10 Ways to Care For Your New Lash Extensions

1. Do not get your lashes wet for 24 hours.

Fresh eyelash extensions and water are not friends. Eyelash adhesive takes about a full day to completely cure and this process involves using ambient moisture in the air. Exposing your new extensions to other moisture through steam, humidity, or water will result in the lash glue over-curing and becoming brittle which can cause retention problems.

2. Regularly clean your eyelashes and eyelids.

Eyelash extensions must be kept as clean as possible to protect not only your investment, but also your eye health. Bodily oils that travel onto your extensions will break down adhesive if not removed by cleaning. Failure to clean your lashes will not only result in poor retention, but the build up of bacteria can lead to eye infections. To avoid these issues, clean them gently using an extension-friendly cleanser; your technician can show you how.

3. Never use cotton swabs, pads or towels on your lashes.

Any cotton or rough material can snag on lash extensions and cause irritation – and let’s face it, you don’t want to be walking around with lint stuck in your lashes!

4. Oil is the enemy, so stay away from it.

Your lash extensions should never come into direct contact with oil-based products, as they can break down the adhesive and decrease retention. Additionally, you should try to limit the use of oil-heavy products on your face and hair, as throughout the day these oils can move onto your lash line.

5. Brush your lashes several times a day.

Just like brushing your teeth, brushing your eyelash extensions regularly needs to become part of your routine. Brushing them prevents any minuscule debris from building up and keeps your lashes neat, tidy and uniform.

6. Resist the urge to pick or pull at your lashes.

Do not pick or pull at your extensions, period.  The adhesive, though safe to use around eyes, is extremely strong and you could unintentionally pull out your natural lashes. Your lash extensions should not cause you discomfort or irritation; if you are experiencing this then consult with your lash tech.

7. Don’t sleep on your face.

When you face is pressed up against a pillow all night, your movement causes friction against your lashes. Over time, this breaks down the adhesive bond between your natural lash and the extension.  (Fun fact: your technician can usually tell what side you sleep on by noticing which eye has fewer lashes on it when you return for your fill.)

8. Don’t try to remove lash extensions by yourself at home.

A certified lash technician can remove lash extensions safely and expertly, without damaging your natural lashes. If you attempt to remove them yourself you risk follicular damage, which could prevent your natural lashes from growing back should you accidentally pull them out.

9. Clean your lashes before your fill appointment.

If your lash tech has to spend time cleaning and prepping your lashes for a fill, this takes away from the time they have to replace your lost lash extensions. This could mean you do not get your desired result, or that you must pay for more time to achieve it.

10. Use products specifically designed for eyelash extensions.

For best retention of your extensions, make sure to use aftercare products and eye makeup specifically designed for eyelash extensions such as the ones available through Muse + Maven. Two of our favourite lash care lines are by Canadian company Misencil and by Italian company InLei®.  If you’re looking for eyelash growth serum, we also carry the exclusive salon brand Adoreyes and go into depth about what it actually does in our blog post “What You Need to Know About Eyelash Growth Serums like Adoreyes“.

If you follow these guidelines, your lashes will stay looking tidy and beautiful in between appointments and you will drastically improve your lash retention – which is good news for your selfies and for your wallet!