Risks of long-lasting manicures and eyelash extensions

Learn about the potential risks of long-lasting manicures and eyelash extensions and the precautions that may help reduce them.

Eyelash extensions and long-lasting manicures and pedicures are popular cosmetic procedures because they can maintain their appearance for relatively long periods without frequent touch-ups.

However, scientific literature has drawn attention to an increase in cases of allergic contact dermatitis and other skin reactions associated with some of the substances used in these procedures. These reactions can affect both beauty professionals, who may experience repeated occupational exposure, and consumers, including people using home manicure kits.

Acrylates and methacrylates

Acrylates and methacrylates are chemical compounds widely used in products such as adhesives, coatings, plastics, medical materials and artificial nail systems. Certain uncured acrylate and methacrylate monomers are well-recognised contact allergens. Repeated skin exposure can lead to sensitisation, after which even relatively small amounts of the allergen may trigger allergic contact dermatitis. These substances have long been recognised as occupational allergens in professions involving frequent contact with adhesives, paints, resins or similar materials.

In recent years, dermatologists have also seen increasing numbers of cases among both nail professionals and users of long-lasting nail products.

Allergic contact dermatitis associated with nail cosmetics was once seen predominantly as an occupational problem. It is now also recognised among consumers, particularly in association with gel and long-lasting nail systems, including home-use kits. Adhesives used for false eyelashes and eyelash extensions can also cause allergic or irritant reactions. These products may contain cyanoacrylates and other substances capable of triggering contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.

Dr Rita Rodrigues, a dermatologist specialising in nail disorders at Grupo Pedro Jaén, discussed the potential risks of long-lasting manicures on the television programme En el punto de mira.

Problems beyond appearance

Allergic or irritant reactions to these products can cause redness, itching, swelling, burning and eczema.

One of the difficulties is that symptoms do not always develop immediately after the manicure or application of eyelash extensions.

This delay can make it harder for patients — and sometimes healthcare professionals — to identify the substance responsible.

Symptoms may also appear away from the area where the product was originally applied. For example, allergens from nail products can be transferred by the hands to the eyelids, face or neck, causing dermatitis at these sites despite little or no inflammation around the nails themselves. Airborne exposure may also contribute in some occupational settings.

Another important consideration is that acrylates and related compounds are used in a variety of medical and dental materials, including certain adhesives, bone cements, dental materials and medical devices.

Developing an allergy to a particular acrylate does not automatically mean that every acrylate-containing medical product will cause a reaction. However, a confirmed allergy should be documented and communicated to healthcare professionals so that the specific allergen and any potential cross-reactions can be considered before medical or dental procedures.

Other risks associated with long-lasting manicures

In addition to contact dermatitis, repeated long-lasting manicures may contribute to nail fragility, particularly when removal involves aggressive filing, scraping or the repeated use of solvents.

Artificial nail systems can also alter the appearance of the nail plate, causing changes in colour or surface texture. Damage to the nail or surrounding skin may also increase susceptibility to bacterial or fungal infection, particularly when hygiene is inadequate or the nail plate becomes separated from the nail bed.

Recommendations for these cosmetic procedures

The following measures may help reduce the risks associated with long-lasting manicures and eyelash extensions:

1. Choose reputable products and establishments. Products should comply with applicable cosmetic regulations and have clear labelling. The premises and equipment should also meet appropriate hygiene standards.

2. Ensure appropriate hygiene procedures are followed. Instruments that are reused should be cleaned, disinfected or sterilised as appropriate to the type of equipment and procedure. Professionals should also use suitable protective measures, particularly when occupational exposure to uncured acrylates is possible.

3. Avoid cutting or aggressively removing the cuticles. The cuticle helps protect the space between the nail plate and surrounding skin. Damaging it can increase irritation and the risk of infection.

4. Pay attention to previous reactions. Having hay fever, food allergy or another unrelated allergic condition does not necessarily mean that a person will develop acrylate allergy. However, anyone who has previously developed dermatitis after nail products, adhesives or eyelash extensions should seek medical advice before further exposure.

5. Do not assume that ‘eco’, ‘free from’ or similar labels mean allergy-free. Some modern nail polishes are formulated without ingredients historically used in certain products, such as formaldehyde, toluene or particular phthalates. This may reduce exposure to those specific substances, but it does not guarantee that a product is free from other potential irritants or allergens, including acrylates in some long-lasting nail systems.

If redness, itching, swelling or eczema develops after using these products, it is advisable to stop using the suspected product and seek dermatological assessment if the reaction is significant or persistent. When allergic contact dermatitis is suspected, patch testing may help identify the specific substance responsible and guide future avoidance.

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