Great news – you finally got the eyelashes of your dreams! They’re long, fluttery and everything that you hoped eyelash extensions would be.
Now, we don’t want to rain on your parade, but we do need to talk aftercare. To keep those lashes looking as beautiful as they were when they were first applied, you’ll need to keep them clean, which means adding a new stage to your beauty routine.
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What will happen if eyelash extensions aren’t cleaned?
In order to prevent infection and stop your lashes from falling out prematurely, your lash extensions should be cleaned on a daily basis. If dirt and dead skin cells are allowed to build up, you’ll be at risk of developing Blepharitis, a condition which causes inflammation and itchiness.
Lash mites will set up camp, feeding on the dead skin, and you’ll have red and sore eyes. As you rub your eyes, your lashes will fall out. Yikes! We know this is a little scary sounding, but knowing how to clean eyelash extensions, will eliminate the risk of this ever happening to you.
Another thing to look out for is oil-based products. If these are a part of your daily beauty routine, then it’s best to swap them out for something else. However, if you must use them, do so sparingly and always thoroughly clean your lash extensions afterwards.
Oil products can dissolve lash glue and get stuck in the tiny gap between the extensions and your natural lashes, building up until it causes the extensions to lift off.
How to properly clean eyelash extensions
Now that you’ve learnt a little about why it’s important to clean your eyelash extensions, let’s get down to business. This step-by-step guide will talk you through everything you need to know, including lots of tips on how to get the best results.
1. Splash your face with water, ensuring that your eyelash extensions get wet. It is a common misconception that you cannot get lash extensions wet. In reality, properly made eyelash extensions are completely waterproof and need to be cleaned with water.
2. Use a small amount of lash cleanser and apply it to a cleansing brush. Ensure that your cleanser is oil-free, as oil-based solutions will dissolve the lash glue.
3. Drag the cleansing brush through your lashes, making sure that the cleanser gets right to the roots. Using a cleansing brush helps to break down any build-up of dirt.
4. Rinse your lashes thoroughly with water. A few splashes over each eye should do the trick.
5. Using a clean towel, pat your eyelashes dry gently. It doesn’t matter if the lashes are still a little damp and stuck together, as the next step will separate them.
6. With a clean mascara wand, brush through your lashes. This will help fan the lashes out again and retain their curl for longer.
How to clean lashes – extra hints and tips
Now that you’ve got the basics down and know how to clean eyelash extensions, there are a few other things you should know. The following tips will help you get the most out of your lash extensions and make them last as long as possible.
• Do not let your eyelash extensions get wet within the first 24 hours of their application. They need a little time for the glue to properly dry and settle. After the first 24 hours have passed, then you can begin your daily cleaning routine.
• Use a lash brush to comb through the extensions around four times a day. This will keep each of the individual lashes separated and help maintain their shape. You don’t have to spend too long doing this; just a quick comb-through will do.
• Sleep in a position where your eyelashes won’t make contact with the pillow, to prevent unnecessary shedding. Of course, this isn’t always preventable as we move during the course of our sleep, but anything you can do to reduce contact with your eyelashes will help.
• Don’t pull on your eyelash extensions as you’re likely to pull out your natural lashes too. If you’re usually an eyelash-puller, it’s time to break the habit.
• To make sure your lashes continue to look perfect, return to your technician for infill appointments. We recommend getting infills every 2-4 weeks, to get the best results.
• Do not use mascara or liquid liner whilst you have eyelash extensions applied. The product will stick to the extensions, which will encourage bacteria to grow. Embrace a low-maintenance make-up routine!
You’ve paid for them, so why would you not want to get the most out of your eyelash extensions? Learning how to clean eyelash extensions is the best thing you can do for your new beauty investment.
If you need a little more guidance, or want to have something saved to your computer and phone, which you can always refer back to, our handy pdf guide has all the information you need on how to clean eyelash extensions. Above all, enjoy your new, beautiful lashes!
