How to Care for Your Lash Extensions
Getting lash extensions is an investment — and proper aftercare is what makes that investment last. After 8+ years of applying lashes, I've seen the difference good aftercare makes: clients who follow these guidelines get 3-4 weeks of beautiful wear, while those who skip aftercare often see their sets thin out after just 1-2 weeks.
The First 24-48 Hours
This is the critical bonding period. The adhesive needs time to fully cure:
- Avoid water on your lashes for the first 24 hours
- No steam: skip hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms for 48 hours
- Don't touch or play with your lashes
- Sleep on your back if possible — avoid pressing your face into the pillow
- No eye makeup for the first 24 hours
Daily Aftercare Routine
After the first 48 hours, follow this simple daily routine:
- Cleanse daily: Use a lash-safe foaming cleanser (oil-free) to clean your lashes every evening. Dirty lashes lead to poor retention and potential eye infections.
- Brush gently: Use a clean spoolie to brush through your lashes each morning. This keeps them looking neat and prevents tangling.
- Pat dry: After cleansing, gently pat your lashes with a lint-free cloth — never rub.
What to Avoid
- Oil-based products: Oil breaks down lash adhesive. Check your cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen — switch to oil-free versions around the eye area.
- Waterproof mascara: You shouldn't need mascara with extensions, but if you must use it, choose a water-based, extension-safe formula only on the tips.
- Rubbing your eyes: This is the #1 reason clients lose lashes prematurely.
- Cotton pads near eyes: Cotton fibers get caught in extensions. Use lint-free alternatives.
- Eyelash curlers: Never use mechanical curlers on extensions — they can break both the extensions and your natural lashes.
When to Book a New Set
With good aftercare, your set lasts about 3-4 weeks. By this time, your natural lashes have gone through their growth cycle and many extensions will have naturally shed. When your set starts to look sparse, book a new set — I remove what's left of the old one first, then apply fresh lashes.
Signs Something Is Wrong
Contact your lash artist if you experience:
- Persistent redness or swelling (beyond the first few hours)
- Itching that doesn't subside
- Lashes sticking together in clumps
- Pain or discomfort
Have questions about aftercare? Get in touch — I'm always happy to help my clients keep their lashes looking gorgeous.
