You’ve just left the salon, and you can’t stop fluttering your new, gorgeous eyelashes in every reflection you pass. Welcome to the world of eyelash extensions! They’re a fantastic way to get that effortlessly glamorous, “I woke up like this” look. But here’s the secret to keeping that look for as long as possible: proper care. Knowing how to take care of eyelash extensions is the key to protecting your investment, ensuring your natural lashes stay healthy, and enjoying that stunning look for weeks on end.

Think of your new lashes as a luxury accessory. Just like a silk blouse or a designer handbag, they require a little bit of special attention. Don’t worry—it’s not complicated! With a few simple adjustments to your daily routine, you can keep your extensions looking full, fluffy, and flawless. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the crucial first 48 hours to your long-term maintenance plan.

The Crucial First 48 Hours: Your Eyelash Extension Aftercare Foundation

The moment you leave your lash artist’s chair, the clock starts ticking on the most critical period for your new extensions: the first 24 to 48 hours. During this time, the powerful adhesive used to bond the extensions to your natural lashes is still curing. Interrupting this process can lead to a weak bond, causing your extensions to fall out prematurely.

Proper eyelash extension aftercare in these initial hours sets the stage for their longevity. Here are the golden rules to follow:

Keep Them Dry: This is the most important rule. The big question everyone asks is, can you get eyelash extensions wet? For the first 48 hours, the answer is a firm no. Moisture can interfere with the adhesive’s curing process. This means:

No showering where water runs directly over your face.
No swimming, saunas, or steam rooms.
Avoid intense workouts that cause you to sweat heavily.
Be mindful when washing your face, using a washcloth to gently clean around the eye area.
Try not to cry! (Tears of joy for your new lashes are an exception, but try to dab them away carefully).

Avoid Oil and Creams: Steer clear of any oil-based products, heavy creams, or serums around the eye area. Oil is the number one enemy of lash adhesive and will begin to break it down.

Hands Off: Resist the urge to touch, rub, or pull at your new lashes. Be gentle with your eyes. This is a good habit to maintain for the entire life of your extensions.

Following these simple steps for the first two days ensures the adhesive forms the strongest possible bond, giving your lashes the best chance at a long and beautiful life.

Your Daily Ritual: How to Clean Eyelash Extensions for Longevity

After the initial 48-hour period, you might think you should continue avoiding water to preserve your lashes. This is a common and costly mistake! Daily cleaning is absolutely essential for both the health of your eyes and the lifespan of your extensions.

Throughout the day, your lashes collect natural oils from your skin, dust, debris, and makeup residue. If left uncleaned, this buildup can weaken the adhesive bonds, leading to premature shedding. More importantly, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria, potentially causing eye irritation or infections like blepharitis.

So, how do you clean them without causing them to fall out? It’s all about using the right products and a gentle technique. Here are our official lash aftercare instructions.

Eyelash care is about much more than just looking good—it’s essential for both the health and beauty of your eyes. Whether you have natural lashes or wear extensions, taking proper care of your eyelashes offers several important benefits:

Protects Your Eyes
Eyelashes act as a natural barrier, helping to keep dust, debris, and sweat out of your eyes. Healthy lashes reduce the risk of irritation and infection by preventing foreign particles from reaching the sensitive eye surface.
Promotes Lash Health and Growth
Gentle cleansing and conditioning prevent breakage and help your natural lashes grow stronger and fuller. Neglecting lash care can lead to brittle, weak, or thinning lashes.
Extends the Life of Lash Extensions
If you wear eyelash extensions, proper aftercare is crucial. It keeps extensions looking fresh, prevents premature shedding, and reduces the risk of issues like clumping or infection.
Prevents Eye Infections and Irritation
Regular cleaning removes makeup, oil, and bacteria that can build up along the lash line. This lowers your risk of developing conditions like blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or styes.
Enhances Your Appearance
Healthy, well-maintained lashes frame your eyes and enhance your overall look. Clean, nourished lashes appear longer, darker, and more voluminous—boosting your confidence.

How to Clean Your Lashes: Do’s & Don’ts

Do:

Use lukewarm water to gently wet your eyelashes before cleansing.
Choose a specialized eyelash extension cleanser that is oil-free and designed specifically for lash extensions.
Dispense a small amount of the cleanser onto your hand or closed eyelid as directed.
Use a soft lash cleansing brush or a clean, fluffy eyeshadow brush to apply the cleanser with gentle, downward strokes.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to ensure all cleanser is removed.
Pat the area dry gently with a lint-free towel or let your lashes air dry.
Brush your lashes with a clean spoolie once they’re completely dry to keep them fluffy and separated.
Make lash cleansing a daily habit for the best results and lash health.

