The History of Eyelash Extensions
It’s hard to believe that eyelash extensions have been around for years, but what you may not realize is that eyelashes have been around for almost if not a millennia. Crazy right? Beauty isn’t just a trend that was created yesterday, women over the centuries have been experimenting with different ways to express their own health and beauty.
Join me in a brief overview discovering the history behind how eyelash extensions came to light through the generations of time. It all starts within the ancient Egyptian times as early as 2500 B.C. Where Kohl, ointments and brushes were used to achieve fluttery fanned out lashes. Which ultimately served as protection for their eyes from the desert sun. Women also used malachite on their lashes as they believed it worked as an aphrodisiac. Hard to believe but men also used this technique on their lashes just as often as the women.
During the Roman times women became more aspired to achieve more of an ultra look to their lashes making them appear longer and fuller. They also followed similar practices as the Egyptians, believing long eyelashes indicated virtue. As a philosopher by the name of Pliny. He expressed that “maintaining a lengthy eyelash would sustain a moral lifestyle and chastity of vows!”
The first known patent for artificial lashes was created between the years of 1902-1911. Which introduces us to a more gratifying and sophisticated interpretation of Lashes. Karl Nessler from England created a patent in 1902 for making and weaving artificial eyelashes. Not long after, a Canadian woman by the name of Anna Taylor followed behind creating a different patent for artificial lashes in 1911. Where she developed a crescent of fabric material with tiny hairs attached to it. this breif summary concludes the history of how and where eyelashes decended from.
Some more fun facts on the development and creation of Eyelashes:
- In 1947 The Aylott brothers were the first known company to manufacture false lashes
- In 1968 false eyelashes were booming in america
- In the 2000’sthe modern day lashes were developed,they remained popular due to celebrities creating a high demanding trend.
- In 2004 Anna Phillips, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of The Lash Lounge, mastered lash extensions, expanded andbegan building an industry that is flourishing today.
- In 2021 eyelashes have not only grown in popularity, they have also evolved into so much more.
Written by: Amber K