When it comes to beauty, eyelash extensions are the “mic drop” moment for clients—long, voluminous lashes without the hassle of daily mascara? Yes, please! But here’s the catch: proper care is essential for keeping those lashes looking top-tier and lasting longer. For professionals, it’s crucial to school your clients on how to maintain their lash extensions like pros. Because let’s be honest, the better their lashes look and last, the more likely they are to come back for that next appointment. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the ultimate guide for caring for eyelash extensions!
Keep Lashes High and Dry for the First 24-48 Hours
Right after that fresh set of extensions, tell your clients to avoid water and steam! For the first 24-48 hours, it’s crucial to keep their lashes dry to let the adhesive properly set. Think of it as setting concrete—if it’s too humid, the whole thing crumbles. Showers, saunas, and even hot yoga can be the “kiss of death” for fresh lashes, causing the bond to weaken and the extensions to pop off faster than expected. Of course, if the Bonder was used, this rule is not that strict. With a magic touch of glue Bonder, the polymerization goes fast and smooth, allowing clients to expose their lashes to moisture almost straight after the procedure. However, without this magic spell, the 24 hours rule is a top priority, as lash glue is a delicate matter, and setting needs time.
Oil-Free All the Way
Oil and lash extensions are like oil and water—they just don’t mix. The golden rule for your clients? Stick to oil-free products. Anything oil-based (cleansers, makeup removers, creams or serums) will break down the adhesive, causing their extensions to fall out prematurely. Give them the 411 on reading product labels and only using items that won’t sabotage their lashes.
Gentle Cleaning for the Win
Just like a sports car needs regular cleaning to keep it shining, lash extensions need a gentle scrub-down to stay looking fab. Encourage clients to use a gentle, oil-free and foamy lash shampoo and a soft applicator brush. A little TLC goes a long way! Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt, makeup, and natural oils from building up, which can cause irritation or infections like blepharitis. So, when it comes to lash hygiene, make sure your clients are on top of their game.
Hands Off! No Rubbing or Tugging
This one’s big: rubbing or pulling on lash extensions is a no-go. Remind clients that their extensions are delicate, kind of like a fancy piece of art, and need to be treated with care. When removing makeup or washing their face, tell them to steer clear of any aggressive rubbing. Even in their sleep, they should keep their hands off! Gentle handling keeps those lashes looking as fresh as a crisp autumn morning.
Brush Daily Like a Pro
Daily brushing is the unsung hero of lash extension care. Recommend that your clients use a clean spoolie brush to gently comb through their lashes from base to tip. It’s like detangling hair—do it regularly, and the lashes will stay looking neat, separated, and on point. Plus, it prevents tangling, which can lead to messy, wonky lashes. No one wants that!
Regular Fills Are a Must
Lash extensions are semi-permanent, meaning they shed along with your client’s natural lash cycle. For that full, flawless look to continue, regular fills every 2-3 weeks are essential. Explain to your clients that this schedule is their ticket to keeping lashes looking like they just walked out of the salon. If they skip this lash extension maintenance, things can go south pretty quickly, with patchy, sparse areas that scream “I need help!”
Sleep on Your Back for Lash Perfection
The way clients sleep has more of an impact on their lashes than they might think. Tell them that sleeping on their back is the best way to keep lashes in tip-top shape. If they’re used to face-planting into a pillow, those lashes are going to bend and get wonky. Bonus tip: a silk pillowcase is like the secret weapon in eyelash extension care—it reduces friction and helps lashes glide smoothly, preventing breakage.
No Need for Mascara
One of the biggest perks of lash extensions? Clients can ditch the mascara! Let them know that using mascara on their extensions can lead to clumping, breakage, and a nightmare when it comes to removal. If they absolutely must use mascara, recommend a water-based formula made specifically for extensions. But honestly, it’s best to encourage them to embrace the natural beauty of their fluttery lashes and skip mascara altogether.
Protect Lashes During Physical Activities
Whether your clients are hitting the gym, doing hot yoga, or lounging poolside, it’s important to remind them to protect their lash extensions during physical activities. Sweat and moisture can break down the adhesive faster than a fast-food order. A sweatband during workouts or goggles while swimming are small adjustments that can save their lash extensions from an early exit and help clients with the understanding on how to take care of lash extensions.
Final Takeaway: Lashes Are a Long Game, Not a Sprint
Lash extensions are the beauty world’s ultimate game-changer, but taking care of eyelash extensions and keeping them looking A+ requires some love and attention. As a lash pro, arming your clients with the knowledge to care for their extensions not only ensures their satisfaction but also keeps them coming back for more. Daily brushing and smart sleeping will have your clients flaunting flawless lashes for weeks on end. Let’s make sure their lashes stay on point, and trust us—when they look in the mirror, they’ll thank you for it!
