The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Eyelash Extensions: Washing, Sleeping, and Retention Tips

Eyelash extensions offer a fantastic way to enhance your look with minimal daily effort. However, to ensure they remain flawless and last as long as possible, proper care is essential. This comprehensive guide will cover the best practices for washing your extensions, how to sleep with them, and tips for maintaining optimal retention.

1. How to Wash Your Eyelash Extensions

Proper cleaning is crucial for maintaining the health of your eyelash extensions and your natural lashes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your extensions stay fresh and beautiful:

1.1 Choose the Right Cleanser

• Lash-Safe Cleanser: Opt for a gentle, oil-free cleanser formulated specifically for eyelash extensions. Regular facial cleansers or soaps can contain oils or harsh ingredients that might weaken the adhesive.

• Avoid Oil-Based Products: Oil can break down the adhesive used for extensions. Ensure your cleanser is free from oils, sulfates, and alcohol.

1.2 Cleaning Routine

• Before Washing: Make sure your hands are clean to avoid transferring bacteria to your lashes.

• Use a Clean Brush or Applicator: Apply a small amount of the lash-safe cleanser to a clean brush or applicator.

• Gently Cleanse: Lightly brush the cleanser onto your lashes, using soft, circular motions. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, which can dislodge the extensions. (There is a cleansing video on instagram @lol_lots_of_lashes, or there are plenty of instructional videos on YouTube)

• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your lashes with lukewarm water to remove all traces of the cleanser. Ensure no residue remains, as it can lead to irritation.

• Dry Properly: Pat your lashes gently with a clean towel or a lint-free paper towel. Avoid using a hairdryer or any heat source directly on your lashes.

1.3 Additional Tips

• Avoid Steam and Saunas: Steam can weaken the adhesive. If you need to use a sauna or steam room, consider avoiding it to prolong the life of your extensions.

• No Waterproof Mascara: Waterproof mascaras are difficult to remove and can break down the adhesive. If you need mascara, choose one that’s safe for use with extensions. If you wear mascara, ensure you remove it fully every single time. Double wash your lashes. If you have too much build up of mascara that we can't remove, you make need your extensions removed and fullset applied due to potential bacteria build up from it.

2. How to Sleep with Eyelash Extensions

Your sleeping habits can impact the longevity of your eyelash extensions. (You don't have to change how you sleep, these are just tips if you wanted to) Here's how to protect your lashes while you sleep:

2.1 Opt for a Silk or Satin Pillowcase

• Reduced Friction: Silk and satin pillowcases create less friction compared to cotton, which helps prevent your lashes from becoming tangled or damaged.

2.2 Sleep on Your Back

• Avoid Pressure: Sleeping on your back helps to minimize the pressure and friction on your lashes. If you’re used to sleeping on your side or stomach, consider using pillows to support your back position.

2.3 Avoid Resting Your Face on the Pillow

• Gentle Touch: Try to avoid resting your face directly on the pillow. Instead, use a pillow that supports your head without compressing your lashes.

3. Maintaining the Best Retention

Proper maintenance and care can significantly impact how long your eyelash extensions last. Here’s how to maximize retention:

3.1 Schedule Regular Fills

• Timely Appointments: Book your fills every 2-3 weeks to replace any lost or grown-out extensions. Regular fills ensure your lashes remain full and beautiful.

3.2 Avoid Oil-Based Products

• Minimize Contact: Steer clear of oil-based cleansers, makeup removers, and skincare products around your eyes. Oils can weaken the adhesive and cause extensions to fall off prematurely.

3.3 Be Gentle

• Handling: Avoid touching, pulling, or twisting your lashes. Use a clean spoolie brush to gently comb through your lashes daily to keep them separated and neat.

3.4 Keep Your Lashes Dry

• Avoid Excessive Moisture: Try to keep your lashes dry as much as possible, especially immediately after washing or swimming. Excessive moisture can affect the adhesive bond.

3.5 Avoid Heat and Steam

• Minimize Exposure: Try to avoid prolonged exposure to heat sources, such as ovens or stoves, and steam, which can weaken the adhesive.

3.6 Use a Lash Serum

• Nourish Your Lashes: Consider using a lash serum designed for extensions to help nourish and strengthen your natural lashes. Consult with your lash artist for recommended products.

Conclusion

Caring for your eyelash extensions involves more than just regular cleaning. By following the proper washing techniques, adopting good sleep habits, and maintaining regular fills, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting extensions. Remember, the key to optimal retention and lash health lies in gentle care and adherence to recommended practices. With the right approach, your eyelash extensions will continue to enhance your natural beauty with every flutter.