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My Glasses Keep Sliding Down My Nose – Help!

Angie Garcia

Written By:

Angie Garcia

Updated: 26 April 2024 •  
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Are you tired of constantly pushing your glasses back up your nose? If you have a problem where your glasses just keep sliding down, you’re not alone.
 
This frustrating issue is a common problem for many. Fortunately, there are simple solutions to keep your glasses in place.
 
In this article, learn why it happens and get some practical tips on how to prevent it.
 

Why do glasses slip down one’s nose?

mian adjusting slippery glasses

The common culprits behind glasses that constantly slide down include ill-fitting frames, heavy lenses, oily or sweaty skin, and loose hinges.

 

1. Ill-fitting glasses

 
Many cases of glasses slipping occur due to improperly fitted frames that don’t match your face shape.
 
This can occur when the frames are too heavy or wide, the temples are too long or short, or the bridge is too narrow or wide to provide sufficient support.
 
That’s why getting the right glasses frames measurements for your face is essential.
 

2. Oily skin

 
Your skin produces oil naturally, which can often contribute to glasses slipping down.
 
The oil creates a slippery surface, making it harder for the glasses to grip onto the skin
 

3. Loose hinges

 
The hinges of your glasses play a crucial role in maintaining their overall structure and fit.
 
Over time, hinges can become loose due to wear and tear or accidental damage.
 
When this happens, your glasses may not sit correctly on your nose. This causes the weight distribution to shift, leading to more frequent slipping.
 
In some cases, a simple tightening of the hinges can be enough to solve the problem.
 
However, at other times, the hinges may need to be replaced entirely.
 

4. Sweating

 
As sweat accumulates on the skin, it can create a slippery surface that reduces the grip of the glasses, making them more prone to slipping down the nose.
 
This can be problematic during physical activity or in hot weather when sweating is more likely to occur.
 
Fortunately, there are easy and practical solutions to the problem of glasses sliding down your nose on your face without being too tight or loose.
 

How to keep glasses from slipping

1. Use an eyewear band or glasses chain

woman wearing glasses with eyeglass chain that prevent slipping

Aside from preventing glasses slippage, eyewear bands can add a stylish touch to your look. Source: Teen Vogue

 
Eyewear bands and glasses chains are popular options for those who want to ensure a snug fit for their glasses and prevent slipping.
 
These accessories attach to the glasses’ temples, creating an additional anchor point behind the ears.
 
This helps to distribute the weight of the glasses more evenly and reduces the likelihood of them sliding down the nose.
 
Aside from their practical benefits, eyewear bands and glasses chains are also fashionable accessories that can add a stylish touch to your look.
 
Many celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Gigi Hadid, and Johnny Depp, have been spotted wearing these accessories.
 

2. Use an oil-free facial cleanser or moisturizer

washing face regularly prevents glasses from slipping

Regularly washing your face with oil-free cleansers can reduce facial oil buildup, which is a common cause of glasses slipping down.

 
If you have oily skin, using an oil-free facial cleanser or moisturizer can help prevent your glasses from slipping down your nose.
 
Reducing the amount of oil on your face gives your skin a less slippery surface, improving the grip of your glasses.
 
Oil-free cleansers and moisturizers are formulated without added oils or emollients, two ingredients that can contribute to a greasy appearance.
 
Instead, they typically contain ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid that help to exfoliate the skin and reduce excess oil production.
 
If you wear makeup, it’s best to choose products that are oil-free, non-comedogenic, and formulated for oily skin types.
 
These may include oil-free primer and foundation, oil-absorbing powder, blotting papers, and waterproof mascara.
 

3. Adjust your glasses at home

adjusting glasses to fit can prevent it from slipping

In some cases, your glasses’ fit can be improved significantly with just minor tweaks that can be done at home.

 
Sometimes, you don’t necessarily need to go to an optician to get them adjusted.
 
In fact, you can make simple adjustments at home to prevent your glasses from sliding down your nose.
 
Here are some tips based on the material of the frames:
 

Metal frames

 
If your glasses’ temples or arms are too loose, gently bend them inward at the hinge to tighten the fit.
 
