Eyelash extensions enhance the look of your eyelashes, making them fuller and longer. Taking care of them isn’t as easy as you might think it would be, though. There are many key points to note if you want to keep your lashes, and your client’s lashes, in tip-top shape. So, What is the proper way to clean your eyelash extensions and keep them healthy and beautiful? Here’s the answer.
Eyelash extensions can be cleaned gently twice a day by using cold water, a soft brush, and a mild, oil-free lash cleanser, just like Gollee’s Lash Foam & Brush Kit. Cleansing your lashes will not damage them. It prolongs their lifetime. Neglecting to clean them, or even get them wet, is what causes them to fall out prematurely.
Eyelash extension aftercare should be done consistently and carefully and is a relatively easy routine to follow. Continue reading for more on the best practices to use when cleaning your eyelashes. But first, let’s begin with an introduction…
Introduction
Eyelash extensions are the cherry-on-top to the perfect makeup look. They’re fun and flirty, but also convenient.
As a lash therapist, you’ve probably experienced clients who come into their eyelash extension appointments with yesterday’s eye makeup on and dirty lashes to fill.
If you haven’t, I assure you that eventually, you will.
But because you’re a professional and you positively love what you do, you just go with it and give them the best lash bath ever – before applying for their extensions.
And with the growing popularity of lashes and the increasing number of lash-loving ladies who don’t know a thing about proper aftercare, It’s your job and duty to let them know on the matter.
So to help you brush up on the facts (No pun intended)… Here’s a guide on how to clean eyelash extensions – the right way – plus all the other useful information you and your clients need to know.
How To Clean Your Clients Eyelashes With a Lash Bath
Products & Tools Needed
- Oil-Free Makeup Remover – If Needed
- Mild, Oil-Free Foaming Cleanser – Made for Lash Extensions
- Soft Eyelash Brushes – Spoolies
- Disposable Lip Brushes or Lash Cleansing Brushes
- Lint-Free Hand Towel or Cloth
- Portable Lash Fan
- Wash Bottle
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Let’s begin by placing a folded hand towel or cloth on the table beside your client’s head. (Let’s assume that all makeup has been removed)
- Add two pumps of the foaming lash cleanser to the clean hand towel.
- Then, using a disposable lip brush, apply a small amount of cleanser to your client’s eyelashes, carefully brushing them in a downward motion. Make sure to get all of the lashes and the eyelids too.
- Next, fold the cloth and place it on the side of your client’s face. Gently tilt your client’s head so that when rinsing, the water will run away from their eye and into the cloth.
- Now it’s time to rinse away the shampoo. Using your wash bottle, rinse the cleanser out of your client’s lashes and catch the water with the cloth. Before rinsing, let your client know that you are dispensing water onto their eye.
- Make sure the lashes have been rinsed thoroughly. Gently BLOT the lashes and eye area to dry up any remaining water.
- Use your portable lash fan to dry the lashes.
- Lastly, give the lash extensions one final brush to make sure they’re nice and pretty! Now you’re all done with your client’s lash bath!
Using The Proper Products & Tools
It’s important to use the proper tools and products when cleansing lash extensions. A professional eyelash extension cleanser – both oil-free and foaming – will nourish and protect your client’s lashes.
Foaming lash cleanser won’t let soap residue build up, it rinses out entirely. It doesn’t weaken the bond formed by the adhesive, either. The right kind of cleanser helps maintain healthy eyes and the perfect pH balance to prevent infection.
There certainly isn’t a shortage of eyelash extension products on the market. They come in many different materials – like synthetic, PBT, flat, mink, laser, and more. You can also select them based on the type of curl, width, length, style, and color.
You can shop for lash glues or adhesives, glue removers, lash treatments, primers, gel pads for extensions, tweezers, brushes, and lots of other must-haves for running a successful lash business.
Check out our selection of products by clicking here and stock up on all the essentials for the upcoming season!
Aftercare & Maintenance Tips
PRO TIP FOR LASH THERAPISTS – Always Educate Your Clients During Each Appointment – Provide Them With Instructions & Maintenance Tips To Take Home
What You Should Do
- Wait at least 48 hours after eyelash extension application before you cleanse the lashes or get them wet.
- If you accidentally use the wrong product, wipe it all off before rinsing your lashes with water.
- Wipe away all dirt, oil, and residue. Do not use cotton pads on or around your lashes – this can be harmful. Instead, use a lint-free towel or tissue.
- It’s recommended to cleanse your lashes 2x – daily.
- It’s best to cleanse lashes at night to remove the daily dirt and grime, leftover makeup residue, and dead skin cells.
- Water does not ruin lash extensions – It actually enhances them!
