help if adhesive enters the eye.
When Should You Avoid Underlash Application?
Do not apply fake lashes if you have:
- An eye infection
- Red, swollen or inflamed eyelids
- A cut or irritated area around the eye
- A previous reaction to eyelash glue
- Severe dry eye or an eyelid condition
- Unexplained eye pain or light sensitivity
The FDA advises avoiding eye cosmetics when an infection or inflammation is present. The American Academy of Ophthalmology lists allergic reactions, infection, corneal trauma and natural-lash loss as possible complications of lash procedures.
What Should You Do if Lash Glue Gets in Your Eye?
Rinse the eye with clean water for 15 minutes. Do not force the eyelids open if they are stuck together. Do not pull glued lashes apart with tweezers or scissors.
Seek urgent medical assessment for ongoing pain, redness, blurred vision, swelling or light sensitivity. In the United States, you can also contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Bottom Line
Underlash clusters are not automatically dangerous, but they require a lightweight design, temporary eye-safe adhesive and careful placement away from the waterline. If you are new to false lashes, a strip placed along the skin above the lash line may give you more room to work. Household adhesives and professional extension glue should not be used for DIY underlash application.