Lash Extensions Aftercare

Eyelash extensions have become increasingly popular in the past 5 years, with lash salons popping up everywhere. But once you take the plunge and dive into the world of lucious lashes, lash extensions aftercare is crucial to making your lashes last!

What are lash extensions?

You may have heard the term lash extensions coming up more and more in conversation and on social media and be wondering what exactly are lash extensions? Lash extensions are fake eyelashes that are individually glued to your natural lashes, and last longer than traditional fake strip eyelashes you might find at a beauty store.

Eyelash extensions © Roseykatestyle

Unlike traditional drugstore lashes that can be quickly self-applied, eyelash extensions are applied by a licensed professional in a salon setting. Application times can vary depending on set type (single, volume, mixed set), experience of lash artist, appointment type (first time or fill-in) and lash retention (how well you retained lashes since your last appointment).

Many lash salons require a percentage (usually around 40%) of lash retention to be considered a fill-in appointment, otherwise they would need to apply more lashes which would constitute a new full set (affecting duration of appointment and cost). Proper lash extensions aftercare can not only help with retention, but additionally preserve the health of your natural lashes!

Lash Extension Salon in Cincinnati, Ohio Allure Lash Lounge

How long do lash extensions last?

Much like the length of time a lash appointment can take, the amount of time lash extensions last can vary depending on several factors.  In most cases, lash extensions can last anywhere from 1-2 weeks to 3-4 weeks.  It is important to note that natural eyelashes grow in and fall out in cycles, which occurs every 60-90 days. Just like hairs on your head, your natural eyelashes shed daily. If you follow the proper lash extensions aftercare, you will have much better chances of retaining those beautiful lashes.

As someone who has consistently had eyelash extensions for over three years now, I’ve come up with my personal list of tips to help retain lashes as long as possible so you can extend that time between fill-in appointments and get the most bang for your lashes bucks!

Lash Extensions Aftercare – 7 Tips to Make them Last

Now you know what lash extensions are, lets talk about how to make them last as long as possible!  Because not only are they are a financial commitment, they are a time commitment as well!  With fill-in appointments lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, that is a lot of time every few weeks – so lets make the most of them!

Lash extensions aftercare tip #1

Your lash artist will likely tell you this at your first visit, but do not get your lashes wet for 24 hours after lash extensions have been applied.  This will help the glue bond to your natural lash properly. So remember to wash your face prior to your appointment and try to avoid wearing makeup that will need to be washed off later that day/evening.

I use Tula face cleanser when washing my face – you can read my full Tula Skincare Review here.

Lash extensions aftercare tip #2

Wear minimal eye makeup (eyeliner and mascara, I’m looking at you!). Whenever I wear makeup, I still apply eyeshadow, but I skip the eyeliner and even mascara on the lower lashes in most cases unless its a big event and I want a really dramatic eye.

I basically avoid wearing anything that touches or is too close to my lash line that would cause the need for makeup removal.  Eyeshadow typically comes off pretty easily and you don’t need to “scrub” the lash line to remove it as you would with eyeliner or mascara.

And if you simply must wear eyeliner or mascara, please for the love of lashes, make sure it is not waterproof!  Your lashes will thank you for not having to be scrubbed. Just make sure you use eye makeup that is not oil-based.

Eyelash Extensions © Roseykatestyle

Lash extensions aftercare tip #3

Use micellar water to remove eye makeup.  If you aren’t familiar with micellar water, here is why you should get to know and love this magical water. Formulated with micelles, micellar water gently removes makeup, cleanses skin, and removes oil and impurities.  Why is it so essential for lash extension aftercare? Because it requires no harsh rubbing. Micells work like a magnet to remove makeup, so you don’t have to tug at those beautiful extensions to remove any makeup.  I have been using this micellar water (great for all skin types, even sensitive) for a long time and love it – it even comes in different formulas based on skin type.

 

Lash extensions aftercare tip #4

Avoid brushing your lashes when they are wet.  You will gather quite the collection of spoolie brushes once you start getting your lashes done, however it is important to only use it when lashes are dry.

After washing your face with your preferred skin cleanser, your wet lashes will all be grouped together in larger clumps – avoid the urge to brush them out immediately.  Gently pat your face with a towel to help speed up the drying process by soaking up excess water, then wait.

Whenever I have brushed my lashes while wet, I’ve noticed multiple lashes coming up on my brush or falling onto my face.  Yes, this can also (and will) happen when dry brushing, however, it should be a lot less.

Once your lashes are completely dried, brush those babies out and watch them fluff up like their beautiful selves!

 

Lash extensions aftercare tip #5

Sleep on a silk pillowcase.  Silk pillowcases have so many benefits, such as wrinkle and fine-line prevention, frizz prevention, and better skin hydration. Due to the smooth surface with with very little friction, it might actually help improve eyelash retention too!  I have been using this silk pillowcase for over a year now, and I definitely see less lashes on my pillowcase in the mornings.

 

Lash extensions aftercare tip #6

Sleep on your back.  Ok, I know, I know – this one is easier said than done, especially if you are not already a back sleeper.  But as minimal contact as you can make with your eyelashes, the better.  If you are naturally a side sleeper, try to alternate sides you sleep on to keep any lash loss evenly distributed between both eyes.

 

Lash extensions aftercare tip #7

Avoid long exposure to steam.  I’m adding this one as a new, recently learned tip from personal experience.  We finally had our first big snowfall here in Cincinnati so we decided to get in the hot tub.  It was such a beautiful sight to see the snow falling around everywhere, and the steam was so intense sometimes you couldn’t see in front of you.  However, the next morning, I noticed SO many lashes falling out. The steam can loosen the lash glue, so you should try to avoid extended periods of time using the sauna, hot tub, facial steamer, etc.

 

Conclusion

Lash extensions can definitely be an investment if you plan to get them filled on a regular basis.  Following these 7 lash extensions aftercare tips will help to preserve the life of your lash extensions, so you can go longer between appointments!

If you are local to the Cincinnati area, I go to Allure Lash Lounge in Hyde Park, and highly recommend them!

xo,