There’s a reason lash extensions feel addictive. You leave the salon, look in the mirror, and suddenly mascara feels like ancient history. But here’s the catch nobody likes to admit: the real test isn’t how good they look on day one, it’s how you treat them afterward. Aftercare makes or breaks the whole thing. People often think lash extensions are high-maintenance, but honestly? They just need the right kind of care. It’s more about habits, what you do every day without even realizing it. A few small slip-ups, like rubbing your eyes at night or using the wrong face cream, can undo hours of work your lash tech put in. Let’s talk through what really matters. Not in some perfect list, but the stuff that actually keeps lashes looking lush instead of falling out in two weeks.
First off, the basics: don’t get them wet too soon. Everyone’s heard it, but you’d be shocked at how many people forget. A client once told me she went for a steam facial the very night she got hers done. By morning, half her lashes were sliding off. The glue needs those first 24 hours to really lock in. Cleaning them is another one people ignore. It feels counterintuitive, right? You’ve got delicate extensions, so you leave them alone. But oil, makeup, and even dust build up fast and weaken the bond. A gentle lash-safe cleanser, soft brush, rinse, done. Takes two minutes, saves you weeks of wear. Brushing is a tiny habit that makes a huge difference. Keep that little spoolie your lash artist gave you and run it through once a day. It stops lashes from crisscrossing and gives you that fluffy look. Think of it like brushing your hair, you wouldn’t skip that for weeks. If you’re a side sleeper, try a silk pillowcase. We know, easier said than done, but it honestly helps. Regular cotton tugs at lashes, while silk’s smoother surface keeps them intact longer.
Biggest mistake? Rubbing. You rub once and tell yourself it’s harmless, but it becomes a habit. Before you know it, the extensions are twisting, your natural lashes are stressed, and everything looks messy. If something’s irritating your eye, call your lash tech instead of tugging at it. Another sneaky culprit: oil-based products. Most face creams, heavy eye serums, and even certain makeup removers, if they’re oil-based, the glue doesn’t stand a chance. Double-check your products. It’s boring, but worth it. Mascara is another trap. Technically, you can wear it, but you really don’t need to. And waterproof mascara? Forget it. The scrubbing needed to remove it will take your extensions right along with it. Also, watch out for heat. Not just steam rooms, but simple stuff like leaning too close to an oven or blasting your face with a hot hairdryer. Heat can singe or warp the fibers, and once they bend, they don’t bounce back.
It’s really that simple. Take care of your lashes, and they’ll take care of you.
