How to Clean Eyelash Extensions
Most lash technicians know that cleaning lash extensions is a crucial piece of lash care. But do your clients know that, too?
We are here to fill you in on the importance of cleaning lash extensions – so that you can pass on this important message to your clients! Staying up to date on the latest in lash maintenance is a great way to gain client trust and helps with how to get more clients as a lash tech.
Envolash is the #1 choice for lash extension supplies in Australia. We help lash techs set up thriving businesses with the best products on the market. Our eco-friendly, sustainable products are good for your wallet and the environment.
Shop our full selection of lash products and eyelash extension accessories online now – or keep on reading to discover the ins and outs of how to clean eyelash extensions.
Why is Cleaning Lash Extensions Necessary?
Cleaning your eyelash extensions is an important part of lash maintenance. You need to regularly clean your lashes even if your lash tech offers a deep clean service at the beginning of your lash appointment. Clean lashes are the foundation for health, comfort, and retention.
Preventing Nasty Buildup
Oil, makeup, dirt, and dust can build up on your lashes if you do not clean them. All of this is natural but can be dangerous if left untouched. Showering and washing your face regularly typically takes care of lash health for those without eyelash extensions – but it is another story if you do have extensions.
Those with lash extensions often try to avoid getting water or cleaning products on their lashes. This is a big mistake! You need to be gentle with lash extensions but proper hygiene and cleaning lash extensions are still important to reduce buildup.
Failing to clean your lashes can also lead to infections like blepharitis (eyelid inflammation).
Comfort Along the Lash Line
You might experience discomfort along the lash line if you are not regularly cleaning lash extensions. This discomfort can come from shedding lashes that remain sitting on your lash line as well as a buildup of dirt, oils, makeup, and dust.
Blepharitis or other eye infections may also occur if you do not clean your lash extensions and can lead to many more issues down the line. Blepharitis is an eyelid inflammation that can lead to dry, itchy skin and crusty eyelashes from mucous discharge.
Boosting Retention
It is a common misconception that cleaning lash extensions makes lashes fall out faster. Cleaning your lashes is actually a key part of retention. Why?
You will discover that proper hygiene actually reduces oil and buildups that can loosen adhesive when you learn how to clean eyelash extensions. Gentle cleaning makes lashes last longer. It is also important to clean lashes before a fill-in: New lashes do not adhere well to oily lashes.
It does matter what to clean eyelash extensions with when it comes to retention – from the brush you use to the products you apply.
What to Clean Eyelash Extensions With
Wondering what to clean eyelash extensions with? The products you choose make a big difference. Lash techs can help set their clients up for success by offering gentle yet effective cleaning products in their take-home kits.
Our Prolong Cleanser DIY Kit from Envolash is the perfect choice when you are considering how to start a lash business. It gives you everything you need to create perfect product offerings for your clients while keeping sustainability and health at the forefront.
The Prolong Cleanser DIY Kit
The products that you send home with clients make a big difference as a lash tech. Our Prolong Cleanser DIY Kit comes with Prolong concentrate and five bottle and label sets to create the distilled cleaning solution. Clean lashes lead to better retention and easier applications for you!
Why is Prolong the perfect option for cleaning lash extensions? It is an oil-free cleanser made from all-natural ingredients. It does not include any oil, glycerine, glycerol, artificial colors, ethanol, parabens, or synthetic fragrances.
You can use the Prolong concentrate to mix Prolong lash shampoo easily for your clients – or resell it in the front of your boutique! You can shop our full lineup of lash products (including eyelash extension glue, promade lashes, and much more) today.
Soft Cleansing Brush or Lash Shampoo Brush
Choosing the right brush makes a big difference in how to clean eyelash extensions. Many lash shampoos come with hard plastic brushes – but these can be too harsh on lash extensions. It is better to opt for a soft cleansing brush (like a bristled eyeshadow brush) to clean lashes.
A softer brush means a gentler clean and can be just as effective with the right lash shampoo and attention to detail. Softer cleansing brushes can also help with lash retention.
What NOT to Clean Your Lashes With
Avoid cleaning with oil-based products, harsh soaps, hot water, or cotton pads and balls in order to keep your lash extensions in great shape for longer. Oil-based products and harsh soaps can reduce the effectiveness of lash adhesives. Cotton pads and balls lead to excessive friction.
How to Clean Eyelash Extensions: Step-by-Step Guide
Wondering how to clean eyelash extensions safely? You are not the only one! We have put together a step-by-step guide to help you clean your eyelash extensions without risking the retention of your lashes. Let’s dive in…
Wash Your Hands First
Always wash your hands before you clean your eyelash extensions. This removes any excess oils and ensures that they do not transfer to your extensions.
Gently Wet the Lash Line
Carefully wet your lash line above your lashes using a soft cleansing brush or your fingertips. Avoid soaking your lashes too heavily in order not to disrupt the adhesive.
Carefully Apply Lash Cleanser
Apply lash cleanser carefully with a soft brush. We recommend pumping a foamy lash cleanser onto the brush rather than applying it directly to your eyelid or lashes. This allows you more control over how to clean eyelash extensions and leads to more precise application.
Clean Through the Lashes With a Soft Brush
How do you choose what to clean eyelash extensions with? We always suggest using a softer brush versus a hard, plastic spoolie. Softer brushes yield a gentler clean and can be better for retention. They are just as effective as long as you are using the right lash shampoo.
Rinse Thoroughly Without Rubbing
Make sure to rinse the lash shampoo from your extensions without rubbing them too much. Rubbing your lash extensions with our hands, cotton pads, or cotton balls can lead to excessive friction that makes your extensions more likely to fall out.
Gently Pat Dry
You can pat your lashes dry with a lint-free towel or paper towel as long as you can do so gently. Some lash lovers also choose to use a blow dryer on the cool setting to dry their lashes. You can even pat dry the surrounding area and allow your lashes to air dry if you prefer.
Brush the Lashes Back Into Place
Use a lash brush or spoolie to brush your lashes back into place after cleaning. This ensures that your lashes look just as you desire and you have full control over your aesthetic.
Closing Thoughts on How to Clean Lash Extensions
The basics of how to clean lash extensions? Regular lash cleaning is actually great for retention and aesthetics. Choose soft brushes and gentle foaming cleansers and avoid oil-based products and hot water. Your lash tech will thank you!
Our team at Envolash has all of the latest information on how to clean lash extensions. We are Australia’s #1 choice for lash extension supplies and a favorite of lash techs around the country. We offer a variety of different types of eyelash extensions and other lash products to help your lash business thrive.
We work with both new and veteran lash technicians to help them navigate questions like how much does a lash tech make, how to price services, and so much more. Explore our full collection of sustainable, vegan products online today – and see your business change for the better.
Frequently asked questions
What can you use to clean eyelash extensions?
Use oil-free lash shampoo and room-temperature water to clean your eyelash extensions. Correctly choosing what to clean eyelash extensions with makes a big impact on the retention and appearance of your lashes. Use a soft brush and lash tech approved products for the best results.
Can I use Dawn dish soap or Johnson’s baby shampoo in a pinch?
Both Dawn dish soap and Johnson’s baby shampoo are oil-based soap products that are not recommended for cleaning lash extensions. These products can reduce the effectiveness of eyelash extension glue and lead to poor lash retention over time.
How often is cleaning lash extensions necessary?
Most lash technicians recommend cleaning eyelash extensions at least every 2-3 days. You should always wash your lashes on days that you wore heavy makeup, did a sweaty workout, or were outside for a long time. These situations make lash buildup more likely.