Do you want your lashes to stay healthy for as long as possible? Then you might as well take good care of them. Eyelash extensions are an investment, and even though they cost a little so much and take time to apply, they are a great way to draw attention to your beautiful eyes.
Eyelash aftercare is as important as the application process, and meanwhile, most clients are already familiar with proper aftercare procedures, while others have no idea about the whole process. However, every lash artist must communicate all the steps and procedures for proper aftercare using an aftercare card.
Aftercare cards have proven to be an effective way to communicate with your clients. This is usually done by printing the card out and handing it to every new client immediately after a lash lift treatment.
Why is Lash Aftercare So Important?
Eyelash aftercare requires maintenance, so lash artists provide aftercare advice or offer aftercare cards that can be purchased at the end of every appointment. Eyelash extensions require proper aftercare for 24-48 hours after the treatment and regular maintenance, including brushing and cleaning.
While good lash aftercare helps prevent infections and prevent infections and prevent bacteria from entering the eyes, poor lash aftercare can result in a build-up of dead skin on the lash line. To get the most out of your eyelash extensions, follow these aftercare tips below.
1. Avoid Water For The First 48 Hours
Avoid getting your eyelash extensions wet for the first 48 hours after eyelash extension applications. The glue on the extension needs to set in, so your lashes can last for as long as possible. Avoid taking a shower, washing your eyes, using a steam bath, or swimming.
Water can affect the glue, and the lash bond becomes brittle and weak. If you have to clean your makeup off, use an oil-free makeup remover.
2. Wash Your Lash Extensions Daily
Washing your lash extensions daily is the most critical aftercare lash tip. Yet, it seems to be the rule most people forget the most. Washing your eyelash extensions daily helps them to remain clean and clear of products containing oil.
Eyelash Washing Process
- Use an extension-friendly foam cleanser and a soft eyeshadow brush.
- Try using circular motions below and above the lash line, and rinse the root of the eyelash very well.
- Pat them dry with a soft towel and avoid cotton balls.
- Go ahead and dry them with a blow dryer in the most extraordinary way possible.
3. Clean Your Lashes With A Lash Cleanser
Neglecting to clean your lash extensions can create room for eye health issues. Most times, the gap between the lash line and lash extensions tends to create excess oil from the skin, makeup debris, and dirt, which will make your lash line more open to bacterial growth.
This is why it is essential to clean your lashes. Failure to do this will result in Blepharitis, a common eye disorder usually associated with an overgrowth of bacteria that lie along the base of the eyelashes.
Eyelash Cleaning Process
- Use your oil-free and alcohol-free lash foaming cleanser formulated for eyelash extensions.
- Gently use your fingertips or a lash-cleansing brush to massage the cleanser into your lash line.
- Rinse with fresh water until the cleanser and makeup remains are removed.
- Avoid Using Cotton Balls To Clean Your Lash Extensions
Most people say cotton balls are a safe choice because they are natural, but cotton balls are toxic and scratchy for eyelash extensions. Most cotton balls are made of synthetic fibers, and they do not do an excellent job of picking up the dirt; they just get stuck on the lash extensions.
5. Brush The Lash Extensions Daily
Please give them a good brush every morning to keep them looking good. You can do this by using an eyelash wand or eyelash brush and a clean finger to support the lashes as you brush. Brushing your lash extensions regularly helps remove build-up in old makeup, dirt, and more.
The best time to comb your lashes is when you wake up in the morning because the lashes tend to shift in the night. However, most people brush their lashes more than once a day. Whichever way works for you is fine. Just ensure you brush your lashes regularly, and when you do, it gently.
6. Avoid Touching Or Rubbing The Lashes
Touching your lash lashes or rubbing your eyes can be a subconscious activity that is understandable. Still, every client needs to know that doing this will cause lash extensions to fall out permanently because the oil from your hands will break down the adhesive on the lash extensions and might as well damage them.
7. Skip Waterproof Mascaras
Waterproof mascaras can soften the glue on your lash extensions. Most times, you don’t need mascaras or eyeliners when you have your lash extensions on, but if you still want a distinctive eye look, it is better to opt for water-based mascaras, so it’s easier to remove your eye makeup.
8. Avoid Picking Or Pulling The Lashes
As tempting as it may seem, you need to resist the urge to pick or pull out your lashes while cleaning. Your lash extensions might feel weird at first, but you will feel more comfortable with them after a couple of days.
Picking or pulling the lash extensions will only tear or damage your natural lashes. Also, if your extensions are causing discomfort, you need to let your lash artist know about it. The discomfort could be a sign of an allergic reaction or a wrong application of your extensions.
9. Avoid Clustering Lashes
Just like the name implies, cluster lashes are three hairs glued together to give your lashes a voluminous look. Cluster lashes are overly hefty and linked to several lashes all at once, so your natural lashes will pull out and shrink since too much glue was used during the application.
Cluster lashes do not shed with your natural lashes because they are too heavy and can pull on the eyelashes. Overuse of cluster lashes can lead to a permanent loss of your eyelashes.
