Can You Swim With Eyelash Extensions?

How Long Do You Need To Wait Before Swimming With Eyelash Extensions?

Normally, you’ll need to wait for 24 to 48 hours before going swimming with lash extensions. In fact, you’ll have to wait before exposing your lashes to any water, which includes getting in the shower or even sweating at the gym. 

Lash adhesives don’t bond to your lashes immediately. Over the course of a few hours or days, they slowly absorb moisture from the air, which is how they are able to cure. Lash technicians know how to choose the correct glue based on the humidity in the area where they live, since that has a huge impact on how the glue sets. 

However, if you get in the water too early, the glue will cure too fast, without totally bonding the lashes and the extensions. 

That said, make sure to ask your technician, as well. There are some lash extension adhesives that set a little faster than normal. These days, some formulas will finish curing in just 6 hours, while others set more slowly. Always listen to your technician and follow her advice for timing and aftercare.  

Once the glue sets, you’ll be able to go swimming again! If you’re a frequent swimmer, let your technician know. They might choose to use a different adhesive or add other bonding steps to ensure that your lashes last for longer. 

There are still a few important things you’ll need to be aware of, especially, when it comes to the type of environments you swim in.  

Can You Go Swimming In The Pool With Eyelash Extensions?

You can go swimming in the pool with eyelash extensions, but be aware that chlorine can have a weakening effect on the glue.

Chlorine and cyanoacrylate (the most common lash extension ingredient) don’t play well together. Prolonged exposure to chlorine will weaken the glue, so you’ll be at risk of losing lash extensions more rapidly than you would normally. Plus, chlorine can also be very drying and irritating to the skin. 

Salt water pools are kinder to your eyes and your lashes, although they’re not perfect, either. Salt water can also weaken extension adhesive. 

There are a few things you can do to mitigate the risk, though. You can wear goggles when you swim and rinse your eyes with fresh water immediately after taking a dip - we’ll talk more about these habits below. 

Can You Swim In The Ocean With Eyelash Extensions?

Just like salt water pools, ocean water is also going to slightly weaken your lash glue. It can increase your risk of losing extensions. The more time you spend in the salt water, the greater the impact on your extensions. 

Even so, you can still rock lash extensions on your next tropical vacation. The risk is minor, and it’s pretty easy to reduce by simply taking great care of your lashes, as we’ll explain below. 

How To Take Care Of Lash Extensions While Swimming?

Here are a few tips that’ll help you keep your lash extensions looking great when you swim. 

How To Dry Wet Eyelash Extensions?

Leaving your lash extensions wet is not a great idea. The extensions themselves can get weighed down by the water, which is very uncomfortable. Additionally, when they’re wet they’re a little more fragile - you don’t want to brush them when they’re wet, for instance. 

After you swim, rinse, or cleanse your lashes, make sure to dry the area around them right away. If they’re just a little damp, you can let them air dry, and avoid touching them. 

Things to Avoid When Having Wet Eyelash Extensions

While your lash extensions and the glue are fairly water-resistant, your natural lashes aren’t. Our lashes, just like our hair, will absorb water after they’ve been submerged in it. This causes the hair cuticle to swell, which makes your natural lashes a little more fragile. 

When you have expensive extensions on, every time you lose a natural lash you’ll also lose an extension. So no matter what, avoid tugging or rubbing your lashes. If you want to get water out of your eyes, dab them with a soft towel, instead. 

You also don’t want to brush them when they’re wet. Brushing your lash extensions to detangle them is important, but wait for them to dry completely to avoid pulling any lashes off while you do it. 

Can You Swim With Fake Eyelashes?

The risk of losing your false lashes while you swim is pretty high. Fake eyelashes aren’t meant to be worn for more than a day. The adhesive isn’t too strong, and at-home removal is pretty easy. While fake lash glues are water-resistant, they’re also going to get weakened by the salt or chlorine in the water. 

Additionally, they’re going to come off a lot more easily when faced with any pressure from waves or swimming. That said, if you’re rocking falsies from a more affordable brand, losing them in the water probably won’t be a big deal. 

Can You Swim With DIY Extensions? 

Final Thought

By now, the answer to the question “can you swim with eyelash extensions?” should be pretty clear. While swimming with lash extensions is possible, it’s important to remember that the salt and chlorine from pools and the ocean can weaken the glue. You can still have fun in the sun and water as long as you care for your lashes both during and after. 

Lastly, if you want an alternative that’s totally waterproof but not too expensive to repair, consider DIY extensions that you can apply by yourself at home!