History of Eyelash Extensions

The history of eyelash extensions dates back centuries, evolving from ancient beauty practices to the modern-day cosmetic industry.

Ancient and Early History

• Ancient Egypt (3500–2500 BCE): Both men and women used kohl and malachite to darken and enhance their eyelashes, emphasizing beauty and protection against the evil eye.

• Ancient Rome (1st Century CE): Roman women believed long lashes symbolized virtue and purity. They used burnt cork, kohl, and natural substances to enhance their lashes.

19th and Early 20th Century

• 1899: A report in the UK Dundee Courier mentioned women undergoing painful procedures to sew hair onto their eyelids to lengthen eyelashes.

• 1911: Canadian inventor Anna Taylor patented the first artificial eyelash strip made of fabric.

• 1915: German hairdresser Karl Nessler introduced false eyelashes to the beauty industry, marketing them as a way to enhance a woman’s allure.

• 1930s–1950s: Hollywood stars like Joan Crawford and Marilyn Monroe helped popularize false eyelashes, which were initially made from human hair and later from synthetic materials.

Modern Eyelash Extensions

• 1960s–1980s: Strip lashes became a mainstream beauty product, with advancements in adhesives and synthetic fibers.

• 1990s–Early 2000s: Semi-permanent eyelash extensions emerged in Japan and South Korea, using individual synthetic fibers attached to natural lashes with special adhesives.

• 2004: Eyelash extensions gained global popularity, with improved techniques and materials making them more natural-looking and long-lasting.

• 2010s–Present: Innovations such as mink, silk, and volume lash techniques have revolutionized the industry, making extensions a common beauty treatment.

Today, eyelash extensions are a multi-billion-dollar industry, offering a variety of styles, lengths, and materials to cater to different beauty preferences.