How to Clean Eyelash Extensions
Eyelash extensions look amazing and make your morning makeup routine much faster. Take care of them so they continue to look good and to extend the time you’ll need between appointments. Cleaning them is easy, but it’s also important to prevent irritation, infections, blepharitis or other issues that can impact your eyes’ health. All you need is a little gentle cleanser, some combing, and a good drying technique.
1. Find gentle Eyelash cleanser. Look for an oil and alcohol-free cleanser. Excess oil especially can break down the adhesive on your extensions. Opt for a foaming gentle face soap.
- Be careful with baby shampoo because it can be drying.
- You can dilute a foaming cleanser with a little water to make it gentler.
- Seek out a cleanser that is specifically designed for eyelash extensions.
2. Wash your lashes. Wet your lashes with warm water. Put some cleanser on your fingertips and work it gently into your eyelids and lashes. Use up-and-down movements. Don’t use side-to-side motions or tug your lashes so you don’t lose extensions or damage your natural eyelashes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Be sure to clean your lash line well because this is where bacteria and other dirt can build up most.
3. Avoid cotton pads or wipes. Don’t use cotton pads or balls to clean your lashes. The fibers can get stuck in them and you’ll need to carefully pick those out. Also skip using cleansing wipes because those can loosen or rip out your extensions.
Drying and Combing
- Dry your lashes naturally.
After washing your lashes, gently pat your face dry with a towel, but avoid your eyes to protect your extensions. Let your lashes air dry instead. To speed up the drying process, you can wrap some toilet paper around your finger and gently blot your lashes. If you want to be especially careful of your extensions, just let your lashes sit on the toilet paper for a few seconds so the water can be absorbed.
- Blow them dry.
Set your blow dryer on its coolest setting. Next, blast your lashes for about ten seconds on each eye. Be sure to keep the dryer about arm’s length from your face. Don’t do this too often because you want to maintain the adhesive in your extensions.
- Comb them out. Close one eye. Using a clean, dry mascara brush, gently roll it over your lashes. Next, fluff out the lashes a bit with the brush. Don’t drag the brush through the base of your lashes.
10 Facts About Lash Shedding
Every hair on our body follows a specific growth cycle, including our eyelashes. Lash shedding is a healthy part of the hair growth process and should not be cause for alarm – even with lash extensions, which is why we’re sharing 10 facts about lash shedding.
- On average, a person can lose up to 20% of their natural lashes every two weeks.
- Natural eyelashes grow in and fall out in cycles, which occurs every 60 to 90 days.
- All hairs, including eyelashes, replace themselves every few years.
- Depending on their individual growth cycles, a person can typically shed between 1 and 5 natural lashes every day.
- When a natural lash matures and falls out, a new lash has already been growing and quickly replaces the fallen lash. For many of us, this process is not noticed.
- When eyelashes are extended with quality extensions (like we use here at The Lash Lounge), it will be more noticeable when these lashes shed because they are longer and darker than your natural lashes.
- 8. When a trained stylist applies a set of lash extensions, one synthetic lash is attached to one natural lash. You will notice that when your natural lash sheds – so goes the lash extension.
- If you have ever noticed how your hair sheds more during certain seasons, then you have probably noticed your lashes shedding during the same seasons, too. This is called ‘seasonal molting’ and you can read more about this process here.
- With or without extensions, the shedding process is perfectly normal.
How to Protect Your Eyelash Extensions?
Going to the Beach With Eyelash Extensions?
We recommend avoiding heavy water contact on your lashes during that period. A light mist and splashing is fine, but avoid dunking your head into the water during the first day. If you’re absolutely going to get into the water, try to avoid submerging your head to protect your lashes from salt water and other debris. You can also try wearing goggles to protect your eyelash extensions. Also, try to avoid humid conditions – saunas and steam rooms are out of the question as they can cause the adhesive to melt.
The beach also presents a number of elements that could pose a risk to your eyes and eyelash extensions. Winds tend to pick up sand that could irritate your eyes and cause you to rub your new lash extensions – absolute no no! Take every precaution during the first 24 hours you get your lashes.
What About Pool Parties?
The same precautions that apply to the beach and your eyelash extensions also apply to the pool. If you can avoid getting them wet within the first 24 hours, we recommend that you do so. After that time, feel free to enjoy yourself but keep these tips handy. Use swimming goggles when planning to submerge your head for extended periods of time (i.e., swimming laps). Don’t let chlorine sit on your lashes. Rinse them clean because the chemicals may damage the adhesive properties of your eyelash extensions.
What About Sunscreen?
You should absolutely use sunscreen, but apply it carefully. If using the spray kind, avoid directly spraying onto your face. Use your fingers to apply sunscreen and be careful to avoid your lashes. We recommend using an oil-free sunscreen to keep chemical exposure at a minimum.
DRY OFF CAREFULLY
Be careful when drying off with a towel, not to rub your entire face with it. Pat gently and carefully while avoiding your eyes. When you get a chance, spray or rinse your lashes with a little fresh water to wash away salt and chlorine from your lash extensions. After the initial 24-48 hour period you’re free to get your lashes wet, but always remember to rinse them free with fresh water after you dry off.
Enjoy your days splashing in the sunshine!
