So, you’ve just plunked down some green for the gold – a beautiful set of eyelash extensions. Now, what’s the best way to keep those lashes holding tight, looking great,and feeling comfortable?
Keep it clean!
It’s important to cleanse your lashes. Yes, I have had clients who love their lashes so much and are so afraid of losing any that they will not touch them – this includes not washing them. But this is loving something to death! Truly. Lash extensions must be cleansed. Just like your natural lashes, but even more so, lash extensions gather dust and debris from the air, your fingers and makeup residue that needs to be washed away. Otherwise, this foreign matter can create a climate for bacterial, microbial and viral growth and will actually cause the adhesive to break down.
What do I use?
Most importantly, you want to use an oil free cleanser since the adhesive is oil based, it will be more readily broken down by another oil based product. How do you know a product is truly oil free? Well, this is the difficult part. That’s why I recommend using a product made especially for lash extensions. The cleanser I use and offer is an organic product that comes in foaming and liquid varieties.
You want to be sure to use a lint free pad to apply your cleanser; otherwise you’ll end up with fuzzies entangled in your lashes and can actually pull off lashes trying to detangle.
Which reminds me – playing with your lashes is a no-no! I know it’s so tempting — but truly, the less you pull, detangle, and manipulate, the better.
But they get tangled! What do I do to separate them!?
I offer clients what’s called a “spoolie” brush. This is the kind of makeup brush you find in a mascara bottle. You can gently brush your lashes with a spoolie. Another good trick is to let the water run on your lashes in the shower, then gently pat and fluff them back into place.
My lash extensions seem to feel dry. Is there anything I can do?
Yes! You can use an eyelash extension conditioner. I recommend an organic product made by Lash Fresh that you spray on your lashes once or twice a day and it keeps the adhesive soft and also moisturizers the lashes and your skin; thereby making the lashes more comfortable to wear.
Sometimes my eyes itch. Is there a product for that?
Yes, I recommend using a hydrating mist that can help. Of course, you have to be aware that rarely, there are people who are allergic to adhesives. If this is the case, then lash extensions may not be good for you.
I wish the lash extensions would adhere better! Is there anything I can to to help them last?
Yes! You can use a lash sealer. This will help maximize the amount of time the extension adheres to your natural lash. Also, you want to make sure that you are doing the following:
1. After having your lash extensions applied, keep them perfectly dry for at least 24 hours time. The adhesive needs this time to seal and harden.
2. Avoid spending a long time in hot, steamy places – like saunas, steam rooms, etc. It’s not bad if you do this; just realize if you do, it may cut down on the life of your lash extensions.
3. Don’t pull, tug, play with or constantly separate lashes.
4. Realize that wearing eye makeup can also affect the life of your lash extensions.
5. Use the proper products to help your extensions last!
All in all, lash extensions work wonderfully to open up and enhance the eye area. Clients say that they feel that they look younger and prettier. They are easy to wear, light weight and relatively simple to care for!
If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask away!
