Am I supposed to clean my eyelash extensions? Can’t a morning and evening shower or even the occasional face rinses clean my falsies? I know these questions ran through your mind the day you overheard the ladies at the salon say something about cleaning their eyelash extensions.
So, here’s your answer. You should clean your eyelash extensions. Why? Your lash line traps dirt, makeup, dead skin, and oil which your mirror doesn’t show you. These impurities are germs and foster bacteria breeding which is not good for those beautiful eyes.
Besides, if you have oily skin or wear eye makeup a lot, you should clean those falsies. Now, that we have settled that, you should learn how to clean your eyelash extensions outside a bath which is not so reliable.
Read on to see quick and easy steps to cleaning your eyelash extensions at home.
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Clean Eyelash Extensions
Step 1: Remove makeup
Before you get started with cleaning your eyelash extensions, it is important that your clean off your makeup, especially around the eye area. Use an oil and glycol-free makeup remover to wipe off makeup.
You can use cotton balls to clean areas like your cheeks, forehead, and undereye. When you want to clean the eyeliner, use the cotton end of a q-tip to wipe the eyeliner. Cotton balls will shed lint and create a mess on your false eyelashes. Use the q-tip to wipe away from or across your eyelid.
If you wipe towards the direction of your eyelid, you may get makeup remover on your lash line, and this will weaken the glue. Consequently, the extensions will begin to fall off. When you have removed all the makeup, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Clean eyelash extensions
Eyelash extensions are tender and should be treated as such. You can get a cleanser that is designed for false lashes. If you do not have that, a gentle foaming face cleanser or face soap will do.
Splash warm water onto your eyelash extensions and apply light drops of cleanser onto a fingertip and transfer it to the lashes. Use a fresh, clean q-tip to wash your eyelash extensions in up and down motions. If you work side to side, you risk loosening the bond and damaging your natural eyelashes.
Focus on your lash line and the gap between the falsies and your natural eyelashes (if any). These areas are where the dirt, oil, and breeding bacteria gather. You can use an undereye pad to secure your eyes from the cleanser.
SEE: How to Remove Eyelash Extension at Home- The Guide You Need
Step 3: Dry eyelash extensions
After cleaning your eyelash extensions properly, use a clean towel to pat dry your face. Do not use a towel to dry your lashes. Leave them to dry naturally. The towel can create a fury mess or pull at the lashes.
If you want to get them to dry faster, use a small piece of toilet paper to blot them gently. Be sure the toilet paper will not shed lint. Additionally, set your blow dryer to a very cool setting and hold it at about an arm’s length. Switch it on and allow it to work on each eyelash extension for about 5-10 seconds.
Step 4: Brush the clean eyelash extensions
Use a clean mascara brush or a spoolie to brush each extension gently. Do not brush with force such that you drag or pull them. Brush with the best of your carefulness.
SEE: How To Properly Cover Dark Under-Eye Circles With Concealers
Why should you clean your eyelash extensions?
When you clean your eyelash extensions, you prolong their lifespan and save your money. Clean eyelash extensions equal healthy eyes. Moreover, it prevents the development of lash mites and other eye infections like blepharitis.
Dirty lash extensions are a sign that dead skin cells, oil, and dirt have accumulated around your lash line. The dirt leads to eye inflammation and irritation. However, if you clean your eyelash extensions regularly, you will be salvaging the chances of these build-ups.
In addition, the dirt can weigh down your natural lashes and cause them to shed. This also affects the growth cycle of your natural eyelashes.
SEE: Types of Eyelash Extensions: This Guide Will Help You Pick the Right Lashes
Dos and Don’ts of Eyelash Extensions Care
Dos
- Cleanse your eyelash extensions twice or thrice every week
- After taking off your eye makeup every evening, clean your eyelash extensions
- Wash your eyelash extensions with a specific lash cleanser or shampoo
- If you’ll be using any other cleanser, use a mild, foaming cleanser
- Use mineral-based products around your eye area especially if you’ll be working around your eyelash extensions
- Clean your eyelash extensions after swimming or workout sessions
- Brush your false lashes every day to extend their life cycle
- Use only toilet papers or q-tips around your eyelash extensions
- After taking fake lashes off, store them in the plastic they came in and away from sunlight
- When eyelash extensions begin to look scanty or distorted, discard them
SEE: Popping Eyeshadow Looks You Will Surely Love
Don’ts
- Avoid getting oil or glycol-based products around your eyes when you have lashes on
- Do not clean your eye area with cotton balls because they will create a furry mess
- Don’t use makeup wipes to clean your eyelash area
- Try to avoid using cleansing waters like micellar water
- Avoid wiping your eyelash extensions with face cloths or sponges. They will hang onto the lashes, pull at them, and cause damages
- While washing your eyelash extensions, do not rub at them or wash with side motions. This can loosen the glue and damage your natural lashes
- When you have eyelash extensions, do not use cream or powder eyeshadows, liquid eyeliner, and mascara
SEE: Best Everyday Makeup
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you wash eyelash extensions every day?
Yes, you should. If you have oily eyelids or skin and if you wear eye makeup every day, make a habit of cleaning your eyelash extensions at the end of each day.
Furthermore, your lash line traps oil, makeup, dead skin cells, and dirt which foster bacteria growth. This exposes you to eye infections and untidy makeup.
Can you wash eyelash extensions in the shower?
If you want to wash eyelash extensions in the bathroom, do not do it under the shower. You can shower with eyelash extensions but the pressure from the shower can cause the adhesive to become weak and lashes will fall off.
Additionally, you should keep extensions away from steam and hair shampoo which can be too harsh on them.
Should you use baby shampoo to clean eyelash extensions?
The baby shampoo contains fragrance, colors, sulfates, and mineral oils which can cause the glue to break down and shorten the lifespan of your falsies. Although its mildness may make it seem suitable, it is not recommended for lash cleaning.
Additionally, to clean your lashes without any loss or damages, use a mild face cleanser or a specific lash shampoo or cleanser.
Can you use micellar water to clean eyelash extensions?
Micellar water contains ingredients that attract it to the ingredients in makeup. This makes it an effective makeup remover. Also, they are makeup removers.
So, if they come in contact with your eyelash extensions, they may cause the adhesive to loosen, and false lashes will begin to fall off.
However, you can use micellar water to clean makeup around your eye area.
Conclusion
Eyelash extensions undoubtedly give your natural face and face beat a lift. They effortlessly help you look glamorous. Moreover, with fake eyelashes, you can have a simplified and effective beauty routine. However, this is only possible if you are careful with them and if you care for them properly.
Moreover, clean eyelash extensions look more attractive and help the overall health of your eyes. While you go about your daily activities and even wear makeup, your lash line is prone to trapping dirt, oil, makeup product, and dead skin cells. And, this dirt creates a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause eye infections.
Finally, make a routine of cleaning your eyelash extensions with a suitable cleanser. Do not use cotton balls or towels around your eyelash area. The pressure of your shower can weaken and loosen the adhesive bond on the lashes. So, you should not rely on your bath time to clean your lashes.
Clean eyelash extensions guarantee longevity and cost-effectiveness.
Thanks for reading.
Check Africana Fashion to read more relevant beauty articles that help your keep up with glam and trends.