Eyelash extensions are currently the most advanced and the most popular way to enhance your natural lashes. They give outstanding results, make your eyes pop and boost your self-esteem.
Eyelash extensions require certain maintenance, and the most important is to clean them regularly. Keep reading to learn how to do that properly and why cleaning eyelash extensions is necessary.
Why Is Cleaning Eyelash Extensions Important?
Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent fibers attached to your natural lashes with lash glue. They follow the growth cycle of your natural lashes and fall off with them, so they last up to 8 weeks. You will need to book refill appointments after 3-4 weeks to add more extensions and prolong the lifespan of your lash extensions.
During your daily activities, dead skin, dirt, and oil build up and affect the bond between the lash glue and your natural lashes, making it weak. So, not cleaning your lash extensions regularly can cause a premature fall off of the extensions.
Another, more important reason for cleaning eyelash extensions is to avoid the risk of infection as well as the appearance of blepharitis, which causes red, swollen, and itchy eyelids. Removing the oil and dirt build-up will make your lashes clean and healthy, and they will also last longer.
Image source: Instagram @wholesale3dminklashes
How Often Do I Need To Clean My Eyelash Extensions?
Professional lash technicians advise cleaning eyelash extensions 2-3 times a week. Some also say that this depends on the style you choose. There is a difference between classic lashes, which attach 1 individual lash extension per natural lash, then volume lashes that include attaching fans of 2-6 (and even more for mega volume) per natural lash, and hybrid lashes that combine these two styles.
Some technicians say that it is enough to clean classics 2-3 times a week, but volume and hybrids should be cleaned every day because they are much denser.
If you wear makeup every day or have oily skin, it is advisable to clean your eyelash extensions every day.
When Do I Start Cleaning Eyelash Extensions?
Keep them completely dry for the first 48 hours after the treatment. It is the required time for the lash adhesive to completely dry. After that, you can clean your eyelash extensions.
Cleaning Eyelash Extensions – Step by Step
Ok, now that you understand why cleaning lash extensions is important, you need to learn how to do that properly. Cleaning eyelash extensions is not much of a hassle and it can only take about 5 minutes once you get used to it.
Here is what you need for cleaning eyelash extensions:
- A brush (you can use a clean, wider eyeshadow brush)
- Micellar water or specially designed lash cleanser
- Water
- Mascara wand
So here’s how to clean eyelash extensions properly:
Step 1
Clean your face and the eye area properly with an oil-free makeup remover.
Step 2
Dip the brush in the lash cleanser and go over the lashes in circular motions, mostly downwards. Be gentle. Do this for 30secs to 1 minute.
Step 3
Rinse the brush under the tap, remove the excess water in the brush with a towel.
Step 4
Rinse your lashes with a damp brush.
Step 5
Blot the lashes dry with a microfiber face towel or dry them with a blow drier on a cold setting.
Step 6
Brush them with a clean spoolie but only when they are completely dry.
A Lash Bath
There are certain eyelash extensions salons that offer a lash bath, to clean your eyelash extensions properly. They usually charge $10-$20 per session, so it is much more affordable to do that at home. But if you wear eyelash extensions constantly, it is useful to give them an occasional professional lash bath.
Image source: Instagram @jblashes
What Are the Best Products for Cleaning Eyelash Extensions?
For cleaning eyelash extensions at home, most lash technicians recommend micellar water. Nowadays, there are a lot of specially designed lash cleansers that probably give much better results, and they don’t come pricey. It is usually some kind of lash foam.
The most important thing to remember is to avoid products that contain oil for cleaning eyelash extensions.
What Happens If I Don’t Clean My Eyelash Extensions?
If you don’t clean your eyelash extensions regularly, you risk getting an infection. Some complications that can occur as a result of poor eye hygiene are getting a sty, red-eye, itchy eyes and blepharitis, and even more serious complications.
The build-up of dirt and oils can also damage your natural lashes. So, keep them clean and you have nothing to worry about.
Image source: Instagram @dash.lash.spb
What Else Should I Do to Maintain My Eyelash Extensions?
If you want them to last longer, cleaning eyelash extensions is the most important. Other eyelash extensions maintenance tips include:
- Brush your eyelash extensions with a clean spoolie regularly
- Don’t wear mascara
- Avoid oil-based products
- Sleep on your back, and use silk pillowcases
- Get regular infills
How To Wash My Face with Eyelash Extensions?
Avoid getting your lashes wet in the first 48 hours.
After that, you can wash your face normally, but avoid getting your eyelash extensions soaking wet. So, here’s how to do that. Wash the bottom part of the face as you usually do, and use a wet cloth for the upper part and around the area.
How to Shower With Eyelash Extensions?
Don’t face the showerhead since the water pressure can damage your lash extensions. It is better to just shower, but wash your face in the sink.
You will not damage your lashes if you get them wet when you shower or wash your hair, but to keep them good-looking for a longer period, make sure you dry them afterward. If you really want to protect them, you can use swimming goggles under the shower.
Conclusion
Cleaning eyelash extensions is not only advisable, to keep them last longer, it is also necessary to keep your eyes and lashes healthy and safe. So, if you are wearing lash extensions, make sure you clean them at least 2-3 times a week, with the appropriate products.
Cover image source: Freepik
