Eyelash Extension Aftercare
Aftercare for your lashes can be simplified into 3 steps:
1. Wash Daily
2. Brush Them Gently
3. Leave them be
Cleansing Lashes
Cleansing eyelash extensions is wildly important for the overall health of your eyes and can actually help extend the life of your extensions by removing natural oils that would otherwise break down the adhesive. Cleansing lashes with extensions is slightly different than normal because you do need to be more careful with the amount of pressure you apply and take extra care not to use ingredients that break down the adhesive used to attach the extensions.
Warning:
- Oil and alcohol-based cleansers will break down the adhesive
- Excessive rubbing will break off extensions and natural lashes
- Heat will melt the extensions
- Eyelash mites will develop if lashes aren't kept clean
Cleanse with an oil-free, anti-bacterial cleanser. It's best to use a foam cleanser because it's easier to rinse the cleanser away without excessive rubbing and scrubbing. If you do have a gel cleanser just create a foam by adding extra water to it before application to your lashes.
Use a soft shadow brush to get in-between lashes and the base of the lash line. Extensions are placed close to but not on the skin which can create a small gap where dead skin and bacteria may get trapped. Using a soft brush instead of a finger will prevent the chances of tearing/ twisting extensions and possibly breaking your natural lashes.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat dry with gauze or other material that won't catch and possibly tear extensions. You may choose to dry your extensions with a fan or blow dryer. If you use a blow dryer make sure to use cool air as excessive heat will melt and fuse extensions together giving a terrible "tangled" effect.
Allow Lashes to dry before brushing them out.
Brushing Gently
When brushing out your lashes apply the brush on top of the lashes and twist through the extensions. If you go underneath and close to the lash line where the extensions are attached you may catch the extension and tear it off completely, damaging the natural lash along with it.
Keep your brushes clean and replace them often.
Leave Them Be
The best thing you can do is leave your extensions alone. The more your touch them the more likely you are to damage them.
Avoid applying makeup, oils or cream to the eye area. Products often contain ingredients that will break down the adhesive used to attach the extensions. Mascara will also clump the fans together giving a chunky look instead of soft evenly spaced lashes.
If you do apply mascara in a pinch, make sure you're cleansing your extensions thoroughly before bed.
Cleansing Eyelash Extensions
Gently cleanse lashes while maintaining integrity of extensions.
Eyelash Extension Maintenance
Get Your Lashes Filled
Fills are required to maintain the look and health of both your extensions and natural lashes. Fills take about 50 minutes and should take place every 2-3 weeks for optimal results.
Why Fills Are Required:
- Natural lashes grow out
- Adhesive only lasts up to 5 weeks
- Everyday wear and tear can cause extensions to fall out prematurely
If you choose not to keep your lash extensions, I do recommend you have them professionally removed after 4 weeks. Removing them professionally prevents your natural lashes from becoming "top heavy" with extensions starting to twist turn and catch uncontrollably.
Replacing Outgrown Extensions
Fills are required to keep your natural lashes healthy and your look flawless.
The Unexpected
When To Be Concerned & What's Normal
Irritation Vs Allergic Reaction
Irritation is normal and will subside within 2 to 3 days. Why is this happening?
The adhesive I use includes the following ingredients:
- Butyl Cyanoacrylate
- Polymethyl Methacrylate Methyl Pyrrolidone
- Black Carbon
The adhesive is living up to his highest potential in temperatures between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit and 40%-60% humidity.
Although I control the temperature and humidity in the treatment room, I cannot control the weather.
The adhesive I use does have a 2 second dry time and cures after I lightly mist the extensions with distilled water. The fumes from the adhesive attach to moisture as they cure, but when you open your eyes before they are completely cured the fumes attach to the moisture from your eyeballs membrane thus creating irritation.
To prevent this from happening do not open your eyes at any point during the application and allow a full 2 minutes of dry time after the last lash is applied before opening your eyes. Higher humidity in the air allows the fumes to attach to the humidity rather than you. If the air is drier, you have a higher risk of irritation.
If your irritation and swelling seem to get worse over time it is more likely an allergy and they should be removed immediately. When an allergic reaction occurs, I will remove the extensions for free. You may need to see a Dr.
Allergies develop over time and rarely subside. This is why we see an allergic reaction occur after months of having eyelash extensions. Once an allergy has developed you should not try to get eyelash extensions again, thinking you may have "outgrown" the allergy.
Lash Retention
Temperature, Humidity and PH are all key factors to consider for prime retention.
If you are having trouble with retention, try to focus on balancing PH levels to a neutral level (7). You can do this by cleansing your lashes and using eye drops containing a ph level of 7.
Avoid situations that are outside of the adhesive's happy zone, temperatures between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit and 40%-60% humidity.
By all means live your life though. If you have a ski trip or happen to be traveling through a rainforest or the great pyramids, do it... just keep in mind that your lash retention isn't going to be as good as it usually is.
Natural Lashes Falling Out
If extensions are too heavy for your natural lashes it might cause your natural lashes to break off or fall out. If this happens, we can opt for lighter, shorter sets.
If all the sudden your natural lashes seem to be shedding out when you never seemed to have a problem with the extensions before it could be caused from stressful situations. I've seen it happen to clients after having a baby, divorce, loss of loved ones, and even before stressful exams. In this case try to show yourself some compassion. Meditation, eating healthy and taking the extra care you need for mental health is all important. Be patient as your lashes will grow back when the wave of emotions passes.