Have you recently had semi-permanent eyelash extensions and wondering how to take care of them after the treatment or perhaps you are planning on having some eyelash extensions applied and are wondering if you can go swimming straight after your treatment or wear make-up that day? You will find the answers to all your questions here with many amazing tips and tricks to keep them looking their best.
Many of you may be asking the same questions about a recent or upcoming eyelash extension application including How Do You Remove Semi-Permanent Eyelashes? or Dos & Don’ts After Eyelash Extensions? So here are the main semi-permanent eyelash extensions aftercare advice which you must follow, complete with a list of frequently asked questions.
Lash Lift Aftercare:
- Keep your eyelashes dry for at least 24 hours
- Swimming should be avoided for at least 24-48 hours
- Avoid wearing waterproof mascara
- Avoid oil-based cleansers and toners
- No eye make-up for 24 hours
- Do not touch or rub your eyes
- Avoid facial treatments for the first 48 hours
- Clean with eyelash foam cleanser every 3 days
- Brush through daily with a mascara wand
- Do not sleep on your face
- Maintain your in-fill appointments (recommended every 2 – 3 weeks)
Next, I have covered some semi-permanent eyelash extensions aftercare FAQ’s which will explain all the dos and don’ts for after your lash lift treatment. These should help answer all your aftercare queries.
How Do You Maintain Semi-Permanent Eyelash Extensions?
To maintain semi-permanent eyelash extensions you must be willing to attend top-up appointments every 2-3 weeks to keep your eyelashes extensions looking their best. Cleaning and brushing your eyelash extensions will help to prolong the life of your eyelash extensions.
By following these simple tips, this will help maintain your eyelash extensions and keep them looking their best:
- Keep your eyelash extensions clean (and dry for the first 24 hours)
- Do not perm, tint or use eyelash curlers on your eyelash extensions
- Try not to pick or fiddle with your eyelashes. If you are a picker this will cause damage to your natural eyelashes. In some cases, permanent damage and your natural eyelashes will not grow back.
- Avoid mascara – you won’t need it! But if you feel you would still like to wear mascara then opt for a water-based product.
- Avoid sleeping on your front and this will help prevent your eyelash extensions from becoming crushed.
- Keep up with your maintenance appointments – this will keep your eyelash extensions looking full and fresh.
Do’s & Don’ts After Eyelash Extensions?
DO:
- Avoid touching your freshly applied eyelash extensions, particularly during the first few hours. Oils and debris from your fingers will be transferred onto your eyelashes causing premature shedding.
- Keep them as dry as you possibly can for at least 24-48 hours.
- Keep your eyelashes clean. Ensure you clean them properly with a foaming lash cleanser and cleanser brush, keeping the root area clean.
- Advise your eyelash technician before your infill if you think you will need more time because you have lost more lashes than expected, or if you want to change the style of your eyelashes i.e. from classic to hybrid or Russian to classic, etc.
- Brush your eyelashes daily using a mascara wand.
- Be as gentle as you can around the eye area, your new eyelash extensions are fragile.
DON’T
- Do not get your eyelash extensions wet in the first 24 hours.
- Do not pick or play with your eyelash extensions. When drying your face remember to pat dry instead of rubbing roughly.
- Do not use oily products on your eyes or face.
- Do not use steam rooms, saunas, or sunbeds for 48 hours.
- Do not use waterproof or oil-based mascara or eyeliner.
- Do not use waterproof or oil-based mascara on your extensions as they contain chemical properties that will break down the adhesive.
- Do not try and remove your eyelash extensions yourself. Contact your eyelash technician otherwise you may permanently damage your natural eyelashes.
- Do not use any oily products on your face – the oil will cause premature shedding of the eyelash extensions.
- Do not apply strip lashes on top of your eyelash extensions.
How Do You Remove Semi-Permanent Eyelashes?
Semi-permanent eyelashes can be removed safely with a special product, designed specifically for these eyelashes and adhesive. Do not try and remove your eyelash extensions at home. There is a high risk that you will do permanent damage to your own natural eyelashes.
If you need to remove your eyelash extensions at home, there are kits you can purchase that come with full instructions on how to carry out the removal safely and efficiently. Ask your lash technician for the best-suited kits for removal.
