My first experience with eyelash extensions was on the 20th of May, 2023. Lately, I’ve been loving beauty procedures and trying them out. Eyelash extensions are a great way to enhance your natural lashes and achieve a fuller, longer look. If you’re like me with sparse eyelashes, eyelash extensions are a temporary fix!
However, to ensure your eyelash extensions last as long as possible and avoid any infections, taking good care of them is essential. It was one thing I was afraid of because what’s the point in spending an amount to enhance your look and ending up with an eye infection or losing your money’s worth?
Here are five ways I cared for my eyelash extensions to make them last longer and avoid infection.
Avoid Water and Steam for the First 24-48 Hours
My lash tech emphasized this point while giving me the aftercare instructions.
After getting your eyelash extensions, avoiding water and steam for the first 24-48 hours is important. This means avoiding things like swimming, hot tubs, steam from cooking, and saunas. Water and steam can cause the adhesive to weaken and your extensions to fall out prematurely.
Be Gentle When Cleaning Your Lashes
When cleaning your eyelash extensions, it’s important to be gentle. Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser and a spoolie or your fingertips to clean your lashes. Avoid using cotton balls or pads, as they can get caught in your lashes and can tug on them.
Avoid Oil-Based Products for the first few days.
Oil-based products can weaken the adhesive on your eyelash extensions and cause them to fall out prematurely. This includes things like makeup removers, moisturizers, and sunscreen. Look for oil-free products and avoid applying them directly to your lashes.
Don’t Pull or Rub Your Lashes
It’s important not to pull or rub your eyelash extensions. This can cause damage to both your natural lashes and your extensions. Instead, gently brush your lashes with a spoolie brush to keep them looking neat.
Keep Your Lashes Clean and Dry
Keeping your eyelash extensions clean and dry is key to avoiding infection and making them last longer. Avoid touching your lashes with your hands, as this can transfer bacteria to your eyes.
Bonus tip:
6. Don’t sleep on your face.
Luckily, I sleep on my side, so adhering to this instruction was easy. Sleeping on your face causes you to tug at your lashes, reducing the duration, and you don’t want that.
By following these tips, you can help your eyelash extensions last longer and avoid any infections.
PS: I got mine done at Maramak beauty house in Lagos. You can check her IG page for samples and her contact.
Some frequently asked questions (FAQ) on eyelash extensions
- What is the process of getting eyelash extensions done?
Getting an expert in a clean and established beauty salon is important.
It takes 45 minutes to an hour (or more), depending on the type of extension you’re getting and how full your lashes are.
My first experience was with the classic set, which is super light and looks natural because that was my desired look. It last for 45- 50 minutes. Each eyelash extension is attached to the base of your natural eyelash with a semi-permanent glue until your desired look is achieved.
Please note that your eyes must be shut all through, so skip the coffee or anything hindering sleep.
Your aesthetician would clean your lashes and proceed with the steps required to complete your falsies.
- Are eyelash extensions safe?
According to this article, eyelash glue and een extensions are not regulated. This means it’s possible to be allergic to glue or even the lashes. Eyelash extensions are made from materials like silk and nylon, so there’s that risk.
Nonetheless, I advocate asking questions about the process AND products, especially when your;e getting a beauty procedure done.
According to Dr. Al- Mohtaseb, using glues with ingredients like butyl cyanoacrylate is recommended com[ared to ingredients like formaldehyde. Ask your tech about the ingredients of the glue.
I didn’t ask about the ingredients despite asking all my other questions. Thankfully I had no reactions to the glue, it was a mistake, and I don’t want you repeating that.
Also, make sure to get reviews about where you’re getting them done to know what to expect.
- Are eyelash extensions worth it?
From my experience, yes!
The way my face lit up with no makeup was genuinely incredible.
Getting a classic set done with the services was #10,000, and I wanted to enjoy my money’s worth. My eyelash extensions lasted for four weeks until I got them removed.
Then again, it can be an expensive habit if done regularly. Another thing to note is the possibility of allergic reactions or infections, which must be considered.
Photo of a spoolie by Ashley Piszek on Unsplash
- Will eyelash extensions ruin your natural lashes?
No, they won’t. Our natural eyelashes have a growth cycle (apparently!). This means they grow and shed at specific points. During the duration of your eyelash extensions, you will notice them falling off. That’s natural as they are fixed above your natural lashes, and when they shed, the false ones come off too.
All these to say, they won’t ruin your natural lashes so far as you follow the tips to care for them properly.
My natural eyelashes were in good shape when my tech took them out.
- How long do eyelash extensions last?
With proper care, your eyelash extensions can look great for weeks. Mine lasted four weeks, and I had to go take them out because they weren’t as full as before, and I needed to get my makeup done for my class dinner.
The key to enjoying this is to take good care of your extensions.
PS: There’s the option of getting fillers. This means every 2-3 weeks; you can go back to your lash tech to refill the extensions that have fallen. Think of it as getting your nail polish done after they’ve chipped off.
Are you ready to get your lashes done, or it’s something you’ll consider?
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I’ll try this thing one day.
It looks good!
I so look forward to that, Amanda!💚
This was such a nice read and I love the way the lash extensions look on you. They look very natural just the way I’d like mine to be when I want to do them. Is there a way to connect your readers to your lash technician?
Thank youuu
Thank you so much! Oh sure. I’ll add her ig profile in the blog post for ease!