The history of lashes dates back thousands of years, with early civilizations using various methods to enhance their appearance.
Ancient Origins: Egypt (3500 BC)
The earliest documented use of lash enhancement comes from Ancient Egypt.
- Materials: Both men and women used brushes and ointments to create voluminous lashes. Malachite (a green mineral) was used to darken lashes.
- Kohl: Kohl, a black putty made of lead sulphide, was a common ingredient to artificially colour and lengthen lashes. It was applied to both the upper and lower eyelids.
- Purpose: It is believed Egyptians used these enhancements not only for cosmetic purposes but also for protection from the sun and flies.
Later Developments
While information on lashes throughout all of history is sparse, they continued to be a sign of beauty.
- Roman Empire: Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and naturalist, believed that eyelashes were associated with chastity. Therefore, women kept their eyelashes long to prove their virtue. He also wrote that excessive sexual activity caused eyelashes to fall out.
- Victorian Era: In the Victorian Era, eyelashes were considered a symbol of beauty. Women would often try to enhance them by trimming them or using homemade remedies.
Modern Lashes
- Early 20th Century: The modern eyelash industry began in the early 20th century with the invention of false eyelashes.
- Present Day: Today, the lash industry is booming, with a wide variety of products and services available, including mascaras, false eyelashes (strip and individual), lash extensions, and lash serums.
