History of Lash Extensions

✦The Egyptians:  The history of enhancing eyelashes dates back as early as 2500 B.C. during the time of the ancient Egyptians, where ointments and brushes were used to achieve fluttery fanned-out lashes. In Egypt, it wasn’t only women who sought to extend their eyelashes. Men and women alike used different materials, such as malachite, to darken their lashes. It is also said that they desired long lashes to protect their eyes from the bright sun.

✦ Ancient Rome:  Around 753 B.C., ancient philosopher Pliny, the Elder asserted that short eyelashes were a sign of aging, and also believed long eyelashes were symbols of morality and virginity. The Roman women accented the eyes with the help of kohl, which was made from ash and soot. The dye was spread under and over the eyes to darken eyelashes and eyebrows. Different colors were applied from green to malachite or from blue to azurite.

✦ The Middle Ages: People wanted no part of the false eyelash fad that would soon dominate mainstream culture. Women would pluck out their lashes and eyebrows in an attempt to show off more of their foreheads.  The methods they used were dangerous because eyelashes serve the important function of keeping dust and debris out of the eyes. Fortunately, this trend went out of style quickly. By the late 19th century, women were seeking out some of the strangest eyelash-enhancement techniques

✦ The 1900s: In 1911, a Canadian inventor named Anna Taylor patented artificial eyelashes. Her invention included glue-on lashes, or strip lashes, that were thought to be made from human hair.  A few years later, German hairdresser, Karl Nessler, began offering false lash services at his New York City salon. According to the New York Times, Nessler advertised his services as “a guard against the glare of electric lights.”

Then, in 1916, during the filming of Intolerance, artificial lashes began making waves. While watching clips of Seena Owen’s, director D.W. Griffith noticed something was lacking - her eyes didn't stand out enough. He quickly appointed the film's wig-maker to create larger eyelashes for her.  The solution he came up with was to weave human hair through gauze and glue them to the actress's eyelids. Ms. Owen suffered some mild puffiness from the lashes, but that would not stop the lash craze that soon followed.  

✦ The Modern Age:  During the 1990s and 2000s, semi-permanent lash extensions were born. It was at this time that people started seeking more natural lashes. The application methods became much more precise and products evolved.

The methods used today were popular in Korea and, were only introduced to the US in 2004. These new eyelash extensions were applied in small clusters with glue onto individual natural lashes. With this technique, the newly attached lashes could last for weeks, or, until the natural eyelashes fell out.

Our modern eyelash extensions consist of individual synthetic hairs that are attached to existing eyelashes. These ultra-light extensions come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials which are lightweight, comfortable, and longer lasting.