It’s a dirty secret… so, let’s talk dirty!
I’m totally kidding, but now that I have your attention…
We do need to talk dirty lashes!
If you’re like most women, you love your lash extensions. But like any beauty product, they can be delicate and easy to damage- if your lashes are not properly cared for.
Before we can get into the details of what to do after your lash appointment, we have one big recommendation for how to arrive to your lash appointment and what to do before your lash extension appointment.
Do’s And Don’ts Of Lash Extensions
It is extremely important to arrive to your lash appointment with clean lashes. This way the appointment starts off as seamless as possible and the chances of your lash extensions lasting longer significantly increase.
[More details can be found on pre-lash appointment care in our blog post HERE
That being said, here are 6 tips to keep your lash extensions on for a longer amount of time:
1. Your Lash Extensions Got Wet Less Than 24 Hours After Application
This is a commonly made mistake. But if you can’t wet your lashes, you may be wondering how exactly to wash your face effectively.
We recommend using the Siroki Sponge a makeup-removing sponge that will help you skip the oils and messy products with a clean, environmentally friendly option.
It’s especially nice for those of you with sensitive skin. If you don’t have the sponge yet, we recommend washing your face with a soft wash cloth. This will make sure your skin will not suffer for the benefit of your lashes.
If you must, apply your oil free makeup remover to the skin. My favorite formulas to look for are lotions as they typically have less oil options hidden in their ingredient lists.
Here’s how to clean your face without messing up your lashes:
- Simply wet your wash cloth or makeup remover sponge with warm water
- Ring out the wash cloth or Squeeze out the excess water from you Siroki Sponge
- Wet your face [avoiding the eye area]
- Apply your cleanser to the skin with your hands after emulsifying it in the hands first
- Rub the towel or sponge across your face, make sure to loosen any makeup and thoroughly cleanse away oils, dirt, and debris from the day.
- Rinse the towel/sponge out thoroughly
- Ring out the wash cloth or Squeeze out the excess water from you Siroki Sponge
- Repeat these steps as many times as you need to in order to properly cleanse the skin.
Finally, rinse all of the soap and excess from the cloth/sponge and rub the wet clean fabric over the skin for a final wash.
Voila! You have avoided getting your freshly installed Siroki Lash Studio extensions wet and have avoided any lash extension casualties in the process of cleansing.
We also recommend this face washing technique if you use the DIY Lash Extensions
2. You Got A Facial, Used Oil Based Products, Glycol, Or Waterproof Mascara After Getting Lash Extensions
Facials, and Spray tans should be scheduled 24 hours before or 48 hours after your lash extension appointment. At Siroki Lash we recommend this because you want the lashes you invest in to have time to cure and both of these services can contain glycol or oils.
What oil is bad oil, and what oil is good oil? Oil-based products will act as a remover for the adhesive on the eye lash extensions & will cause your extensions to fall out sooner than expected with some lash glues.
Basically, the semi-permanent glue is fighting to keep the extension attached properly to your natural lash, while the oil is working at dissolving it.
The main ingredient in lash extension adhesives is cyanoacrylate – a quick-drying acrylic resin that’s in most super glues.
Four oils to stay away from – mineral oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, and canola oil. These oils have been shown to weaken extension adhesives. Many other oils however, like those contained in lash serums;
- Coleus Forskohlii Root Oil
- Castor Seed Oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
These oils are completely safe for use with lash extensions. Use of oils with lash extensions are controversial so listen to your lash artist and their instructions when it comes to oils.
The problem with waterproof eyeliner or mascara is that they are next to impossible to remove without oil-based makeup remover. Especially without pulling and stressing the eye area. Which is a DON’T!
3. You Had a Fun Salt-water Beach Day… and So Did Your Lash Extensions
Strange rule I know, living in Jacksonville, Florida, it is a difficult thing to follow.
The reason it is important to avoid salt water and thoroughly rinse with fresh water after exposing yourself to the ocean, is that salt molecules are tiny and they situate themselves in your lashes the molecules can get in between your natural lash and the extension while the water is wet and as the water evaporates the salt remains and expands. They essentially pop the extensions right off.
If you have lash extensions and live near the beach, cry, sweat, or frequent salt water pools I highly recommend a lash shampoo after exposure.
So, I am not saying avoid your ocean of emotions or the mystical waters of the sea, or spas altogether… just that when you do dive in, take care of yourself and your lash extensions after. 🙂
4. You Often Pick And Pull Your Lashes, Or Rub Your Eyes…
Rubbing the eye area can cause increased irritation, lash pulling, lash twisting (which is extremely painful) and can cause scratching of the eye area.
