Lash extensions have been a super popular service since re-opening after lockdown and to be honest, they are probably my favourite service to provide for many reasons. I love the final result and watching my clients' eyes light up when they see their full lashline and the difference eyelash extensions can make to the face. Eyelash extensions are perfect because they can reduce the time spent getting ready every day, they make you look super awake and alert, and they look great even when you have a face mask on. However, there is a little bit of work involved in keeping that lashline clean, fluffy and looking perfect.
I have worked hard over the last number of years perfecting my craft as a lash artist - only using the best tools and supplies, educating my clients on lash health and hygiene, and most importantly, helping you get as long out of your lashes as physically possible. However, I can't do all of the work. Once you leave my studio, your lash aftercare is so important to ensure that all of my hard work pays off, and your lashes stay beautiful until your refill appointment.
The first thing to note is: your eyelashes fall out every single day! Do you remember as a child how you would notice that you've lost an eyelash, blow on it and make a wish? You didn't panic then and there is no reason to panic now. It happens, and more frequently than you think. I always raise this point with my clients as most of our lashes are thin, light and fair in colour so it is often hard to notice one falling out. However, with eyelash extensions, we have a beautiful long, black extension or fan, so it is more noticeable when one sheds. But that is still no reason to panic. Lash shedding is perfectly normal and everyone sheds at a different rate. Each eye has typically 90-120 eyelashes and on average, you may shed anywhere up to 10 eyelashes every day, depending on how fast your lash growth is. The best thing is, as soon as your lash sheds, you have a new lash growing to replace the lost one, so more often than not, we don't even notice how many lashes we lose. With that being said, after two weeks you have lost, on average, 50 lashes, and after 3 weeks, 75! This is why we recommend lash refills every 2-3 weeks to keep that lashline super full!
Now that we have covered the basics, here are some important things that you can do the keep your lash extensions clean and full.
DO be gentle around your eyes, DO NOT rub, itch or pick at your extensions
DO use a mascara wand to brush your lashes 1 -2 times daily
DO gently wash your lashes daily with an eyelash cleanser
After the initial 24-48 hours, regular activities including water are lash extensions-safe, including swimming, face washing, etc. However, activities including salt water, sea swims, surfing, boating etc., goggles are recommended.
DO NOT get excessively wet for the first 24 hours. This allows the adhesive to cure (dry)
DO NOT use steam rooms, saunas or sunbeds for 48 hours
DO NOT perm, tint or use eyelash curlers
DO NOT use waterproof or oil-based mascara on your extensions as they contain chemical properties that will break down the adhesive
DO NOT wear heavy makeup if at all possible as this will affect retention - remember lots of makeup have oils in it which will break down the glue and also, the extra cleaning and friction required to remove the makeup may pull on your extensions.
DO NOT sleep face down or on your side as this will increase friction. Sleep on your back if at all possible. DO use silk pillow cases to eliminate that constant contact when sleeping and reduce friction.
DO NOT attempt to remove eyelash extensions yourself. Only have them professionally removed for optimum lash health.
The list of aftercare often seems daunting to newbie lashers but I promise it becomes second nature to you almost immediately. It is important to note that I am only ever a message away if you have any issues or questions regarding your lash extensions and/or aftercare. I have been lashing for over 3 years now so 1. I have seen it all and 2. I immediately know the difference between 'my lashes fell off' and 'friction (pulling/rubbing) made my lashes fall out' so honesty is always best if you're struggling with your lashes.
Contact me on Instagram @beaushefulbynk, Facebook @beausheful, Twitter @beausheful or email info@beausheful.com with any of your lash concerns.
Book your lash appointment now on any of the above socials or online.
Love,
Niamh
x