Can Fake Eyelashes Get Wet? (What You Need To Know)

If you’re a newbie to the world of fake eyelashes, you may find yourself wondering whether you can get fake eyelashes wet. 

Can Fake Eyelashes Get Wet?

You can get fake eyelashes wet, provided that you’ve waited at least four hours following your lash appointment. Waiting this time allows the glue to set securely, which means that you shouldn’t experience any lash fall.

What Happens If False Eyelashes Get Wet?

If your false eyelashes get soaked through before the four hours required for the glue to set, you may experience what’s known as ‘shock curing’, which can cause the lashes to fall out prematurely as the glue becomes brittle and dry.

If you get your fake eyelashes wet in the four hours following your appointment, the glue used in the application process likely won’t have dried.

This glue works by drawing moisture from the air – that’s what causes it to set your new lashes in place.

But getting the eyelashes wet before the glue has had time to set properly means that there’s an excess of moisture, and the glue, therefore, won’t bond properly with your natural lash. 

You may therefore experience premature lash fall as a result.

Can I Shower With Fake Eyelashes?

Can I Shower With Fake Eyelashes

You can shower with fake eyelashes. In fact, you need to be regularly cleansing your eyelashes so as to keep infection or irritation at bay. If you treat your fake eyelashes with TLC and properly maintain them, they’re also likely to last longer.

There are ways to shower with fake eyelashes that will preserve them for as long as possible. We detail our top tips below. 

Remember that you should also wait at least four hours after your eyelash appointment before getting your lashes wet. After that, you’re good to go.

Can You Go Swimming With False Eyelashes?

Provided that you’ve waited for four hours following your eyelash appointment for the glue to set, you can go swimming with false eyelashes. If you can wait 24 hours, that would really ensure that you’re not risking any lash fall.

You are able to swim in freshwater lakes or rivers, chlorinated pools, and the ocean with fake eyelashes.

That said, if you repeatedly swim in saltwater with fake eyelashes, your lash adhesive may disintegrate faster.

Salt can affect the bond between the glue and your natural lashes because the salt absorbs the moisture that the glue needs in order to create its stickiness.

Small amounts of saltwater shouldn’t cause too much damage, but repeated exposure might. 

It’s a good idea to keep a bottle of fresh water around after a sea swim, as you can then rinse your lashes once you’re back on the beach. 

You can also wear goggles or a mask too – just be sure that they don’t put any pressure on your new lashes.

If you’re planning a day at the pool or the beach, remember to avoid any sunscreen around your fake eyelashes. 

The oils in the cream may cause the lash adhesive to break down, and your lashes may fall out too soon as a result. If you can wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, that would be ideal.

Read more in our post: How To Swim With Eyelash Extensions.

Can You Wear False Eyelashes In The Pool?

Can You Wear False Eyelashes In The Pool

As long as you have waited at least four hours following your eyelash appointment, the glue of your fake eyelashes should be set, which means that you can wear your fake eyelashes in the pool.

Much like with salt water swimming, the chlorine in pool water will eventually wear down the adhesive of your fake eyelashes. 

Chlorine can reduce the tackiness of the lash adhesive, which may result in them falling out sooner than you’d planned.

If you can wear goggles for your swim, this is the best course of action.

Remember to always rinse and cleanse your fake eyelashes following your swim too, so as to remove any build-up of chlorine.

How To Protect Eyelash Extensions In The Shower

Even though you are safe to get your fake eyelashes wet, there are still steps that you can take to protect your extensions when you shower.

1. Don’t rub your eyes

It may feel good to give your face a good scrub when you’re in the shower, but it’s best to avoid the area around your eyes. 

Be particularly careful around your lash line. Any friction from excessive rubbing will only make your eyelash extensions more likely to fall out quicker.

2. Take care with your products

Not all products are safe to use around your eyelash extensions. Any that use oil or alcohol can breakdown the lash adhesive. 

Although you may not intend to use them on your eyes, you may accidentally expose your extensions to these products (for example, if shampoo accidentally gets in your eye). 

You, therefore, need to take care with any products that might go near your eye area. 

3. Avoid putting your face into the shower flow

A shower with high pressure can feel luxurious, but it’s not ideal for your fake eyelashes. 

It’s best to avoid raising your face directly to the showerhead, so as to minimize the impact of high-pressure water falling on your face, eyes, and lashes.

How To Dry Eyelash Extensions After They Get Wet

How To Dry Eyelash Extensions After They Get Wet

Don’t rub

Again, if you aggressively rub or tug at your eyelash extensions with a towel, you’re going to be weakening the glue and causing lash fall of both your fake and natural eyelashes. 

It’s best to use a gentle patting motion.

Don’t use a towel or lint fabric

When drying your eyelash extensions, you need to avoid any fabric that’s prone to pilling, as this can build up and get stuck in your lashes. 

Go for lint-free products, and avoid cotton wool buds. Q-tips are great for gently drying eyelash extensions, but be sure that are lint-free.

Blow dry if you can

If you have the time, it’s really best to dry your eyelash extensions with a blow-dry. Use a cool setting with low pressure but no heat.

If you have a clean mascara wand or spoolie, use this to brush your extensions. This will detangle them and it will help to avoid clumping. 

You can then add a lash serum or conditioning treatment once your extensions are fully dry, so as to nourish your natural lashes and support their growth.