False Eyelashes – A Potted History

The Man responsible for false eyelashes

You may not know it but the original false eyelashes were invented by American film director D.W. Griffith in 1916, who wanted his leading lady to have eyelashes that would sweep over her cheeks and make her eyes look larger than life on film. The eyelashes were created by a wigmaker by weaving human hair through fine gauze which was then glued to the actresses’ eyelids. Yes, I quite agree, that this sounds like a rather laborious and messy business.

Seena Owen - the victim

The idea became briefly popular with other actresses and false eyelashes began to be made of small pieces of fringe material attached by thread and then glued to the eyelids. This was a painstaking process and as it was rather expensive it did not really catch on with the general public.

During the 1950s the invention of plastic materials for lashes meant that the procedure became popular once more and it was at its height during the 1960s – remember Twiggy and other models of the era with their trademark sweeping lashes?

Advancements in material production during the 21^st century have made the application of false eyelashes more affordable and popular than ever – not just with the fashion industry and celebrities but also for people who may have thinning hair or lost their own eyelashes due to medical reasons.

In 2006 the Japanese invented a lash-by-lash technique which is essentially the application of individual false lashes to a person’s existing eyelashes for a more natural appearance.

That '60s look

False eyelashes are now a staple item in many ladies’ make-up bags and come in a huge variety of designs so you can achieve the look you require – from a natural daytime effect to a more dramatic look for evenings and special occasions. The eyelash strips can be trimmed and shaped to follow the contours of the eyelid and are attached with special eyelash glue which is removed with eye make-up remover.

Interested? Then why not check out the selection of false eyelashes available from Miss20 Beauty.

About Miss20

Miss20 is a hair and beauty business specializing in natural hair extensions. We have many years’ experience with hair and are affiliated with our manufacturer, so increasing our expertise over others who may just supply and fit.

For more information please either call us on 020 8355 6713, email us, or please feel free to visit our shop at:

42 Eltham High Street

London SE9 1BT