A lash lift is a great way to make the most of your eyelashes. In this article, we will address if you can get your lash lift wet and other precautions you can take to maintain the treatment.
You need to avoid getting your lash lift wet for at least 24 hours (ideally 48 hours) after the lash lift procedure. This means you can’t shower or get your face wet. You also need to stay clear of heat, sweat, and steam.
Can You Shower Before A Lash Lift?
Yes, you can shower before a lash lift. Doing so will not affect your lash lift in any way. In fact, it is advisable to have a shower at this time as you will have to avoid doing so in the 24 hours after your lash lift.
Can I Get My Lash Lift Wet?
You should avoid getting your lash lift wet for at least 24 hours after the treatment, but 48 hours is even better.
In a lash lift procedure, chemicals are applied to the lashes which result in a change of structure. The lashes are relaxed and straightened. After that, they are fixed into an upturned curl.
The disulphide bonds that are formed to achieve this shape need to be kept dry for at least 24 hours to give them time to set. If they get wet, you risk losing some of the curl effect.
Can You Shower After A Lash Lift?
In an ideal situation, you should wait at least 24 hours before having a shower after you have had an eyelash lift.
This is so that you can avoid water droplets and steam getting to your lashes, and wreaking havoc with the chemical bonds keeping your treated lashes beautifully upturned.
However, we don’t always find ourselves in an ideal situation. It may be unrealistic not to shower for a full day after you have had your lash lift.
If this is the case, there are precautions you can take to keep your lashes dry:
- Make sure you take a short shower.
- Water temperature should be warm and not hot- if possible, leave door of the bathroom and shower unit open to avoid a build-up of steam.
- Keep the force of the water spray to a minimum.
- Avoid getting your face and hair wet in the shower spray.
- Avoid using a ceiling-mounted showerhead.
- Consider a warm bath as opposed to a shower as there is less chance of spray.
- Wear swimming goggles for protection.
What Happens If I Get My Lashes Wet Before 24 Hours?
The chemicals used to set your lash lift in place draw moisture from the air in that first 24-hour period.
This helps the lashes set in place through chemical bonding. Water will cause these bonds to become overloaded with moisture, altering the bonds.
This can ruin the effect of the lash lift causing them to drop.
How To Avoid Getting Your Lashes Wet After Lash Lift
It’s not only showers that can get your lash lift wet in the first 24 hours, causing the lift to drop. Other things you need to avoid include:
- Swimming
- Saunas
- Steam baths
- Heavy sweating
- Extreme heat exposure
- Putting on or taking off contact lenses
- Crying
All of the above can cause your lashes to directly or indirectly come into contact with moisture.
Can You Go Swimming After A Lash Lift?
It is advised to avoid swimming for the first 48 hours after you have had your lash lift treatment. This gives the lashes time to lock into place.
After that, you are free to swim as normal. The only stipulation is that you try to resist the urge to rub your eyes.
Does Chlorine Ruin A Lash Lift?
No, there is no evidence to suggest that chlorine has any adverse effects on your lash lift.
Will Crying Ruin A Lash Lift?
Unfortunately, crying is not necessarily something you can plan for. If emotions are high in a given situation, then you may cry.
However, crying does result in moisture, and moisture can affect the chemical bonding process in those initial 24-48 hours causing the lift to drop, so it is best avoided.
On the other hand, if you’re planning to get lash extensions then the good news is that crying doesn’t affect false lashes.
How To Wash Your Face After A Lash Lift
First things first- make sure you have your face meticulously washed and scrubbed before your lash lift appointment.
If you avoid applying any makeup, this will reduce the need to wash your face in the immediate aftermath of the lash lift procedure.
However, if you do need to wash your face in that 24-hour period immediately following your appointment, then we have some advice below:
- Use cotton pads dampened with your normal cleansing solution to remove any makeup or general build-up.
- After that, dampen some cotton pads with water and gently wipe down your face, making sure to avoid the eye area.
- When 24-48 hours has passed, you can get the eye area wet, but avoid harsh products that contain acids and oils.
- Avoid using oil-based products throughout as these can relax the curl of the lash.
Can You Wear Makeup After A Lash Lift?
While you shouldn’t need makeup such as mascara after a lash lift, you can, of course, use mascara to ‘finish’ your look.
The mascara you choose should be oil-free and not waterproof.
Opt for a mascara that is water-based or a mineral mascara that will keep your lashes looking fresh and healthy.
You will also need to consider the removal of mascara after you have had a lash lift: makeup remover should be oil-free and remember to gently pat your lashes dry afterward- avoid rubbing motions.
You should, of course, should avoid all makeup for 48 hours after the treatment to reduce the risk of water contact with your lashes.
In conclusion, you can get a lash lift wet, but only after 24 to 48 hours.
In the initial 24-48 hours, you should avoid anything that could potentially get your lashes wet.
By following this advice, you should be able to enjoy your beautiful lash lift for as long as intended.