Eyelash extensions are a fantastic self-care investment, but the aftercare often leaves people confused. You love the look, but you might hate the maintenance. If you aren’t sure how to keep those extensions fresh without ruining the bond, we have you covered.
We will explain exactly how to clean your eyelash extensions daily to improve retention and prevent irritation. Clean lashes equal longer-lasting lashes.
This guide focuses on using a dedicated lash shampoo, but we also included safe alternatives if you are in a pinch.
Read on to learn how to keep your lashes fluffy, healthy, and pristine.
Key Takeaways
- Wash your lash extensions daily (morning and night) to remove oil buildup and prevent premature shedding.
- Use a dedicated lash shampoo or an oil-free cleanser; avoid baby shampoo as it can disrupt pH balance.
- Dry lashes with a fan or cool hair dryer before brushing them with a spoolie to maintain fluffiness.
- Avoid cotton pads and wipes, as lint can snag on the extensions and rip them out.
When Should You Clean Lash Extensions?
You should clean your eyelash extensions twice a day. Make it a habit to wash them once in the morning and once at night. Just like your hair, your lashes collect natural oils, dead skin, and debris throughout the day.
Frequent cleaning is vital if you wear eye makeup or live an active lifestyle. Sweat, chlorine from pools, and salt from tears can crystallize and weaken the cyanoacrylate adhesive holding your extensions in place.
Neglecting your cleaning routine leads to poor retention. Even worse, dirty lashes can cause blepharitis or bacterial infections.
The Importance Of Cleaning
If you skip washing your extensions, debris builds up at the lash line. This crusty buildup attracts Demodex folliculitis, commonly known as eyelash mites (1). These microscopic parasites feed on dead skin cells and oils. While everyone has a few, poor hygiene causes overpopulation, leading to itchiness and inflammation. Keep those mites away by scrubbing daily!
How to Clean Eyelash Extensions Properly
Incorporating a lash bath into your routine takes only a few minutes. We recommend using a specialized lash extension cleanser for the best results.
Note: Wait at least 24 to 48 hours after your initial full set or fill appointment before getting them wet, unless your lash artist uses a bonder that allows immediate washing.
- Time: 5-10 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
What You’ll Need
- Lash shampoo (Top picks: Mereke Pretty or Stacy Lash)
- Oil-free liquid makeup remover
- Soft cleansing brush
- Clean mascara wand (spoolie)
- Lint-free paper towels or small handheld fan
1. Remove Eye Makeup
Start by removing facial and eye makeup with an oil-free remover. Oils are the enemy of lash glue. If you use oil-based removers, the retention will suffer immediately.
Dip a lint-free applicator or your finger into the remover to clean the eyelids. Avoid cotton balls or cotton rounds, as the fibers snag on the extension bases and can rip your natural lashes out.
2. Lather the Cleanser
Dispense a pump of foaming lash shampoo onto your hand or directly onto a soft cleansing brush. Gently work the brush into your lash line using circular motions. Do not scrub side-to-side aggressively.
Focus on the base of the lashes where dirt accumulates. gently pull the brush down toward the tips to clean the lengths. Repeat this for about 30 to 60 seconds per eye.
3. Rinse Thoroughly
Cup water in your hands or use a handheld spray bottle to rinse your eyes. Ensure all soap residue is gone. Leftover cleanser can cause stinging and itching later.
Splash cool water gently; avoid high-pressure water hitting the lashes directly.
4. Dry the Lashes
Pat your face dry with a towel, but avoid rubbing your eyes. To dry the extensions, you can gently pat them with a lint-free paper towel.
Pro Tip: Use a handheld fan or a hair dryer on the cool, low setting. Hold it at arm’s length and blow air upward onto the lashes for 10 seconds. This fluffs them up perfectly.
5. Brush Into Place
Once your lashes are dry, take your clean mascara wand (spoolie). Support the lashes with your finger underneath and gently roll the brush through the tips to separate them. Never brush extensions while they are wet, as the weight of the water puts stress on the hair follicle.
How to Clean Eyelash Extensions Without Lash Shampoo
If you run out of lash shampoo, do not skip cleaning. You can use specific household alternatives temporarily. While these are not as effective as a formulated lash bath, they are better than nothing.
Use Oil-Free Makeup Remover
Liquid oil-free makeup remover can double as a cleanser in a pinch. Apply a small amount to your cleansing brush and work it through the lashes as described above. Ensure you rinse thoroughly with water afterward to remove any residue.
Use a Gentle Facial Cleanser
You can use your regular face wash if it is gentle and oil-free. Foaming cleansers work best for this. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser is a solid drugstore option. Avoid cream cleansers or cleansing balms, as these almost always contain oils or emollients that dissolve glue.
Use Micellar Water
Micellar water is excellent for breaking down sebum and makeup. Ensure the bottle specifically says “oil-free,” as some dual-phase micellar waters contain oil to remove waterproof mascara. Pour some onto a lint-free pad or brush and gently clean the area.
Mistakes That Ruin Lash Extensions
Now that you know the cleaning steps, here is a list of habits that will destroy your investment. Avoid these to keep your fill appointments to a minimum.
- Using makeup wipes: Wipes snag on extensions easily. Furthermore, most wipes contain glycols and oils that break down adhesive bonds.
