Expert Tips on How to Look After Your Eyelash Extensions
You’ve just stepped out of the salon with fresh, fluttery lashes—and now you want them to stay perfect for as long as possible. Knowing how to look after eyelash extensions properly is key to maintaining their shape, strength, and flawless look. From cleansing routines to sleeping habits, every small action impacts how long your extensions last and how beautiful they remain.
Whether you’ve chosen classic eyelash extensions, hybrid sets, or volume lashes, this guide covers everything you need to know about eyelash extension aftercare, helping you keep your lashes lush, full, and salon-fresh.
Why Eyelash Extension Aftercare Matters
Before diving into the specifics of eyelash extension aftercare instructions, understand that these aren’t your natural lashes. Extensions are carefully bonded to each natural lash using specialised adhesive, creating a delicate ecosystem that requires attention.
Proper care ensures your extensions last 2-3 weeks between appointments, prevents premature lash loss, protects your natural lashes from damage, and keeps them looking professional and beautiful.
The First 24 Hours of Eyelash Extension Aftercare
The first day is crucial for maintaining your eyelash extensions. During the first 24 hours, the adhesive is still curing and needs protection.
What You Must Do:
Keep your eyes and eyelashes clean. You can wash if your lash artist used a bonder at the end of your treatment. Otherwise, you have to wait up to 24 hours before you can wet your lashes for the adhesive to completely cure.
What to Avoid:
Don’t rub or touch your lashes, even if they feel itchy. Resist the urge to wash them – they’ll feel slightly sticky, but this is temporary. Skip all makeup, including mascara and eyeshadow. Avoid crying or getting your face wet. Don’t apply any products to the lash line.
When sleeping:
Sleep on your back if possible, or use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction. Avoid pressing your face into your pillow, as this can bend or break extensions.
Daily Eyelash Extensions Care Routine
Once you’ve passed the crucial first 24 hours, establishing a daily care routine for eyelash extensions becomes essential for maintenance and longevity.
Morning Routine:
– Gently brush your lashes with a clean spoolie brush in an upward motion. This keeps them separated and prevents clumping.
-: Be extremely gentle – think “soft feathering” rather than “brushing hair.” This simple step makes a huge difference in how polished your lashes look throughout the day.
Evening Routine:
– Before bed, gently cleanse your lashes with an oil-free cleanser designed for eyelash extensions. Use a specialised lash cleanser or a gentle, fragrance-free facial cleanser. Dampen a clean microfiber pad or lash brush with the cleanser, gently stroke through lashes from root to tip, and rinse with lukewarm water.
– Pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. This removes dust, makeup residue, and bacteria while keeping lashes fresh and healthy.
Daily Eyelash Extensions Maintenance Tips:
Apply a lightweight lash conditioner or serum designed for extensions. These keep lashes hydrated and flexible, preventing brittleness. Brush gently once more after applying products to ensure even distribution and that lashes stay separated.
Step-by-Step Eyelash Extensions Cleansing Instructions
Proper lash extension cleansing is crucial, so let’s break down the exact process:
Step 1:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
Step 2:
Use a lash cleanser – foam, gel, or liquid designed specifically for extensions
Step 3:
Dampen a microfiber lash brush or clean pad with the cleanser
Step 4:
Gently brush through lashes from base to tip, using downward strokes
Step 5:
Rinse with lukewarm water. Never use hot water!
Step 6:
Pat completely dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or tissue
Frequency:
Daily cleansing is ideal, but make sure to clean your lashes at least 3–4 times a week to properly maintain your eyelash extensions.
Oils and Eyelash Extensions
One of the most critical aspects of eyelash extensions care is avoiding oil. Oil breaks down the adhesive bond that holds extensions to your natural lashes, causing premature loss and poor retention.
What’s Problematic for your Lashes:
– Oil-based makeup removers
– Heavy moisturisers near the lash line
– Oily sunscreens, coconut oil, argan oil, and most facial oils damage extensions.
– Even natural oils from your skin can impact longevity if you rub your eyes.
Oil-Free Alternatives for your Lashes:
– Use water-based makeup removers specifically formulated to be lash-safe
– Choose oil-free moisturisers and sunscreens. Apply products away from the lash line when possible.
– Use micellar water for gentle cleansing without oil.
The Exception:
Some specialised lash-safe oils exist, designed to condition extensions without breaking down adhesive. Ask your technician for recommendations. Most standard oils should be avoided.
Activities-specific Guide for Eyelash Extensions
Different activities require different precautions for maintaining eyelash extensions:
Swimming with Eyelash Extensions:
Avoid swimming for a week. After that, wear goggles and rinse lashes after swimming, as chlorine and saltwater can break down the adhesive.
Exercising with Eyelash Extensions:
Avoid intense workouts for the first 48 hours. After that, light exercise is fine, but sweat, saunas, and steam can weaken the adhesive. Clean lashes thoroughly after workouts.
Showering with Eyelash Extensions:
After 24 hours, gentle showers are fine. Avoid direct water spray and hot water, then pat lashes dry afterward.
