Whether you’re brand new to eyelash extensions or maybe you’ve been getting them done for years, we think it’s important to stay current on the latest lash maintenance practices.
Since eyelash extensions sit so close to your eyes and are so delicate, if you’re committed to making them last, you’ll need to give them some special attention and regular care. If you’re wondering how long lash extensions last, the answer lies in how well you take care of them and if you’re scheduling regular fill appointments with your lash tech.
Here are 3 reasons to look after your lash extensions properly:
1. Lash Health
Regular lash fill appointments, combined with properly cleaning them should be at the top of your list of lash priorities. If not cleaned and maintained properly, your eyelids can become itchy, inflamed and even infected due to a buildup of dead skin and oil. The rate at which new lashed grow may also slow down.
2. Clean Lashes Last Longer
Eyeshadow, mascara and oily makeup don’t look great on eyelash extensions, and they definitely won’t extend how long they last. Clean them regularly, and they’ll last much longer.
3. Full Fills Cost more than Partial Fills
If you take proper care of your extensions, your fill appointments won’t cost nearly as much as full fills. Since most lash techs charge based on the amount of lashes needed, save yourself both time and money by taking extra care of your delicate lashes between appointments.
DO:
-Keep oily fingers away from your lashes as much as possible, especially during the first few hours after your appointment. The more they are touched and come into contact with oils, the more they will be strained at the root and prone to falling out.
-During the first 24-36 hours, keep your lash extensions as dry as possible. Ideally, don’t wash your hair right after a lash appointment, and if you absolutely need to, use lukewarm rather than hot water and keep the water off your face and eyes.
-Avoid steamy environments like very hot showers, saunas, hot tubs and spas for at least 24 hours after your appointment. If you’re planning a vacation to a very hot and humid destination, plan ahead to allow the lash extension glue to cure and be as strong as possible before being exposed to heat or humidity.
-Be conscious of rubbing your eyes if you’re
swimming and you get water in your eyes. After the 24 hour mark eyelash
extensions are waterproof, but it’s still wise to limit rubbing them.
-If you have a naturally oily complexion, try to control the oil as much as
possible. Blotting papers, oil reducing toners, mattifying lotion or powder can
be great oil regulators.
-Steer clear of face and eye makeup removers that are oil-based. Instead, look for
oil-free products, which will extend the life of your lashes. Your lash tech
can definitely point you in the right direction if you ask.
-Use a gentle foaming lash cleanser a few times a week to properly clean your
lashes.
DON’T:
-Do not play with, pick, or roughly rub your eyes as this can damage both your natural lashes and your extensions.
-Avoid using oily products on your face and eyes.
-Do not use waterproof or oil-based mascara or eyeliner – felt tipped, liquid liners are generally fine to use, but if you’re not sure, consult with your lash tech.
-Don’t use any mascara – you don’t need it if you have a beautiful set of lash extensions.
-Avoid using baby wipes, makeup remover wipes or cotton pads to wipe makeup off your lashes- these are too abrasive and can damage the roots of your lash extensions.
-Never try to remove lash extensions yourself! This can damage your natural lashes. Let a certified lash tech remove them for you instead.
-If you want your lashes to last, avoid cleansing oils and coconut oil.
-Don’t use stick-on lashes while you have lash extensions. Not only will this harm your extensions, you’ll also likely lose a few natural lashes when you’re taking the strips off.
What’s Normal?
Right after your lash appointment, some people experience sensitivity and minor redness or dry eyes. This will usually go away within a few hours, but be sure to tell your lash tech if you have any allergies or sensitivities. Never hesitate to call your tech if swelling, puffiness or redness last longer than a few hours.
-Lash shedding is normal – expect to lose about 1-5 lashes per day. If you notice lashes that have fallen out, don’t be alarmed. Lash extensions are attached to your natural lashes but are much longer than your natural ones, hence you’re more likely to notice them. A baby lash is right behind it and ready to take its place. You might also notice that some days you don’t lose any lashes, while other days you shed 3 or 4. This is completely normal and based on your natural lash growth and shed cycle, which tends to fluctuate from one person to the next.
-Lash shed cycles can vary, meaning that the number of lashes you shed between appointments might also vary. If you have your lashes filled every 4 or 5 weeks, on some weeks your lash tech may need to fill either more or less lashes. More lash shed usually means that new natural lashes have grown, therefore more are available to lash.
-Each set of lash extensions are unique and customized to the individual. The style, size and curl are all customized to your face and eye shape as well as to the condition of your natural lashes. Keeping this in mind, it’s important to remember that your lashes will not look identical to a picture you saw or to your friend’s lashes.
-Infills are recommended every 2-4 weeks, depending on the types of lashes you have installed. Usually, shorter lashes last longer than long ones, and glam or volume lashes tend to last longer than natural volume lashes.
What’s Not Normal?
-Intense itchiness, redness or swollen eyelids are not normal. This could be a sign of an allergic reaction, and unfortunately if it’s your first time getting lash extensions, it’s unavoidable and unpredictable. Allergic reactions are rare and can be treated, but always contact your lash tech if you are concerned.
-Lash shedding that seems excessive and out of the ordinary. If you believe that you are shedding more lashes than you have ever shed, please contact your lash tech. Possible problems could include improper curing of the glue or weak natural lashes.
-A gritty or sandy feeling in your eyes a few days after your lash appointment. This could mean that you’ll need to clean your lashes either more thoroughly or more often. Your lash tech can assess your lashes and provide advice.
Infills
If you want your lashes to last, be prepared for regular infills – generally every 2-4 weeks. No two infills are the same, so infill timing will depend on:
-How many lashes are applied. (the more lashes that are applied, the longer they last)
-How you care for them
-Your lash cycle
-Your skin type (oily complexions usually shed lashes faster than dry complexions)
-If â…“ of your lashes are retained between appointments, you might be able to schedule infills every 4-5 weeks (consult your lash tech)
Before you go for your Next Infill
-Avoid coming to your appointment with heavy makeup that will need to be washed off before bedtime that evening, since you’ll need to keep your lash extensions as dry as possible for 24 hours.
-Avoid wearing any form of eye makeup, as clean eyelids are the perfect canvas for lash extension application. Dirty lids are also a breeding ground for lash mites, which will prevent lash extensions from bonding firmly.
Visit www.Beautster.com and book your next eyelash extension appointment with a highly trained and experienced professional. Enjoy the convenience of 24/7 online appointment requests, and never miss another infill.
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