For lash professionals, proper aftercare instructions are essential, and help to ensure client satisfaction and long-lasting results. By educating clients on effective eyelash extensions maintenance, professionals can not only prolong the life of the extensions but also preserve the integrity of the natural lashes. This article will outline essential tips and techniques for how to care for eyelash extensions, ensuring that they remain beautiful, full, and long-lasting.
1. Avoid Water and Steam for the First 24 Hours
One of the most critical aftercare steps is keeping the lashes dry during the first 24 hours after application. The adhesive used in eyelash extensions requires time to fully cure and solidify. Exposure to moisture during this curing process can weaken the adhesive bond, leading to premature lash shedding.
The adhesive used in lash extensions forms a strong bond with the natural lashes, but water and steam can cause it to become unstable. This is why clients must avoid swimming, saunas, or even steamy showers immediately after their lash appointment. Excessive humidity can break down the bond before it has had a chance to fully harden.
Professionals should remind their clients to avoid not only water but also intense workouts and facials during the first day post-application. It’s essential to provide them with clear instructions to ensure the longevity of their lashes.
2. Clean Your Eyelash Extensions Regularly
Eyelash extensions maintenance includes regular cleaning to remove oil, dirt, and makeup residue that can accumulate on the lashes. A buildup of these substances can lead to poor lash retention and potential eye infections.
Many clients mistakenly believe that avoiding lash cleaning will help extensions last longer. In reality, failure to clean the lashes can cause the adhesive to break down due to oil and debris buildup. Additionally, improper hygiene around the eye area can lead to complications such as blepharitis or eye irritation.
Professionals should recommend using oil-free, gentle foaming cleansers specifically formulated for lash extension aftercare. Advise clients to use a soft brush to gently clean the lashes, ensuring that they don’t rub or tug at the extensions. Lash shampoos designed for extensions, which are typically oil-free, can also be highly effective in maintaining lash hygiene.
3. Brush Your Extensions Daily
A simple but effective way to care for lash extensions is by brushing them daily with a clean spoolie brush. This helps prevent tangling, keeps the extensions in place, and maintains their natural appearance. Lashes can become twisted or crossed over time, which not only looks unappealing but can also cause premature shedding. Regular brushing helps maintain the natural alignment of the lashes, preventing this from happening.
Advise clients to use a clean spoolie brush and gently run it through their lashes, starting from the base and working towards the tips. This technique ensures the lashes remain separate and prevents unnecessary strain on the natural lashes.
4. Avoid Oil-Based Products
Oil is the enemy of lash adhesive. Products containing oil can break down the adhesive bond and cause the extensions to fall out prematurely.
Oil-based makeup removers, moisturizers, and even certain sunscreens can weaken the adhesive used to bond extensions to natural lashes. Over time, this can lead to gaps in the lash line and require more frequent fill appointments.
For optimal eyelash extensions maintenance, professionals should recommend oil-free makeup removers, cleansers, and skincare products. Educate clients on checking product labels and avoiding formulations that contain oils such as coconut oil, argan oil, and mineral oil.
5. Be Gentle with Your Lashes
Clients often unintentionally shorten the lifespan of their extensions by being rough with them, especially during makeup removal or while cleansing their face.
Rubbing, pulling, or tugging at the lashes can cause them to fall out prematurely and damage the natural lashes. Encourage clients to use soft cotton pads and oil-free makeup removers to gently remove eye makeup without disturbing the extensions. Press and hold the pad against the eye for a few seconds before wiping away makeup in a downward motion, avoiding the lash line as much as possible.
Remind clients to avoid cotton swabs or pads that can catch on the extensions. Instead, recommend using soft microfiber or lint-free pads specifically designed for use around the eyes.
6. Avoid Sleeping on Your Face
The way clients sleep can significantly impact the longevity of their lash extensions. Pressing the face against a pillow can cause lashes to become misshapen, tangled, or even pulled out.
Sleeping on the stomach or side places unnecessary pressure on the lashes, which can lead to distortion and premature shedding. Over time, this can affect the overall appearance of the lashes, causing them to look uneven or sparse.
Encourage clients to sleep on their back whenever possible. A silk or satin pillowcase is also a helpful recommendation, as these materials reduce friction and prevent lashes from catching on the pillow during sleep.
7. Schedule Regular Fills
To maintain a full and voluminous lash look, clients should schedule regular fills. Over time, natural lashes shed, and new ones grow in their place, which means that extensions will naturally fall out as well.
Regular touch-ups, typically every two to three weeks, are essential for keeping lashes looking fresh and full. This is because natural lashes go through a growth cycle, and as they shed, the extensions attached to them will fall out.
For most clients, fill appointments every two to three weeks are ideal, but this can vary depending on individual lash growth cycles, lifestyle factors, and personal preferences.
8. Monitor Your Lash Health
Finally, it’s important for clients to monitor the health of their natural lashes while wearing extensions. If they notice any irritation, redness, or excessive lash loss, they should contact their lash technician for advice.
If clients experience discomfort, allergic reactions, or visible lash thinning, they should seek professional guidance. Sometimes, minor adjustments to the adhesive or lash length can resolve the issue.
Encourage clients to return for professional assessments if they notice any signs of irritation or lash damage. Early intervention can prevent further complications and ensure long-term lash health.
Conclusion
Proper eyelash extensions maintenance is key to achieving long-lasting eyelash extensions. By educating clients on essential aftercare tips—such as avoiding water, cleaning regularly, using oil-free products, and scheduling regular fills—professionals can help clients enjoy beautiful, full lashes for weeks on end. By following these guidelines, clients will not only have healthier lashes but also experience greater satisfaction with their lash extensions.
