How To Care For Your Eyelash Extensions

I got eyelash extensions, now what? One of the best beauty decisions of my life: eyelash extensions. It’s safe to say I’m hooked. A few months ago I wrote a blog post on my experience with eyelash extensions and it continues to be one of my most viewed beauty posts. To continue this conversation, I opened up my instastories once again for questions on how to maintain eyelash extensions. Keep reading to see how I prolong the lifetime of my lash extensions!

I got eyelash extensions for the first time. How should they feel on my lashes?

First off, congrats on your new gorgeous lashes! You can expect to feel added weight on your natural lashes for the first little while. It took me about a week to get used to this new sensation, but after the first week, I never felt them again! Your eyes should look healthy and there should be no signs of irritation. If your eyes or eyelids are itchy, bumpy, or red – go back to your esthetician ASAP and get them checked out. You may be having an allergic reaction to the lash glue or the extensions themselves. Pro tip: if you have sensitive eyes, stay clear of real mink lashes. They’re known to be an irritant. Always stick with synthetic mink or silk lashes.  

Help! I want to wear eye makeup but don’t want to jeopardize the longevity of my lashes.

Sister, I’m with ya! Wearing zero eye makeup isn’t in the cards for me. Sorry, not sorry. While you should avoid using mascara at all costs, you can still wear eyeliner and eyeshadow. Pro tip: Make sure to only use eyeliners that are oil-free (oil will break down the eyelash glue).

Do I need to take a break in between fills once I start?

My eyelash esthetician recommends giving your natural eyelashes a break once a month per year.

My real eyelashes are falling out, what’s the deal? 

If the eyelash application is done correctly, your natural eyelashes should not fall out. An eyelash technician is trained to examine your natural lashes and determine the weight/length of extensions your natural eyelashes can tolerate. If you have short, thin eyelashes avoid the “dramatic” lash look – aka super long, thick lashes. You’ll also want to stay clear of 3D, 4D and 5D lashes. What are 3D lashes? When 3 extensions are glued together and placed on one single natural eyelash. They will be heavier on your lashes and will cause more wear and tear. You guessed it – 4D lashes have 4 lashes glued together and 5D is 5 lashes glued together. 

I don’t wear eye makeup. Can I just rinse my eyelashes with water to keep them clean? 

Whether you wear eye makeup or not, you’ll need to rinse your eyelashes with baby shampoo every morning and night. Oil from your skin, mixed with pollution and dust in the air can collect on your eyelashes, which can attract bacteria. Trust me, you don’t want to fool around with the health of your eyes. Suck it up and gently rinse your eyelashes with baby shampoo and rinse them dry. It will take approximately 2 minutes and protect the health of your eyes and eyelash extensions. 

Does sleeping on your side affect your eyelash extensions?

Believe it or not – if you sleep on your side your eyelash extensions are likely to come off faster on the side you sleep on. The friction created from your extensions and your pillow will loosen the eyelash glue. The only solution- sleep on your back!

How do I know when it’s time for a fill?

Only you will know when it’s time to go in for a fill. Some girls who prefer their lashes at max volume at all times go in once every two weeks! If you’re more laid back (or downright lazy) like I am – I tend to go in when my eyelashes are starting to look uneven. I always lose more lashes on my right eye (I sleep on my right side) so where there is a noticeable difference between my left and right eyelashes I’ll go in!

Once I start extensions do I have to continue getting fills?

Absolutely not! You can get eyelash extensions once and then never again. If eyelash extensions aren’t for you, but you want longer, thicker eyelashes I’d highly recommend using an eyelash serum to improve your natural eyelashes. You can use it every night before bed. 

*Click here* to read about my experience with eyelash extensions!