As a lash expert, your role goes beyond working wonders on your clients’ lashes. It extends to educating them on the best ways to maintain their lashes once they’re wearing your artwork on their faces!
Before your clients leave your salon, you should advise them on all the dos and don’ts after eyelash extensions. We’ve created this comprehensive guide for lash extension aftercare for BELO babes and their clients so their extensions will keep looking lush, healthy, and gorgeous for as long as possible.
Why Lash Extension Aftercare Matters
Lash extensions aren’t just a one-and-done beauty treatment. Extensions can fall out prematurely without proper aftercare, leading to uneven lashes or unsightly gaps. Taking care of lashes isn’t just about longevity – it’s also about maintaining the health of natural lashes.
Neglecting aftercare can cause damage, irritation, or infection, but with the proper routine, your clients can keep their lash extensions looking fresh for longer and protect their natural lashes in the process.
The First 24 – 48 Hours: What to Do and Not Do
The first 24-48 hours after getting lash extensions are critical for long-lasting results. The glue used to attach the extensions needs time to bond fully, so this period is all about being cautious. These are the top do's and don't after eyelash extensions:
Do
Keep them dry: When can I get my lashes wet? The cardinal rule is to not get lashes wet for the first 24-48 hours! No steamy showers, no swimming, and definitely no sad movies! Yes, tears are also not allowed! Water can weaken the adhesive bond before it has cured properly, causing the extensions to loosen or fall off prematurely. Once through the first 48 hours, it’s safe to get them wet, but even then, there are ways to minimise contact.
Don’t
No heat, please: Keep out of the sauna and avoid hot yoga classes. Anything with heat and humidity is the enemy. Also, don’t even think of using a heated eyelash curler. Extreme heat can weaken the adhesive and cause extensions to loosen.
Don’t touch! However tempting it may be to touch, twist, or pull those beauties, resist the urge. Excessive touching or rubbing can mess up the bond and cause eye irritation.
Cleansing Routine: Keep Those Lashes Clean
One of the most common mistakes with lash extension aftercare is not cleaning the lush lashes regularly. Once the 24- to 48-hour period has passed, keeping them clean is key!
Clients often think cleaning their lashes will dislodge the extensions, but the opposite is true. Oils, makeup residue, and dirt can build up along the lash line, breaking down the adhesive and possibly causing eye infections.
How to Clean Lash Extensions
As a lash expert, it’s essential that you teach your clients how to clean their lash extensions. If they don't cleanse the area, it could compromise retention. This means their extensions will only last for a short time. These are the do's and don't after eyelash extensions have settled and need to be kept clean:
Do
Cleanse the extensions regularly: Ideally, cleansing should take place every 2-3 days.
Use a lash-safe cleanser: Choose an oil-free, gentle foaming cleanser for lash extensions. Avoid any products with oils or harsh ingredients that can break down the adhesive.
Be gentle: Apply the cleanser using a soft brush, moving up and down the extensions and horizontally across the lash line. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing aggressively.
Rinse carefully: Use lukewarm water to rinse off the cleanser. Hot water can damage their extensions, and cold water will never remove any oils, makeup, or dirt.
Pat dry: Use a soft towel or lint-free cloth to pat the lashes dry gently. Never rub your lashes with a towel.
Don’t
Skip cleaning: Dirty lashes reduce retention and cause blepharitis, where eyelids become inflamed.
Use oil-based products: Oil-based products can break down the adhesive and leave an undesirable residue.
Be rough: The gentler you are on your lashes, the longer they’ll last. Avoid being over-eager or heavy-handed when you clean them.
Brush Those Beauties
Believe it or not, brushing is crucial in lash extension aftercare. But before your clients start brushing willy-nilly and causing damage, please share your tips on how to brush lash extensions with them.
Do
Brush at least once daily: Clients should make this part of their morning routine for a neat and polished look. Also, brush after cleansing or showering and when applying or removing makeup.
Use a spoolie or lash brush with soft bristles: Using the right tools ensures the best results.
Brush gently: Start at the lash tips to prevent unnecessary stress on the lash line.
