Here's How to Care For Lash Extensions, Straight From the Experts

When it comes to lash extensions, you might think that once you're out of the chair, your flutter-worthy lashes are ready to go. Hold up, though. Knowing how to care for lash extensions at home is super important, not only to prevent unwanted bacteria and infections but also to preserve longevity and fullness. Trust me, I've worn lash extensions for about six years now and understand the required upkeep. I'll be real with you: lash extensions are a beautiful but high-maintenance commitment, and eyelash extension aftercare is something you must plan on incorporating into your daily wedding beauty routine, whether it's your wedding day or just a regular Tuesday.

So, who better to teach you about caring for lash extensions than the amazing lash techs I've worked with myself? Sister power duo Alessandra and Gabriella Mings are master lash artists and educators at VAMPD Brow and Lash in Oviedo, Florida, with each having eight years of experience. It's safe to say they know a thing or two about keeping your lashes squeaky clean.

In this article:

• How Long Should Lash Extensions Last?
• Showering with Lash Extensions
• How to Clean Eyelash Extensions
• Will crying ruin my lash extensions?
• Do's and Dont's of Eyelash Extension Care

How long should lash extensions last?

Like the hair on your head, your eyelashes have a natural shedding cycle. So, how long do lash extensions last? Everyone's natural shedding cycle is different. Some will just naturally retain their lashes longer than others. However, there are things you can do to help extend the wear time. According to Alessandra and Gabriella, the longevity of your lash extensions depends on two factors, "your lash artist's application and retention techniques, as well as your lifestyle and how well you take care of your lash extensions."

A huge part of eyelash extension aftercare is routine lash fills, where your lash tech will fill in the lashes you've lost since the last time you visited. "Most often, we recommend clients come back every two to three weeks for in-fills, never exceeding four weeks," says Mings. As The Knot's resident beauty editor, I never go more than three weeks without a fill, with two weeks being preferred to keep them fluffy and full.

Showering with Lash Extensions

There's nothing like a hot shower at the end of a long day, but you may need to change up your routine a bit when you add lash extensions to the mix. How and when you choose to shower can play a big role in how well your lashes stick around.

When to Shower After Lash Extensions

To keep your lashes thriving, Alessandra and Gabriella advise clients not to get them wet in the 24 to 48 hours after their full-set lash extension appointment. This is to help ensure that the glue dries properly and to avoid the water pressure causing any unwanted breakage.

How to Shower with Lash Extensions

After those 24 to 48 hours are up, "we recommend clients be mindful about not facing directly into the shower head when washing, as we don't want heavy amounts of water pressure directly falling onto the lash extensions," says Mings. "We also recommend washing your face and eyelash extensions outside of the shower in a two part process." More on that below.

How to Clean Eyelash Extensions

"Washing your lash extensions is one of the most important factors in creating optimal retention, good eye health, and maintaining the best overall look of your extensions," says Mings. For those learning how to wash eyelash extensions, Alessandra and Gabriella broke down step-by-step instructions on how to clean your eyelash extensions:

1. When washing your lashes, it is important to remove all face makeup first, avoiding the area, prior to cleaning your extensions. (The Knot Editors love the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover and the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser and Makeup Remover.)
2. Once your face is makeup free, take your lash extension safe cleanser and apply the product to your soft bristle brush, working the product away from your eye as as well as side to side to really get in between those lash fibers. If your lash artist doesn't sell lash extension cleaner in store, try Velour Lashes Lash Clean Oil-Free Makeup Remover, Avène Gentle Eye Makeup Remover or Kiss Lash Purify Eye Makeup Remover and Lash Cleanser.
3. Rinse your lash extensions with cool water and immediately pat them dry. Do not brush your lash extensions while they are wet. We recommend taking a fan or putting your blow dryer on a cool setting and beginning to dry your lashes.
4. As the lashes begin to dry, you can start brushing your lashes with a lash brush (like this affordable set of lash spoolies from Real Techniques) to fluff and fan them out. It is important to clean your lashes every day, or at least three times a week.

Will crying ruin my lash extensions?

As long as you get your lash extensions done 24 to 48 hours before your wedding day, it will not ruin your lash extensions. "We always recommend a fresh set right before your wedding, as fresh sets typically last longer and will also look perfect for your special day," Alessandra and Gabriella tell us. "Whether you chose a full set or an infill before your wedding day, it is imperative to make sure you give your lash extensions 24 to 48 hours to cure before getting them wet or applying makeup that will need to be removed."

Much like testing out your wedding beauty with your local makeup artist or hair stylist, you may want to test out eyelash extensions a few months prior to the wedding day to make sure they're what you want for your wedding day beauty. Plus, you want to make sure you won't have any unwanted reactions around your beautiful eyes. "For any lash newbies, we would like to preface that if you have sensitive eyes or are prone to allergies, you should ask your lash artist to do a patch test on you before your full set to make sure you don't have any allergic reactions to the adhesive," says Mings.

Do's and Dont's of Eyelash Extension Care

Now that we've done a rundown with Alessandra and Gabriella on the basics of lash extension care, here are a few final lash extension care tips, dos and don'ts, to keep your gorgeous lashes looking fresh and fab, no matter the occasion:

Do:

• Go to a reputable lash artist.

• Ask for a patch test.

• Cleanse your lashes as much as possible.

• Brush your lashes every morning and night.

• Stay away from direct heat.

Don't:

• Wear any face or eye makeup to your appointment.

• Use oils on or around your eyes.

• Pick, pull or pluck your lash extensions.

• Sleep on your face.

• Use a cleanser that is not lash extension safe.