The origin of eyelash extensions

Much of fashion and modern style has a long and interesting history. Makeup, hair care and beauty tricks go back several centuries and have been a part of the society much longer than most people think. The history of eyelash extensions is especially interesting and goes back farther than most of us realize.

Eyelash extensions in the 19th century

The idea of lengthening eyelashes as a way to improve appearance is not new. Although a technique had not yet been developed to do so at the time, many fashion books and publications in the late nineteenth century advised on ways to lengthen eyelashes.  The methods recommended at the time included cutting the ends of her eyelashes to encourage further growth. Other treatment methods claimed that to improve the growth it was necessary to use an ointment and wash the eyelashes with a mixture of walnut leaves and water. In 1882, it was reported in the newspapers that the residents of Paris had begun sewing hairs on their eyelids to create false eyelashes. This painful precursor to eyelash extensions also appeared in the Scottish media in 1899.

Eyelash extensions in the 20th century

la actriz Seena OwenIn 1902, Karl Nessler, a famous hairdresser and inventor, patented a method in the United Kingdom for weaving artificial eyelashes and eyebrows. In 1903, he was already selling artificial eyelashes in his salon in London.  In the United States, the patent for false eyelashes was filed by Anna Taylor from Canada in 1911. However, like many other things, it was popular culture that led to a more widespread use of false eyelash extensions.  In 1916, film director D. W. Griffith was working on his film “Intolerance” and wanted the actress Seena Owen to have long eyelashes and make her eyes stand out. He made use of false eyelashes that were made of human hair woven through a fine gauze material.  As false eyelash techniques improved, they became very popular with the public in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. The original false eyelash gave shape to more advanced designs, such as eyelashes bunch that were used to thicken specific areas of the eyelashes. The 1960s style was bold and daring with an exaggerated touch for the general style of the time.

Eyelash extensions in the 21st century

In the 21st century more advanced methods of eyelash extension began to be used. Unlike previous artificial lashes, they are much more precise. It is said that they were developed in Korea in the early 2000s (based on ancient techniques) these methods reached a widespread use in 2004, being used extensively by celebrities and movie stars who favored their popularity.  Modern eyelash extensions consist of individual hairs attached to existing eyelashes with a medical adhesive grade. These eyelash extensions come in a wide variety of styles, colors and materials. Materials include human hair, synthetic silk, polyester and Siberian mink skins. Today’s extensions are lightweight, comfortable and much better than the old methods we saw in the past.

As you can see, eyelash extensions have an interesting history. Techniques are used that are improving day by day. From the old methods that used very primitive designs, through the most effective lashes, but still false appearance in the 60’s, to the lightweight and stylish lashes of the 21st century. It is a very important part of the fashion industry and continues to evolve and grow in popularity.

Perfil de la autora

María Lozano
María LozanoTécnico profesional en estética y belleza, formadora y atención al cliente.
SeenaOwell.com was born as a company specialized in selling products of Eyelash Extensions, Microblading and Nails that was created with the aim of offering all aesthetics professionals a range of innovative and high quality products.