Eyelash extensions are one of those things that can transform your look, and make you feel like a goddess. To keep your lash extensions looking great you should clean lash extensions as needed. Learning how to properly clean lash extensions at home is important for anyone using them.
Just the small addition of individual lashes to your natural lash line can give you a glamorous makeover that can really take your confidence to the next level. You don’t want to risk infection by not having clean eyelash extensions.
Read on if you are wanting to learn how to clean eyelash extensions correctly, so you can keep your eyes healthy and your lash extensions lasting as long as possible.
The great thing about eyelash extensions is that they are semi-permanent lashes and can actually last for several weeks, simplifying your makeup routine and keeping your look fresh, stylish, and beautiful for longer.
The best way to get your new lash extensions to last longer is to keep them clean, free of any eye makeup and eye makeup build-up so that the eyelash adhesives do not break down, and they can stay on for as long as possible! So, let’s take a look at why you need to clean lash extensions and how you can do it at home! If you do go into a salon rather than doing this at home make sure to tip your eyelash extension artist.
Table of Contents - Click To
- Why You Should Clean Your Eyelash Extensions?
- How Long Do Lash Extensions Last When Cleaned Properly?
- What Can I Use To Clean My Eyelash Extensions?
- How To Clean Eyelash Extensions?
- What to Avoid When Cleaning Lash Extensions?
- Can I Use Micellar Water To Clean Eyelash Extensions?
- Can I Use Baby Shampoo To Clean My Eyelash Extensions?
- How To Clean Lash Extensions Video & Summary
Why You Should Clean Your Eyelash Extensions?
Our natural eyelashes are our first line of defense for our eyes. Their whole purpose is to keep out any airborne particles such as dirt, pollen, and debris so that the eyes are protected at all times.
So, when you add longer lash extensions to your own lashes, you need to remember the lash hair follicle works to trap dirt and dust to protect your eyes. While it is your eyelashes job to trap dirt and debris it is highly important to clean your lash extensions on a regular basis.
When lash extensions are applied to your eyes, there is often a small gap where the lash line meets the lash extensions. After a few days and weeks, this gap can trap dirt, dust, dead skin cells, eye makeup, mascara, and all kinds of debris.
With improper cleansing of the eyelash extensions and your natural lash, all of the particles trapped by the lashes on the eyes can start to grow bacteria, and can accumulate in the eyes, which can cause an infection such as blepharitis.
In addition to this, the oil from your skin, along with the dirt from day-to-day wear can also break down the lashes and lash glue much more quickly, which results in your new lash extensions falling out or shedding much sooner.
To ensure the health of your eyes, your natural lashes, and to make sure that the lash extensions last as long as possible, you have to clean lash extensions and keep them free of bacteria.
How Long Do Lash Extensions Last When Cleaned Properly?
With proper care and a cleaning schedule, your false eyelash extensions can last anywhere between 4-6 weeks. Most eyelash extensions last as long as the natural growth cycle of your own lashes, and they will fall off and start to come away as your new natural lashes grow.
Some eyelash extensions will last less than 3-4 weeks if the lashes are not combed, styled or washed, so it is paramount that you clean and maintain the lashes.
What Can I Use To Clean My Eyelash Extensions?
Technically you can use any of the following to clean your lash extensions: Lash shampoos, baby shampoo, foam cleansers, witch hazel, and micellar water to clean your lash extensions. While most of the items above can clean your lash extensions, some of them can be a little harsher on your eyes and lashes so we recommend some of the below products and walk you through on how to properly clean them.
After you have removed any eye makeup with an oil-free makeup remover we recommend using a foaming lash cleanser with a cleansing brush to apply it directly onto the lashes. Below are a few of the lash shampoo and cleansers we recommend that do a great job cleaning lash extensions and are quite affordable. The first recommendation is the Lash Cleanser for Eyelids from Melao, which is nonirritating, and paraben, and sulfate-free. If you are looking to make lash shampoo at home for your eyelash extensions look at are article.
Eyelash Extension Cleanser for Eyelids from Melao
You will want to ensure that the product you use is specifically designed for eyelash extensions, as they will be safer to use around the eyes, and are often nourishing for your natural eyelashes like this Eyelash Extension Shampoo from Forabeli which comes with a brush and wand to comb the lashes.
