Is there anything more disturbing than dirty eyelash extensions? With time lash extensions develop a buildup of unsightly makeup debris, dead skin, oil buildup, and dirt.
Do you know how to clean eyelash extensions or how to take care of eyelash extensions?
Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to clean them without ruining them. But, you can do a lash cleanse twice a day, using a soft brush, eyelash cleanser, and clean water without damaging them.
Being a makeup artist for over six years, I learned that the foolproof way to make your falsies last longer is by washing them.
I have met with lots of clients who come in for a lash refill with dirty lashes. This is because most people think cleaning eyelash extensions can damage the adhesive. The truth is that the bond lasts longer when lashes are clear of dirt and makeup residue.
Cleaning lashes can extend their life and prevent infections. If you are not washing your extensions, it means bacteria will continue to build up and end up in your eyes.
Wondering how to take care of lash extensions? Keep reading for hygiene tips like:
- Why cleaning eyelashes extensions is vital
- How to clean lash extensions
- Products to use for cleaning eyelashes
- What to avoid when cleaning your extensions
- How to maintain and take care of your extensions
Why should you clean eyelash extensions?
Oil, dirt, and makeup result in crusty buildup if not cleaned. The major challenge lash extension experts face is managing client aftercare and hygiene.
A strict lash cleansing routine is vital. If you are not washing your extensions, bacteria will stick to your eyes and cause infections.
Clean lashes last longer: love your lashes, and they will love you back. Improper cleaning has similar consequences with neglecting the lash extensions: irritation, poor lash growth, and infections.
What happens if you don’t clean lash extensions?
Failure to wash your lash extensions will result in blepharitis and glue bond breakage.
Blepharitis is a result of bacterial overgrowth along the eyelashes base. This creates an environment where mites thrive, causing inflammation of the eyelids.
Buildup breaks down the extensions’ adhesive bond. When the glue gets weak, the lash extensions start to fall off prematurely. An effect that’s as undesired as it is short-lasting.
Regular cleaning will ensure your lashes stay intact, lush, and full. Use a good eyelash extension wash to clean your falsies twice a day, in the morning and evening.
How to clean eyelash extensions at home
Commence eyelash extensions cleaning 48 hours after application to give time to cure.
Use an oil-free makeup remover first
Use an oil-free makeup remover or cleanser for cleaning lash extensions. Gently sweep away debris, makeup residue, dirt, and oils. Most oils will weaken the eyelash extensions’ adhesive bond, and they will start to fall off.
Avoid canola oil, mineral oil, vegetable oil, and coconut oil as they weaken the glue.
While the idea of making a DIY cleanser may be tempting, it is not recommended. You could end up with clogged follicles, weakened adhesive, allergic reactions, and eye infections.
Use an eyelash extension cleanser
A professional lash extension cleanser that will nourish, deep clean, and protect your natural lashes is recommended. Use a mild and oil-free eyelash foaming cleanser to maintain healthy, clean, and long-lasting lash extension with the steps below:
- Apply a small amount of the foaming cleanser on a fluffy eyelash brush
- Apply the cleanser around the eye area and the lash extensions to remove debris and makeup residue
- Brush up and down along the lashes gently
- Rinse using clean water
- Ensure the cleanser has cleared
- Fan or pat dry using a clean and soft tissue to prevent the lashes from falling off
- Using a clean mascara brush or wand, brush the lash extensions
What can I use to clean lash extensions?
To take your lash game to the next level, use the following products to clean your extensions:
Foaming cleanser
Foaming lash extension cleanser will rinse out completely. They don’t leave residue on your lashes. In addition, they don’t weaken the adhesive bond, and their formula boosts lash health.
The products are optimized for eye health, and their PH is balanced to prevent eye infections. Foaming cleanser is gentle and effectively balances lush cuticles.
Micellar water
Micellar water effectively cleans even the most stubborn makeup, thanks to the balance of the ingredients in the product. So regardless of the face and eye makeup you have on, you can count on micellar water to deep cleanse.
Micelles act like a magnet by drawing oil and dirt, leaving you with clean, healthy, and moisturized lashes. Ensure your micellar water is not oil-based.
Can I use baby shampoo to clean eyelash extensions?
Baby shampoo can clear impurities, dirt, and oil from your lash extensions. However, it is not recommended as baby shampoos have perfumes that will irritate your eyes.
