Eyelash extensions are the current beauty must-have and that investment of time and money should be cared for in the best possible way. Knowing how to clean your eyelash extensions properly will help preserve that premium eyelash glue and prolong the life of those fans for as long as possible.
Not only does regular cleaning lead to your lashes lasting longer, but also helps to prevent infection and irritation around your eyes. Read on for the ultimate guide for cleaning your eyelash extensions.
Can Lash Extensions Get Wet?
Those who are new to eyelash extensions are often under the misconception that they can not get wet. Users of strip lashes know the importance of keeping them dry and this can often lead to people thinking lash extensions have the same rules.
This is true to some degree, the first 24 hours are crucial as this is when the extensions are still setting and getting them wet during this period could compromise the glue and lead to lashes falling out quicker.
However, this doesn’t mean that they are not waterproof! After that first day, the glue should be completely set and you can get them wet.
What Happens When Eyelash Extensions Aren’t Cleaned?
The main reason to clean your eyelash extensions is to make them last as long as possible. Hours spent in the beauty salon, alongside the financial investment can seem wasted if your extensions only last a week!
Natural oils build up on lash extensions and can lead to natural lashes lifting and those extensions to come away. The weight of the oil may seem small, but on such fine extensions, it can cause issues.
But perhaps the most crucial reason to clean lash extensions is due to the risk of infection. Although the risk is low, it is one not worth taking as our eyes are so sensitive, not to mention important, that any damage could be catastrophic.
Blepharitis is one of the most common conditions that occur from unclean eyelash extensions. This is an inflammation of the eyelid and is painful and unsightly. It’s caused by dead skin cells collecting around the lash line and in your eyelids and once it has set in, it can be almost impossible to rectify without medical intervention.
All of us have lash mites, they can’t do any harm if properly cleaned out of your eyes. Dead mites can also build up if they aren’t properly flushed away. If they are left to their own device, they can quickly multiply and cause irritation and infection, leaving eyes red and puffy.
How To Clean Eyelash Extensions
Now we look at the important bit, how to properly clean your eyelash extensions.
Firstly, you need to remove all makeup, you need an oil-free makeup remover to do so. Pay particular attention to your lash line so all mascara and eyeliner are gone. Avoid cotton buds or pads, these have fibres that can easily come loose and get entangled in your luscious lashes.
Then, using cool water use a tiny bit of lash shampoo and work into a lather on the palm of your hand, you can also use a lash cleansing brush to do this.
Use the brush to gently apply this to your lash extensions and keep repeating until those lashes feel clean.
Rinse this off using cool water, if you are doing this in the shower, avoid using high-pressure jets from the showerhead.
It’s important to properly dry lashes after rinsing but don’t rub excessively, towels can be too abrasive and cause damage to those extensions.
Gently pat your lashes with a kitchen towel, this is highly absorbent and won’t leave any fibres on your lashes.
Now for the part many miss out. You need to style those lashes, but don’t worry, this is a lot easier than it sounds. Take a clean eyelash wand and gently twirl in an upward motion along your lash extensions.
This allows the fans to properly separate and give that perfect curl. Never do this while your lashes are wet, If you are having trouble getting them completely dry, use a low, cool setting on your hairdryer.
How Often Should I Wash My Lash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions should be cleaned twice a day, in the morning and at night. Adding this to your daily routine may seem like a lot of hassle at first but it quickly becomes second nature.
Try and avoid any oil-based products around those lashes, especially if you use a heavy nighttime moisturiser as this can lead to early dropouts.
Other Tips To Make Lash Extensions Last Longer
While cleaning your lash extensions twice a day is the best way to ensure you get the most life out of them, there are other things you can try alongside this to make them last even longer.
Be gentle with your lash extensions, don’t rub or pull at them. If your eyes are itching, try not to scratch, a great way around this is to use a clean mascara wand to brush through those lashes and it should satisfy that itch.
If you really have to have a good scratch, use circular motions on the centre of your eyelid.
Using a lash sealant is another way to get those lashes lasting longer. It extends the life of the adhesive. The initial cost may seem high but these products last ages and can save you money in the long run with fewer trips to the salon.
Use specific products for your lash extensions, especially shampoo. You’ll notice a huge difference when making this switch.
With all the above in mind, you now have a full understanding of how to get the most out of those beautiful extensions. Proper care, cleaning and products can keep you looking fabulous for longer.
