Lash Extension Aftercare: The Complete Guide
What you do after your appointment is just as important as the application itself. Follow this guide and your lashes will love you for it.
Lash Extension Aftercare: Everything You Need to Know
You've just left our Doral studio with the most beautiful lashes you've ever had. Now the most important part begins — taking care of them.
Proper aftercare is the single biggest factor in how long your lash extensions last and how healthy your natural lashes stay underneath. Follow these guidelines and your set will reward you.
The First 24 Hours
The golden rule: keep your lashes dry.
The adhesive we use bonds beautifully — but it needs 24 hours to fully cure. During this window:
- No water on your lashes (showers are fine, just keep your face out of the stream)
- No steam — saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, steaming face masks
- No swimming
- No rubbing, touching, or pulling
- No eye makeup (mascara, liner near the lash line)
After 24 hours, you're clear to live your normal life.
Daily Care Routine
This is where most clients either extend or shorten their lash life. The good news — it takes less than 2 minutes.
Cleansing (The Most Important Step)
Clean lashes last longer. We know that sounds counterintuitive, but buildup of oils, dead skin cells, and makeup residue breaks down adhesive faster than water ever will.
How to cleanse:
- Apply a small amount of oil-free lash cleanser to a cleansing brush or your clean fingertips
- Gently work it through the lashes in a downward motion
- Rinse with lukewarm water — keep it gentle
- Pat (never rub) dry with a clean towel or lint-free pad
- Let them air dry for 2–3 minutes before brushing
What to use: A dedicated lash shampoo is ideal. Avoid anything containing oils, glycols, or glycerine near the lash line.
Brushing
A single pass with a clean spoolie brush each morning keeps your extensions aligned, separated, and tangle-free. Brush through when lashes are dry.
Products to Avoid
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Oil-based cleansers & makeup removers | Break down adhesive |
| Waterproof mascara | Removal process is too harsh |
| Oil-based sunscreens | Seeps into adhesive bond |
| Cotton pads near the lash line | Fibres snag on extensions |
| Micellar water with oil | Many contain glycol — check your label |
Sleeping With Lash Extensions
Side and stomach sleepers — this section is for you.
Sleeping face-down or on your side presses your lashes into the pillow for hours, which causes extensions to twist, shed, and lose their curl.
Our recommendations:
- Sleep on your back when possible
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase if you sleep on your side (less friction than cotton)
- A contoured sleep mask or lash pillow props your face away from the pillow
Exercise and Lash Extensions
After the first 24 hours, exercise is completely fine. Sweat is water-based and doesn't damage the adhesive. Simply cleanse your lashes after a workout as part of your normal routine.
The only caution: don't rub your eyes when sweating. A gentle pat is fine.
When to Book Your Refill
Watch for the natural shedding that begins around week 2. When you notice gaps forming — typically 2 to 3 weeks after your appointment — it's time for a refill.
Waiting too long between refills means:
- More natural lashes have shed, so there's less to refill
- The remaining extensions have grown out (the extension sits further from the base)
- You may need to pay for a fuller refill or a new set
For consistent results, keep to your 2–3 week refill schedule.
Questions?
We're always happy to help. If something doesn't look right or you have a question about your lashes between appointments, reach out — that's what we're here for.