How to Take Care of Eyelash Extensions?

What Not to Do
What to Do
When to Get Them Done Again
Final Thoughts

Are you rocking a gorgeous set of lash extensions? If so, congratulations on your new look! Now it’s time for you to learn how to take care of eyelash extensions. This way, you can keep them looking flawless for the weeks to come.

What Not to Do

Once you have lash extensions, it’s so important to avoid all of the following products and habits, to ensure they stay in place:

Don’t let your lashes get wet for the first 48 hours.
Avoid waterproof makeup and oil-based creams or makeup removers that can compromise the glue.
Do not pick or rub at your extensions - brush them out, instead.
Try to sleep on your back, or switch to a silk pillowcase.
Avoid lash curlers, as well as any cotton pads or pads that can put pressure on the glue.

Avoid Water for the Upcoming 48 Hours

The first few days after getting your extensions are very critical. The extension adhesive needs time to finish curing, and water can compromise that process.

Avoid just about anything that can get your extensions wet, including washing your face, swimming, visiting the sauna, exercising, going out in the rain, and even crying.

Different glues harden at different rates, so your lash technician may tell you to wait even longer than 48 hours. Alternatively, she might give you the go-ahead to get back in the water within a day. Always listen to your tech, but when in doubt, wait a little longer.

Avoid Waterproof or Oil-Based Eye Products

A lot of makeup and skincare products don’t play nicely with lash extension glue. Oil-based products like eye cream or makeup remover can slowly dissolve the glue, and cause your extensions to fall off.

Waterproof eye makeup is a problem at the end of the day. Removing it without damaging your extensions is pretty much impossible. Instead, stick to gentle, oil-free, washable products. If you can, avoid mascara altogether.

Don’t Pick, Pull or Rub Your Eyelashes

Having something attached to the lash line can feel pretty weird, but rest assured - you’ll get used to it soon. In the meanwhile, try to avoid picking or rubbing your eyes when you have lash extensions. Any friction can pull those lashes off!

If your eyes are feeling weird and you’re tempted to rub, give them a quick brush-through instead.

Don't Use Lash Curlers

If it’s not obvious, lash curlers are totally off-limits with lash extensions. That pressure right at the base of the lashline is too much. You’ll definitely lose a few lashes in the curler’s grip. Hopefully, a lash curler won’t be necessary anyway! Extensions usually have their own gorgeous curve.

The one potential exception to this rule is heated lash curlers built like a curved comb. They don’t pull on the lashes - they can even help to brush them out. Unfortunately, they’re not as effective, but they can still help if curved lashes are a must for you.

Avoid Strong Showerheads

Many a’lash have been lost to a high-pressure showerhead. No matter what, avoid letting your lashes come in direct contact with that strong stream of water. Rainfall-style showerheads tend to be a lot more extension-friendly. Sadly, we can’t all have them in our homes.

So how to take care of eyelash extensions in the shower? Simply avoid putting your face under the spray. When you need to wash your face, just cup a bit of water in your hands, and then splash it on. Trust us, your lashes will thank you!

What to Do

There’s a lot that’s off-limits, but thankfully, properly taking care of eyelash extensions is quite easy otherwise.

Choose Your Eye Cream Wisely

Since oily eye creams are off-limits, how can you take care of your eyes? Here’s a quick secret - any oil-free moisturizer designed for sensitive skin can probably double as an eye cream.

If you prefer a dedicated eye cream, here are a few extension-safe options try:

RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Eye Cream is made with hyaluronic acid to nourish the eye area. It also includes firming caffeine and anti-aging peptides.
Paula’s Choice RESIST Anti-Aging Eye Gel is both moisturizing and anti-aging, with a lot of antioxidants and peptides, but no oils.
CLINIQUE All About Eyes Serum is light and hydrating, with a dose of depuffing caffeine. It comes with a rollerball that helps you control the application and prevent getting too close to the lash line.

Even when using oil-free eye products, make sure to apply only along the orbital bone. Avoid letting them come too close to your lash line.

Keep Your Lashes Clean

Cleaning your lash extensions correctly with an extension-safe cleanser can also help keep them intact for longer. By cleaning, you can get rid of natural oils and debris that can compromise the glue.

Finding a cleanser that’s safe for extensions can be difficult, so we recommend our Lash Bath Kit. It also includes a dual cleaning brush/spoolie and makeup remover cloth.

Brush Your Eyelashes

Lash extensions can get tangled pretty easily, which can speed up their rate of shedding. To help them along and keep ‘em looking fluffy, a good brushing can help.

Use a clean lash brush or spoolie. Starting at the base, gently wiggle the spoolie upwards. Try to brush your extensions at least once in the morning and once before bed.

Use Silk or Satin Pillowcase

Figuring how to take care of eyelash extensions when sleeping can be hard. After all, you can’t really control your body when you’re deep in slumber. Ideally, you’d sleep on your back the entire time you have lash extensions. We know that’s easier said than done, so silk pillowcases can be the next best thing.

Silk and satin are super smooth, so they won’t cause as much friction as cotton. As a result, there’s less risk that they’ll pull your lashes off, especially when compared to linen or cotton.

As a bonus, that silk pillowcase is also much better for your hair and skin.

When to Get Them Done Again

We lose about 3-5 lashes a day naturally, and as those natural lashes shed, so do your extensions. Normally, extensions can stay put for about 6 to 8 weeks.

However, most lash technicians recommend you book your refills every 2-4 weeks. If you wait too long and lose too many lashes, your technician might have to charge you for a full set.

DIY lash extensions can be a fantastic alternative if you don’t want to keep spending on professional lash extensions. They’re significantly more affordable. Plus, you can apply them all by yourself without having to leave the house!

Final Thoughts

Learning how to take care of lash extensions is so important for keeping them looking great. For the most part, keeping your lashes intact is all about avoiding friction and ingredients that can break down the adhesive. It’s especially important for the first 48 hours, but you still want to be careful afterward.

And remember - if you’re tired of spending on professional extensions, Lilac St. DIY Extensions could be your new best friend!