Proper Lash Bed Care For Healthy Eyelash Extensions

The Importance of Properly Caring for Your Lash Bed

Getting eyelash extensions can completely transform your look, giving you beautiful, lush lashes that accentuate your eyes. However, in order to keep your lashes looking their best, it's essential to properly care for your lash bed. Your lash bed refers to your natural lashes and the skin where the extensions are applied. Taking good care of your lash bed will help your eyelash extensions last longer and appear fuller. Here's what you need to know about caring for your lash bed with eyelash extensions.

Cleaning the Lash Line

One of the most important parts of caring for your lash bed is keeping the lash line clean. Your lash line is the area along your upper lash where your natural lashes grow out from the follicles. When you get eyelash extensions, residue, dirt, oil, and bacteria can build up along the lash line. If this buildup isn't removed, it can lead to irritation, infection, and premature lash extension loss.

Use a soft, lint-free cloth or cotton swab dipped in a gentle eyelash cleanser to gently wipe along the lash line at least once per day. Carefully cleanse along the base of your upper lashes, where the natural lashes emerge. This will remove debris and buildup, keeping the area clean. Be very gentle during cleaning, and avoid rubbing or tugging on the extensions. With regular cleaning, you’ll prevent irritation and help keep extensions in place longer.

Avoid Oil-Based Products

Oil-based cosmetics and skin care products can break down the bond that adheres eyelash extensions to your natural lashes, causing the extensions to detach prematurely. Products like oil-based makeup remover, moisturizer, and facial oil should be avoided around the eyes when you have eyelash extensions.

Instead, look for oil-free, water-based products that are specifically formulated for use with eyelash extensions. These products are free of oils that could compromise the adhesive bond. Use an oil-free makeup remover to gently remove eye makeup without disrupting your extensions. When moisturizing your eye area, use an oil-free, water-based cream or lotion to hydrate without causing lash loss.

Be Gentle With Your Extensions

It’s important to be very gentle with your eyelash extensions and avoid touching, rubbing, or pulling on them. Your extensions are adhered to your delicate natural lashes, which can be damaged and fall out if too much pressure is applied. Try to avoid washing your face too aggressively and do not rub your eyes.

When applying eye makeup or washing your face, use gentle, sweeping motions. Do not pull, scrub, or use excessive pressure along the lash line. You want to prevent tugging on the extensions that could loosen their bond. Also be gentle when drying your face, blotting gently with a towel rather than rubbing the area.

Brush Extensions Daily

Invest in a soft, clean mascara wand or specialized eyelash extension brush. Use this daily to gently brush through your eyelash extensions from base to tip. This helps evenly distribute your natural oils along the extensions, keeping them conditioned. Brushing also prevents extensions from sticking together or clumping.

Very gently brush out your lashes after waking up, before bedtime, and a few other times throughout the day. The motion of brushing also mimics a light cleansing, helping dislodge dirt and debris. Just remember to always brush gently to avoid pulling out extensions before they’re ready to shed.

Avoid Waterproof Eye Makeup

Waterproof mascaras, liners, and eye makeup can be difficult to fully remove at the end of the day. Oil-based makeup remover is typically required to break down waterproof formulas. Since oil-based removers can compromise lash extension adhesion, it’s best to avoid waterproof eye makeup altogether.

Opt for regular, non-waterproof formulas that can be gently taken off with a basic, oil-free eye makeup remover. Leaving behind stubborn waterproof makeup day after day can cause buildup along the lash line leading to problems. Go for easy-to-remove makeup that won’t leave behind residue or interfere with the bond of your lash extensions.

Schedule Touch-Ups

As your natural lashes shed, your eyelash extensions will shed with them. This is completely normal and natural. However, it means you’ll start to notice gaps in your set around 3-4 weeks as extensions fall out here and there.

To maintain your desired fullness and length, schedule touch-up appointments every 2 to 3 weeks. Your lash tech will fill in gaps by reapplying extensions to lashes that have shed the original extension. Proper touch-ups will keep your set looking lush, flawless, and gorgeous.

Protecting Your Lash Bed Between Extensions

Taking good care of your natural lash bed is just as important between eyelash extension appointments. Here are some tips for maintaining lash bed health when you’re giving your lashes a break between sets:

Remove Extensions Properly

Don’t try to remove lash extensions on your own by pulling them out. This can damage your natural lashes and lash bed. See your lash tech to have extensions properly removed by soaking them off. This painlessly dissolves the bonds so extensions slide off gently without pulling your real lashes.

Cleanse and Moisturize

Without extensions on, you can use oil-based cleansers and moisturizers again. Gently cleanse your eye area with a soft cleanser, wiping carefully along the lash line. Use a hydrating eye cream morning and night to condition lashes and skin.

Avoid Extensions Constantly

While an occasional break between extension sets is healthy, wearing extensions constantly is hard on your lashes. Give your lash bed a break by going extension-free for at least 2 weeks between full sets. Or alternate classic extensions with lighter, scattered volume sets.

Take a Lash Serum

Serums with ingredients like peptides, biotin, and amino acids promote stronger, healthier lashes. Use a lash serum daily while extension-free to maximize this lash-boosting time. Just make sure serums are oil-free to avoid residue.

Be Gentle

Whether you’re removing makeup, washing your face, or brushing your bare lashes, maintain that same gentle touch. Never pull or over-cleanse the delicate lash bed. Protect it between extension appointments for optimal health.

Caring for your lash bed properly is one of the most important parts of maintaining beautiful eyelash extensions. Keep the lash line clean, use lash-safe products, brush gently, and avoid damage between appointments. Your tech and your lashes will thank you!

FAQs

How often should I clean my lash line when wearing extensions?

You should cleanse along the lash line at least once daily using a soft lint-free cloth or cotton swab dipped in a gentle eyelash cleanser. This removes buildup that could cause irritation or infection.

Can I use my regular moisturizer with eyelash extensions?

No, you should switch to an oil-free, water-based moisturizer to avoid breaking down the bond of your lash extensions. Oil-based products can cause early extension loss.

What’s the best way to apply eye makeup with extensions?

Use very light, gentle motions when applying eye makeup to avoid tugging on extensions. Avoid waterproof formulas, which can leave behind stubborn residue. Always remove makeup gently with an oil-free makeup remover.

How often do I need touch-ups for my extensions?

As your natural lashes shed, your extensions will fall out too. Schedule touch-ups every 2-3 weeks to fill in gaps and maintain your desired fullness and length.

Can I permanently damage my natural lashes from extensions?

With proper lash bed care between sets and avoiding constant extensions, your natural lashes can remain healthy. Always see a pro for safe application and removal to prevent lash damage.