Beauty salons are finally reopening—great news! But with the pandemic still lingering, many people are either trying to stay home more or struggling to get an appointment with their stylist. This means longer gaps between beauty treatments. While you can cover your roots with spray-on color or use a headband to manage your bangs, what about eyelash extensions? If you have them, it’s time to learn how to clean them properly at home. This can be tricky, especially if your lash artist used high-quality adhesive.
If you’re ready to take care of your lashes, here are the most common questions and answers about cleaning and maintaining eyelash extensions at home.
A lot of people think they can’t get their lash extensions wet, but that’s not entirely true. While false strip lashes shouldn’t be exposed to water, lash extensions are different. The key rule is to avoid water for the first 24 hours after application to allow the adhesive to set properly. After that, you can wash your face, shower, and even go swimming without worrying about your extensions falling off.
Keeping your lash extensions clean is essential—not just to make them last longer and save money, but also to protect your eye health. Poor hygiene can lead to issues like blepharitis, lash mites, and oil buildup. Blepharitis occurs when dead skin cells accumulate and cause inflammation, irritation, and redness. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen.
Lash mites are naturally present and usually removed through regular washing. However, if you don’t clean your extensions daily, these mites can multiply, leading to eye and eyelid irritation. This can make your eyes feel itchy, tempting you to rub them, which can cause your extensions to fall out.
Excess oil buildup is another problem. Too much oil can weaken the adhesive, making your extensions fall out sooner than they should.
To keep your eyelash extensions looking great and lasting longer, follow this simple four-step cleaning routine:
1. **Remove Makeup Gently** – Use an oil-free makeup remover to clean your skin and remove any beauty products. A gentle foam cleanser that works on your skin, lashes, and eyelids is ideal. Avoid cotton balls or pads, as they can leave fibers on your lashes.
2. **Wash with Cold Water** – Cold water helps prevent the glue from weakening. Use a lash-extension shampoo and a lash brush to create a lather in your hands. Apply the foam to your lashes in upward motions, making sure to clean both sides and your lower lashes, as they come into contact with your extensions when you blink.
3. **Rinse and Dry Carefully** – Rinse off the shampoo with cold water until all the lather is gone. Gently pat your lashes dry with a soft, lint-free towel. Avoid rubbing them. If you want to speed up the drying process, use a hairdryer on the cold setting. Letting them air dry can cause water droplets to weigh them down and alter their shape.
4. **Brush and Style** – Once dry, use a clean, dry eyelash wand to brush your lashes upward. Twirling the wand slightly as you brush helps separate each lash and keeps them looking neat and curled.
Properly cleaning your eyelash extensions is the best way to extend their lifespan, maintain eye health, and reduce the need for frequent touch-ups—saving you both time and money.