Sleeping with Eyelash Extensions:
Sleep on your back when possible and use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction. Avoid pressing your face into the pillow.
Makeup Tips with Eyelash Extensions
You can still wear makeup with lash extensions, just be smart about it.
Eye Makeup Tips:
– Wait at least 24-48 hours after getting extensions before applying eye makeup
– Use oil-free, waterproof formulas
– Apply eyeshadow above the lash line rather than on the lid, when possible
– Avoid dark, heavy shadows directly on extensions as they can weigh them down
– Skip waterproof mascara – it’s unnecessary with extensions and difficult to remove safely
Makeup Removal:
– Remove makeup gently with oil-free remover
– Use a microfiber pad or cotton pad, never rough cotton balls
– Be extra gentle around the lash line. Never rub or tug at lashes
– Follow makeup removal with your evening lash cleansing routine
Extending Eyelash Extensions Lifespan: Expert Tips
These expert strategies help extend the life of your eyelash extensions:
Be Gentle Always:
Treat extensions like fine jewelry. Avoid rubbing eyes at all costs – this is the biggest cause of premature lash loss. If eyes itch, use eye drops or gently dab rather than rubbing.
Avoid Touching your Lashes:
Resist the urge to touch, play with, or adjust your lashes throughout the day. This causes breakage and weakens bonds.
Protect Lashes from Heat:
Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and excessive heat exposure. Heat weakens adhesive and can damage both extensions and natural lashes underneath.
Reduce Humidity:
Humidity interferes with adhesive curing and can impact longevity. After humid activities, pat lashes dry thoroughly.
Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water. Well-hydrated skin is healthier and supports better lash retention.
Use Lash Conditioner:
Regular conditioning keeps extensions flexible and prevents brittleness that leads to breakage.
Eyelash Extensions Care for Specific Concerns
Every client’s lashes are unique, and so are their needs. With the right adjustments to your routine, you can keep your lashes healthy, full, and flawless no matter your lifestyle.
Contact Lens Wearers:
Remove contact lenses before cleansing. Avoid touching extensions, wash hands first, and use rewetting drops to keep your eyes comfortable.
Sensitive Eyes:
Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products and patch test first. Stop use if irritation occurs and consult your technician. Sensitive eyes may benefit from specialised lash cleansers.
Dry Eyes:
Use preservative-free artificial tears, avoid additives, stay hydrated, and use a humidifier to maintain eye moisture.
Keeping Your Lashes Full: When to Book Your Next Fill
Understanding how to maintain eyelash extensions between appointments ensures consistent beauty:
Fill Frequency:
Schedule fills every 2-3 weeks, depending on your natural lash cycle. Some people need 2-week fills, others go 3 weeks.
Preparing for Fills:
Keep lashes clean and separated leading up to your appointment. Avoid heavy conditioning products 48 hours before your fill, as clean, bare lashes adhere better.
Between-Fill Maintenance:
Continue your daily eyelash extension care routine religiously. This is when most lash loss occurs if care is neglected. Stay committed to brushing and gentle cleansing.
Common Eyelash Extensions Aftercare Mistakes
Avoid these biggest mistakes that damage extensions:
Over-Washing:
While cleansing is important, over-washing strips natural oils. 3-4 times weekly is ideal; daily if you wear makeup.
Wrong Products:
Using the wrong cleanser or conditioner can weaken the adhesive. Always use lash extension-safe products.
Aggressive Brushing:
Rough brushing causes breakage. Always use gentle, feathering strokes.
Touching and Rubbing:
This is the number one cause of premature lash loss. Resist the urge, even when tired or itchy.
Ignoring Humidity:
Skipping protection after humid activities weakens adhesive. Always pat dry after exposure to moisture.
Delaying Fills:
Waiting too long between fills leads to poor retention and uneven appearance. Stay on schedule.
Ready for Lashes That Last?
Knowing how to look after eyelash extensions is genuinely straightforward once you understand the basics. Follow these eyelash extensions aftercare consistently, and your lashes will look absolutely stunning week after week. The key to maintaining eyelash extensions is establishing daily routines, avoiding oil and excessive moisture, being gentle always, and sticking to your fill schedule. Ultimately, keeping your lash extensions perfect is about treating them like the beauty investment they are—giving them care, attention, and consistency for long-lasting glamour and confidence.
At Posh Deluxe Salon, Perth’s go-to destination for luxury eyelash extensions, we believe that beautiful results begin with exceptional aftercare. Our expert technicians provide every client with a personalised eyelash extension aftercare guide, covering everything from how to look after eyelash extensions at home to professional-grade product recommendations. We guide you through every step—whether you’re new to extensions or looking to extend the lifespan of your current set—with proven eyelash extension care tips tailored to your lifestyle. From activity-specific advice to long-term maintenance routines, our comprehensive care support ensures your lashes remain flawless and comfortable from one fill to the next.
Dreaming of effortlessly beautiful lashes? Schedule your appointment at Posh Deluxe Salon today and experience stunning, long-lasting eyelash extensions tailored just for you.
