Semi-permanent eyelash extensions are by far, one of my busiest treatments for clients in my beauty room. So this is a question I get asked a lot from my clients.
We all want our eyelash extensions to last and stay on as long as possible, so in this post, I have written some great tips for how you can keep your lashes lasting longer and looking and feeling great.
How Long do Eyelash Extensions Last? Classic eyelash extensions will typically last 4-6 weeks but these will gradually grow out with your own natural lashes. Week by week your natural lashes will shed, meaning the extensions will come off with them. Although your eyelash extensions can last up to 6 weeks, by this point you would have very few lash extensions left.
There are many ways to care for your eyelash extensions which I have detailed in this post. Following these tips will definitely make a difference as to how long your extensions will last. In fact, following these steps could save you a lot of money in the long run by cutting down how many top-up appointments you need to attend.
How Can I Make My Eyelash Extensions Last Longer?
Ok, so you have been to your appointment and now you are feeling so good about having your eyelash extensions on. You feel more awake, you feel ready to go even without any make-up on, and overall just happy to look that bit more presentable right?
Well, I have some easy to follow tips on how you can make those fluffy eyelash extensions of yours last that bit longer and look their best:
- Keep your lashes clean! This might sound like a no-brainer but honestly the number of people that think they cannot get their lash extensions wet, meaning they won’t use the proper products; resulting in a build-up of dirt, make-up, and sweat. Disgusting right? You need to cleanse your luscious lashes daily to keep them at their best.
- Find yourself a great lash cleanser. There are many fantastic lash cleansers on the market but one in particular that I really like is LashArt Lash Cleansing Foam Kit, you can find the latest price here
- Avoid avoid avoid any oil-based products near your eye area. Some oils can affect the adhesive by weakening it, resulting in the eyelash extensions shedding, leaving you with the extensions on your pillow rather than your eyes!
- Keep up with your regular top-up appointments. I always get my clients to book their next appointment before they leave. If you miss your appointment, your lashes will be less full and come the time of your following appointment, there’s a good chance it will be a full set you will need rather than a quick lunch-time top-up.
- Use an eyelash sealant after your lash application. Eyelash extension sealants are specially formulated for use on eyelash extensions. The sealant prolongs the life of your lashes by protecting them from moisture, dust, and oil, without breaking down the adhesive bond. One lash sealant I really rate is Marvel Lash Coating Sealant. You can check out the latest prices here.
Why Do my Lash Extensions only Last A Week?
Semi-permanent eyelash extensions should not only last a week. If you find yourself in this situation you need to ask yourself the following questions:
- Have I followed all aftercare correctly given by my eyelash technician?
- Have I been picking or pulling at my eyelash extensions?
- Did my lash technician spend the correct amount of time applying my extensions?
- Did I research and find a fully qualified lash technician with the proper qualifications for this treatment?
If you don’t follow your aftercare properly, then chances are your lash extensions will not last as long as they should and could be off within the first few days or week. It is so vital that you avoid getting your lashes wet for 24-48 hours after your treatment to allow the adhesive to dry completely. Also, avoid any oily products near your eye area as this can interfere with the bond causing your lashes to shed.
If you have been picking or pulling at your lashes then this is going to cause them to come off. Lashes should feel very comfortable when applied correctly, in fact, whenever I finish a lash extension treatment, my clients are always amazed by how little they can feel the extensions on their eyes.
Picking or pulling your lashes out can cause permanent damage to the hair follicle. Why not read my recently written article How Long Does it Take for Eyelashes to Grow Back After Extensions? for more information.
It is so important that you shop around to find the right person to do your lashes. Any technicians who are offering these eyelash services must hold the relevant qualifications. Just check with them prior to booking an appointment. This is totally fine to do, in fact they should be able to show you certificates of their qualifications so don’t feel embarrassed to ask. I actually have all mines framed and on my wall for any clients to see and advise my students to do the same.
All technicians or beauty therapists work at different speeds. For a full set of classic semi-permanent lashes, you should expect to be lying on the treatment chair or bed for a minimum of 75 minutes!
This differs for each individual, as everyone has different natural lashes so in some cases, a set of classic semi-permanent lashes, 1:1 ratio, can take 2 hours whilst another client I could get a full set on in 60-75 minutes. Why not read a recent article of mines – How Long Does it Take to Apply Semi-permanent Eyelash Extensions? for more information.
Your technician can advise at your patch test appointment, how long they think your actual fitting appointment will be.
How Long do Eyelash Extensions Last on Holiday?
Many of my clients will ask for an eyelash top-up prior to jetting off on vacation. But can their lashes last the entire time they are away?
If you follow home care instructions whilst on vacation, your lashes can still be fully intact for the full duration. Ok, so if we are visiting somewhere hot and possibly a beach holiday, then chances are we will be using more oily products and be in the water more often BUT if you are mindful of your lash extensions then there is still is a good chance that can last the full vacation (typically up to a 2-week hot destination break).
How do you Maintain Eyelash Extensions on Holiday?
Here are some great tips for keeping your semi-permanent eyelash extensions looking fantastic all vacation long:
- Swimming is totally fine, and what better way to cool down, right? But very heavily chlorinated water may weaken the glue bond, resulting in your lashes not lasting. So be mindful of this when splashing around the pool.
- Rinse, rinse, rinse. A build-up of chlorine or saltwater will 100% affect your lash extensions so anytime you come out of the water, rinse with fresh water, and remember to pat dry. Do not rub your eyes with a towel.
- Wear sunglasses as often as possible as the heat and screams mixed could be a recipe for disaster!
- SPF is an absolute must! Of course you need to look after your skin. When on vacation, after applying your sunscreen, allow plenty of time for this to dry and soak in before swimming or sweating. If this runs into your lashes it may cause excessive shedding.
- If you are going to be joining in any of the fitness activities offered, then keep in mind that excessive sweating can cause your lashes to shed drastically! Why not pop a sweatband on and remember to rinse lashes with fresh water afterward.
Follow these fantastic tips and I’m sure your lash extensions will stay intact for the duration of your vacation and don’t forget to have your lash top-up appointment scheduled for when you return.
Related Questions
How Long Does it Take to Apply Semi-permanent Eyelash Extensions?
For a set of classic semi-permanent eyelash extensions, it can take up to 2 hours to apply. Lash application time will vary depending on the amount of natural lashes you have. With classic lashes, a 1:1 ratio application method is use, meaning one semi-permanent lash is applied to a single isolated natural lash.