How to Take Care of Eyelash Extensions: A Complete Guide for Long-Lasting Lashes

Eyelash extensions are a popular beauty trend that gives you long, voluminous lashes without the need for mascara every day. However, to keep them looking beautiful and intact, proper aftercare is essential. Without careful maintenance, extensions can fall out prematurely, lose their shape, or damage your natural lashes.

This guide offers a step-by-step approach to caring for your lash extensions, ensuring they stay full, neat, and healthy for as long as possible.

1. Avoid Water for the First 24–48 Hours

After your lash appointment, the adhesive used to apply the extensions needs time to fully cure. For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid exposing your lashes to water, steam, or any oil-based skincare products.

Helpful tip: When washing your face during this period, use a soft cloth to gently cleanse around the eyes, avoiding contact with the lashes.

2. Don’t Touch, Rub, or Pull on Your Lashes

Touching your eyes or tugging at the lashes is one of the most common ways to damage both the extensions and your natural lashes. It may cause premature shedding or lead to irritation and breakage.

Try to avoid touching your eye area altogether. If your lashes feel itchy or uncomfortable, contact your lash technician for advice instead of trying to fix them yourself.

3. Avoid Oil-Based Products

Oil-based products break down the lash adhesive, causing extensions to loosen and fall out sooner. This includes oil-based cleansers, eye creams, and some makeup removers.

Products to avoid:

• Micellar water with oil

• Eye creams containing heavy oils

• Makeup removers with mineral or coconut oil

Use oil-free products that are labeled safe for lash extensions to ensure longevity.

4. Brush Your Lashes Gently and Regularly

Lash extensions can become tangled or misaligned, especially after sleep or washing your face. Regular brushing helps keep them separated, neat, and well-shaped.

How to brush your lashes:

• Use a clean lash spoolie or mascara wand

• Gently comb from the middle to the tips of your lashes

• Brush in the morning and at night, or whenever lashes appear out of place

5. Sleep on Your Back

Sleeping on your side or stomach can crush, bend, or pull on your lash extensions due to friction with your pillow.

To protect your lashes while sleeping:

• Try to sleep on your back

• Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction

• Avoid pulling blankets over your face

6. Avoid Lash Curlers and Waterproof Mascara

Eyelash extensions are pre-curled, so using an eyelash curler is not only unnecessary but potentially damaging. Regular and waterproof mascaras can clump, be hard to remove, and weaken the adhesive.

Avoid using:

• Traditional lash curlers

• Waterproof or heavy mascaras

• Harsh eye makeup removers

If you want extra volume, use water-based mascara made specifically for lash extensions.

7. Limit Exposure to Heat and Steam

High heat and moisture can weaken the glue bond holding your extensions in place. Avoid environments like saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, and even getting too close to the stove while cooking.

To minimize damage:

• Avoid steam facials or hot showers directed at your face

• Wipe sweat gently during workouts

• Stay away from high heat sources like blow dryers near your face

8. Nourish Your Natural Lashes

Healthy natural lashes provide a strong base for extensions, helping them last longer and fall more naturally.

Ways to care for your natural lashes:

• Apply an oil-free lash serum regularly

• Maintain a diet rich in biotin, vitamin E, and B-complex

• Avoid pulling or plucking your natural lashes

9. Schedule Regular Lash Fills

Eyelash extensions typically last about 3 to 5 weeks, depending on your lash cycle and aftercare routine. Your natural lashes shed daily, so filling in gaps regularly is necessary to maintain a full appearance.

Suggested schedule:

• Week 2: Check for signs of thinning and book a fill if needed

• Week 3: Schedule a maintenance refill to keep your lashes full

• Week 4–5: If too many lashes have shed, consider a full removal and new set

10. Choose a Certified Lash Technician

Proper aftercare starts with a professional application. A licensed and experienced lash technician ensures that extensions are applied safely and evenly, minimizing irritation and maximizing retention.

What to look for in a lash salon:

• Certified technicians with positive reviews

• Clean and hygienic tools and equipment

• Use of medical-grade, non-irritating adhesives

• Clear aftercare instructions and follow-up options

Conclusion

Taking care of your eyelash extensions doesn't have to be difficult, but it does require daily attention and gentle handling. By avoiding water during the first 48 hours, steering clear of oil-based products, brushing regularly, and sleeping on your back, you can extend the life of your lashes and maintain a polished, beautiful look.

Ready to Keep Your Lashes Looking Their Best?

If you've just had your lash extensions done—or are considering getting them—this guide will help you protect your investment and keep your lashes gorgeous for weeks. For product recommendations, aftercare tips, or to book a refill with a certified technician, feel free to reach out to our salon.

Contact us today at Emerald Spa for a free consultation or to schedule your lash maintenance appointment.