If the nose pads are too far apart, use a small pair of pliers to adjust them closer together gently.
 
If the nose pads are too tight, use the pliers to push them farther apart gently.
 

Plastic frames

 
Heat the temples with a hair dryer for a few seconds before bending them inward to tighten the fit if they are too loose.
 
Conversely, if the temples are too tight, heat them and turn them outward. In the case of crooked frames, you can gently bend them back into shape.
 

Acetate frames

 
Acetate frames are trickier to adjust because they’re more delicate than other materials.
 
In cases like this, it’s best to take these frames to an optician for adjustment.
 
However, you can still make minor tweaks by using warm water to soften the plastic and gently bending the frames into shape.
 
It’s important to note that while you can make some adjustments at home, you should never use too much pressure as this can damage the frames or lenses.
 
If unsure, it’s always best to take them to an optician for professional help.
 

4. Get your glasses readjusted with an optician

optician help adjust glasses to fit that prevent slipping

Opticians can give you professional advice on how to fix your glasses, especially if you’re experiencing health or vision problems.

 
Aside from minimizing the slipping of your glasses, getting your specs readjusted can significantly improve their fit and comfort as well.
 
Readjustment is necessary in the case of poorly fitted glasses, which can lead to eye strain, headaches, and even vision problems. When this happens, it’s time to see an optician.
 
Opticians are experts in this field, so they can efficiently pinpoint and fix any issues you may have with your glasses.
 
During the adjustment process, the optician will first assess the fit of your glasses.
 
They may adjust the shape of the frames, nose pads, temples, or hinges to ensure your glasses fit snugly.
 

5. Apply wax to nose pads

apply beeswax to nose pads can prevent glasses from slipping

Beeswax is a popular option to apply on nose pads to keep glasses in place.

 
Another tip to prevent glasses from slipping down your nose is to apply wax to the nose pads.
 
This creates a better grip between your glasses and your skin. It’s also easy to apply and remove, as well as a relatively inexpensive and non-invasive solution to the slipping problem.
 
One popular option is beeswax. This can be applied to the nose pads by gently rubbing them in.
 
Other alternatives include lip balm or silicone nose pad covers.
 
However, there are also some potential downsides to using wax.
 
Some people may be allergic to beeswax or other ingredients in the wax, which can cause skin irritation or redness.
 
Wax can also wear off over time and may need to be reapplied throughout the day, which can be inconvenient.
 

6. Choose more lightweight lenses or frames for your glasses

lightweight glasses frames are less prone to slipping

Lighter frames don’t put as much pressure on the nose as heavy ones.

 
Choosing more lightweight frames or lenses is another solution.
 
Heavy glasses can put too much pressure on the bridge of your nose, making them more prone to slipping.
 
Here are some tips if you decide to make the switch:
 

Consider high-index lenses

 
High-index lenses are a great option for those with high prescriptions.
 
These lenses are thinner and lighter than traditional lenses, making them more comfortable to wear.
 
Additionally, they don’t give your eyes the “coke bottle effect” that thick lenses can have, so they’ll look better too.
 

Look for frames made from lighter materials

 
Many types of frames are available nowadays, and some are lighter than others.
 
Materials like titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum are all lightweight options that can make a big difference in the comfort of your glasses.
 

Consider rimless or semi-rimless frames

 
Rimless or semi-rimless frames are another option to consider if you’re looking for lighter glasses.
 
These frames have less material overall, making them more lightweight and comfortable.
 

Securing your glasses’ fit with simple solutions

All in all, the issue of glasses slipping down your nose is easily fixable.
 
With just a few easy fixes, you can enjoy comfortable and clear vision all day long.
 
For more helpful tips, tricks, and guides about eyewear, check out Mouqy’s blog!
 
Whether you’re looking for advice on how to find the perfect frames or keep your glasses in tip-top shape, we’ve got you covered.

Angie Garcia

Written by:

Angie Garcia

Angie is a Manila-based writer who specializes in wellness and lifestyle topics. She likes trying out new workouts and drinking coffee when not writing.