- Rubbing your eyes: Friction is the fastest way to lose lashes. If your eyes itch, brush them with a spoolie rather than rubbing them with your knuckles.
- Using cotton pads: Cotton fibers get tangles in the extension bases. Trying to pull the fuzz out usually results in pulling the lash out.
- Applying oil-based products: Check your face creams, sunscreens, and setting sprays. If “oil” is in the ingredients, keep it away from your eye area. This includes coconut, mineral, and jojoba oils.
- Wearing mascara: Do not wear mascara on volume lashes. It closes the fans and is nearly impossible to remove completely. If you must wear it on classic lashes, use a water-based formula on the tips only.
- Direct shower pressure: Don’t let the shower stream beat directly onto your face. The pressure can twist and premature shed the extensions.
- Heat exposure: Intense heat from ovens, BBQs, or hair dryers can singe the synthetic lash tips, causing them to curl and look frizzy.
Tips for Better Retention
Eyelash extensions are a luxury service, so you want them to last. Follow these maintenance tips to get the most out of every set.
- Wash before your fill: Arrive at your appointment with squeaky clean lashes. If the tech has to spend 15 minutes cleaning your makeup off, that is less time they have to apply new lashes.
- Wait to wet them: Follow the 24-hour rule unless your tech used a rapid bonder. This allows the adhesive to cure completely.
- Sleep on your back: Side and stomach sleepers often lose lashes on their outer corners due to friction against the pillow.
- Switch to silk: If you must sleep on your side, use a silk or satin pillowcase. The fabric allows lashes to glide rather than snag.
- Schedule regular fills: We have natural lash cycles. You naturally lose 2 to 5 lashes per day. Schedule refills every 2 to 3 weeks to keep the lash line full.
- Use a sealant: Ask your lash artist about a protective coating sealant. It acts like a barrier against oil and moisture, potentially extending retention by a few days.
How to Shower With Extensions
We mentioned avoiding high pressure, but how exactly should you shower? It is simple.
Wash your body as normal, but keep your face out of the direct stream. When it is time to wash your face, cup water in your hands to rinse rather than sticking your head under the nozzle.
Be mindful of the temperature. frequent, super-hot steamy showers can soften the adhesive over time. If you love a steam room, try to limit the duration.
Skip The Goggles
Some people wear swimming goggles in the shower to protect their lashes. This is generally a bad idea. The suction around the eye socket can crimp the extensions. Plus, if the goggles slip, they can pull lashes out by the root. Your lashes are waterproof; just wash them gently!
FAQs
How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?
Extensions generally last through a full natural lash growth cycle, which is about six to eight weeks. However, because your natural lashes shed individually, the set will look sparse after three weeks. Most people get refills every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain fullness.
Can I Use Baby Shampoo to Clean Eyelash Extensions?
No, you should avoid baby shampoo. While it is gentle, it is not pH-balanced for the eye area and often contains fragrance or sulfates. These ingredients can dry out the natural lash and weaken the adhesive bond over time. Stick to a cleanser formulated specifically for extensions.
Can I Use Cetaphil to Clean Eyelash Extensions?
Yes, you can use the basic Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser if you are in a pinch. It is oil-free and fragrance-free. However, it does not foam up like a lash shampoo, so it is slightly harder to work between the lashes.
Can I Make DIY Lash Shampoo?
We do not recommend DIY recipes. Most internet recipes suggest mixing baby shampoo and baking soda/water. As mentioned, baby shampoo isn’t ideal, and creating your own mixture increases the risk of bacterial contamination or improper pH levels, which can sting your eyes.
Should You Brush Eyelash Extensions When They Are Wet?
No, never brush wet extensions. Wet hair is more elastic and prone to breakage, and the weight of the water puts tension on the hair bulb. Dry them with a cool fan or air dry first, then fluff them with a spoolie.
Why Are My Eyelash Extensions Itchy?
Itchiness can stem from poor hygiene (buildup of dirt/mites), an allergic reaction to the carbon black or acrylates in the glue, or seasonal allergies. If the itching started immediately after application, it might be a reaction to the adhesive fumes. If it starts weeks later, it is likely due to dirty lashes.
See A Doctor
If you experience swelling, pus, or intense burning that lasts more than 24 hours, seek medical attention. You may need to have the lashes removed professionally.
How Long After Lash Extensions Can I Wash My Face?
Standard advice is to wait 24 to 48 hours to allow the glue to cure. However, if your lash artist uses a “nanomister” or immediate bonder at the end of the service, you may be able to wash your face as soon as 4 hours later. Always ask your stylist for their specific adhesive rules.
Can I Use a Hair Dryer on My Eyelashes?
Yes, but you must be careful. Use the “cool” setting and the lowest speed. Hold the dryer at arm’s length to gently fluff the lashes. Never use high heat, as synthetic lashes are made of plastic fibers that will straighten or melt under hot air.
Bat Those Lashes with Confidence
False eyelashes look incredible, but they require dedication. Now that you know how to clean eyelash extensions properly, you can avoid the dreaded “itchy eye” and keep your set looking full for weeks.
Make cleaning a non-negotiable part of your morning and evening ritual. While micellar water works in emergencies, investing in a quality lash shampoo is the best way to protect your investment. Stay consistent, and enjoy the fluff!