This can rip lashes out of your eyes … also more painful than it is worth.
Trust me!
Remember that little thing we mentioned before about oils? Well, our bodies naturally produce and pick up oils and you can and WILL transfer oil directly to your extensions if you touch them.
But we get it, you are tired, stressed, maybe you just forgot you even had beautiful lash extensions gracing your face, and it can happen! Especially when they are as comfortable as Siroki Lash Studio lashes. So, I suggest carrying your lash wand with you.
Afraid to forget your handy lash wand?
A great hack is a travel wand case supplied by your lash artist, this way your mascara wand stays sanitary and cute in your bag!
5. You Curl Your Lash Extensions- Or Rip Them Out!
Okay generally speaking, please know this, LASH CURLING IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! We should not do anything to increase stress in this area.
Curling your lash extensions is a NO because the curler has the ability to grab every lash and rip it from the lash line. I have heard the horror stories and it is not worth it. We even share videos on our instagram of this unfortunately happening to unsuspecting lash clients.
OUCH!
After this occurs lash technicians are powerless to help you- other than recommending a lash growth serum
Lash curlers are already damaging to your natural lashes.
Remember with the added weight of the lash extension, you are adding even more pressure to the poor things. So be careful!
6. You Subject Yourself To High Levels Of Heat And Moisture
Alone, & especially together, this heat and moisture combo can break down cyanoacrylate when applied in large enough/intense enough quantities.
So that means your lash extensions are SUPER likely to fall out much faster!
Unfortunately, that means no more steam facials, hot towel facials, hot yoga, saunas, or hot tubs, especially shortly after your lash extension application. Wait at least 48 hours if you must but prepare for lash loss.
But if it’s right before your fill, we can take care of any fallout!
So what can you do to make sure your lash extensions DON’T fall out fast?
At Siroki Lash Studio we recommend two things:
- Shampoo your lash extensions thoroughly and often.
- Find an effective lash serum- Why? Lash serums actually help with growth and lash maintenance!
Cleaning Your Lash Extensions
Taking proper care of your lash extensions is extremely important. If you do not shampoo your lashes often you can develop Blepharitis. (or bleghhh-pharaitis, it’s not fun friends).
Blepharitis commonly occurs when the tiny oil glands of the inner eyelid become inflamed, Symptoms include red, itchy eyelids that may look greasy and crusted.
If you do end up seeing a doctor they will probably tell you that you have an infestation of lash mites, a stye, OR an infection [such Conjunctivitis aka] pink eye].
Improper cleansing of lashes can lead to you not being able to wear lash extensions for a while. & let’s be honest, we both don’t want that!
It does not stop there! Improper cleansing practices also can lead to irritation, poor lash health/growth and lash mites. Yes, you can get little bugs in your eyelashes, and although they are tiny (we are talking borderline microscopic) they are NOT cute! Check out our instagram feed for images Here.
The Best Lash Serums for your Lash Extensions
Surprisingly, lash serums CAN extend the wear of your lash extensions! Lash Serums increase lash retention by strengthening the lashes & conditioning them. This way, they are able to grow longer and stronger.
Still, it is important to always check the ingredients on these products. Not all lash serums are created equal! We recommend Grande Lash MD Serum, it is our ride or die serum at Siroki Lash Studio here in Jacksonville, FL. If you pick it up in the studio we even give you a little discount as our incentive for you to take that extra step and give those lashes some TLC.
How many lash extensions should fall out daily?
So, if you follow these steps and ensure you are taking proper care of your lash extensions this is what should happen! We naturally loose 1-5 eyelashes daily. Of course, now that you have extensions you will notice the frequency of lashes lost more so than you did without the extensions. Remember, we do naturally loose lashes regardless so don’t freak out when you see a few on a pillow or resting on your cheek! Due to the natural non stop shedding of our natural lashes you could loose about 1-5 extensions per day.
With the added stress you will be putting on your lashes I highly recommend a lash serum to help ensure the integrity of your lashes. We want them to last as long as possible right!
… If you are ever concerned or have any questions feel free to reach out to me. I am here to help!
Better to be safe than sorry. 🙂
If you’re looking for more tips on how to take care of your lovely lash extensions, follow Siroki Lash Studios on Instagram!
“Loving yourself isn’t vanity. It’s sanity.”
— Katrina Mayer
With Love,
Sierra Siroky
CEO & Founder Of Siroki Lash Studio in Jacksonville, FL
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