The sulfates and oils in the shampoo will also weaken the glue and cause the extensions to fall off.
When to clean eyelash extensions
Some lash technicians recommend lash cleansing about three times a week. However, cleaning twice a day is recommended, especially if you wear makeup and have oily skin.
Cleaning at night will get rid of the day’s dust, oils, and makeup buildup.
Extensions must be cleaned after activities like exercise and swimming. Sweat, chlorine, salt, and oil undermine the integrity of the adhesive bond. You must remove them immediately to maintain the strength of the bond.
You should not clean eyelash extensions within the first 48 hours of application.
Pro tips for cleaning eyelash extensions
Cleaning your extensions the right way will keep them beautiful and make them last longer.
Use a good cleanser
Use a mild, glycol, and oil-free cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and debris and refresh your eyelashes. In addition, an antibacterial cleaner will ensure your eye and lash health.
Be gentle
Plucking, rubbing, and tagging while cleaning lashes will cause the extensions to fall off. If there is an itch, brush through the lashes or slightly rub your eyelid with a finger.
Remove makeup before cleansing
If wearing a heavy foundation, remove it before washing the lash extensions while avoiding the eye area. If you have eye makeup, use an oil-free makeup remover.
Remove the eyeshadow using a cotton swab dipped into the remover. Stretch your eyes using your fingers and wipe the swab following the lash line.
Use the same process to remove mascara while avoiding the eyelash extension area.
Use a brush to clean the extensions
Use a brush to clean your lashes gently. A finger may be too thick for an effective cleanse.
Place the brush on the lash line and brush towards the ends of the lashes, and avoid brushing the base.
Rinse, dry, and brush your lashes
Rinse away all the foaming cleanser, and pat your lashes dry, don’t rub. Use a micro brush, reshape your lashes for a fluffy finish.
Don’t brush your lash extensions while wet.
What not to do
Don’t use wipes on your lashes.
Makeup remover wipes contain glycol, oils, and emollients that will cause your extensions to fall off. Wipes are also not effective; they leave a residue.
Don’t use cotton buds, cloth, and sponges on your lashes. They will tug and rip out your extensions.
Avoid rubbing while cleaning to prevent lash extensions damage. Instead, apply light pressure using a fingertip while cleansing. A gentle cleanse using a brush is recommended to avoid breakage and premature loss of the lash extensions.
Don’t use cleaning products that contain oil. The oil breaks down the bond between the extensions and your natural lashes.
How to take care of eyelash extension
Are you wondering why your lash extensions fall off after three days of application? Unfortunately, you might be missing essential care tips. So here is what to do to keep them in check.
Keep them clean
The best maintenance tip for healthy and long-lasting lash extensions is cleaning them. A specially formulated foaming lash cleanser will rejuvenate dirty eyelash extensions.
Avoid friction
Rubbing your lashes while washing or when feeling itchy is not safe. Instead, treat them gently and use a silk pillow to minimize friction and contact.
Use lash extension-friendly products
Avoid moisturizers, cleansers, and makeup removers with oils, parabens, and alcohol.
Go for refills
Refill appointments every two weeks will extend the life of your lashes and keep them full. The technician will clean your lashes during the appointment and add more extensions to give them a lovely fresh and fluffy look.
Hold back on eye makeup
Lash extensions will make your eyes pop even without eye makeup and mascara. If possible, hold back on the eye makeup to slow down the accumulation of debris and premature lash loss.
Takeaways on cleaning eyelash extensions
With a proper cleaning routine, your lashes will look and feel better. Here are the things to keep in mind.
Dirt on lash extensions breaks the adhesive bond, making them come off. Bacteria stick to dirt buildup in lash extensions leading to infections and inflammation.
For beautiful, fluffy, and long-lasting lash extensions, create a proper cleaning regimen. Use a dedicated foaming lash cleanser that is oil and alcohol-free and a brush to clean your lashes every day.
Invest in a quality foaming lash cleanser that will thoroughly cleanse, protect and nourish your lashes.
Laura is a beauty expert with 5 years prior experience working in cosmetics and lash salons. When not writing you can find her experimenting with the trending makeup looks, or reading a good book snuggled up with her French Bulldog Max. Laura is currently a contributing writer and Beauty Editor at BeatyStack.