10. Avoid Lash Curlers
It’s best to lay off lash curlers because they can damage your lash extensions or pull them out. Depending on the amount of pressure lash curlers apply, it can lead to severe burns to the eyelids. Also, frequent use of lash curlers can start wearing own on the lash extensions, and it can also dry your skin out and harm your lashes.
11. Avoid Sleeping On Your Lashes
It might be hard to avoid sleeping on your lashes, especially when a facet sleeper. It would be best to avoid this; otherwise, it will cause retention issues. Furthermore, you can switch to a silk or satin pillowcase because they can help produce fizzy hair and prevent face wrinkles, unlike cotton pillowcases, which can cause drying and snagging.
12. Go Easy On The Eye Cream
Emollients, creams, and oils are not recommended when you have your lash extensions on because they all have a similar effect on the lash glue. Use eye creams sparingly and avoid the lid or lash area when applying. You can also go for some gel alternatives to eye creams while your extensions are on.
13. Avoid Removing The Eyelash Extensions Yourself
As tempting as it might be, attempting to remove your lash extensions yourself is not advisable. The skin around your eyes is susceptible, and your natural lashes are delicate, so attempting to remove the lash extensions yourself may spread bacteria into the eye area and can create room for a potential eye infection.
14. Stay On Top Of Your Infills
Technically, lash infills are individual lashes or fans filling the gap in your lash extensions. These infills can appear after 2-3 weeks due to natural shedding. Infills are a must for everyone who wants to maintain the dense look of their lashes and prevent damage to heavy and outgrown lashes.
The Lash Falling Cycle
- In the first week, you will lose about 21 lashes.
- In the second week, you will lose 42 lashes.
- In the third week, you will lose about 63 lashes.
- Since your lash extensions are bonded to your natural lashes, you will need to refill the areas where your natural lashes have fallen out.
15. Avoid Using Heavy Make-up
The point of having eyelash extensions is to look fabulous without any makeup, but sometimes, you might want to pump up this look by adding makeup. Always go for light makeup and look out for oil-free makeup products.
Lash extensions are sensitive to oil, so using oil-based makeup products can cause the glue in your extensions to break down. Also, make sure your makeup remover is oil-free with the lowest oil content. Eye makeup products that can damage lash extensions include oil-based eyeliner, oil-based lash primer, and oil-based eye makeup remover.
16. Brush Through Your Eyelash Tips In The Morning
Brushing through your lash extensions is also one of the essential aftercare tips because no one wants a messy lash line. Brushing the lashes for 15-20 seconds in the morning will put the stray lashes in their place. Furthermore, carefully brush the lash extensions to avoid tugging at them.
17. Avoid Powerful Showerheads
The pressure from the water can rip out your lashes and damage them. Also, go easy on the scrubbing up because the steam from the hot water temperature can cause the applied glue not to bond correctly.
Turn around when showering and let the waterfall on your back instead of your eyes. You can also cup a small quantity of water to rinse your face while showering.
18. Do Not Perm Or Tint Your Lash Extensions
Most people have reported negative results from perming and tinting the lash extensions. Using chemicals on your lash extensions can cause the lashes to change in texture and fall out.
In addition, eyelash perm solutions are not FDA approved, and people have been severely warned against the chemicals and adhesives used in the treatment. Therefore, getting an eyelash perm or a tint can put you at a high risk of an allergic reaction, burning, and even blindness.
19. Avoid Oil-Based Products
Oil breaks down the glue that holds up the lashes, so instead of using oil-based products, go for a gel-based remover or micellar water to preserve the adhesion of your lash extensions and remove dust. Avoiding oil-based products is a must if you have oily skin because the additional oil will clog your pores and lead to terrible breakouts, and it can also give room for existing blemishes and leave you feeling greasy.
20. Avoid Extreme Heat
Getting close to high heat, such as the oven, BBQ, or boiling water, can distort the lash extensions’ shape and affect the lashes’ adhesives and curl. Once your lashes are exposed to heat, there is no amount of brushing or cleaning that will make them look good again. Extension materials like volume lashes and mega volume lashes will get smaller and lose their curls if exposed to heat.
How To Protect Your Lash Extensions From Heat
- Avoid going out for the first 48 hours because intense heat can affect the glue. If possible, try staying indoors and out of the heat to enable the glue to set in fully.
- Whenever you go out, always remember to carry tissues or a hand fan because they will keep your lashes free of sweat and extend the length of your lashes.
- Avoid spray tan on your face. Instead, use goggles to protect your lashes.
- While working out, use a towel or sweatband to protect your lashes and keep them dry as much as possible. Avoid hot yoga and avoid the sauna after your workout if you opt for yoga.
- Be careful not to use an oil-based sunscreen when you lay by the pool because it is the fastest way to destroy the bond between your natural lashes and the extensions. Always wear sunglasses to protect your lashes and your eyes from direct sunlight.