Can Nurses in Baltimore wear Eyelash extensions?
The Journal for Beauty Science & Innovation
A B S T R A C T
Many nurses and medical professionals in Baltimore are aware of restrictions regarding nail enhancements and extensions, and may be concerned about their abilities to wear eyelash extensions. In reality, all major Baltimore-area hospitals permit the wearing of lash extensions, as it bears minimal risk to patients.
B A C K G R O U N D
Eyelash extensions are a wonderful way to add a pop of glamour to your day-to-day look. Mascara can be messy and inconvenient to use on a daily basis, so extensions are a semi-permanent alternative for individuals seeking a bright-eyed appearance at all times. However medical professionals have an ultimate mandate to maintain optimal health for their patients by protecting them from infections. Generally, cosmetic enhancements like nail extensions are banned to reduce the potential for disease transmission¹. Many healthcare workers may still have questions regarding the use of eyelash extension services, particularly in the hospital-dense city of Baltimore.
R E S U L T S
Approved Hospitals in Baltimore
We've consulted with nursing teams at the following hospitals, and confirmed that all nurses are permitted to wear eyelash extensions.
Mercy Medical Center
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
St. Agnes Hospital
Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
University of Maryland Medical Center
Greater Baltimore Medical Center
University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center
The Sheppard & Enoch Pratt Hospital
Baltimore VA Medical Center
Grace Medical Center
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital
MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
MedStar Harbor Hospital
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
E V I D E N C E
Nursing Cosmetic Policies
Protocol regarding nursing attire is often geared towards the prevention of HAIs, or Hospital Acquired Infections.² Healthcare workers are often banned from wearing long nail enhancements made from acrylic or gel polymers - such nail additions are difficult to clean due to the formation of small gaps in between the natural nail and the false nail extensions. The nails can also potentially tear through sterile gloves that protect professionals from exposure to blood-borne or topical pathogens.
Additionally, nurses in group home or nursing care settings may occasionally have to restrain or hold unruly patients. Sharp nails may lead to bruising and skin puncture in such individuals, which obviously would violate a nurse's obligation to do no harm.
The lash Lab Difference
However, such concerns are reduced for the wearing of eyelash extensions.³ For starters, properly trained eyelash aesthetician will adhere to sanitation + sterilization standards that eliminate the risk of infection. The Lash Lab 3-Step Sterilization process ensures an anti-pathogenic, environment that is safer for our clients.
We uniquely require all of our Aestheticians to possess at least 30 credits of collegiate coursework in Biology, Chemistry + Math, which enables them to effectively master our proprietary Algorithms + application techniques.
Secondly, eyelash extensions will not make contact with any of your patients. As long as you avoid touching your face while working directly with patients, there would be no expected risk of pathogen transmission. According to the existing medical literature, there have been no documented HAIs linked to the wearing of eyelash extensions. Rest assured that your patients and their families are perfectly safe!
New Americanᵀᴹ Lashes: A Natural Lash alternative
In order to guarantee 100% perfect lash extensions to all clients, we've painstakingly developed the Lash Labᵀᴹ Algorithm. Our proprietary Algorithm (patents pending) is designed to incorporate over a dozen unique data points - ranging from the interior humidity to your desired lash length. Our Algorithm is based on the Geometric Foxᵀᴹ design, a sultry + modern take on the traditional cat-eye lash. This framework was developed with the modern day woman in mind, who requires a daytime look appropriate for the corner office that will still turn heads at Happy Hour.
The New Americanᵀᴹ Lash design utilizes split-tip Bilayer Lashesᵀᴹ to provide glamour without the need for excessively full or fake-looking lash extensions.
Get Lashes Now - Pay Later
The high wages nurses enjoyed during the Covid pandemic have waned and the economy is officially headed for a recession! We understand that lash extensions can be a pricey up-front investment, which is why we're pleased to offer an Afterpay®-like solution for our clients when you sign up for a Lash Lab membership: Partial.ly®. Partially does not require credit checks, and payment terms can be customized to your unique financial needs.
C O N C L U S I O N
While eyelash extensions are generally an approved option for nurses + medical staff in Baltimore-area hospitals, it is critical that you select a lash salon that can provide a sanitary environment and natural-looking lashes that won’t distract your staff or patients.
R E F E R E N C E S
¹ “Nails In Nursing”, Jersey College. https://www.jerseycollege.edu/blog/nails-nursing
² “Hospital Acquired Infections”, NIH. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441857/)
³ “Can Nurses Wear Eyelash Extensions”, Normal Nurse Life. https://normalnurselife.com/can-nurses-wear-eyelash-extensions
