How to Clean Eyelash Extensions & Why It's Important
Learn all about how to clean eyelash extensions in order to keep them looking good and prevent complications.
Image source: Freepik
Eyelash extensions are widely popular as one of the best ways to enhance your looks. No mascara can make your eyes pop, your lashes so thick and long.
But eyelash extensions have their pros and cons. Their benefits are numerous, but one of the biggest disadvantages is that they are not really low-maintenance. You have to care for your eyelash extensions in order to make them last as long as possible and to avoid different complications such as infection.
Learn how!
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Why Is Cleaning Lash Extensions Important?
When you don’t have eyelash extensions you wash your face normally. You clean all the residues from your eyes and eyelashes. But when you have your extension done, you are much more careful about how you wash your face.
You mustn’t splash too much water on your eyelash extensions and get them wet because they can fall off prematurely. But it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t clean your eyelash extensions.
You must clean them. You need to remove all the bacteria, dirt, and oils built up from your lashes. If you don’t, this build-up can make the extensions feel heavy for your natural lashes and damage them.
There are more serious complications that can occur if you don’t clean your eyes. Beside an infection, there is also blepharitis, a condition which causes red, swollen, and itchy eyelids. And you don’t want that.
Another benefit of regular eyelash extension cleaning is that they will last longer and look much better.
Image source: Instagram @heavenlyskin_lashesbybri
How to Clean Eyelash Extensions
If you choose a trained lash technician they usually give you tips on how to clean eyelash extensions. Some of them even provide you with a kit which you can use for eyelash extensions maintenance.
Firstly, here’s what to need to clean your eyelash extensions:
- A brush (a clean, wider eyeshadow brush is most commonly used)
- Micellar water or special lash cleanser
- Water
- A mascara wand
Here’s how to clean eyelash extensions, step by step:
Step 1 – remove all the makeup residues from your face and the eye area. Don’t use an oil-free remover near your eyelash extensions, because oils will loosen the adhesive bond and cause the extensions to fall off prematurely.
Step 2 – Dip the brush in the micellar water or lash shampoo and gently go over the lashes in circular motions, mostly downwards. Do this for about a minute.
Step 3 – Gently rinse it off with water. You can also use a damp brush to remove the lash shampoo.
Step 4 – Blot the lashes dry with a face towel or a kitchen towel or dry them with a blow drier on a cold setting.
How Often Should Eyelash Extensions Be Cleaned?
Eyelash extensions should be washed every day, but if that’s not possible, wash them at least 3 times a week, to keep them clean and your natural lashes healthy.
If you have classic lashes, it’s enough to wash them every second day, while it’s advisable to clean volume and hybrid lashes every day because they are denser.
If you are not sure whether your extensions need cleaning, use the other end of a spoolie and lift the lashes to check the upper waterline.
What Can I Use to Clean My Eyelash Extensions?
Most professional eyelash technicians will recommend a product for cleaning lash extensions, and some even may include a goodie bag with the cleaning products in their service. It’s usually some specially designed lash foam, that will perfectly clean the eyelash extensions and not irritate your eyes.
Some lash technicians recommend the good old micellar water, and it will do perfectly fine. You may come across a recommendation for a baby shampoo, but it’s not advisable to use. It is not designed for washing your eyes and some of them contain fragrances. Also, it’s said that baby shampoo shortens the lifespan of eyelash extensions.
Professional Lash Bath
Many lash salons offer a lash bath service. It’s a great way to get your extensions thoroughly cleaned and be sure there are no bacteria or dirt left. The biggest advantage of a lash bath is that, being done by a professional, it will not shorten the lifespan of your eyelash extensions.
Lash baths are usually charged from $10 to $20 and last for about 15 minutes.
Image source: Instagram @lashesby.brianna
Can I Wash My Face Normally with Eyelash Extensions?
Yes. You should avoid getting the extensions wet in the first 24 hours after the treatment, and after that, you can wash your face normally. Just make sure you don’t rub or pull the extensions and keep them dry afterwards.
Use the face cleanser or foam around the area – don’t apply it onto your lashes. Rinse the face normally, and use a clean towel to pat it dry. Gently press the lashes to soak in the excess water.
Can I Brush My Eyelash Extensions When Wet?
No, you need to dry your eyelashes before brushing them. Use a clean dry cloth and press against your lashes or you can use a blow dryer on a cold setting to do that.
Can I Swim with Eyelash Extensions?
Yes, of course, just make sure you don’t do that in the first 24 hours after the application. They need to completely dry and settle.
Image source: Freepik
Other Maintenance Tips
If you want to make the most of your eyelash extensions, cleaning them is one of the first things you need to think about. Besides that, there are some aftercare and maintenance tips that will make your eyelash extensions last and look good as long as possible and prevent premature shedding.
When it comes to aftercare, here’s what you need to pay attention to in the first 24 – 48 hours:
- As said above, keep your lashes dry for 24h after the treatment.
- Avoid long showers and steam for 24h after the treatment..
- Avoid oil-based products, they will break down the adhesive.
- Lash curler can damage them and it’s completely unnecessary.
- Don’t touch, rub or pull your lashes.
- Sleep on your back.
- Don’t use mascara during lash extensions aftercare.
When it comes eyelash extensions maintenance, here’s what you should do to prolong their lifespan:
- Brush them daily or even twice a day, morning and evenings, to untangle them and prevent premature shedding.
- Avoid oil-based makeup removers around the area.
- If you don’t need to, don’t wear mascara, especially on volume lashes.
- Get regular lash fills.
To learn more about proper eyelash extensions aftercare and maintenance, read this guide.
How to Clean Eyelash Extensions – Main Takeaways
Cleaning eyelash extensions is very important and beneficial. It will make your extensions last longer and prevent damaging your natural lashes. Clean your extensions every day with the products your eyelash technician recommended or with micellar water.
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