Eyelash extensions are like a dream come true. Imagine getting out of bed without worrying about spending much time on your eye make-up routine. Eyelash extensions are a great way to achieve a glamorous look, and they are convenient and simplify your beauty routine.
Most importantly, eyelash extensions last longer and prevent the eye from health issues. The eyelash extension performs the same duty as the natural eyelashes, including protecting your eyes from dust, pollen, dirt, and other debris.
If you notice, while having your extensions, the lash technician fixes the extensions millimeters away from the lash line, you usually see a small gap between the lash extensions and the lash lines. Over time, the dead skin cells, dirt, make-up, and oil quickly build upon the lash line and create room for bacteria growth. The funny thing is that this dirt cannot be seen in the mirror but can be evident under your lash technician’s lamp with magnifying glasses.
Why You Should Clean Lash Extensions
Technically, the whole point of cleaning your eyelash extension is to protect your eyes from dust, pollen, dirt, and other debris. Another primary reason is to prevent oil from damaging your extensions. The oil might slip into your extensions and destroy the eyelash adhesives if you use oil-based products.
That is why frequent cleansing helps to remove the oil and helps the lashes stay longer. Always ensure you have a strict lash cleansing routine. Because if you do not wash your extensions, the bacteria will stick to your eyes and cause infections.
When To Clean Your Eyelash Extensions
There is nothing as depressing as having dirty lashes because the dirt eats up your lash extensions bond resulting in a fall-out of your natural lashes. Eyelash extensions should be cleaned regularly, especially if you have oily eyelids or use eye makeup. However, your lash extensions should be cleaned twice or three times a week if you have such issues.
Furthermore, it would be best to clean your eyelash extensions after engaging in physical activities like swimming, gym sessions, or yoga. Do not forget that you shouldn’t wet the extensions within 48 hours of their application.
However, these extensions will cure with time and become waterproof. In addition, the best time to clean your extensions is in the night before retiring to bed to enable you to get rid of the day’s make-up and dust—dirt, oil, and debris accumulated on the extensions.
How To Clean Eyelash Extensions
Who doesn’t like to keep clean lashes? No one. Cleaning your eyelash extensions regularly can extend their life and prevent infections, and cleaning also helps prevent oil and dirt from accumulating on your extensions. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your eyelash extensions.
Before you start, keep in mind that the cleaning should commence after your lash extension is wholly cured, approximately after their first 48 hours.
1. Get rid of your eye make-up using an oil and glycerol-free make-up remover. To get rid of your eyeliner, dip a cotton tip in the remover and gently wipe it across your lid away from the extensions. Oil-based products weaken the extension adhesive bond, making the extensions fall off prematurely
.
Avoid using canola oil, mineral oil, vegetable oil, and coconut oil because they weaken the extension glue. You might be tempted to make a DIY cleanser, but there are lots of disadvantages that come with it. For example, it could result in clogged follicles, weakened adhesive, allergic reactions, and eye infections.
2. If you are on a heavy foundation, get rid of it by washing your eyes with a lash extension cleanser and carefully avoiding the eye area.
3. Wet your lashes with water and apply a small amount of lash shampoo on each lash. Gently splash the shampoo over your closed eyes and avoid rubbing them like washing your hair.
4. Rinse it off and dab them gently.
5. Use your mascara wand to twirl through them to give the perfect curl.
6. Repeat this process 2-3 times per week.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Eyelash Extensions
Neglecting to clean your eyelash extensions will result in itchiness and inflammation of the eyelids. You will likely feel the urge to rub on your lashes to soothe the itchy feeling, and in the end, the extensions might start to shed, and your eyelids become sore.
Furthermore, dirty lash extensions can cause an inflammation of the eyelids, generally termed ‘Blepharitis,’ a common problem of lousy eyelid hygiene. Bacteria overgrow and create clusters known as ‘Biofilms’ on the eyelid. These biofilms often attract parasitic mites known as ‘Demodox.’
These mites feed on bacteria and dead skin, and when they multiply, they cause redness, itchy skin, and painful eyelid inflammation. With this, you might be able to use lash extensions for some time. Symptoms of Blepharitis include;
- Eye dryness
- Water eyes
- Itchy eyelids
- Eyelid sticking
- Crusted eyelashes
- Sensitivity to light
- Flaking of the skin around the eye
- Gritty, burning, or stinging sensation in the eyes.
Do’s And Don’ts Of Cleaning Your Eyelash Extensions
Do’s
- Shampoo your lash extensions every day.
- Avoid using oil-based products around your eye area. These products include spray toners, coconut/rosehip oils, eye creams, aromatherapy oils, shampoo, and conditioners.
- Use a brush to clean the extensions.
- Rinse, dry, and brush your lashes, then use a micro brush to reshape your lashes.
- Permanently remove make-up before cleansing.
- Always be gentle with your extensions. Do not pick, pull or tug at them.
Don’ts
- Do not use wipes on your extensions.
- Do not use make-up remover that contains glycerol, oil, and emollients.
- Do not use cotton buds, face cloth, sponges, and make-up pads on your lash extensions; these items will only tug and rip out your extensions.
- Do not rub your eyes while cleansing and this action will cause premature lash loss and damage your natural lashes.
- Do not use cleansing water products like micellar; they are not suitable for your extensions.
- Do not use baby shampoo. While they can clear dirt and oil from your lash extensions, they also contain perfumes, sulfates, and oil that can weaken the glue and cause the extensions to fall off.