How to Take Care of Eyelashes

If you’ve never worked with or had lash extensions before, you may not be aware of how to care for individual false eyelashes. Or even if you’re familiar with them, it never hurts to learn some new techniques on how to best look after your brand new beauties.

Lash extensions are beautiful and durable – but they can also be delicate, so they require some very specific caretaking and applying the right methods to make sure that you maintain them in the best shape possible for as long as possible. Here is how to take care of individual false eyelashes.

Why Is It Important To Take Care Of Extensions?

There are several reasons why it’s necessary to take special care of the extensions, but it all comes down to a few different things: cost, time, and the state of your natural lashes. It’s simple: the rattier they get and the quicker they break down, the more you’ll have to go back to get your lashes done again.

That can get really expensive, really fast, so it’s in your best interest to save some money by keeping the lashes in tip top shape and prolonging the time between appointments. Same goes for time – very few women have the time or the willingness to visit the salon every week to get their lashes filled in or replaced. It’s not only the journey there and back that’s a hassle, but the appointment itself takes a couple of hours, as well. That’s time you can save by taking care of your lashes. Finally, your natural lashes can suffer if you don’t look after your extensions.

Both the extensions and the skin on the eyelids need to be cleaned every day and the lashes should be brushed; otherwise, product build-up and tangled extensions can lead to your natural lashes falling or breaking off.

Photo by @beautybutlerboise

Here are some of the best tips and tricks for basic care when you have newly applied false eyelashes:

Prepping for your lash extension application starts before you even get to the salon. It is necessary for the lashes to be completely clean, dry, and with no makeup on. Ideally, they will have no dirt, sebum, or impurities on them and they will be combed through. The technician cleanses and separates them as well, but it really helps when the natural lashes are clean.

When the lashes are freshly applied, the priority is to leave them alone to settle. The glue is still bonding and the lashes are still settling, so it’s best to avoid touching them. Of course, that also includes avoiding tugging pulling, rubbing, or anything that may distort or otherwise move the lashes or loosen the glue.

The other very important aspect to remember at first is that the lashes must remain dry for the first 24 hours, and preferably for the first 36 hours. This time is critical for the extensions and for the glue, so one must keep water away from the face. Saunas, hot showers, or spas are also to be excluded, because the steam can damage the lashes, as well. This is necessary in order to allow the adhesive to cure in an optimal way.

Once the first 24 hours are over, the extensions should be glued and cured, which should make them waterproof. However, daily exposure to water (if you swim frequently, for example) or steam might affect their longevity.

As we will discuss more in-depth in the following section, oil is particularly damaging for the adhesive and its effectiveness, so if you’ve got an oily complexion, it is recommended to use products that help mattify and control oil, including moisturizers, lotions, powders, and blotting sheets.

Photo by @thebeautyeliteco 

What About The Products You Use?

Everything you put near and on your eyes is going to affect the lashes, so here is some advice regarding products, including makeup and cleansers.

As we mentioned, oil must be avoided when wearing lash extensions, and that includes any products you use on your face, and that includes mascara or eyeliner. Stick to oil-free eye makeup as lash extension aftercare products to extend the life of your extensions as much as possible. Remember to check the labels of your existing products and read ingredient lists for any new products you purchase.

When it comes to cleansing, the same rule applies: no oil-based products, no baby oil, no olive oil, no biphasic makeup removers, etc. For makeup remover, micellar water is nice and gentle, while still being effective. Just soak a pad and press it gently on your eyelid to dissolve the product, without rubbing or tugging.

There are certain things that are normal and to be expected when you get lash extensions, so if you experience these things, know that there is nothing to worry about.

• You’re going to lose some lashes daily, and that is completely normal. They typically range between 1 and 5, but you may also have days when you lose none and days when you lose more. As your natural lash growth cycle is completed, your natural lashes fall out to make room for new ones, and with them go the lash extensions, as well. 
• Your lashes aren’t going to look like your friends’ or like the ones in the technician’s portfolio or on the Facebook page. That is because your eyes are different and each client is different. Your lashes will be unique, just like every client’s lashes are unique.
• Some irritation or sensitivity is normal, especially immediately after application. The fumes from the glue can be a little strong for some people, which is why technicians try to make accommodations for sensitive eyes with milder adhesives. The Sensitive glue from Stacylash is perfect for this purpose.
• Infills are typically necessary after a few weeks (2 to 4). No matter how well one takes care of their lashes, part of the maintenance is to go back in for refills or a completely new set. More voluminous styles will last longer because there are more lashes applied.

Now, let’s talk about what to stay away from and what not to do when you’re taking care of your lashes at home.

• Do not touch your lashes constantly. That includes no rubbing, no tugging, no pulling, picking, or playing with the lashes. Not only can that cause the extensions to fall out, it can also rip out your natural lashes.
• Do not attempt to remove the lashes at home, regardless if you’ve got a full set or just a few lashes left after a few weeks. Pulling them out without adhesive remover can damager your natural eyelashes.
• Do not use baby wipes to remove makeup, as they typically require some rubbing and tugging.

What Products Should You Avoid?

There are certain products and beauty techniques that should be avoided as part of your lash aftercare.

• Do not use mascara, if possible, and if you must use it, stay away from waterproof mascara.
• Do not use waterproof products, in general (mascara or eyeliner) because they are notoriously difficult to remove. They may require a strong, oil-based remover and some rubbing, both of which are to be avoided.
• Do not curl the lash extensions, because lash curlers tend to be a bit hard on them and you can accidentally rip them off.
• Do not use false lashes, because the glue and subsequent removal process might damage the extensions.

When You Should Seek Help

Most of the time, lash extensions procedures present no dangers and no issues, but adverse reactions are possible, so it’s good to be aware of when it is necessary to seek outside help or a second opinion.

• Over the first few days after the application, you may find that your eyes are swollen, itchy, or otherwise red. This may be an allergic reaction to the adhesive, in which case it is necessary to contact the salon and the pharmacist or your primary physician.
• You may experience sandy or gritty eyes after having your extensions for a few days or weeks, which usually means that they need to be cleaned. The lash artist should be able to instruct you on lash cleansing, or you can read our section on cleansing your lashes.
• Some shedding is to be expected, but if you are shedding a lot, that may be a sign of improper application (too little glue, lashes that are too heavy, etc.) and you should address the salon.

As you can see, for a great lash extension application to stay perfect, it requires a little bit of special aftercare, if you want them to stay fluffy, beautiful, and long-lasting. Just be careful with them and respect the care instructions from the technician and your lashes will last beautifully.