Fresh from the salon, your lashes (or your client’s) are looking fabulous. But as we know, all good things must come to an end, and you’ve noticed, that end is coming for your lashes much sooner than you’d like! So, what’s a girl to do? Read on for 7 salon-recommended tips for extending the lifespan of your eyelash extensions (including one professional secret we’re not dishing out anywhere else).
The crucial 48 hours after
Rule number one: for the first 24 hours after your treatment, water is not your friend. That goes for swimming, that goes for showers, and that goes for Notebook-inspired makeout sessions in the rain (Noah, just come back tomorrow…!) But seriously, exposing your lash extensions to any moisture while the adhesive is still curing is a surefire way to ruin your look and waste your money. For 48 hours after your session, avoid using makeup remover for the same reason.
Keep it clean, girl!
It might not be obvious to first-timers, but cleaning your lash extensions while they’re on is a must. By removing dirt and oil build-up, you prevent infection and keep away all that junk that eventually will otherwise cause the adhesive to lose its stick faster. But beware, plain soap and water is not a great idea here. (Even worse: an oil-based face cleanser or makeup remover.) Extension cleansers, specially formulated to protect the lash fibers and adhesives, will keep your set hygienic and true to its original form.
Read: Beyond the Pain: A Closer Look at Urgent Dental Treatments
Sleep the right way
And now for the real eye-opener: the worst damage can happen to your lash extensions while you sleep. First, there’s the sleep position. Beauty sleep is powerful, but sleeping with your face buried in your pillow night after night will destroy your set. While some lash experts recommend sleeping on your back the whole night, we know that might not be realistic for everyone. So, if you aren’t a back-sleeper but still don’t want to wake up looking like a Raggedy Anne doll, opt for a 3D sleep mask. Designed to cover your eyes without pressing into the lids, this is a great investment for anyone who regularly wears lash extensions.
Oils are not your friend
It’s a hard pill to swallow, but oil-based facial products seriously shorten the lifespan of eyelash extensions. When oils come into contact with the lash adhesive, some chemistry magic happens and, in a nutshell, you will lose lashes fast. On the slip-side, if you want to remove your set in a pinch, then reach for that jojoba! Now, some of you who rely on oils as a part of your skin-care routine might be wondering if that means extensions are off the table, and the short answer is, no. Many people have success with applying facial oils very carefully with a washcloth, leaving a wide berth around the eye area, and patting dry afterwards.
Avoid excessive steam
On a similar note, steam at any point while wearing eyelash extensions is generally not recommended. More so than liquid water, steam can weaken the lash adhesive because of one key ingredient: heat. Basically, the hotter the water, the bigger the risk you run of losing lashes. Unfortunately, that means that saunas, hot facials, and yes, even hot showers are all a no-go for self-care days unless you’re planning on replacing your extensions in the next day or two. Trade in your steaming hot shower for a lightly warm one and you’re all set.
As a TL;DR, drying your eyes with a mini USB fan after showering or swimming can do wonders for extending your lash’s wear. Some wearers report extending their sets by up to a week with this technique.
Touch-ups are not optional
No, it’s not a rumor. Lash extension touch-ups are a thing, and you don’t want to even think about skipping them. Known as “eyelash fills,” they involve carefully replacing the individual lashes that have fallen out over time. During a fill session, your lash technician will add lashes to your extension set at precise spots to keep your set looking full and fresh. These appointments are usually shorter and cheaper than a full set appointment, so it’s a must if you care about time, money, or beauty (and if you’re reading this article, it’s our guess that you absolutely do). Think of filler appointments like the dry-cleaning of eyelash extensions. They’re much more practical than buying a new coat.
Use an eyelash sealer
Imagine you’ve bought a brand-new phone and are about to happily skip out of the store when the associate asks if you’d like to add a screen protector to your new baby. “I don’t need that!” you cry, full of reckless joy at your new purchase and certain that nothing could ever harm it. You are simply imagining that situation because you would never actually do that. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, right? But, sadly, how many women have skipped out on their pricey extension appointments without a bottle of lash sealer in their pockets?
A high-quality lash sealer is an essential part of your eyelash aftercare. The right product (oil-free, water-soluble) protects your set against all the tiny particles that would normally break down the adhesive and cause your lashes to shed prematurely. Smart, right?
