Eyelash extensions give your lashes a longer and fuller look without requiring everyday mascara. But for them to appear fabulous and also to safeguard your eyes, they must be well taken care of. If you do not clean them, your lashes will become filthy, clumped, or may even lead to eye issues.
Your lashes pick up items such as oil, dust, and expired makeup. When this is not cleaned, the adhesive will deteriorate, and bacteria can accumulate and cause your eyes to become itchy or red. This is why it is necessary to clean your eyelash extensions regularly but delicately.
Using the proper equipment and following some easy steps every day, you can maintain your lashes as gorgeous and fresh-looking as possible for an extended period.
Why It’s Important to Clean Eyelash Extensions?
- Prevents infections and irritation: Dirt may adhere to your lash extensions. This may create room for bacteria to flourish, which could make your eyes red, itchy, or infected.
- Keeps your lash extensions long-lasting: Cleaning prevents dirt from piling up and breaking the glue that holds your lashes, so they don’t fall off too early.
- Keep your lashes tidy: Clean lashes are soft, full, and cute. Dirty lashes become sticky together, clumpy, or dingy.
When should I clean my Lash Extensions?
- Wait 12 to 24 hours after having new lash extensions: Allow the glue time to dry and set completely. Cleaning or getting your lashes wet too early will damage the glue and lead to lash shedding.
- If your skin is oily or you wear makeup every day, Attempt to clean your lashes daily. Oil and makeup can accumulate quickly and influence how well the extensions adhere.
- If you don’t wear makeup or your skin is dry, cleansing your lashes every other day or a minimum of 2 to 3 times a week should be sufficient to keep them clean.
- Always clean your lashes after sweating, swimming, crying, or being around dust: Sweat, saltwater, tears, and dirt can all damage your lashes and weaken the glue. Cleaning after these activities helps keep your lashes healthy and looking great.
What will you need?
- Lash cleanser or shampoo: Choose a gentle, foaming cleanser that doesn’t contain oils and is specifically designed for cleaning lash extensions.
- Soft lash cleaning brush: Utilise a small, clean lash brush or a soft makeup brush. Please do not use your fingers or rough material because it may break your lashes.
- Lash wand: It resembles a clean mascara brush (spoolie) that you utilize to lightly brush and separate your lashes.
- Lint-free tissue or towel: Use a gentle towel or tissue that does not leave pieces of lint for drying your lashes carefully without rubbing.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cleaning Eyelash Extensions
Step 1: Take Off Any Makeup
Choose a gentle, oil-free makeup remover: Apply a makeup remover that contains no oils, as oil will cause your lash extensions to fall off sooner. Gentle removers are less likely to harm your eyes and lashes.
Clean only the eyelids and skin under your eyes, not your lashes: When removing makeup, only clean the eyelids and the eyelid skin underneath your eyes. Avoid touching your lashes so you don’t dislodge the adhesive or pull them out by mistake.
Skip waterproof makeup: Waterproof makeup is hard to remove, and you will have to scrub too much to get it off.
Step 2: Wet Your Lashes
Use warm or cool water to moisten your lashes: Splash your face gently with water that is not hot. Or, you can lightly dampen your brush and gently tap it along your lash line to wet them.
Handle water carefully: Avoid spraying strong or hard jets of water directly into your eyes since this can loosen or damage your lash extensions.
Step 3: Apply Some Lash Cleanser to Your Hand or Brush
Don’t apply the cleanser directly onto your closed eye, as it might sting or irritate you.
Step 4: Gently Clean Your Lashes
Close the eye to prevent water or cleanser from entering. Gently sweep your brush up and down over your lashes, following the direction in which your lashes grow naturally. Carefully clean both the roots (where oil and dirt build up) and tips of your lashes. Be extremely gentle, no scrubbing or rubbing! Do the same for your other eye.
Step 5: Rinse Your Lashes
Rinse with cool or warm water to remove all of the cleanser and any loosened dirt from your lashes. You may splash water gently over your shut eyes with your hands, or gently use the clean brush to dispense water softly.
Step 6: Dry Your Lashes
Following rinsing, gently pat your lashes and surrounding skin with a clean, soft towel or piece of tissue that won’t leave fuzz behind. Don’t rub; allow your lashes to air dry thoroughly before proceeding. If your lashes are thick or full (volume lashes), you can use a small blow dryer or a blow dryer on the cool setting (never hot) to speed up drying time.
Step 7: Brush and Fluff Your Lashes
Brush from the centre of the lashes to the ends, being cautious not to pull on the base. This will separate your lashes and prevent them from becoming clumpy and flat.
What to Avoid?
- Avoid using any product that contains oil in the vicinity of your lashes since oil can soften the glue and make extensions detach earlier.
- Do not use cotton balls or cotton pads to clean because microscopic fibres will get entangled in your lashes and be pulled out.
- Handle water pressure with care; do not let powerful water streams from the shower or taps directly strike your eyes, as this will loosen or get your lashes tangled.
- Steer clear of waterproof eyeliner and mascara because these are difficult to remove and may harm your lash extensions.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
- With the Wrong Cleanser: Most baby shampoos and standard face washes contain oils or harsh ingredients that can ruin your lash extensions or loosen the adhesive. To ensure your lashes stay safe and healthy, always use a mild, oil-free cleanser that is designed for lash extensions.
- Cleaning Too Hard or Not At All: Clean your lashes gently. Cleaning too hard will get your extensions to come off sooner than necessary, and not cleaning at all lets the dirt, oil, and makeup build up, which damages the extensions and your natural lashes. Soft clean equals cleaner and longer-lasting lashes.
- Not Rinsing Thoroughly: It’s important to rinse all the cleanser off completely. If any residue is left on your lashes or skin, it can cause irritation, redness, or swelling around your eyes. Taking a little extra time to rinse well keeps your eyes comfortable and healthy.
- Not Brushing After Cleaning: Gently brushing through your lashes after drying and cleaning will help to separate them and avoid clumping. Skipping this part can cause your lashes to stick together, appear unkempt, and even make them tangle, shortening their life.
Lash Extension Care: What to Do and What to Avoid
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Use an oil-free lash cleanser. | Use oil-based products near your lashes. |
| Be gentle when cleaning. | Rub, tug, or pull on your lashes |
| Brush your lashes after washing | Clean with cotton pads or balls |
| Wash with cool or lukewarm water | Point strong water jets at your eyes |
| Pat dry with a lint-free towel | Apply waterproof mascara or eyeliner |
Conclusion
It’s quite crucial to keep your eyelash extensions clean to have them look good and stay longer. Cleaning removes oils, dirt, and makeup that can soften the glue or make your eyes feel irritated.
Do not rub, use oily products, or intense sprays of water on your lashes. Also, wash your lashes after engaging in activities like swimming, sweating, or applying makeup so they remain healthy and your eyes feel great.