How To Shower With Eyelash Extensions: Useful Tips and Aftercare

The warnings about lash extensions and water can sound pretty dire. Maybe you’ve heard that any dampness will lead to losing your extensions. So how do you shower with lash extensions? 

In this post, we’ll cover all you need to know about showering with extensions. Don’t worry - you don’t need to forgo proper hygiene just because you got them done! We’ll explain when you can shower again after getting extensions, how to shower with eyelash extensions, how to dry lash extensions after your shower, and more! 

Whether you’re rocking professional extensions or lash clusters like Lilac St., you’ll be equipped with the knowledge on how to keep yourself clean. 

Can You Shower With Eyelash Extensions? 

Yes, you can shower with eyelash extensions! Professional eyelash extensions last for up to 6 weeks and they can be maintained indefinitely. Can you imagine going that long without a shower? While you do need to be careful when washing, it’s definitely a must. 

Plus, your eyelash extensions also need washing. It’s very important that you keep your lash extensions clean. Otherwise, they can collect dust mites, bacteria, and oils which can lead to eye irritation and even infections. The oil buildup is actually going to weaken the lash adhesive bond more than exposure to water ever could, so it’s also important to the longevity of your extensions. 

You can probably shower a few hours after getting your eyelash extensions applied. If you’re rocking lash clusters like Lilac St., you don’t need to wait at all. 

Excessive heat and steam may have a sight weakening effect on your adhesive, though nothing dramatic. In order to keep your lashes in the best shape possible, don’t let your showers get too steamy. Plus, hot water isn’t great for your skin and hair, so there’s another incentive to keep temperatures low. Hot water can be very irritating and dehydrating, so it’s a good idea to shower in lukewarm water, in general. 

Use a Lash Cleanser 

The shower is the perfect time to clean your lash extensions, which you want to do around once a day. The Lilac St. Lash Bath Kit includes a cleanser that’s safe for extensions and for the eyes. It helps to remove debris and oil from the lashes to keep the eyes safe and the lashes intact.

Be Gentle

It’s important to be very gentle whenever you touch your lash extensions, DIY lash extensions or otherwise. While you’re not likely to pull off the extensions themselves, the combination of weight and friction can lead to natural lash loss. That’s why, for best results, clean your lash extensions with a lash brush. If you’re using your fingers, use your ring finger and apply minimal pressure. 

Focus on gently massaging the cleanser over the extensions in downward motions, with minimal pressure. Finally, cup a bit of water in your hands and splash it on to rinse the cleanser away. 

Wash Your Hair Carefully

The trickiest part of showering with extensions isn't the water, it's the shampoo and conditioner running down your face. Most conditioners contain oils that break down lash glue on contact, so a steady stream over the eyes does more damage than plain shower water. Tilt your head back when you rinse, so the suds run down your back instead of your face. If a drip does land near the lash line, rinse it off with cool water right away rather than letting it sit. Save the deep cleanse of your lashes for after you've finished with your hair.

Avoid Oil-Based Cleansers 

Lash extension adhesive is oil-soluble, so make sure to avoid any cleansers that contain oils. Oil cleansers and makeup removers, in particular, can weaken the bond and lead to extension shedding. They’re far more damaging to your extensions than water could ever be. 

• Start by gently drying your face using a soft face cloth. The microfiber towel in our lash bath kit is awesome for the job because it’s gentle on the skin. Carefully soak up the water on the lids and below the eye. 
• Next, you can very carefully dab the towel from below the lashline to remove excess water from the lashes. Don’t rub! 
• Not that this will only work with a product like our microfiber cloth, since overly fluffy towels may pull on the lashes. If you don’t have one, it’s better to let the lashes air dry. 
• Finally, use a clean spoolie to gently brush and detangle your lashes. 

Once your lashes are slightly damp (not soaking wet), use a clean spoolie to gently brush and detangle them. Brushing while they're still dripping pulls them out of shape and can snap fragile natural lashes.

