Eyelash extensions are a popular beauty treatment that can give you long, full lashes without the need for mascara or false lashes. However, to keep your eyelash extensions looking beautiful and lasting as long as possible, proper care is essential. Whether you’re new to eyelash extensions or looking to improve your care routine, here are the top tips for maintaining your extensions and ensuring they stay in great condition.
9 Tips to Care For Your Eyelash Extension
1. Avoid Water and Moisture for the First 24-48 Hours
One of the most important steps to ensuring your eyelash extensions last is to avoid water and excessive moisture for the first 24-48 hours after your appointment. This period is critical because the adhesive used to bond the extensions to your natural lashes needs time to fully cure. During this time, avoid the following:
- Showering or steam: The steam from hot showers or saunas can weaken the adhesive, causing your extensions to loosen or fall off.
- Swimming: Chlorinated or saltwater pools can also interfere with the bonding process.
- Sweating: Intense workouts that cause you to sweat can affect the adhesive.
After the first two days, you can resume normal activities, but it’s always good to be mindful of excessive moisture near your lashes.
2. Clean Your Lashes Regularly
While it’s important to avoid moisture in the first 48 hours, regular cleaning is essential afterward to keep your eyelash extensions in good condition. Cleaning your lashes removes dirt, oil, and makeup residue that can accumulate and break down the adhesive, leading to premature shedding of the extensions.
Here’s how to clean your eyelash extensions properly:
- Use an oil-free, gentle cleanser specifically designed for eyelash extensions. Oil-based products can weaken the adhesive.
- Clean your lashes every 2-3 days using a soft, clean brush or your fingertips.
- Gently cleanse the eyelids and lash line to remove any buildup, but avoid scrubbing or rubbing.
Regular cleaning will not only help your lashes last longer but also prevent eye infections caused by bacteria buildup.
3. Be Gentle with Your Lashes
Eyelash extensions are delicate, so it’s important to treat them gently to avoid damaging or pulling them out prematurely. Here are some tips to prevent unnecessary shedding or breakage:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing can tug on the extensions and natural lashes, causing them to fall out.
- Don’t pull or pick at the extensions: If you notice any lashes that are coming loose, let them fall out naturally rather than trying to pull them off.
- Sleep on your back or side: Sleeping on your stomach or with your face pressed against a pillow can cause the lashes to bend or become misshapen.
If you tend to rub your eyes or sleep face down, consider using a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and protect your lashes while you sleep.
4. Avoid Oil-Based Products
Oil-based products can weaken the adhesive bond between your natural lashes and the extensions. It’s essential to avoid using oil-based makeup removers, cleansers, or eye creams around your eyes while you have eyelash extensions. Instead, opt for oil-free products that are lash extension-safe.
Additionally, avoid heavy creams or serums on your face, as these can migrate to your lash line and affect the extensions.
5. Skip Mascara and Eyelash Curlers
One of the greatest benefits of eyelash extensions is that you don’t need mascara or lash curlers to achieve long, voluminous lashes. Using mascara on your extensions can clump them together, and many mascaras contain oils that can break down the adhesive. Waterproof mascara, in particular, is difficult to remove and can damage the extensions.
Similarly, eyelash curlers can cause your extensions to bend or break. If you want to enhance the curl of your lashes, it’s better to discuss your preferences with your lash technician when you get them applied, as they can adjust the curl of your extensions to suit your style.
6. Brush Your Lashes Daily
To keep your lashes looking neat and prevent them from getting tangled, it’s a good idea to brush them daily using a clean spoolie or lash brush. This helps keep the lashes separated, removes any buildup, and maintains the shape and curl of the extensions.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use a clean spoolie brush: Gently brush through your lashes from the base to the tip, using light strokes.
- Brush when dry: Avoid brushing your lashes when they are wet, as they are more delicate at that time.
Brushing regularly helps prevent your lashes from clumping together, giving them a full and fluffy appearance.
7. Book Regular Touch-Ups (Fills)
Eyelash extensions shed naturally along with your natural lashes, which means they will gradually thin out over time. To keep your extensions looking fresh and full, it’s essential to schedule regular touch-up appointments, also known as fills.
Most people need a fill every 2-3 weeks, depending on their natural lash cycle and how well they care for their extensions. Regular touch-ups ensure that your lash line remains full and beautiful without needing a complete new set of extensions.
8. Avoid Heat and Steam
Excessive heat can cause the adhesive in your eyelash extensions to break down, resulting in premature lash loss. While daily activities like cooking or being outside in the sun won’t harm your lashes, be cautious of exposure to heat sources, such as:
- Saunas
- Steam rooms
- Hot yoga
- Direct heat from blow dryers
If you use a blow dryer, set it to cool or low heat and avoid aiming it directly at your lashes.
9. Mind Your Makeup Routine
When wearing eyelash extensions, it’s important to adjust your makeup routine to ensure you’re not damaging your lashes. Avoid heavy eyeliners or eye makeup that is difficult to remove, as scrubbing to get rid of makeup can loosen your extensions.
- Opt for water-based eyeliners and eye shadows that can be easily removed without excessive rubbing.
- Use a microfiber cloth or cotton pad with an oil-free makeup remover to gently clean your eye area.
Minimizing the use of eye makeup around your lashes will help preserve the integrity of your extensions for longer.
Conclusion
Caring for your eyelash extensions doesn’t have to be complicated, but following these simple steps can significantly extend the life of your lashes and keep them looking fabulous. From keeping them clean and avoiding moisture for the first 48 hours to regular brushing and touch-ups, these tips will help you enjoy beautiful, long-lasting lashes with minimal effort.
By investing a little time and effort into your lash care routine, you can keep your extensions looking as full and glamorous as the day you got them, ensuring that you get the most out of your lash extensions experience.
