How to Take Care of Your Lash Extensions and Make Them Last Longer

By Your Beauty Plug
December 20, 2023

Lash extensions are a great way to enhance your natural beauty and add some glamour to your look. They can make your eyes pop, your lashes look fuller and longer, and your makeup routine easier. But lash extensions are not cheap, and they require some care and maintenance to keep them looking fabulous and lasting longer. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions about lash extension aftercare and share some tips and tricks to make your lashes stay on longer and look amazing.

What is the aftercare for eyelash extensions?

The aftercare for eyelash extensions is the set of instructions and recommendations that you should follow after getting your lash extensions done. The aftercare is important for several reasons:

It helps to protect your natural lashes from damage and breakage.
It prevents infections and irritations in your eyes and eyelids.
It preserves the quality and longevity of your lash extensions.
It enhances the appearance and performance of your lash extensions.

The aftercare for eyelash extensions may vary depending on the type, style, and quality of your lash extensions, as well as the skill and experience of your lash technician. However, there are some general guidelines that apply to most lash extensions. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts of lash extension aftercare:

Do’s

Do follow the instructions of your lash technician carefully and ask any questions you may have before leaving the salon.
Do keep your lashes clean and dry. Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser and a soft brush or cotton pad to gently remove any dirt, makeup, or oil from your lashes and eyelids. Avoid rubbing, tugging, or pulling on your lashes.
Do comb your lashes daily with a clean spoolie or lash brush to keep them neat and fluffy. Brush them gently from the base to the tip, avoiding the roots and the adhesive.
Do use a lash sealant or coating to protect your lash extensions from moisture, oil, and dirt. Apply it once or twice a week, depending on your lash technician’s advice, to the tips of your lashes, avoiding the roots and the adhesive.
Do schedule regular touch-ups or refills with your lash technician to keep your lashes looking full and fresh. Depending on your lash growth cycle and how well you take care of your lashes, you may need a touch-up every 2 to 4 weeks.

Don’ts

Don’t get your lashes wet for the first 24 to 48 hours after getting your lash extensions done. This allows the adhesive to fully cure and bond with your natural lashes. Avoid showering, swimming, sweating, crying, or using steam rooms or saunas during this period.
Don’t use any oil-based or waterproof products on or near your lashes. Oil can weaken the adhesive and cause your lash extensions to fall off prematurely. Waterproof products can be hard to remove and may damage your lashes.
Don’t use mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow on your lash extensions. These products can clump, flake, or smudge on your lashes and make them look messy and unhygienic. They can also clog your lash follicles and interfere with your lash growth. If you really want to use makeup, use only water-based or lash extension-friendly products and apply them sparingly and carefully.
Don’t curl, perm, tint, or dye your lash extensions. These treatments can damage your lash extensions and your natural lashes. They can also alter the shape, color, and texture of your lash extensions and make them look unnatural and unappealing.
Don’t sleep on your face or rub your eyes. This can cause friction and pressure on your lashes and make them bend, twist, or fall off. Try to sleep on your back or use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction.

How to take care of lash extensions in the shower

One of the most common questions about lash extension aftercare is how to take care of lash extensions in the shower. Showering can be tricky with lash extensions, as you want to avoid getting them wet or exposing them to high temperatures or humidity. Here are some tips on how to take care of lash extensions in the shower:

Wait at least 24 to 48 hours after getting your lash extensions done before showering. This gives the adhesive enough time to cure and bond with your natural lashes.
Use a shower cap or a towel to cover your eyes and lashes. This helps to prevent water, shampoo, conditioner, or soap from getting into your eyes and lashes. If you don’t have a shower cap or a towel, you can use your hand to shield your eyes and lashes from the water stream.
Keep the water temperature low or moderate. Hot water can soften the adhesive and make your lash extensions loosen or fall off. It can also dry out your lashes and make them brittle and prone to breakage.
Keep the shower time short. The longer you stay in the shower, the more likely your lashes will get wet or exposed to humidity. Try to limit your shower time to 10 minutes or less.
Pat your lashes dry gently with a clean towel or tissue. Don’t rub, squeeze, or blow-dry your lashes, as this can damage them or cause them to fall off. If your lashes get wet, gently dab them with a towel or tissue and let them air-dry.

