If you ever find yourself wondering how you should clean your eyelash extensions, this article is for you.
You should aim to clean your eyelash extensions every other day, and even every day if you wear heavy makeup.
Why Do You Need To Clean Lash Extensions?
Your natural eyelashes are there to protect your eyes. Every day, your eyes come up against environmental debris – from dust and dead skin through to pollen and even particulates.
Your lashes catch this dirt and prevent them from getting into your eyes.
When you have eyelash extensions put in, your extensions will also perform this job.
That means that they also accumulate this dust and dirt, which means that they need to be regularly cleaned.
You also need to clean your eyelash extensions so as to prevent any oil from damaging their adhesive.
Oil from your skin or any products you use will disintegrate this adhesive, which will shorten the life of your extensions.
Remember, eyelash extensions are a great way of enhancing the natural beauty of your eyes.
After spending all that money and time investing in your extensions, you’ll want to prolong their longevity.
One of the best ways of doing so is through an effective cleaning routine.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Fake Lashes?
If you don’t regularly clean your eyelash extensions, you could end up with a range of eye health issues.
It’s essential to keep the follicles of your natural eyelashes clean.
This will support their growth and overall health, which is vital, as you don’t want to have minimal lashes when the extensions begin to fall out.
If you don’t regularly clean your eyelash extensions, any dirt and debris will build up on them.
This could cause irritation – at the least – and infection at the worst. In turn, this might cause you to rub your eyes, and the friction will cause your extensions to fall out.
At the worst, you may experience serious issues such as lash mites via an infection called blepharitis.
This occurs when bacteria cultivate as a result of residue build-up on your lashes. Parasitic lash mites will then be attracted to your lashes, further causing redness and itchiness.
You need to consult a physician immediately if you’re concerned that you may have this infection.
How Often Should You Clean Lash Extensions?
As a general rule, aim to clean your lash extensions every other day. You should do this before bed, so as to remove any makeup, dirt, or oil build-up.
If you regularly use oil-heavy products or wear heavy eye makeup every day, then you should also be cleaning your eyelash extensions every day.
Similarly, if you regularly hit the gym for an intense sweat session or go swimming, you need to clean your eyelash extensions.
That way, you remove any sweat or dirt residue, prolonging your extensions for as long as possible.
Always remember to leave your eyelash extensions for 48 hours following application.
Avoid cleaning them or getting them wet during this period, so as to ensure that you’re letting the adhesive bond properly.
How To Clean Eyelash Extensions
This is a step-by-step guide for how you should clean your eyelash extensions.
Remember, wait 48 hours after application before doing so, or you’ll prematurely dissolve the glue of your lash extensions.
If you can find a professional lash extension cleaner, this is by far the best product to use to clean eyelash extensions.
Otherwise, look for oil-free products – any oil will dissolve the extensions’ adhesive.
Instructions
- You need to first remove any other makeup on your face. Remember that an oil-free product is best, so as to reduce the risk of your extension glue dissolving.
- Lightly dampen your eyelashes.
- Use a clean finger, a brush, or a lint-free Q-tip. Apply a small amount of your cleanser of choice to your instrument of choice, and gently brush this along your dampened lash line, moving from the inner corner of your eye outwards.
- Gently rinse your lashes using clean, cool water, removing any cleanser and make up residue.
- Use a paper tissue or a lint-free towel to pat away any excess water. Be as gentle as possible, as any tugging or pulling may cause the extensions to fall out. Ensure that your lashes are entirely dry before proceeding to the next step, or you may cause damage.
- Grab a clean spoolie brush or mascara wand and gently brush your lashes, from your lash line outwards.
- Aim to brush your extensions every day in order to untangle them. You can always use a conditioning or growth serum after having done so.
Products To Wash Eyelash Extensions With
You should aim to clean your eyelash extensions with oil-free products.
Any glycerin or oil content will dissolve the adhesive of your extensions, causing them to fall out quicker.
This means avoiding oils including coconut oil and other essential oils. They won’t do your lashes any favors.
You should be fine to clean your eyelash extensions with micellar water, but you still need to ensure that it’s not oil-based and is not infused with oil.
We would recommend using a specific cleanser for eyelash extensions, like this Lyon Lash Shampoo.
Image + buy button
It’s paraben and sulfate free, and comes with a cleansing brush and mascara wand too, helping you to be more precise than you would with a finger.
Alternatively, this Forabeli eyelash extension shampoo works well to gently clean the hair follicle.
Image + buy button
It’s paraben and sulfate-free, and also comes with a brush and wand for easy application.
Things To Avoid When Cleaning Eyelash Extensions
1. Do not use any products containing oil
Oils will dissolve the adhesive of your extensions and will reduce the amount of time they last.
This includes oils in your makeup, any hair care products, or cleansers – all of these are ideally avoided whilst you have eyelash extensions in.
2. Do not use baby shampoo
There are myths that you can use baby shampoo to cleanse eyelash extensions, but these are false.
Most baby shampoo contains oils, which will dissolve any glue, and it can be harsh on the skin around your eyes.
3. Do not tug or pull
You need to be very gentle with your extensions when you clean your eyelashes.
If you are too aggressive, you will pull both your extensions and natural lashes out, and may even experience traction alopecia.
4. Don’t wear waterproof makeup
Waterproof makeup is more stubborn than non-waterproof makeup. You tend to need an oil-based product to remove waterproof makeup, and the oil will dissolve your extensions’ glue.
5. Don’t use cotton wool pads
Cotton will snag on your extensions, and they may cause damage.
Take care that any cleansing cloth you use near your extensions won’t drag on them, and don’t use cotton pads, buds, or balls.
If you use a Q-tip, be sure that they are lint-free too, or they will wreak similar havoc.
6. Be careful showering
There’s nothing better than a high-pressure, hot shower – but not for your extensions.
The stream of water might loosen the adhesive (particularly if the water is very hot), so try to avoid putting your face directly into it, even though you do need to wet your extensions in order to clean them.
7. Don’t use makeup wipes
Sure, makeup wipes are convenient – but they are no good for your eyelash extensions.
They’ll typically contain oils, glycerin, and emollients – all of which are bad for your extensions.
You’ll also tend to use a rubbing motion whilst using them, which can weaken your extensions’ attachment to your natural lashes.
8. Avoid oil-based eye makeup
Ideally, you’d be avoiding all eye makeup whilst wearing your eyelash extensions.
After all, they are there as a low-maintenance makeup option, helping to enhance the look of your eyes without requiring you to spend hours in front of a mirror.
If you do wear makeup regularly, you need to take particular care for how you should best clean your eyelash extensions.
Remove your makeup at the end of every day, and try to opt for cream-based formulas. Oil-based are an absolute no, and powder-based products will likely cause fallout.
This residue may build up in your extensions and cause unsightly clumping.
9. Nourish your lashes
This is less something to avoid, and more of a good habit to get into. Aim to use an eyelash growth or conditioning serum as often as possible.
You care for the hair on your head, so why wouldn’t you want to nourish your lashes?
Using these serums will keep your extensions looking their best, helping with their maintenance and longevity, and will also support the growth of your natural lashes. It’s a win-win all around.
How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?
Typically, eyelash extensions will last from three to four weeks, provided that you take the time to care for them as well as possible.
Of course, how long your eyelash extensions actually will last depends on how well you care for them.
Knowing how you should clean your eyelash extensions is vital, as it will ensure that you’re maintaining them for as long as possible.