Use light outward and upward strokes: It maintains the curve and prevents them from tangling.
Don’t
Do not tug lash extensions when trying to get rid of tangles. Doing so will damage them, causing them to fall out sooner than necessary.
Lash Extension Aftercare Sleeping Tips
Keeping your lash extensions in tip-top shape while you’re asleep can be tough, especially if you’re used to sleeping on your stomach. Pressure from your pillow can cause the extensions to tangle, twist, or come off prematurely.
Do
Sleep on your back: If you’re not used to it, try propping some pillows around you to keep from turning over.
Use a satin or silk pillowcase: These are brilliant for reducing friction and keeping your extensions dry.
Use a sleep mask: Covering your eyes with a sleep mask is a great idea for those unruly sleepers who toss and turn. In whichever position you find yourself, your lash extensions will be safe.
Don’t
No face-planting: Don’t bury your face into the pillow or sleep on your side. Lash extensions are delicate and can fall out, tangle, or bend when crushed against your pillow.
Makeup Do's And Don't After Eyelash Extensions
One of the advantages of lash extensions is that you don't need mascara or eyeliner to achieve that luscious, bold look. But if you want to wear makeup, there are a few rules to remember for lash extension aftercare.
Do
Use lash extension-safe makeup: Look for oil-free products, especially if you use eyeliner or eyeshadow.
Go light: Less is more when it comes to makeup on or near your lash extensions. Heavy application can clog the lash line and weaken the adhesive.
Don’t
Use waterproof mascara: Waterproof mascara is a big no-no. The removal process requires oil-based cleansers, which break down the lash glue. Besides, mascara on extensions can cause clumping and breakage.
Use any oil-based products: Oils in any form, whether in moisturisers, makeup, or makeup removers, are the enemy of lash extensions.
Exercise and Lashes: Can I Work Out?
Yes, you can still hit the gym with eyelash extensions! However, like water, sweat can interfere with the glue, especially in the first 48 hours. Some lash extension aftercare rules for the gym include:
Do
Wait 48 hours: Remember the cardinal rule of lash aftercare? After the initial bonding period, it’s safe to work out.
Use a sweatband: It can help absorb perspiration and keep it from dripping onto your gorgeous extensions.
Cleanse after workouts: After exercising, it’s important to clean your lashes to remove sweat and oils.
Don’t
Skip cleansing: Skipping the post-workout cleansing step can lead to oil buildup and affect the longevity of your extensions.
Touch-Ups and Fills: Maintaining Your Lashes Over Time
If you’re diligent with your lash extension aftercare, their lifespan is usually 6-8 weeks. But even with the best aftercare, lash extensions will naturally shed as your natural lashes go through their growth cycle.
Each person’s growth cycle is unique, but the rule of thumb is that clients should get regular infills every 2-3 weeks to maintain that full, fluffy look.
Do
Schedule regular infills: Don't wait until your lashes are sparse to book a touch-up appointment. Regular refills every 2-3 weeks will help you to maintain optimal lash fullness and prevent premature shedding.
Communicate with your lash tech: Let your technician know if you experience irritation, unusual lash shedding, or discomfort. They can adjust the technique or adhesive if necessary.
Don’t
Tug or pull: Resist the urge to pull out the lashes if they bother you. This can damage your lashes and leave gaps. Instead, let them fall out naturally, or schedule an appointment to have them removed safely.
Keep getting infills instead of new sets: At some point, you need to advise your client that they need to get a new set of extensions. Constantly getting infills compromises the quality of the extensions.
Lash Extension Aftercare FAQs
Lash pros often get asked the same questions, and these are the most common queries about how to care for lash extensions:
Making The Most Of Every Lash Set
Caring for your lash extensions doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require some discipline on your client’s part. Proper lash extension aftercare will help everyone you work on maintain their gorgeous look and keep their natural lashes healthy.
By following these simple do's and don'ts after eyelash extensions, your clients will enjoy increased retention, added satisfaction, and a look that lasts.
They’ll also be happy to return for infill appointments and a new set when needed, as they’ll know you have their best interests at heart!