Why Were False Eyelashes Invented
The Origin Story of False Eyelashes – From Medical Tools to Glamorous Makeup
False eyelashes are now a staple in many makeup routines for their ability to make eyes appear wider and more eye-catching. But originally, false lashes were created to serve a medical purpose rather than a cosmetic one.Why were false eyelashes invented?
In this article, we’ll explore the surprising history behind false lashes and how they evolved from medical devices to a standard beauty product found in makeup bags worldwide.
Treating Medical Conditions Causing Eyelash Loss
Why were false eyelashes invented?The first primitive version of false eyelashes emerged in the late 1800s. At the time, doctors were looking for ways to treat medical conditions that caused eyelash loss, leaving eyes vulnerable.
In 1879, ophthalmologist Dr. Henry Noyes created some of the first artificial lashes to help a patient suffering from trichiasis. This condition causes natural eyelashes to turn inward towards the eye, scratching the sensitive cornea.
To redirect the natural lashes away from the eye, Dr. Noyes attached strands of silk thread to the patient’s eyelids using rubber cement adhesive.
In the 1880s, Dr. Thomas Layres developed an improved version using human hair and spirit gum adhesive to treat trachoma, a bacterial infection that often led to eyelash loss.
These early lash extensions were uncomfortable by today’s standards. But they served a medical purpose to protect patient’s vision when their natural lashes were diminishing or malformed.
Hollywood Stars Make False Lashes Fashionable
In the early 1900s, false lashes slowly started gaining traction outside medical settings. As silent films grew popular, actresses realized attaching silk lashes could make their eyes stand out better on screen.
Canadian inventor Anna Taylor patented false silk lashes expressly for cosmetic use in 1911. And in 1916, she improved upon the design creating lashes with a wire support covered by silk, making them more flexible.
By the 1920s, the lash curler allowed actresses to accentuate their eyes further with strategically curled false lashes. Stars of classic Hollywood films like Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland and Ava Gardner helped make bold, voluminous lashes an iconic part of the Golden Age beauty aesthetic.
Over time, false lashes became associated more with glamour and allure rather than medicine. But the application process remained tedious until the advent of modern lash adhesives.
Innovations Make False Lashes Widely Accessible
False lashes got a modern upgrade in the 20th century thanks to a few key innovations that made applying them much easier.
In 1985, Jeff Pink created the first synthetic false eyelashes using polyester fibers, making mass production more affordable. In the 1990s, effective lash adhesives like Duo glue appeared for secure application without irritation.
More recently, subtle natural lash styles along with inventions like magnetic lashes have made incorporating false lashes into daily makeup routine easier than ever.
Once only worn out of medical necessity or for filming, false lashes are now a ubiquitous makeup product readily available at drugstores. What started as a medical invention now rakes in billions of dollars annually within the beauty industry.
Though originally created to redirect malformed lashes, false eyelashes are now prized for their cosmetic power to accentuate eyes for a wider, awakened look. Their unique origin story proves an unexpected invention can often take on surprising new uses and popularity over time!
