History of False Eyelashes

First invented by the American film director D.W. Griffith while he was making his 1916 epic, "Intolerance". Griffith wanted actress Seena Owen to have lashes that graced her cheeks, to make her eyes shine larger than life in a black and white film. A wigmaker wove human hair through fine gauze, which was then gummed to Owen's eyelids. "Intolerance" was critically acclaimed but flopped financially.

Since 1916, there have been plenty of leading ladies and celebrities who used false eyelashes.

At first, false eyelashes were made of fringe. This is how false eyelashes history started. Fringe eyelashes were carefully attached to thread and by means of glue this pattern was affixed to the eyelids. Obviously, these eyelashes failed to look natrual; besides, they lived a very short life – they only last for several hours only. Because the procedure was rather expensive, only famous people could afford it. Moreover, artificial eyelashes were not very noticeable in a black and white television set.

Fringe Eyelash

Years went by, no new tendencies in false eyelashes history were observed. Applying false eyelashes was not that popular and it was supposed to fade out soon. However around 1950 the procedure became popular again after invention of plastic materials for lashes. Applying false eyelashes by means of synthetics was promoted and film stars could not resist the burning desire to catch the audience’s attention by their magnificent eyelashes.


False lashes became most popular in the 60s and then declined again. But in the late 2000s, with advancement in material production, women have again begun to wear false eyelashes more regularly to fill in or give the look of fuller lashes. Models have often worn them, though, especially for photo shoots, to uphold certain standards of femininity that appeal to the fashion industry. Not everyone has thick, luscious lashes, but by adding false ones with exceptional care, everyone can look glamorous. People who have lost lash hair due to illness may also use false eyelashes.

In 2006 Japan has introduced lash-by-lash technique (individual small lashes). Each false lash was attached to each natural lash which looked at most naturally. The fringe was replaced by a material that looked like sable and mink’s fur. The lash-by-lash technique has become extremely popular nowadays.