The history of fake eyelashes stretches from ancient kohl in Egypt to modern semi permanent lash extensions. In 1911, Anna Taylor patented artificial eyelashes on a crescent strip, and Hollywood films soon turned them into symbols of glamour. Today, lash extensions have become the preferred way to get long lasting, natural looking lashes. Celebrity lash …
The history of fake eyelashes stretches from ancient kohl in Egypt to modern semi permanent lash extensions. In 1911, Anna Taylor patented artificial eyelashes on a crescent strip, and Hollywood films soon turned them into symbols of glamour. Today, lash extensions have become the preferred way to get long lasting, natural looking lashes. Celebrity lash artist Edy London specialises in bespoke, natural eyelash extensions that highlight your own beauty without ever looking heavy or artificial.
When were fake eyelashes first invented?
People have wanted to enhance their natural eyelashes for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, both men and women used kohl made from minerals like galena and charcoal to darken and define their lashes. This was thought to protect against the harsh sun and dust, while also adding drama to the eyes. Beauty and practicality often went hand in hand.
During the Middle Ages, fashions shifted. In portraits of the time, women often plucked their hairlines and brows to create a high forehead. Some accounts suggest lashes were reduced too, as a bare brow and forehead were considered elegant. Beauty standards were changing, but the eye area remained a focal point.
By the Victorian period, attention turned back to long lashes. The beauty industry began experimenting with products to darken and lengthen lashes, setting the stage for modern inventions.
Who invented fake eyelashes?
The story of who invented fake eyelashes involves more than one milestone. In 1902, Karl Nessler, a German born hairdresser working in London, patented a method for manufacturing artificial eyebrows and eyelashes. This showed that people were already experimenting with ways to create artificial lashes long before they hit the mainstream.
Then, in 1911, a Canadian woman named Anna Taylor patented a design for artificial eyelashes. Her idea involved a crescent shaped strip with tiny hairs attached, which could be glued near the lash line. This patent is often cited as the first false eyelashes in the modern sense, and it laid the foundation for the strip lashes that followed.
How did Hollywood make lash extensions famous?
If the early patents were the quiet beginnings, Hollywood was the megaphone. In 1916, director D. W. Griffith wanted actress Seena Owen’s eyes to look more expressive in the film Intolerance. A wigmaker created lashes from human hair, glued to her eyelids with spirit gum. This was one of the earliest cinematic uses of false lashes, and it sparked fascination in the film industry.
By the 1930s and 40s, stars like Judy Garland and later Marilyn Monroe made false lashes a must for dramatic eye makeup. With bright electric lights on set, lashes needed to stand out, and they became part of the star look.
Makeup pioneers like Eugène Rimmel, known for creating one of the first commercial mascaras, and Max Factor, who developed cosmetics for actresses, helped cement lashes as part of everyday beauty routines. Soon, false lashes were no longer just for film stars. They were entering dressing rooms across the world.
What were early fake eyelashes made of?
The first artificial lashes were not as comfortable as what we wear today. Many were made from real hair or human hair, carefully woven into a lash band or thin strip. Adhesives like spirit gum held them in place, which was far from convenient.
As the beauty industry advanced, synthetic fibres were developed, making lashes lighter, cheaper, and easier to produce. By the mid 20th century, strip lashes made from synthetic lashes became widely available. They gave people the chance to try voluminous lashes at home, even if they sometimes looked heavier than natural lashes.
How did false eyelashes evolve into modern lash extensions?
Over time, people wanted a softer, more natural look. While strip lashes and later magnetic lashes (introduced commercially in the 2010s) were fun, they were still temporary. The beauty industry began experimenting with semi permanent extensions, where individual lashes are applied one by one to your own.
Unlike strip lashes, semi permanent extensions blend seamlessly with natural lashes, offering luscious lashes that last for weeks. They don’t rely on a lash band or magnets, and they avoid the weight and obvious finish of older methods. This development was a significant moment because it transformed lash wear from a costume accessory into a refined enhancement.
Why do people still love eyelash extensions?
The appeal has never really changed. Lashes frame the eyes, which are often the focal point of the face. Whether it is curling eyelashes for softness, adding dramatic lashes for a bold look, or subtly enhancing natural lashes, the result is always a brighter, more open gaze.
For many, lashes are about self expression. Some love the impact of dramatic eye makeup, while others want the subtle boost of long eyelashes that look effortless. From ancient Egypt to today’s modern eyelash extensions, the desire to highlight this small but powerful feature has never gone away.
Why choose Edy London for eyelash extensions?
This long history shows how much artistry and care has always gone into lashes. But in a world full of options, the best results come from choosing a true expert. That’s where Edy London stands out.
Edy is a celebrity lash artist known for specialising in bespoke, natural looking eyelash extensions. At her London salon, she offers three tailored options: a classic full set, an in fill, or a subtle set. That’s it. Her focus is on keeping your look authentic.
Each set is designed to suit your eye shape, your natural lashes, and your lifestyle. The result is an enhancement that feels like your own, only better. It’s why Edy’s work has been featured in leading beauty magazines and why she has a loyal celebrity following.
When you sit in her chair, you’re not just getting lash extensions. You’re getting a service that respects the humble beginnings of lash history while delivering results that are timeless, elegant, and entirely personal.
What can we learn from the history of fake eyelashes?
The history of fake eyelashes shows how beauty trends adapt with every generation. From kohl lined lids in ancient Egypt, to patented artificial lashes in the early 1900s, to the film stars of Hollywood’s golden age, lashes have always been more than tiny hairs. They represent style, identity, and the power of the eyes.
Today, instead of coal dust or burnt cork, we have the precision of semi permanent extensions, applied lash by lash. The tools have changed, but the motivation remains the same. We all want eyes that shine with confidence.
Why this history still matters today
The journey and history of fake eyelashes, from the first artificial eyelashes to today’s modern eyelash extensions, proves one thing: lashes will always be at the heart of beauty. They shape your gaze, lift your expression, and complete your entire look.
Choosing the right artist is key. With Edy London, you step into a tradition that stretches back centuries but is delivered with modern precision. Her bespoke sets give you the elegance of history and the freshness of today, so your lashes feel as natural as they look. Book your appointment now!
