Eyelash extensions are a popular choice for enhancing the appearance of natural eyelashes and giving the eyes a beautiful look. However, to maintain these extensions and their quality over time, make sure to clean them regularly to remove dirt, oils, and makeup residue around the extensions.

Ready to take a closer look? In this article, we’ll provide you with important steps and tips for keeping your lash extensions looking and feeling clean, smooth, and soothed.

What You'll Need: Essential Cleaning Supplies

Make sure to clean your eyelash extensions regularly to keep them healthy, neat, and stylish for a long time. Here are some essential eyelash care supplies that you should have:   

  1. Eyelash-Safe Cleansers 

Use an oil-free cleanser and gently clean your eyelashes. Oil-free products don’t weaken the adhesive used to attach the extensions and are generally considered safe to use around the eye area. 

  1. Soft Cleaning Brushes

Eyelash brushes are essential tools in the world of eyelash extensions. They are necessary for achieving perfect, long-lasting eyelash extensions because they ensure that the lashes are separated with precision. 

Look no more for the perfect eyelash brush! Our smooth lash and lid brush will do wonders for you! 

  1. Clean Towels and Tissues

After you clean your eyelashes, use lint-free soft towels or tissues to dry the area around your eyes. 

  1. Spoolie Brush

Use a special spoolie brush to comb your eyelashes after cleaning them. This tool helps your lashes remain in perfect shape and polished all the time. 

Step-by-Step Lash Extensions Cleaning Process

Lash extensions make you feel great all the time until they start to fall out sooner than expected, and in most cases, the cause is due to poor lash extension hygiene. If you want to protect your investment, follow a daily cleaning routine that will keep your eyes looking perfect. 

Daily cleaning routine:

Morning Care Tips 

When you wake up, all you want to do is refresh your lashes and gently clean them of any sleep crust that may have accumulated during sleep.

Follow these simple steps during your morning routine: 

  1. Wash Your Face Carefully: Use a gentle, oil-free facial cleanser and avoid exposing your lashes to direct water. 
  2. Gently Clean Your Lashes: Always Remember: Gentleness Matters! Use a soft eyelash brush and a special cleanser (oil-free) and brush the lash line in small circular motions or from top to bottom.
  3. Rinse Gently: Use lukewarm water to remove everything around your eye area and lashes. Use your hands to spray water or wash the brush you used and use it to apply water to it until all traces of the product are removed.
  4. Keep Your Lashes Dry: Using a soft towel or clean tissue, gently dry the area around your eyes without rubbing excessively.
  5. Comb Your Lashes: Use a clean spoolie brush to detangle and rearrange your lashes.

Evening Deep Clean Process

Evening cleansing is crucial to remove any dirt, dust, makeup, and oils that accumulate during the day. For best results, consider following these steps: 

  1. Remove Makeup: Use an oil-free makeup remover and a small cotton pad. Avoid rubbing your lashes or using wet wipes on your eyes.
  2. Clean Your Lashes: Add eyelash cleanser and gently clean the lash line, especially between the hairs where oils accumulate.
  3. Rinse Thoroughly: Use lukewarm water and avoid getting water in your eyes.
  4. Comb Your Eyelashes: After your lashes are completely dry, use a spoolie brush to gently comb them and keep them in shape.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your extensions last for as long as possible, avoid these mistakes during the cleaning process of your eyelash extensions: 

1. Using Oil-Based Products

Oily products (such as makeup removers or oil-rich creams) can weaken the adhesive of false eyelashes or affect the health of natural eyelashes. Oils dissolve the glue used in eyelash extensions, causing them to fall out prematurely.

To avoid this: Use oil-free products specifically designed to clean the eyes and eyelashes.

2. Rubbing or Pulling on The Eyelashes

Rubbing your eyes or trying to remove makeup too vigorously can cause your natural eyelashes to break or the extensions to fall out.

To avoid this: Use a special brush to gently clean your lashes with smooth upward and downward strokes.

3. Inadequate Rinsing

Insufficient rinsing, use of facial cleanser or shampoo, can lead to problems, including irritation of the eyes, clogging of the eyelash follicles, or causing blepharitis.

To avoid this: Rinse your eyelashes thoroughly with lukewarm water after using any cleansing product.

4. Using Cotton Products

Cotton can leave small fibers stuck to the lashes, which can weaken their cohesion or cause discomfort to the eyes.

To avoid this: Replace cotton with a soft eyelash brush or microfiber cloth that does not leave fibers behind.

5. Sleeping With Wet Eyelashes

Sleeping without drying your eyelashes after washing them can affect their shape or lead to bacteria buildup, especially when moisture is present.

To avoid this: Gently dry your eyelashes with a soft towel or a cool air dryer on low speed, and make sure they are completely dry before going to sleep.

Troubleshooting Common Issues 

  • Dealing with buildup

To deal with the buildup of dirt, oils, or makeup residue between the lashes, use a lash extension foaming cleanser. 

  • Managing irritation

Irritation can result from the lash application process or product sensitivity, causing itching, redness, or burning. To avoid this, wash the area with lukewarm water, and use cold compresses.

  • Addressing premature shedding

To avoid premature shedding of eyelash extensions, stop using oil-based products and say no to excessive rubbing. 

  • When to seek professional help

If you notice anything unusual with your lashes, including: 

  • Itchy eyelashes with yellow discharge or swelling
  • Extreme eyelash loss

FAQs

Can I use regular face wash to clean my lash extensions?

Regular facial cleansers contain oils or ingredients that may weaken the adhesive, shorten the life of your extensions, and cause eye irritation.

How soon after getting lash extensions can I wash them?

Wait 24 to 48 hours after application before you can watch your lashes to avoid weakening the bond between the extensions and the adhesive due to water or steam.

How often should you clean lash extensions?

It’s better to clean your lash extensions once a day or every two days using a special oil-free eyelash cleanser. 

Is it normal for some lashes to fall out during cleaning?

Yes, it’s normal for some eyelashes to fall out during the eyelash extension cleaning process, especially if the process is done repeatedly or if the eyes are rubbed vigorously. 

Flawless Lashes by Brau

At Brau, we’re all about enhancing your natural beauty with beauty services. Lash extensions are a beauty trend and a great way to enjoy a fuller, more defined look without the need for daily mascara. 

Always remember that a proper aftercare routine is crucial to maintaining the health of your natural lashes and extending the life of your lash extensions!

Book your appointment today and enjoy fabulous lashes designed especially for you!