Eyelash extensions are the hottest beauty trend sweeping Fredericton, NB. With their ability to transform your eyes with the look of full, long lashes, extensions offer an unparalleled way to amplify your natural beauty in one simple treatment. However, to make the most out of your investment in this beauty treatment, it's essential to follow proper aftercare methods to ensure the longevity and durability of your eyelashes. In this article, we'll share our top eight aftercare tips to help you prolong the life of your eyelash extensions, keeping your eyes looking gorgeous and captivating for weeks to come. So, if you want to flaunt those fabulous lashes even longer, read on to discover the best practices for maintaining their beauty and allure!
Importance of Aftercare
Eyelash extensions are a great way to enhance your natural beauty and give you a more dramatic look. However, they require special care to keep them looking their best. Taking care of your lashes is important because:
*It helps prevent damage to your natural lashes
*It ensures your extensions last as long as possible
*It keeps your eyes healthy by preventing infections
*It maintains the overall appearance of your lashes, making them look full and lush
Your eyelash extensions can become damaged or fall out prematurely without proper aftercare. This can lead to a less-than-desirable look and even cause harm to your natural ones. By caring for your extensions properly, you can enjoy beautiful lashes for weeks to come.
Normal Eyelash Extension Shedding
When it comes to eyelash extensions, shedding is normal, and it's essential to understand that you might lose a few lashes every day, just like your natural lashes. Losing two to five extensions each day is considered normal. In case you have overly oily skin these numbers can be more. However, anything more than that could indicate that you're doing something wrong. Over-brushing, rubbing your eyes, or using oil-based products around your lashes can cause them to drop. If you notice that you're losing more than five lashes every day, contact your lash technician and follow their aftercare instructions more strictly to ensure that your lashes remain healthy and intact.
Things to Avoid During the First 48 Hours
Avoid Wetting Lashes
For the first 48 hours after your eyelash extension application, avoid water and steam to allow the adhesive to properly bond to your lashes. Exposure to moisture or heat can cause the adhesive to soften and loosen prematurely. Also avoid sunbathing, saunas, and strenuous activities that cause heavy sweating during this initial period. Keeping your extensions dry and cool as the adhesive sets will help them adhere securely to your lashes, resulting in extensions that last longer and look fuller.
Avoid Facial
While regular facials do wonders for your skin, they can damage new eyelash extensions. Avoid facials for the first 48 hours after your lash extension application. The moisturizers, steam, and massage involved in a facial can cause extensions to loosen prematurely. Your own lashes and extensions also need time to adjust to the new weight, so avoid additional stress or manipulation during the initial bonding period. After 48 hours, proceed with facials as usual, but be gentle around the eye area to keep your extensions looking their best.
The Do's and Don'ts
Keep Them Clean
Maintain your lash extensions with a daily wash using a lash-safe cleanser. Gently cleanse your lashes to remove natural oils. Avoid shampoos or products containing fragrances and sulfates that can dry out and damage lashes. After cleansing, pat lashes dry with a soft cloth—never rub or use heat to dry. Some people use blow dryers at the cool setting to dry them. But blow dryers, even on cool settings, can degrade your extensions and lashes. Air drying is best.
Comb Lashes Daily
Gently brush your lash extensions daily with a clean spoolie brush. Brushing removes loose extensions and stray natural lashes, keeps them looking tidy, and prevents lash matting or tangling. Work in sections, brushing from the base of your lashes outwards. Be very gentle. Daily brushing, washing, and proper drying are key to keeping your extensions looking full, separated, and natural for as long as possible.
Use Oil-Free Products
Use only lash safe makeup removers and cleansers. Oil-based products can weaken the adhesive bond, causing extensions to loosen and fall out prematurely. Oil breaks down the lash adhesive, so always choose oil-free, gentle cleansers made for use with lash extensions. Never rub your eyes or tug at your extensions when removing makeup. Instead, softly wipe away makeup with a damp cloth or extension-safe wipe and then rinse with water. Pat your lashes dry afterward—never rub.
Avoid Mascara
Eyelash extensions eliminate the need for mascara, but if you choose to wear it, use caution. Never use waterproof mascara, as it is difficult to remove and can damage extensions. For volume or hybrid lash extensions, it is best to avoid mascara altogether. The extra weight and manipulation can cause extensions to loosen or fall out faster. If you have classic extensions and must wear mascara, choose a gentle, lash extension-safe formula and apply carefully with a lash comb to avoid clumping. With proper application and removal, mascara on classic lash extensions can be fine, but your extensions will last longer if you skip the mascara altogether.
Do Not Rub your Eyes
Avoid picking, pulling, or rubbing your eyelash extensions. These activities can cause premature lash loss and damage your own lashes. Extensions are delicately applied, so rough handling will make them loosen or drop faster. Rubbing your eyes also stresses the lash line and can lead to lash loss or breakage over time. Train yourself to be gentle around the eye area and keep your hands away from your lashes. Your lashes will thank you, and your extensions will look lush and full for longer.
Schedule Regular Touch-ups
Visit your favorite salon and spa every 2 to 3 weeks for infill appointments to maintain your lashes. As your natural lashes grow, the extension-lash gap increases, and your extensions can start to look sparse. Fills involve applying extensions to the gap to keep your lashes looking full. The exact timing will depend on your lash growth, so your lash artist can advise you on your personal schedule. Staying on top of your infill appointments is key to keeping your lash extensions last longer.
Lash Extensions Removal
While you may find tips online for removing lash extensions at home, it is not recommended. Removing extensions, yourself risks damaging your own lashes or causing infection. Professionally removal by your lash tech is the safest approach. Your lash artist has the proper tools and training to gently and effectively remove your extensions without harming your lashes. They can also advise you on giving your lashes a break or discussing a new extension style at your next appointment. Always have your lash extensions applied and removed by a certified lash professional for the health of your lashes.