How To Clean + Maintain Your Lash Extensions
Did you know that clean lash extensions last longer? Some clients think that keeping their lash extensions away from water will keep them on longer, however this is very untrue and has quote the opposite effect! Your lash extensions will fall off prematurely when you avoid cleansing them. Yes, always avoid water for the first 24 hours or as per your lash technician's instructions (I always recommend 24-48 hours) - however this doesn't mean don't get them wet forever!
It is critical you cleanse your lash extensions. Improper cleansing or lack of cleansing all together will cause problems resulting in your lashes not lasting as long as they should. Not cleansing regularly or correctly also leads to potential infections, irritations, poor lash health/growth and last mites (yes, these are a real thing!)
Dead skin cells, dirt, makeup, and oil will build up in your lash line very quickly! All this build up will eat away at your lash extension's bond, breaking it down over time. Lash extension glue LOVES to be kept clean in order to maintain its strong bond to your natural lash.
Dirty lashes causes your lash glue to become weak resulting in extensions falling off your natural lash instead of lasting the entire life of the natural lash cycle and falling out when the natural lash is shed.
Dirty lashes don't necessarily look dirty when looking in the mirror, but under your lash technician's lamp, it magnifies the build up!
Mascara residue can also cause poor adhesion resulting in your lashes not lasting as long. I am not a fan of wearing mascara on lash extensions because the rubbing required to remove it causes damage and lash loss. If you feel the need to wear mascara, it MUST be a lash extension safe mascara (oil-free).
LASH CLEANSING DO'S:
- Cleanse lash extensions at least 2-3 times a week, or every night if you're oily OR a regular eye makeup wearer
- Use a specific lash extensions foaming cleanser (available for purchase) to ensure you're getting an anti-bacterial solution on your lashes to maintain eye and lash health. Using a lash specific cleanser will avoid potential glycols, oils, and other no-no's for lash extensions that are often found in regular facial cleansers.
- Avoid using products containing oils around OR on your eye area. These include cleansers, moisturizers, cleansing oils, aromatherapy oils, spray toners, coconut/rosehip oils, eye creams, and even your shampoo and conditioner!
LASH CLEANSING DON'TS:
- Do NOT use makeup remover wipes while wearing lash extensions. They're full of nasty oils, glycols, and emollients that lash extensions do not like which cause your extensions to fall off prematurely. They won't last long at all when using makeup wipes. Makeup wipes are not a good way to cleanse your face in general as they leave makeup residue on your skin - which causes break down of the bonding agent.
- Do NOT use cleansing waters like Micellar. These products are not safe for extensions.
- Do NOT use face cloths, sponges, makeup pads, cotton buds or other items on OR near your lash extensions. These will tug at your lashes causing damage or and premature lash loss.
- Do NOT rub your eyes vigorously while cleansing - clean your lash extensions with light fingertips pressure only. I recommend using a cleansing brush like the ones I sell to my clients. Rigorous rubbing will cause premature lash loss as well as roughed up/damaged natural lashes that are short, broken, and frail that won't be able to hold extensions safely. It doesn't take much to cause damage to your lashes, so always be gentle!