Eyelash extensions are a lifesaver and an investment for many clients. Instead of spending time applying mascara to your eyelashes, you can as well reach out to a lash artist and get your lash extensions done. It’s as simple as that.
You keep wondering how long eyelash extensions last; the straight answer is it depends. Most eyelash extensions last for about 2-4 weeks, and during this time, the extensions will still look good and fluffy. Meanwhile, after your extensions stop looking good and fluffy, you will need to return to your lash artist for a touch-up, and technically, touch-ups are cheaper than the original set of lashes.
How Can I Make My Lash Extensions Last Longer?
How long your extensions will last depends on the lash extensions you get or the type of lash glue used on the extensions. Most importantly, how well you take care of the extensions. Below is a compiled list of ways to make your lash extensions last longer.
1. Avoid The Three S‘s In The First 24 Hours After Your Appointment
The three S’s includes steam, swimming, and showers. For your lashes to last longer, you will want to avoid getting them wet in the first 24 hours.
Avoiding this will give the adhesives time to fully set and adhere to your lash line. If you mistakenly get water on your lash extensions, you can blow-dry them in the lightest and most relaxed setting possible. After that, brush them out very lightly without too much pressure.
2. Clean And Brush Your Lash Extensions Daily
Cleaning and brushing your lash extensions is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your lashes. Ensure you wash your lashes even if you’ve not been wearing make-up. When cleaning, it is also essential to use an oil-free cleanser because the oil will break down the lash adhesive and cause your lash extensions to fall out earlier than they should.
Be mindful of salt build-up along your lash line because it will hasten the break-down of the adhesives. Also, lightly brush them with a clean mascara wand every morning to comb any lash tangled or sideways while you sleep.
3. Sleep On Your Back
Sleeping on your back might come as bad news to face sleepers. Sleeping with your face on a pillow can quickly cause the lash extensions to fall out.
Instead, try sleeping on your back because it helps to reduce pressure on your shoulders and spine, and it’s also good for your lashes. In addition, use a silk pillowcase so if anything happens, for example, you roll to the other side of the bed, your lashes will less likely get snagged.
4. Use An Eyelash Extension Sealant
Using lash extensions sealant goes a long way in extending the life of the adhesive used to attach the extension to your natural lashes. Eyelash extension sealant is also a perfect aftercare product that extends your lash extensions’ life and increases retention between lash fills.
5. Avoid Waterproof Mascaras
We can’t stress this enough. You don’t have to wear mascaras because having your lash extensions on also means you have lashes that can speak for themselves with their stunning look.
If you want to add some extra look to your lashes, avoid using waterproof mascaras at all costs. This mascara is hard to remove, and the process involved in removing them can damage your lash extensions.
6. Choose Extensions That Are Similar To The Shape Of Your Natural Lash Shape
Choosing extensions that are similar to the shape of your natural lash is one of the few things you should look out for before getting your lash extensions done. Always go for extensions similar to the shape of your natural lashes.
For example, if you have straight lashes and go for super-curly lashes, your extensions will fall off prematurely. The most common curl that suits most people’s natural lash curl is the “B” or “C” curl, and the “D” or “L” curl is for people who have naturally curly lashes.
7. Go For Lighter Lashes
When your lash extensions are thicker, they become heavier a tend to peel and fall out. Always go for lighter individual lashes around the range of .07mm and .05mm, which will stay on your lashes longer than heavier lashes.
8. Use Lash Extension-Friendly Products
Products like waterproof mascaras, oil-or alcohol-based products, cosmetics, and moisturizers with oil are not friendly to lash extensions. If you are not sure of the products you are using or are probably scared you might be doing something that could damage your lashes, you can book an appointment with your lash artist and talk it all out.
9. Choose The Right Eyelash Extension Material That Is Similar To The Type Of Lashes You Have
Using extension materials that are too heavy for your lashes will cause your lashes to break down quickly. Eyelash extension materials include synthetic, mink, or silk. Synthetic lashes are usually the heaviest for people with thick, intense natural lashes.
While silk lashes are usually significantly lifted and refined, mink lashes, on the other hand, are best suited for everyone, no matter the texture of your lashes.
10. Go Easy On Your Lashes
Picking or tugging your lash extensions and using eyelash curlers will weaken the extensions and cause breakage. As tempting as it may be to rub your lashes when you get an itch around your eyes, instead, make a habit of running a brush through the lashes, so you don’t damage them. The lash extensions are bonded to your natural lashes using a strong glue, so the friction caused by rubbing the eyes will weaken and damage the lashes.
11. Always Use A Gentle Face Wash And Oil-Free Make-up Remover
The public key for eyelash extension maintenance is to refrain from touching the eye area. However, if you must remove your make-up, go for a mild, low-alkaline soap and always use an oil-free make-up remover. Avoid using thick creams near your eye area, and even if you are careful enough to apply them near your eyes, the creams can ride up or narrow down into your eye area and loosen your lash extensions
12. Give Your Lashes A Lot Of TLC
While removing your eye make-up, go over the area with a cleansing wipe instead of placing cotton pads over your lids. This weakens the lash extensions, but the cotton fibers can also get stuck on the lashes and ruin them.
13. Resist Playing With Your Lash Extensions
Your eyelashes tend to shed naturally, so having extensions will help push them off, but if your lash extensions look out of place, avoid pulling them off or twisting them; otherwise, you will lose your natural lashes. Instead, let them come out on their own or use a spoolie to brush them back into place.
14. Try To Avoid Eyeliner
Trying to avoid eyeliners may be hard for eyeliner lovers, but try to avoid them as much as possible because it is impossible to remove without rubbing the lashes, which will cause a fallout. Carefully remove it with micellar water, and try not to apply the eyeliner on the lash. If you must do this, begin with a millimeter above the lash line.
15. Schedule Regular Infills
To make your lash extensions last longer, you need regular infills every two weeks. Getting an infill will require your lash artist to carry out maintenance to freshen up your current set and place new extensions for added fullness. However, if you do not keep up with your regular infills, your lash artist may need to add more extensions than usual to bring that fullness back.