How To Clean Eyelash Extensions

Having the newest trend in eyelashes might seem fun at first, but wearing them requires time and dedication. Cleaning lash extensions is something that is often overlooked. How do you know when they need a little TLC? And what goes into the cleaning process? We’re going to take a look at all of the ins and outs of this process! 

4 Easy Steps To Clean Your Lash Extensions

Step 1: Remove Your Eye Makeup

First, start by removing all of your makeup. This will make it easier to clean the lash extensions and keep them looking fresh.

Step 2: Wash Your Face

Next, use a gentle facial cleanser to wash your face. You can also use a gentle exfoliator if you find that your skin feels rough or congested.

Step 3: Dry Your Face

After washing your face, pat it dry with a soft towel and then apply moisturizer to keep it hydrated and healthy.

Step 4: Clean the Lash Extensions With a Soft Brush or a Cotton Swab

Use a soft, clean lash brush to brush through your lashes and separate them. Then, take a cotton swab dipped in warm water to gently clean any product or grime from underneath the lashes. Remove any excess oil from your eyelids with a cotton pad soaked in oil-removing toner. You may need to repeat this step several times if there is a lot of buildup under your lashes or if they are particularly dirty.

Things To Avoid

• Glycerin and oil products are not recommended for cleaning your lashes. The oil in these products will cause your lashes to break, and the glycerin will cause them to become brittle.

• It’s best to avoid wearing mascara or eyeliner when you have eyelash extensions. Mascara can ruin your extensions and eyeliner will be difficult to properly remove. 

• To protect your lash extensions, avoid using the high-pressure water stream from a showerhead to wash your face.

• Most importantly, avoid eye-irritating formulations.

Helpful Tips

• Mineral-based products are the perfect alternative to oil-based formulations for lash extensions. They are ideal for lash maintenance.

• To keep your lashes healthy, clean them regularly with a gentle wash. If you have oily eyelids, clean your lashes daily.

• Before you rinse your lashes with water, make sure to wipe off any unsafe extension cleanser that may be around the eyes.

• Gently dab the lashes with a dry cotton swab instead of rubbing them.

• Nighttime is the best time to cleanse your extensions. That way, you can remove all the day’s makeup, dirt, oil, and debris. 

Best Products For Cleaning Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions are a great way to add some glamour to your look, but they can be a bit of a hassle to keep clean. From wispy to volume extensions, you can pretty much follow the same process. Here are some products we recommend for keeping your lash extensions in tip-top shape:

1. Lash Cleanser: This is a cleanser that’s designed to remove excess oils and makeup from your lashes without disturbing the extensions themselves. It’s a good idea to use this at least once a week (more often if you wear makeup regularly).

2. Lash Conditioner: This helps moisturize your eyelashes, so they don’t dry out or get brittle. Once again, try using this once or twice a week (or more if you live in a dry climate).

3. Lash Sealant: This product helps seal the strands of hair together so that they stay glued in place longer (and helps prevent them from falling out). You’ll want to use this at least once every other day or so.

Why It’s Important To Maintain Your Lash Extensions:

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so it can absorb many things into it. This means that if you do not take care of the skin around your eyes, those toxins can have negative effects on other parts of your body.

Lash extensions are made out of synthetic fibers and adhesives, which are both very sensitive to bacteria and other microorganisms. If these bacteria get into or near your eyes, they could cause serious problems like eye infections or even blindness if not treated properly.

If You Fail To Clean Your Lashes…

• Your eyelids can become infected. If that happens, you need to go to the hospital immediately because that is NOT something you want to mess around with!
• You could lose some of your eyelashes if they’re pulled out or damaged by trying to remove them yourself.
• If you try to pull out individual lashes, they might break off because they’re bonded together with other lashes at the base (which means more pain and damage!)
• If you don’t know how to clean your eyelash extensions, you might mistake blepharitis for an eye allergy. Some of the symptoms that indicate this condition include: 
  • Itching, burning, or redness of the eyelids
  • Inflammation of eyelids
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Gritty feeling in the eyes
  • Eye discharge

Summary

Most lash extension salons will provide you with a special cleaning solution to wipe, brush, or spray on your lashes after having them done. It is always good to check what the salon uses, and follow their recommendations. But even if there is no special cleanser available you can use this simple method to clean your eyelash extensions.

Cleaning your extensions helps you to get the most out of them. It will help with their longevity and in return save you money. All in all, cleaning your extensions is an easy, quick process that will help you get more wear out of them.

If there is ever any concern about the health of your lashes, always refer to your lash technician for advice. If you follow these steps outlined, your lashes should be in tip-top shape!

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