Ancient Egypt lash extension

HISTORY OF EYELASH EXTENSIONS

THE HISTORY STARTS IN ANCIENT EGYPT

During ancient Egyptian times both men and women darkened their eyelashes. They did that with kohl and ointments or malachite (which was thought to be an aphrodisiac). There is no strong evidence if they have used any type of eyelash extensions or not. On the other hand during the middle ages the forehead was considered the sexiest part of a woman’s face. Therefore in order to emphasize the forehead women would shave off both their eyebrows and eyelashes.

MEN AND WOMEN

Men used to style their eyelashes more than women in Ancient Egypt. They believed that ointments used for that purpose worked as a way to scare away the influence of bad spirits. Also it was a way to recreate the image of Re, the Sun god. Even the children, at time of birth, had their eyelashes smeared, to strengthen their eyesight and to keep them away from the evil eye.

MEDICINE

But, at the same time, the practice had medicinal purposes. Galena, one of the components used as an eye cosmetic, was very effective as an insect repellent and disinfectant. The weather conditions in the desertic Egyptian area were extremely dry and hot; the eyes makeup also contributed to protect the eyes from the sun glare.

Women believed that malachite, another component of the ointments, was provided by Hathor, the goddess of love, and it worked like an aphrodisiac.

Egyptian eyelashes were commonly darken in black or green tones, which created the “almond effect”. They used to store their eye cosmetics in pots or glass jars. The most popular eyelash cosmetic was the Kohl.

Kohl is a preparation made in base of galena (lead sulfide) and other components, like malachite (a copper carbonate mineral) and amorphous carbon, cuprite, silicon, talc and hematite, usually mixed with animal fats.

Several kohl pots were found in Egyptian tombs during archaeological excavations, like the one of King Tutankhamen in Thebes, from 1325 BC. His funereal mask had lapis lazuli coloring the eyes, resembling the kohl he used in his life.

MODERN TIMES

The current trend for the classic individual eyelash extensions started in Japan in the early millennium and became popular in the U.S. around 2004. Volume lashes however, began in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2011 by a lash stylist named Olga Debronravova, who had been applying lashes with .10 and later discovering .07 to create an even fuller look by adding multiple lashes in the shape of a W without weighing down the natural eyelash.

Book an Appointment today to get your eyelash extension in Edmonton, AB Canada or call us at 780-289-6182.