How To Clean Your Lash Extensions

Clean lash extensions last longer - lashes must be cleaned as part of your home care routine!

(Hi! If you’re a lash tech reading this blog, please do not COPY or reproduce this content you’re about to read here today, or any other content on the internet for that matter, as it’s intellectual property and is copyrighted. It belongs to the original author, in this case me, and is illegal to reproduce without permission)

Some clients think that keeping their lash extensions away from water will keep them on longer, however this is very untrue and has quite 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 - however this doesn't mean don't get them wet forever!

It’s critical you cleanse your lash extensions. Improper cleansing or avoiding 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 lash mites (yes these are a real thing!).

Dirty Lashes!

Photo Credit: Carmen Palmiste

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 it's 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 with magnifying glasses the build up is very obvious.

Always come to your lash appointment with freshly washed lashes. Don’t wear any mascara to your appointment as removing it is tedious and eats into your lash application time meaning less lash extensions are applied by your lash technician.

Mascara residue can also cause poor adhesion resulting in your lashes not lasting as long. I'm not a fan of wearing mascara on 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 which I have available to purchase (this product is not available in my online shop so please contact me to purchase).

Mascara build up on Lash Extensions

The benefits of regular lash cleansing

Clients who wash their lashes correctly between appointments return with SO MANY more lashes left compared to clients who don't cleanse at all (or cleanse incorrectly). A refill shouldn’t be done when you have little to no lash extensions left - a refill is done when you just start seeing gaps (ideally when 50% lashes remain). This ensures your lashes are always looking full and lush.

Most clients with regular lash growth that look after their well applied lashes are able to go 3 weeks between refill appointments and return with 50% lashes left.  If you're not getting these results then it's time to check your home care routine to see if we can figure out what's going on...

Washed lash extensions will look and feel new again!

LASH CLEANSING DO'S:

NOTE: Always wait 24 hours after your appointment before cleansing or as per your stylist’s recommendation

1. Shampoo your lash extensions every day.

2. Use a specific lash extension foaming cleanser 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.

3. Avoid using products containing oils around or on your eye area. These include cleansers, moisturisers, cleansing oils, aromatherapy oils, spray toners, coconut/rosehip oils, eye creams, and even your shampoo and conditioner! If you use cleansers that aren't safe for extensions, you must wipe the cleanser off your face rather than rinse, as residual product will wash into your lashes.

LASH CLEANSING DON'TS:

1. 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. Very 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.

2. Do NOT use cleansing waters like micellar. These products are not safe for extensions.

3. 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 and premature lash loss.

3. Do NOT rub your eyes vigorously while cleansing - clean your lash extensions with light fingertip 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!

When should you clean your lash extensions?

• Clean your lash extensions every day - or twice a day if you're an eye makeup wearer or have oily skin or eyelids.

• I recommend cleaning lash extensions at night to remove the day’s facial oils, dust, dirt and makeup.

• Clean lash extensions after activities such as swimming, working out/gym, wearing sunscreen (make sure your sunscreen is oil-free). Chlorine, salt, sweat and oils should be removed immediately from lash extensions to maintain the integrity of your lash adhesive.

How to clean your lash extensions:

Please watch the below video for how to clean your lash extensions correctly. I think this video really explains everything well. It's helpful to watch how it's done rather than trying to guess how to do it.

A video demonstrating the correct way for your clients to clean their eyelash extensions.

Are you based on the Sunshine Coast, QLD? Would you like to make an appointment for lash extensions? If so, visit this page to find out more: Lash Extensions Sunshine Coast

If you'd like to purchase lash extension products to ensure a long lasting set of lash extensions  please visit my Lash Shop. Shipping is available to Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.

Related: 7 Signs Your Eyelash Extensions Could Be Better

I hope this post was helpful to you, remember to subscribe to the blog further down this page to get email updates on future posts.

– Tasleema

(Also…if you’re a lash tech reading this blog, please do not COPY or reproduce this content you read here today, or any other content on the internet for that matter, as it’s intellectual property and is copyrighted. It belongs to the original author, in this case, me, and is illegal to reproduce without permission)