Eyelash extensions are a fantastic way to get the long, full lashes you’ve always dreamed of. They can make your eyes pop and give you a major confidence boost. But just like anything else, they require a little bit of maintenance to keep them looking their best. One of the most important things you can do for your lash extensions is to clean them regularly.
But why is cleaning your lash extensions so important? Well, for starters, it helps to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup that can build up on your lashes. This buildup can not only make your extensions look clumpy and unnatural, but it can also lead to eye infections. In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that poor hygiene with eyelash extensions can lead to infections of the cornea and eyelid.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to clean your eyelash extensions, from what products to use to how often you should be cleaning them. We’ll also share some tips on how to make your extensions last as long as possible.
Why You Need to Clean Your Eyelash Extensions
As we mentioned, cleaning your eyelash extensions is crucial for a few reasons:
•It prevents infections: Dirt, oil, and makeup can all build up on your lash extensions, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to eye infections like blepharitis, which is an inflammation of the eyelid.
•It makes your extensions last longer: When you don’t clean your extensions, the buildup of dirt and oil can weaken the adhesive, causing your extensions to fall out prematurely.
•It keeps your extensions looking their best: Clean extensions look fluffy, full, and natural. Dirty extensions, on the other hand, can look clumpy and weighed down.
How to Clean Your Eyelash Extensions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to learn how to clean your eyelash extensions like a pro? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need a few things to get started:
•A gentle, oil-free lash cleanser, like our Lash Wash.
•A soft, fluffy brush, like our Nylon Brush.
•A clean, dry towel.
Step 2: Wet Your Lashes
Using lukewarm water, gently wet your lashes. You can do this in the shower or at the sink.
Step 3: Apply the Cleanser
Pump a small amount of lash cleanser onto your brush. Then, using gentle, circular motions, apply the cleanser to your lashes. Be sure to get the cleanser all the way down to the base of your lashes, where dirt and oil tend to accumulate.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse your lashes thoroughly with lukewarm water. Make sure to remove all of the cleanser, as any residue can irritate your eyes.
Step 5: Pat Dry
Gently pat your lashes dry with a clean, dry towel. Don’t rub your lashes, as this can cause them to fall out.
Step 6: Brush Your Lashes
Once your lashes are dry, use a clean mascara wand or a lash brush to gently brush them out. This will help to separate them and keep them looking fluffy and full.
How Often Should You Clean Your Eyelash Extensions?
It’s a good idea to clean your eyelash extensions every day, especially if you wear makeup. This will help to prevent any buildup of dirt, oil, or makeup, and it will keep your extensions looking their best.
Tips for Making Your Eyelash Extensions Last Longer
In addition to cleaning your extensions regularly, there are a few other things you can do to make them last longer:
•Avoid oil-based products: Oil can break down the adhesive on your extensions, so it’s best to avoid using any oil-based products on or around your eyes. This includes makeup, makeup remover, and moisturizer.
•Be gentle with your lashes: Don’t rub, pick, or pull at your lashes. This can cause them to fall out prematurely.
•Sleep on your back: Sleeping on your stomach or side can put pressure on your lashes, causing them to fall out. If you can, try to sleep on your back to protect your extensions.
•See a professional for removal: When it’s time to have your extensions removed, be sure to see a professional. Trying to remove them yourself can damage your natural lashes.
Choosing the Right Products for Your Eyelash Extensions
When it comes to cleaning your eyelash extensions, the products you use matter just as much as the technique. Using the wrong products can damage your extensions or cause them to fall out prematurely. Here's what you need to know about choosing the right products:
Look for Oil-Free Formulas
The most important thing to look for when choosing products for your eyelash extensions is that they are oil-free. Oil can break down the adhesive that holds your extensions in place, causing them to fall out. This means you should avoid any products that contain oils, including coconut oil, olive oil, and mineral oil.
Choose Gentle Cleansers
Your eyelash extensions are delicate, so it's important to use a gentle cleanser that won't irritate your eyes or damage your extensions. Look for a cleanser that is specifically designed for eyelash extensions, like our Lash Wash. These cleansers are formulated to be gentle on your extensions while still effectively removing dirt, oil, and makeup.
Use a Soft Brush
When it comes to cleaning your eyelash extensions, the brush you use is just as important as the cleanser. A soft, fluffy brush will help you to gently clean your extensions without damaging them. Our Nylon Brush is perfect for this purpose. You can also use our Micro Brushes for more precise cleaning around the lash line.
The Connection Between Lash Glue and Extension Care
Understanding how your lash extensions are applied can help you take better care of them. The glue used to attach your extensions is a crucial component in how long they last. At Lovely US, we offer several professional-grade adhesives that are designed to provide long-lasting hold while being safe for your eyes.
Our Elite Eyelash Extension Glue is a popular choice among professionals because it provides a strong bond that can last for weeks. For those with sensitive eyes, our Pure Eyelash Extension Glue is formulated to be gentle while still providing excellent retention.