If your lash technician is removing your eyelash extensions then this treatment would typically be around 30 minutes long, but this will save you from damaging your own natural eyelashes.
At the appointment, your eyes should always be closed, as we do not want to risk any of the special adhesive remover coming into contact with the eye. The remover is applied directly onto the eyelashes and worked through with a disposable mascara wand or micro brushes.
Once the remover starts to work, the eyelash extensions will start to brush out and slide off the natural eyelash. This should be a pain-free procedure and should not feel uncomfortable. If you are experiencing any discomfort then make your lash tech or beauty therapist aware of this immediately.
When all the eyelash extensions are removed, I personally would always cleanse the eye area. At this time it may be a good idea to have your eyelashes tinted. This will help you to get used to having no eyelashes on again as it enhances and defines what natural lashes you have.
Do Semi-Permanent Eyelash Extensions Ruin Your Own?
Semi-permanent eyelashes can ruin your own eyelashes if they are not applied or removed properly. Ensure the person applying or removing the eyelash extensions is fully trained and certified. Excessive touching and overuse of eyelash extensions may also cause damage to your natural eyelashes.
I have recently written a really informative blog that goes into a lot of detail about how eyelash extensions can damage your own eyelashes. Check it out here for all the information you will need.
How Often Should I Clean My Eyelash Extensions?
You should clean your eyelash extensions on a daily basis to help prevent any build up of oils, make-up and debris. If you do not wear make-up and do not find your skin oily then you would be able to reduce the number of times and clean your eyelashes every second day.
If eyelash extensions are not clean, they will not last as long as they should. Years ago, we would always advise clients to keep their eyelash extensions as dry as possible. Never did we think that we could put actual eyelash shampoo on lashes, they would just shed off right? Well how different could it be now. There are so many eyelash care ranges on the market and once you find an eyelash shampoo that you like, it will change your life!
Cleansing your eyelash extensions can:
- Prevent build-up of oils and debris on the eyelashes
- Prolong the life of your eyelash extensions
- Keep your eyelash extensions looking their best
- Help prevent any irritation.
Can You Put Mascara On Semi-Permanent Eyelashes?
You can put mascara on semi-permanent eyelash extensions but avoid using waterproof mascara. You will also need to avoid oily make-up removers for removing any mascara. Speak to your eyelash technician to help source a water-based mascara that is suitable with the use of eyelash extensions.
Avoid oily make-up removers as the oil will always win over the eyelash adhesive. This will cause premature shedding of your eyelash extensions meaning you will lose many more eyelash extensions much quicker than you should. Use soft, light movements when removing any make-up. Avoid rubbing the eye area as this can cause irritation leading to sensitivity around the eyes.
Follow these simple tips to keep your eyelash extensions looking and feeling their best when wearing mascara.
Can I Wash My Face With Eyelash Extensions?
You can wash your face whilst wearing eyelash extensions with an oil free face wash or cleanser. Please allow 24 hours after your eyelashes are applied to wash your face or have your face fully submitted in water. Use a damp face cloth before this time to avoid getting the eyelash extensions completely wet.
When drying your face after washing, please remember to pat dry instead of rubbing and use gentle motions. This will help save your eyelashes from being crushed.
Do Lashes Grow Back After Eyelash Extensions?
Your natural eyelashes are on a cycle and can take up to 60 – 90 days to grow back after extensions. This will vary from each person depending on how healthy the natural lashes are and if the eyelash extensions have been applied and removed correctly. The average life span of an eyelash is 3 months.
If your eyelash extensions have been applied and removed by a professional then your own natural eyelashes should be in good condition. The problems start to arise when the lashes are picked off or pulled out, or when they have not been applied properly.
When the eyelashes are applied professionally, your own natural lashes can grow in their cycle, and keep on doing this unless they are picked or pulled out. After removal, your own lashes may feel slightly dehydrated and shorter but in most cases, they are actually in the same condition as before extensions; it’s just that we compare them to the longer fuller lash look we had when the eyelash extensions were still intact.
This is a part from a previous article I wrote, explaining all there is you need to know about eyelashes growing back after eyelash extensions. For some amazing information and tips, you can read this here.