With gentle towel patting and air drying, your lashes are usually fully dry within 15 to 20 minutes. If you're in a hurry, a cool blow dryer at a low setting (held at arm's length) brings that down to 2 to 3 minutes. Don't try to speed it up with heat though, hot air softens the adhesive and undoes everything you protected the bond from in the shower.

• Be very careful when drying your hair. It’s easy to forget and end up with your lashes getting snagged on a towel. Just remember to keep the towel away from your face, or consider switching to a gentle method like T-shirt drying. 
• In the same vein, be very careful and don’t rub your face after the shower. Dabbing your face with a gentle cloth will work best. 
• If you’re in a rush, you can also use a blow dryer to help the drying process. Make sure to adjust it to the cool setting, and let it blow against your eyes. It may feel a little strange, but it’ll speed things up. 
• We already mentioned you need to use a spoolie to brush your lash extensions. You’ll want to do this a couple of times a day - not just after the shower! 
• You’ll probably want to use some skincare after your shower. Remember to avoid using any oil-based serums or face creams around the eyes, since they can weaken the lash adhesive.

Check out our blog post for more eyelash extensions care suggestions. 

• Stop using cotton pads, and instead switch to ultra-soft cloths when cleaning your face or removing makeup. 
• Be very careful with towels which are often too abrasive for the lashes. 
• Make sure your lashes are dry before you go to bed, since any rubbing against the pillow could cause issues. 
• When you are in bed, try to sleep on your back, or you might lose a few lashes on your pillow. You can also switch to a silk pillowcase or wear a sleeping mask to reduce some of the risk of lash loss. 
• Resist the urge to rub your eyes, even if they’re itchy or you’re tired. 

Avoid Oil-Based Products

Before getting your lash extensions done, go through your cosmetic stash and look through the ingredient lists for all of your products. Makeup removers, foundations, eye creams, and concealers all often include oils, so you’ll want to set them aside for as long as you wear extensions. Those oils can weaken the bond of your lash adhesive, leading to lash loss. Instead, switch to oil-free makeup and skincare products.

Avoid Bath Oils and Salts 

If you like to take the occasional, luxurious bath, avoid any of the usual bath additives like salts and oils. Much like with your other skincare products, both salt and oil can weaken the lash adhesive. 

Even if you don’t plan to get your face wet at all, there’s always a risk of splashing so we think it’s better to be safe than sorry. Instead of bath salts or oils, you can always light a scented candle so that your bath is still aromatic and relaxing. 

Don’t Bother With Goggles 

Some sources recommend wearing goggles or eye shields when you get in the shower. If it’s not past the curing period for your lash extensions and you really need to shower, these might be a solution. 

That said, it’d be much better to just wait a little longer. With goggles, you run the risk of your extensions snagging on the rim or a rubber strap. 

Once your adhesive has had enough time to cure, there’s no need to wear anything on your eyes. You need to wash your lashes anyway, so you might as well do it in the shower. 

That said, shampoo visors and shower hats (the wide-brim kind that keep water off your face) aren't the same as rubber goggles. They don't touch the lash line, so there's nothing for an extension to snag on. If you really can't skip a steamy shower, or you just want something between your face and the conditioner rinse, a visor works much better than goggles. They cost a few dollars at the drugstore, and they keep the lash area dry without anything pressing on it.

Are you interested in eyelash extensions aftercare? Check out our guide to know how to take care of your lash extensions to make them last longer.

- Eyelash Extensions Aftercare: A Complete "How-To" Guide

- How To Take Care Of Eyelash Extensions?  

- How To Clean Eyelash Extensions?

- How To Wash Eyelash Extensions?

- How To Remove Eyelash Glue? 4 Easy Steps 

- How To Make Lash Extensions Last Longer? 

- Can You Swim With Eyelash Extensions?

- How To Shower With Eyelash Extensions? Useful Tips And Aftercare

- How To Wash Your Face With Eyelash Extensions? 6 Easy Steps

- How To Sleep With Eyelash Extensions? 10 Proven Tips And Tricks