- Sleep with a silk pillowcase over your pillow to prevent breakage.
- Remember to blow-dry lashes after showering on the low, cool setting and point upwards – this maintains the shape of the curl.
- Be sure to remove all makeup… Even face makeup like foundation, powder, blush, etc.
- Wet your lashes and face with cold water. Do not use hot water because it can potentially melt the lash glue and cause them to detach from your lash line. Trust me, I know… It happened to me by mistake!
What To Avoid
- Avoid using products with oils or glycerin – they cause the glue to break down and the lashes to fall off.
- Avoid using baby oils – they contain sulfates, parabens, and perfumes that will cause eye irritation and a weakened adhesive bond.
- Avoid using any type of canola, mineral, vegetable, and coconut oil.
- Salt, sweat, and chlorine from swimming pools should be avoided as much as possible.
- Do not use homemade DIY cleansers – they can cause infection, allergic reaction, and clogged hair follicles.
- Avoid wearing waterproof mascara and eyeliner.
- Never use Micellar water on your lash extensions. They pull the oils out of your skin, coating eyelashes more than normal, and essentially, ruining your lash extensions.
- Do not use a showerhead to run water over your eyelashes. The high water pressure can cause detachment.
- Avoid wiping, rubbing, or scratching your eyes. If they itch, use only a lash cleansing brush or cloth to gently pat the area.
- No saunas, steam rooms, or facial.
- Avoid high heat when blow-drying your lashes and hair, and do not point down aiming at your lashes.
- Do not brush your lashes when wet or allow them to stay wet for long periods.
- It is not recommended to use makeup wipes for any reason while wearing your lashes. They contain substances – like parabens and alcohol – that will cause premature shedding.
When Is The Best Time To Clean Eyelash Extensions?
Do not cleanse until 48 hours after eyelash extension application. The lash extensions cure as time goes by, and eventually adhere to the lashes and lash line, becoming waterproof.
You can clean them twice daily – morning and night. The best time to clean them is at night because you can wash away the day’s build-up of dirt, oil, makeup, and dead skin particles.
If you don’t wear makeup or have excess oil production you can get away with cleaning them every other day, or 2-3 times per week. You should always clean them after swimming, exercising, or any activity that involves a lot of sweating and rigorous movement.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Eyelash Extensions?
Neglecting to clean your eyelash extensions can result in inflammation and itchiness of the eyelids. Scratching your eyes can result in losing a large number of your eyelashes. Not to mention how sore your eyes might be afterward.
Excessive amounts of dead skin cells, dirt, and dust particles can lead to an infection called Blepharitis. “Blepharitis is an infection that causes inflammation in the eyelids. When dirt and dead skin pile up in the lashes, they create a favorable environment for bacteria growth”. Blepharitis never goes away and requires consistent eye cleansing once it’s contracted.
An overgrowth of bacteria creates biofilms over the eyelids. These biofilms are what parasitic mites feast on, known as Demodex. Symptoms of these mites include redness, itchiness, and painful inflammation of the eyelids.
Bacteria growth will sometimes lead to endotoxins, causing further inflammation. While this dreadful infection is not deadly, it will restrict any possibility of wearing eyelash extensions for quite some time.
People are sometimes unaware of the harmful bacteria lurking throughout their lashes. This is because they are invisible to the human eye unless you are looking at them through a magnifying glass.
Symptoms of Blepharitis usually become known to the individual when they wake up in the morning. If you think you may have this infection, see your doctor immediately.
They will determine the proper treatment for your condition. Treatment options consist of medicated eyedrops and ointments.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
- Redness
- Irritation
- Extreme Itchiness
- Dry Eyes
- Burning Sensation in Eyes
- Watery Eyes
- Gritty Feeling in Eyes
- Feeling Like a Foreign Object is in Your Eyes
- White Flakes, Crust, and/or Scaley Skin
Final Thoughts
In summary, there is nothing worse for extensions than not taking proper care of them! If you think you might fail at keeping up with your aftercare regimen, it’s probably time to give up on lash extensions.
It is vital to maintain your hygiene while wearing them. You do not want to get an infection or eye condition that you can’t get rid of. Ironically, those who do get certain infections, look forward to a lifelong eye cleansing routine. One that demands cleaning their eyes multiple times a day.
Don’t be afraid to get your lashes wet or to cleanse them. Use a foaming cleanser, free of oils and glycerine, and cold water when cleansing. For the most wear time, you have to keep them clean and healthy.
Eyelash extensions keep you looking and feeling as beautiful on the outside, as you are on the inside. Make an appointment with a lash therapist near you… See the difference lash extensions have on your eyes!
