So, you left the salon absolutely obsessed with your new eyelash extensions... but how do you make sure your fresh, full lashes last as long as possible? Today I'm sharing 8 foolproof eyelash extension care tips to prolong your lash extension retention and extend time between fill appointments.
Eyelash extensions naturally fall out over time with your natural lash - just like your hair sheds, your natural lashes do to - so it's inevitable that you will have some eyelash extensions that shed off. However, if you properly care for your eyelash extensions, you should only need to get lash refills, to replace a few lost extensions, every three to four weeks. If you notice your extensions are falling out more rapidly, although this could be caused by poor application itself, this could also be caused by a few other key factors. Knowing the proper eyelash extension care is vital for keeping your extensions from falling out to fast and making your lash game last!
1. BE GENTLE
This might seem like a no brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people need to hear this... I'll say it louder for the people in the back, KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OF YOUR LASHES. This tip applies to even those who don't have eyelash extensions, but especially those that do. Avoid rubbing, tugging or plucking your eyelashes. If you touch your lash line too often, it could cause your lash extensions, along with your natural lash, to fall off prematurely. This can also cause unwanted oils to break down the lash extension adhesive. Hey, I get it, everyone is human, and you may have an itch near your lash line from time to time. The best way to soothe an itch without vigorous rubbing, is to use a (clean) mascara wand or spoolie to brush through your lashes gently. If it is necessary to touch your lash extensions, slightly rub your eyelid instead of aggressively scratching... aka - BE GENTLE.
2. GET THE RIGHT EYELASH EXTENSION LENGTH, WEIGHT AND CURL FOR YOUR NATURAL LASH
The length and weight of your eyelash extensions should be determined (by your lash artist) based off of the length and weight of your natural lashes. Applying eyelash extensions that are too heavy for your natural lashes will cause damage and breakage to your natural lashes, in turn resulting in very rapid lash fall-out.
It is also important to choose a curl that is close to your natural lash. The curlier the lash extension, the shorter the retention because there is less of the extension attached to the natural lash. It is good to keep in mind that although you want a certain lash look, it may not be best suited for your natural lashes.
3. KEEP THEM DRY
Avoid water and steam for the first 24 hours after your eyelash extension application. This allows time for the lash adhesive to fully cure which is crucial for longer lasting eyelash extensions. To avoid getting your face wet the first day all while still cleansing your skin, I recommend using facial wipes. My favorite are the Clean Skin Club - Cleansing Facial Wipes linked below.
4. CLEAN AND BRUSH YOUR EXTENSIONS DAILY
One of the easiest ways to prolong your lash extensions is to keep your lashes clean. This means cleansing your eyelash extensions.... Every. Single. Day. Cleanse your eyelashes with a gentle oil - free cleanser (similar to baby shampoo). If you're already cleansing your face every day (if you aren't, please start doing that ASAP - xoxo - your local esthetician); you're already halfway there, just add cleansing your eyelashes to your daily routine as well.
Ok, I know it seems silly to brush your eyelashes, but you should be brushing your lash extensions every morning and every time after getting them wet. Why? Your lashes can tangle, twist, and turn during a rough night's sleep, so the secret to keeping your lashes in place is to brush through them gently. You also want to brush after getting your lashes wet, so that they dry in the right direction. The less tangly the lashes - the longer they'll last!
5. SLEEP ON YOUR BACK
Try your best to sleep on your back! Sorry to all the face in the pillow sleepers out there... your lashes don't stand a chance! But I get it, it's difficult to change your sleeping habits... I mean you're asleep! A great tip for better lash retention if you're a face or side sleeper, is to invest in a silk pillowcase or eye mask for sleeping. That way if you do toss and turn, your lashes are less likely to get tugged out.
(Bonus Tip: Silk pillowcases are excellent to prevent hair breakage and are wonderful for you skin as well!)
6. AVOID WATERPROOF MASCARA
I generally recommend avoiding mascara altogether for better eyelash extension retention. However, if you want to add a little bit of extra drama to your lash look, especially avoid waterproof mascara. It is not the mascara itself that causes havoc on the eyelash extensions, but removing the mascara that can cause premature lash loss and poor retention.
Circling back to... be gentle on your lashes... especially when removing eye makeup.
*And yes, if you wear eye makeup around or on your eyelash extensions it is absolutely necessary to remove your makeup every night to prevent buildup on your lashes. No one likes dirty eyelash extensions!
7. AVOID OIL - OR - ALCOHOL BASED PRODUCTS
Not all cosmetic products are okay to use with eyelash extensions. Products that are oil or alcohol based can cause the lash adhesive to break down quicker, resulting in progressed lash extension loss. This does apply to not only makeup products but as well as facial cleansers, moisturizers, undereye creams, etc. If you are unsure if the products you are using are harming your eyelash extensions, feel free to reach out and ask questions, it's what I'm here for!
8. DON'T MISS YOUR REFILLS
Keep up with your lash fill appointments, schedule ahead! When you come in for your eyelash extension fill appointment, your lash artist will freshen up your current set and place new extensions where the previous were lost. When you come in for refills regularly, you ensure that full, fresh lash look that we all love! If you don't keep up with your lash fills (life happens), your lash artist will need to add more extensions than usual to get your lash set nice and full again. This might mean that you need added time to your appointment; if you know you will need extra lash love, make sure you forewarn your lash artist so that you are scheduled for the right amount of time to get your lashes looking fresh again.
VISIT YOUR LOCAL LASH EXTENSION ARTIST!
If you invest in beautiful long lashes, I want to help you protect them and make sure your eyelash extensions last! I hope you find these tips helpful.
If you are still debating eyelash extensions... what the heck are you waiting for! Schedule your lash appointment today!
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