If you're interested in learning more about eyelash glue, check out our blog post on How to Choose the Right Eyelash Glue. Understanding the different types of glue can help you have a better conversation with your lash technician about what's best for your needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Lash Extensions
While cleaning your eyelash extensions is a fairly simple process, there are a few common mistakes that people make. Here are a few things to avoid:
•Using oil-based products: As we mentioned earlier, oil can break down the adhesive on your extensions, causing them to fall out prematurely. Be sure to use an oil-free cleanser and avoid any other oil-based products on or around your eyes.
•Being too rough: Your eyelash extensions are delicate, so it’s important to be gentle when you’re cleaning them. Don’t rub, pick, or pull at your lashes. This can cause them to fall out and can even damage your natural lashes.
•Using cotton balls or pads: Cotton balls and pads can leave behind lint on your extensions, which can be difficult to remove. It’s best to use a soft, fluffy brush to clean your lashes.
•Not cleaning them often enough: It’s important to clean your eyelash extensions every day, especially if you wear makeup. This will help to prevent any buildup of dirt, oil, or makeup, and it will keep your extensions looking their best.
What to Do if You Experience Irritation
If you experience any irritation after getting your eyelash extensions, it’s important to see a doctor or ophthalmologist right away. They can help you to determine the cause of the irritation and can recommend the best course of treatment.
In some cases, irritation may be caused by an allergic reaction to the glue. If this is the case, your doctor may recommend having the extensions removed. It’s important to have them removed by a professional, as trying to remove them yourself can damage your natural lashes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use baby shampoo to clean my eyelash extensions?
A: While baby shampoo is gentle, it’s not the best option for cleaning your eyelash extensions. Baby shampoo can contain oils that can break down the adhesive on your extensions. It’s best to use a cleanser that is specifically designed for eyelash extensions, like our Lash Wash.
Q: Can I use micellar water to clean my eyelash extensions?
A: It depends on the type of micellar water. Some micellar waters contain oils that can break down the adhesive on your extensions. If you’re going to use micellar water, be sure to choose an oil-free formula.
Q: What happens if I don’t clean my eyelash extensions?
A: If you don’t clean your eyelash extensions, dirt, oil, and makeup can build up on your lashes. This can lead to eye infections, and it can also cause your extensions to fall out prematurely.
Q: How do I know if I’m having an allergic reaction to the glue?
A: Symptoms of an allergic reaction to eyelash extension glue can include redness, itching, swelling, and pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor or ophthalmologist right away.
Troubleshooting Common Lash Extension Problems
Even with proper cleaning and care, you may occasionally experience some issues with your eyelash extensions. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
Problem: My extensions feel sticky or clumpy
Solution: This usually means that there's a buildup of product on your lashes. Try cleaning them more thoroughly, making sure to get all the way down to the base of your lashes. You may also want to clean them more frequently, especially if you wear makeup every day.
Problem: My extensions are falling out faster than usual
Solution: This could be caused by a few different things. First, make sure you're not using any oil-based products on or around your eyes. Second, be gentle with your lashes and avoid rubbing or pulling on them. Third, make sure you're cleaning them regularly to prevent any buildup that could weaken the adhesive. If you're still having problems, check out our blog post on Why Eyelash Extension Glue Doesn't Stick and How to Fix It for more troubleshooting tips.
Problem: My eyes are red or irritated
Solution: This could be a sign of an allergic reaction or an infection. Stop using any products on your eyes and see a doctor or ophthalmologist right away. They can help you to determine the cause of the irritation and can recommend the best course of treatment. For more information about allergic reactions to eyelash glue, read our guide on Eyelash Glue Allergic Reactions: Symptoms, Causes, and Safe Solutions.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Lash Extensions
Beyond cleaning, there are several other things you can do to keep your eyelash extensions looking their best:
Use a Lash Sealer
A lash sealer can help to protect your extensions and make them last longer. Our Eyelash Sealer Gentle creates a protective coating over your extensions that helps to seal in the adhesive and protect against moisture and oil.
Avoid Steam and Heat
Excessive heat and steam can weaken the adhesive on your extensions. Try to avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot yoga for at least 48 hours after getting your extensions applied. After that, you can enjoy these activities, but be aware that they may cause your extensions to fall out a bit faster.
Be Careful with Makeup
If you wear eye makeup, be sure to choose oil-free formulas. When removing your makeup, use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover and be careful not to rub or tug on your lashes. Our Pre-Treatment Oil Remover is perfect for removing makeup without damaging your extensions.
Get Regular Fills
To keep your lash extensions looking full and beautiful, you'll need to get regular fills. Most people need fills every 2-3 weeks, depending on how fast their natural lashes grow and how well they take care of their extensions.
By following these tips, you can keep your eyelash extensions looking their best and can help to prevent any eye infections. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy your beautiful, long lashes for weeks to come. For more information about how long your extensions should last, check out our blog post on How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your eyelash extensions is a simple but important step in keeping them looking their best and protecting your eyes from infection. By following the steps in this guide, you can keep your extensions looking full, fluffy, and beautiful for weeks to come.
For more tips on eyelash extension care, be sure to check out our other blog posts:
