How to Clean Eyelash Extensions

Lash extensions are the ultimate gateway to a glamorous look, whether you’re going for something that resembles your natural lashes or doing something more vibrant and bold.

Regardless, your eyelash extensions will need cleaning from time to time.

Knowing how to clean your lash extensions properly is critical, as you don’t want to end up with frazzled, dirty lashes or a possible infection resulting from buildup.

If you want to learn how to clean your lash extensions properly, keep reading.

We’re sharing info, such as how to clean your lashes and how often it should be done - plus so much more!

How Often Should You Clean Eyelash Extensions?

First and foremost, let’s discuss how often you should really clean your eyelash extension(s).

For those who have excessively oily skin and lashes, you will want to clean them daily.

The same is true for those who wear makeup.

If you do not wear eye makeup and do not struggle with oil, you only need to deal with cleaning lash extensions once or twice a week.

However, you also need to consider what you did throughout the day.

Did you go to the gym and work up a sweat? Went for a swim in the ocean or nearby lake?

Then you should clean your lashes.

How to Clean Eyelash Extensions

Most people need to clean their lashes daily, although some can get by a few times per week.

But the most important thing is knowing how to clean lash extensions properly.

Here’s how to do it.

Wait 48 Hours Before Cleaning

If you just got your eyelash extensions, you must wait 48 hours before cleaning them.

Getting your lash extensions wet too soon can cause them to fall off or the lash glue to become weak.

Remove Eye Makeup

For those who wear eye makeup (for example, you wear mascara or eyeliner), you will want to start by removing it.

You can do this by using an oil-free makeup remover.

Apply a dash to a cotton swab and gently remove the product.

Refrain from using cotton balls or pads which can tug on the lash extensions.

Tip: You shouldn’t need to wear any eye makeup when wearing lash extensions.

Your lash extensions should provide enough body and beauty, and cleaning will be 100 times easier without them.

Remove Other Makeup

When you clean your eyelash extensions, it’s best to have a bare face.

You don’t want to get some leftover makeup in your lashes accidentally.

That said, wash your face and remove makeup using makeup remover wipes or an oil-free cleanser.

Continue to wash your face until all of the makeup residue is gone.

Be extra careful around the eyes, though. You do not want to tug or pull on the lashes accidentally.

Clean the Eyelashes

Now it’s time for the fun part: cleaning lashes!

To clean your lashes, it’s best to use a lash shampoo/eyelash extension cleanser specifically designed to clean lash extensions.

These products will typically come with a handy cleansing brush that is safe and effective, removing grime and oil from dirty lashes without compromising the lash adhesive.

If you do not have any of these products, you can also opt for oil and alcohol-free cleansers such as baby shampoo.

Rinse with warm water and use your fingers or brush to gently massage the lash extensions, paying extra close attention to the lash line where most of the buildup occurs.

It is essential to be incredibly gentle when cleaning your lashes. It’s best to go up and down and avoid tugging or pulling at all costs.

Dry

When satisfied with how you’ve cleansed your lash extensions, you will need to dry them.

The easiest way to do this is to pat them gently with a clean towel. Do not rub.

Shape Your Lashes

When all is said and done, you may need to re-shape your lashes to where they were before.

For some, this may simply mean using a clean mascara wand to maneuver them back in place.

Others may need to take the extra step of curling. But this all depends on the type of extension material you opted for.

If you’re unsure, you can always ask your lash technician.

FAQ

Can I use Micellar water to clean lash extensions?

Micellar water is one of the very best products you can use to clean your lash extensions.

It also works wonderfully at removing the rest of your makeup, making it an all-in-one cleanser you can use on your entire face.

The only thing to consider is whether or not the Micellar water contains oils.

Oil will hinder eyelash adhesives and may cause them to fall off if you’re not careful.

That said, double-check the ingredients to ensure your Micellar water is oil-free.

If it is, you can use it for cleaning eyelashes - natural eyelashes and fake ones!

Are you supposed to clean your eyelash extensions?

You should 100% clean your lashes. Not cleaning your lashes can lead to premature lash loss and, over time, can even lead to infection.

That’s why cleaning lashes a few times per week is recommended, if not every day.

If you do not use makeup or struggle with oily skin, dirt, grime, and buildup can still occur at the lash line.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your lash extension(s). Clean them daily and keep your lash health in tip-top shape.

Can I use baby shampoo to wash my eyelash extensions?

Baby shampoo should only be used if it is oil-free and does not contain any artificial colors or fragrances.

These can cause the lash extension glue to fail and irritate the eyes.

So, double-check that your product is free of any potentially harmful ingredients. If not, you can use it, although a high-quality lash cleanser is recommended.