Can you have gorgeous eyelash extensions without damaging your natural lashes? Absolutely! Many people worry about the aftercare process after getting the very first set of those luscious eyelash extensions. But, the aftercare is actually so simple! There are only a handful of directives you'll need to follow. Here is everything you'll need to keep your extensions flawless and your natural lashes healthy.
Eyelash Extensions: The First 24 Hrs After
Just got those luscious lash extensions? Congratulations! But before you flaunt them at the pool party, hold on a second. The first 24 hours are crucial for ensuring your extensions stay glamorous and long-lasting. Here's what you need to know:
- Water Works Woes:
Avoid getting your lashes wet for the full 24 hours. This includes washing your face, showering, hydrotherapy, sweating it out at the gym, or even crying at a waterfall (we know, those sad movies!). Water may remove lash glue, and disrupt the curing process: which results in premature extension fallout.
- Steam It Later:
Steam environments like saunas, hot showers, or vigorous cooking sessions are a big no-no. Hot steam may loosen the adhesive solution and can cause your newly attached lashes to fall out. Opt for lukewarm showers and postpone that spa day for a couple of days.
- Hands Off!:
Resist the urge to rub or touch your lashes. Your fingers harbor natural oils that can break down the adhesive. If an extension feels out of place, gently brush it back into position with a spoolie (a clean mascara wand).
- No Makeup:
Skip the eye makeup for the first 24 hours. This includes mascara, eyeliner (especially liquid ones!), and eyeshadow. These products can clog the extensions and interfere with the adhesive.
Cleansing and Detangling
Think of mascara, dust, and oil buildup as tiny weights dragging your lashes down. "If you are not going to clean your eyelash extensions, then don't get eyelash extensions!" says blogger Audrey Victoria in her YouTube guide Eyelash Extensions 101. She continues: "When you don't clean your lashes, you can get blepharitis, which makes your eyelids inflamed."
Cleansing daily removes these culprits, allowing your lashes to breathe and thrive. Opt for a gentle, oil-free cleanser specifically formulated for the delicate eye area. Skip harsh soaps that can irritate! Wet a cotton pad with the cleanser, then gently swipe it along the lash line, starting from the inner corner and moving outwards.
Brushing your lashes daily with a spoolie brush (a tiny mascara wand without the mascara) is a game-changer. It promotes healthy growth by removing debris and keeping lashes separated, preventing them from clumping and looking spidery.
Hold the spoolie brush at the base of your lashes and gently brush upwards in the direction of growth, using light strokes for maximum comfort. This simple step promotes lash health and helps mascara apply more smoothly.
Minimize Friction, Maximize Longevity of Your Lash Extensions
We all know the urge to rub itchy eyes, but resist! If you want your lashes to fall out prematurely, then rubbing, picking, and pulling is the right way to go. These actions damage the delicate follicles at the base of your lashes, hindering their growth cycle. If your eyes are feeling itchy, opt for a more soothing solution. Try artificial tear drops to lubricate irritated eyes, or apply a cool compress to reduce inflammation.
How to Sleep with Eyelash Extensions?
No wonders here, just a few more or less comfortable sleeping positions to keep your lashes luscious. Aim to sleep on your back. This keeps your lashes away from any friction that can cause them to bend or break.
Not a back sleeper? Side sleeping is okay, but try to rest your head on the edge of the pillow to minimize contact. Sleeping on your stomach is a no-no for extensions. It flattens and creases them, leading to premature shedding.
How to Remove Eyelash Extensions at Home?
While rocking luscious eyelash extensions is undeniably glamorous, sometimes removal becomes necessary. Whether you are simply tired of wearing those eye wigs, or it is time for them to go, ditching those falsies at home requires a gentle touch. Let's evaluate a few approaches that will help you to avoid damaging your natural lashes. You can pick one, or follow them all!
- Resist the Pulling Urge: It might be tempting to yank off those extensions, but this is a recipe for disaster! You risk ripping out your natural lashes along with the falsies.
- Oil is Your Ally: Carefully use a cotton swab dipped in hydrating face oil: coconut oil, olive oil, or a gentle oil-based makeup remover. Gently swipe the cotton swab along the base of the lash line, where the extension meets your natural lash. Care and patience are crucial here – the oil needs some time to loosen the glue.
- Steam it Up: It is finally time for that hot steam facial you always wanted to try! Stem them up to loosen the bond between the extension and your lash. The key here is gentle exposure – don't overdo the steam, and avoid putting your face directly in very hot water.
- Let them Fall Naturally: Once you've begun the removal process, resist the urge to pick or pull at the extensions. Instead, let them detach on their own as the adhesive dissolves.
- Keep In Mind: While home removal is tempting, professional removal by a lash technician is always the safest option. They have the expertise and tools to remove extensions quickly and minimize damage to your natural lashes.
Concluding...
Certainly, for any beautyfolic eyelash extension is a real come true! Especially if you are looking forward to saving time (and money) on drugstore mascara, lash wand, and torture curler. But like any work of art, these extensions require a little TLC to ensure they stay flawless and your natural lashes stay healthy.
Summarizing this post, you should always remember to be gentle, keep them clean, remove build-up, and ask a professional to help you take your lash extensions off. And, of course, you can still use makeup (even though you look your best without it), just avoid oil-based products and waterproof mascara. Opt for mineral makeup removers that won't break down the adhesive.
