Getting lash extensions is exciting, but keeping them looking flawless takes a little know-how. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate lash aftercare guide—everything you need to know to keep your lashes healthy, full, and long-lasting. From washing and brushing to sleep tips and avoiding heat, these expert tips will help you protect your investment and enjoy beautiful lashes every day.
When Can I Wash My Lashes?
Good news—there’s no need to wait 24 hours! The adhesive dries quickly when applied carefully, so you can start washing your lashes the evening of your appointment.
Cleansing your lashes early is more than just about keeping them looking good—it’s also an important step in preventing lash allergies. Waiting too long to wash your lashes increases the risk of irritation, buildup, and allergic reactions. Washing within the first 24 hours helps remove impurities and keeps both your extensions and your natural lashes healthy.
Washing Your Lashes: The Complete Guide
Lash Health
Our eyelashes naturally collect dust, oil, and debris to help protect our eyes. When you add extensions, this buildup increases, and the amount of product, sweat, and environmental debris can multiply if we don’t keep our lash lines clean.
When washing your lashes, you’re not just targeting your extensions—you’re also cleansing your natural lashes and the skin around them. For best results, wash for at least 60 seconds, incorporating it into your morning and night skincare routine after your facial cleanser. The Hcsbeauty Lash Shampoo doubles as a facial cleanser, so don’t worry if it drips onto your face.
Neglecting to wash can lead to irritation, subpar retention, weakened natural lashes, and even lash allergies, so daily cleansing is key to keeping both your lashes and eyes healthy.
Plus, regular washing keeps your extensions fluffy, soft, and in their best shape. Be motivated to know that a little daily care goes a long way—your lashes will look stunning, feel healthy, and last longer than you ever expected!
Can I swim or go in the sauna?
Yes, but always wash your lashes afterward. Salt, chlorine, and sweat can stiffen lashes and reduce retention if not cleaned promptly.
Makeup Removal
When removing makeup, focus on your lash line. Gently sweep your brush in circular and back-and-forth motions under the lashes—this is where most product tends to collect. Don’t rush this step; wash for at least 60 seconds while keeping your brush moving to ensure all buildup is lifted. Rinse thoroughly and get ready to see every bit of leftover makeup wash away!
Tip: This step is not ideal with spoolies or cotton rounds—using your lash brush with a gentle, lash-safe cleanser is far more effective and safe for your extensions.
Drying Tips
When rinsing shampoo or conditioner, face away from the shower head and gently dab your lashes with a clean towel. You can also use the “cool” setting on a blow dryer, then comb through with your spoolie to maintain perfect shape.
Can I use my regular skincare products around my eyes?
Yes! The common warning against oil-based skincare came from older formulas of lash adhesives. Modern adhesives are stronger and more resistant. As long as oil-based products aren’t sitting directly on your lash line, you can safely continue your routine. For extra peace of mind, avoid applying those products too close to the lash line.
How To Brush Your Lashes Properly
Brushing your lashes might seem simple, but it’s an essential step for lash health. Use the provided spoolies after washing, while lashes are wet or drying, to detangle and shape your extensions.
Brushing throughout the day helps keep lashes separated, maintain a polished look, and even encourages healthy, natural lash growth. Leaving lashes tangled can pull on your natural lashes, which may lead to breakage. Regular brushing ensures your lashes stay fluffy, full, and flawless.
How Should I Sleep With Lash Extensions?
Sleeping the right way can make a big difference in lash retention. The best position is on your back to avoid friction with your pillow. If you’re a side sleeper, try elevating your head to prevent premature lash fallout. Silk pillowcases are a simple extra layer of protection that helps maintain your lash shape overnight.
How Can Heat Affect My Lashes?
Avoid exposing your lashes to high heat from lighters, grills, ovens, or hot tools. Prolonged heat can cause your extensions to lose curl or even singe the tips, which affects both their appearance and your natural lash health.
Why Are My Lashes Falling Out?
Lash shedding is completely normal and even encouraged. Extensions are attached to your natural lashes, which grow and shed in a continuous cycle—just like nails grow out and are replaced. When a natural lash sheds, the extension attached to it sheds too. Proper aftercare minimizes premature fallout, but a certain amount of shedding is healthy and expected.
How Often Should I Schedule Fill Appointments?
Lashes naturally shed and regrow, so consistent maintenance is key. Booking fill appointments every 2–3 weeks keeps your set full and flawless. When combined with proper daily care, diligent aftercare may even extend the time between fills.
Lash Allergies: What You Need to Know
While rare, some people can develop a reaction to lash extension adhesive. About 5% of the population may experience this allergy, and often it doesn’t appear until your third exposure. If you notice irritation, redness, swelling of the eyelids, or discomfort, these could be early signs of a lash allergy.
The good news? If this happens, it’s usually an easy fix—but only if you act quickly and consult a doctor.
What to Do
If you suspect a lash allergy, contact me immediately so your extensions can be assessed. Then, consult a doctor as soon as possible. I’ve completed a lash allergy course and am trained to help manage these reactions—but it’s essential that a doctor prescribes the proper medication for safe treatment.
How It’s Treated
Most lash allergies are treated with a short course of prescription topical medication, usually applied along the lash line. This helps reduce swelling and heal your eyelids safely. In some cases, extensions can be removed with a solvent, but if the eyelids are already sensitized, this can be uncomfortable. Using a prescription steroid can often allow you to keep your extensions while resolving the allergy.
Important: Do not attempt to treat a lash allergy at home. Always contact a professional immediately to protect your eyes and skin. Early action is the key to a safe, effective solution.
Stick to these steps, and your lashes will reward you with better retention and healthier natural growth.
Lash care is simpler than it seems—once you stay consistent, these steps become effortless. And the results speak for themselves: better retention, healthier natural lashes, and a flawless set day after day. Give your lashes the care they deserve!
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