Eyelash extension aftercare tips that make them last longer at home

Taking care of your lash extensions at home is crucial for making them last longer and look better. Here are some eyelash extension aftercare tips that make them last longer at home:

Avoid touching your lashes too much. Your fingers can transfer oil, dirt, bacteria, or makeup to your lashes and cause them to get dirty, sticky, or infected. Touching your lashes can also weaken the adhesive and make your lash extensions fall off faster.
Avoid exposing your lashes to extreme temperatures or weather conditions. Heat, cold, wind, rain, or snow can affect the quality and durability of your lash extensions. They can also make your lashes dry, brittle, or frizzy. Try to protect your lashes from these elements by wearing sunglasses, hats, scarves, or umbrellas.
Avoid using lash curlers or falsies. Lash curlers can crimp, bend, or break your lash extensions and your natural lashes. Falsies can add extra weight and stress to your lash extensions and make them fall off sooner. They can also create gaps or unevenness in your lash line and make your lash extensions look unnatural or unflattering.
Hydrate and nourish your lashes. Your lashes need moisture and nutrients to stay healthy and strong. You can use a lash serum, oil, or conditioner to hydrate and nourish your lashes and stimulate their growth. Apply it to the base of your lashes, avoiding the tips and the adhesive, once or twice a week, depending on your lash technician’s advice.
Be gentle and careful with your lashes. Your lash extensions are delicate and fragile, and they need to be treated with care and respect. Be gentle and careful when you clean, brush, or apply products to your lashes. Avoid pulling, twisting, or picking at your lash extensions, as this can damage them or cause them to fall off. If you notice any loose or broken lash extensions, don’t try to remove them yourself. Contact your lash technician and let them handle it professionally.

How to take care of eyelash extensions when sleeping

Sleeping can be challenging with lash extensions, as you want to avoid crushing, bending, or rubbing your lashes against your pillow or bedding. Sleeping on your face or side can cause your lash extensions to lose their shape, volume, or curl, and make them look messy or uneven. Here are some tips on how to take care of eyelash extensions when sleeping:

Use a silk or satin pillowcase. Silk or satin pillowcases are smooth and soft, and they reduce friction and pressure on your lashes. They also prevent your lashes from getting tangled, snagged, or pulled by your pillowcase. Cotton or polyester pillowcases can be rough and abrasive, and they can absorb moisture and oil from your lashes and make them dry or brittle.
Use a silk or satin eye mask. Silk or satin eye masks are another way to protect your lashes from friction and pressure while sleeping. They also block out light and noise and help you sleep better. Make sure your eye mask is loose and comfortable, and it doesn’t press or rub against your lashes.
Sleep on your back. Sleeping on your back is the best position for your lash extensions, as it prevents your lashes from touching your pillow or bedding. Sleeping on your back also helps to prevent wrinkles, acne, and hair loss. If you are not used to sleeping on your back, you can use a pillow or a rolled-up towel to support your neck and head and keep your spine aligned.
Sleep with your head elevated. Sleeping with your head elevated can help to reduce swelling, puffiness, or redness in your eyes and eyelids. It can also improve blood circulation and oxygen flow to your eyes and lashes and promote their health and growth. You can use an extra pillow or a wedge to elevate your head and keep it above your heart level.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about lash extension aftercare and their answers:

Q: How long do lash extensions last?

A: Lash extensions last as long as your natural lash cycle, which is typically 6 to 8 weeks. However, this can vary depending on your lash growth rate, your lifestyle, and how well you take care of your lash extensions. On average, you can expect to lose 1 to 5 lash extensions per day

Q: Can I wear makeup with lash extensions?

A: Yes, you can wear makeup with lash extensions, but you have to be careful and selective. You should avoid using any oil-based or waterproof products on or near your lashes, as they can weaken the adhesive and make your lash extensions fall off faster. You should also avoid using mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow on your lash extensions, as they can clump, flake, or smudge on your lashes and make them look dirty and unhygienic. If you really want to use makeup, use only water-based or lash extension-friendly products and apply them sparingly and carefully. You should also use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover and a soft brush or cotton pad to gently cleanse your lashes and eyelids.

Q: How often should I clean my lash extensions?

A: You should clean your lash extensions at least once a day, preferably at night before going to bed. Cleaning your lash extensions is essential for keeping them healthy, hygienic, and beautiful. Cleaning your lash extensions helps to remove any dirt, oil, makeup, or bacteria that may have accumulated on your lashes and eyelids throughout the day. It also helps to prevent infections, irritations, or inflammations in your eyes and eyelids. To clean your lash extensions, use a gentle, oil-free cleanser and a soft brush or cotton pad to gently massage your lashes and eyelids. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel or tissue.

Q: How can I make my lash extensions look more natural?

A: There are several factors that affect how natural your lash extensions look, such as the type, style, length, curl, and thickness of your lash extensions, as well as the skill and experience of your lash technician. To make your lash extensions look more natural, you should choose lash extensions that suit your eye shape, size, and color, as well as your personal preference and style. You should also consult with your lash technician and ask for their professional opinion and advice on what kind of lash extensions would look best on you. You should also avoid using too many or too long lash extensions, as they can look heavy, unnatural, or fake. You should also maintain your lash extensions regularly and keep them clean and fluffy.