Lash Shampoo from Forabeli
How To Clean Eyelash Extensions?
So now that you have seen our recommendations for what to use to clean your lash extensions, we are now going to walk you through how to properly clean your eyelash extensions.
For the best results, you’ll need to wait a few days or at least until your eyelashes have completely cured and settled before you start thinking about cleaning them. Once you’ve had your lashes on for a few days, you’ll want to remove makeup you have on before starting to clean them.
It’s best to use an oil-free eye makeup remover or makeup wipes, as this will not break down the lash adhesive too soon. If you find it hard to get onto the lid to clean off eyeshadow because the lashes are in the way, then dip a cotton wool tip, cotton pads, or cotton buds into the cleanser and apply it along the lid, above the lashes.
The next step is to gently splash your lash extensions with water. Then, you will want to apply a small amount of eyelash extension shampoo to the lashes.
Once you have applied the product to the eyes, use the brush applicator to foam up the shampoo, and spread it along the lashes in an up and down motion to cleanse them. Next, gently splash with some water, and gently dab the lashes dry with a small, clean, lint-free or microfiber towel.
Finally, take a small spoolie brush or eyelash wand to comb out the lashes and achieve that perfectly curled and brushed-up look.
You should be cleansing your eyelash extensions every other day to keep them properly maintained, but if you have very oily skin, then it could be worth gently cleaning them every day.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Lash Extensions?
We recommend that you do not use any oil-based products, especially when it comes to cleaning the lashes as this will only break down the glue adhesive sooner, and your lash extensions will soon break off and come away.
So if you wear mascara once in a while or you are wearing mascara with your lash extensions on a daily basis you need to make sure you are using oil free products.
You should also avoid wearing eyeliner or mascara when you have false eyelashes applied, especially if the makeup is waterproof or long-lasting as this will make it nearly impossible to cleanse it off the eyelash extensions, which could cause a bacteria build up, or could damage your natural lashes.
Eyelash extensions can last for weeks, but they are also very delicate, so it is best not to use makeup brushes, sponges and similar tools on the eyelashes as it could tear them out prematurely.
In addition, you should be very gentle with the lashes when cleansing or applying make up as being too forceful can also lead to them falling out.
The biggest mistake many people make is rubbing the eyelashes.
When you have fake eyelashes, it can feel a little bit strange or scratchy at first, and some people will attempt to relieve some of the discomfort by rubbing their eyes. This is the fastest way to lose your eyelash extensions and should be avoided, so don’t do it!
Can I Use Micellar Water To Clean Eyelash Extensions?
You can use Micellar water to clean your eyelash extensions except you need to make sure that the micellar water you use is not infused with oil, as it can weaken the lash glue a water based product is safe to use but make sure that it is oil free to keep your lashes lasting as long as possible.
Can I Use Baby Shampoo To Clean My Eyelash Extensions?
Baby shampoo is fairly inexpensive and you can purchase it at any grocery store however it’s not professional grade and shouldn’t be used on lash extensions.
The baby shampoos’ sulphates will break down the eyelash glue adhesive, meaning you may have to go back more frequently to get your lash fills done to combat the weakened eyelash glue!
If you do choose to clean your eyelash extensions with baby shampoo you need to make sure it is oil-free, tear-free and doesn’t have mild surfactants.
How To Clean Lash Extensions Video & Summary
To summarize, eyelash extensions are a great way to revitalize your look and make yourself feel beautiful. Learning how to clean lash extensions at home is very important in maintaining clean lash extensions that will last.
However, they have to be maintained properly with frequent cleaning to ensure that they last a long time, and so that you don’t gather too much bacteria on the false lashes.
Kaija has been in the beauty industry for over ten years, with certification in Microblading. She has also been certified to do permanent makeup and brow lamination for five years.
She recently ventured out and got certified in lash extensions, lifts, and tints. Kaija strives to make her clients feel beautiful and enjoys sharing her beauty tips and tricks with those wanting to learn the ins and outs of the ever-changing beauty industry.