Eyelash extensions have become a popular beauty trend in recent years, but their history goes back much further than you might think. We will take a look at the history of eyelash extensions – from their origins in Ancient Egypt all the way up to today’s popular trends.
The Origins of Eyelash Extensions
The earliest evidence of eyelash extensions dates back to ancient Egypt around 4000 BC. At this time, women would use kohl – a type of eye makeup made from soot or lead ore – to darken their eyes and enhance their beauty. This was done by applying it directly onto the eyelids and lashes using an applicator stick made from reeds or feathers. By 1000 BC false lashes were being used as part of traditional makeup looks for special occasions such as weddings or religious festivals. These early false lashes were usually made from animal fur which was attached with beeswax or glue made from tree sap and egg whites.
In the 19th century, artificial eyelashes began to be made from human hair and were sold as strips or clusters. These false lashes became popular in London and Paris at this time, with the advent of new makeup trends such as “The Gibson Girl” look which emphasized long, full lashes. The invention of mascara in 1913 by Eugene Rimmel further boosted the popularity of fake eyelashes, as it allowed for a more natural look that could be achieved without applying heavy layers of false lashes.
The 1920s saw a major surge in popularity for false eyelashes with the rise of silent film stars such as Seena Owen and Anna Taylor who wore them regularly on screen. This trend was soon adopted by women across Europe and North America who wanted to emulate their favorite actresses’ glamorous looks. By the 1940s false eyelashes had become a staple beauty accessory for many women around the world, including Hollywood icons such Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth who often sported long lash extensions in their films.
Who invented eyelash extensions?
It is difficult to pinpoint exactly who invented modern day eyelash extensions due to their centuries-long history, but it is widely accepted that German hairdresser Karl Nessler is credited with inventing modern lash extensions sometime around 1916. Nessler developed a technique called “lash perming” which involved using heated curlers on individual lashes before they were dyed black or brown and attached onto strips of mink fur or human hair using wax glue. This technique was later improved upon by American director D.W Griffith who added silk thread into his method so that he could attach multiple hairs together into clumps – creating what we now know as cluster lashes – giving them an even fuller appearance than before
Why were eyelash extensions invented?
Eyelash extensions were originally invented for aesthetic purposes – namely to make eyes appear larger and brighter by adding length and volume to natural lashes without having to apply multiple layers of mascara or other makeup products like eyeshadow or liner which can take longer to apply each morning. Over time they have also been used for medical purposes such as helping people with alopecia grow back lost eyebrow hairs more quickly than usual, but mostly they are still used today simply for beautification purposes because they are considered an essential part of any complete makeup look.
When were eyelash extensions invented?
As mentioned above, eyelash extensions have a long history that dates back to ancient Egypt. However, the modern version of eyelash extensions as we know them today were invented in the early 20th century by German hairdresser Karl Nessler and American director D.W Griffith.
Why did eyelash extensions become so popular?
The popularity of eyelash extensions can be attributed to several factors, including the rise of Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth who often wore them in their films; the invention of mascara which allowed for a more natural look without having to apply multiple layers of false lashes; and finally, the emergence of social media platforms like Instagram which has allowed beauty trends to spread quickly around the world – leading to an increased demand for lash extensions from women all over. Today, they are one of the most sought-after beauty treatments due to their ability to instantly transform any look into something much more glamorous and eye-catching.
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