Don’t:

Don’t use hot water—it can weaken the lash adhesive.
Don’t use regular soap, face wash, or micellar water—these may contain oils or ingredients that can break down the glue.
Don’t scrub your lashes back and forth—always use gentle, downward motions.
Don’t leave cleanser residue—make sure everything is rinsed away.
Don’t rub your eyes or lashes when drying, as this can cause damage or premature shedding.
Don’t skip brushing—unbrushed lashes can tangle and lose their shape.
Don’t neglect your lash care routine—consistency is key to keeping your extensions looking their best.

Beyond Cleaning: Makeup and Product Choices for Lash Extension Care

One of the best perks of having eyelash extensions is that you can often skip eye makeup altogether. However, if you love a dramatic look or want to enhance your eyes further, you can absolutely wear makeup. The key is to be selective about the products you use and how you apply them.

Choosing the Right Makeup and Remover

The golden rule for all products used near your eyes is oil-free. Oil is the arch-nemesis of lash adhesive.

Eyeliner: Avoid creamy, gel, or pencil eyeliners, as they often contain waxes and oils that can build up on the lash line and are difficult to remove. A liquid, oil-free eyeliner pen is your best option. Apply it carefully just above the lash line, not directly on it.
Mascara: You really don’t need mascara with extensions. It can cause the fans (if you have volume lashes) to clump together and is very difficult to clean off completely. If you absolutely must wear it, use a water-based, extension-safe formula and apply it only to the tips of your extensions, never at the base. Absolutely no waterproof mascara!
Makeup Remover: When it’s time to take off your makeup, you must use an oil-free makeup remover for eyelash extensions. Use a cotton swab or a makeup brush dipped in the remover to carefully work around your lashes, avoiding any wiping or rubbing motions on the extensions themselves.

Lifestyle Tips for Eyelash Extension Maintenance

Your daily habits also play a role in how your lashes fare. A few small adjustments can make a big difference.

Sleeping Position: This is a big one. The ideal way to sleep is on your back to avoid any friction on your lashes. If you’re a side or stomach sleeper, this can be tricky. Consider investing in a silk or satin pillowcase, which creates less friction than cotton. An even better solution is a contoured 3D sleep mask. These masks are designed with domes over the eyes, so they don’t press on your extensions at all, protecting them while you sleep. Learning how to sleep with eyelash extensions is a game-changer for retention.
Avoid Rubbing: Make a conscious effort not to rub, pick, or pull at your eyes or lashes. This can not only pull out the extension but also your natural lash along with it.
Be Mindful of Heat: High heat can singe or straighten synthetic extensions. Be careful when opening a hot oven, standing over a boiling pot, or near a barbecue or open flame.

Maximizing Your Investment: How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?

This is the million-dollar question! The longevity of your extensions depends on two main factors: your natural lash growth cycle and your aftercare routine.

Your natural eyelashes have a life cycle of about 60 to 90 days. Each day, you naturally shed a few lashes and new ones grow in. Because extensions are attached to your individual natural lashes, they will fall out along with them when they reach the end of their cycle.

With a perfect aftercare routine, a full set of extensions can look good for about 2 to 4 weeks. After this point, you’ll start to notice some gaps as your natural lashes have shed. This is completely normal and leads us to the final, crucial step in long-term eyelash extension maintenance: fills.

The Importance of Regular Eyelash Extension Fills

To keep your lashes looking consistently full and beautiful, you’ll need to schedule regular eyelash extension fills. A fill appointment is essentially a touch-up. Your lash artist will remove any grown-out extensions and apply new ones to the lashes that have grown in since your last visit.

Most clients get fills every 2 to 3 weeks. This schedule keeps your lashes looking dense and perfect without needing to get a brand new set each time, which is more cost-effective and saves time. Sticking to a regular fill schedule is the ultimate secret to having gorgeous lashes year-round.

Caring for your eyelash extensions is a commitment, but it’s a simple one. By following these guidelines—being gentle for the first 48 hours, cleaning them daily with the right products, being mindful of your makeup and habits, and scheduling regular fills—you can enjoy your beautiful, fluttery lashes for as long as possible. Now go ahead and enjoy the confidence that comes with waking up looking and feeling fabulous every single day.

Curious about how to keep your eyelash extensions looking their best? Luna Clinic is here to help! If you have questions or want personalized tips tailored to your lifestyle, keep reading Luna Clinic blogs! We’re happy to provide you with all the information you need to enjoy beautiful, healthy lashes for weeks to come.

How to Take Care of Eyelash Extensions For Gorgeous Results