How to clean your eyelash extensions

If you’ve ever had eyelash extensions, you know how amazing they can make you feel until they start falling out faster than expected. I still remember how obsessed I was with my first set, but I had no idea how to properly care for it. A week in, they looked sparse, and I couldn't figure out why. The truth? I hadn’t been cleaning them correctly.

Learning how to clean your eyelash extensions properly is one of the most important things you can do to protect your investment and keep your lashes looking flawless. Clean lashes not only last longer, but they also protect against irritation, buildup, and potential damage.

Whether you're new to lash extensions or just need a refresher, this guide will walk you through the best techniques to make your lashes last and look stunning.

Why clean lash extensions?

Keeping lash extensions clean is essential for their longevity and appearance. Clean lashes prevent the buildup of oils, dirt, and makeup residue, which can weaken the adhesive bond, causing extensions to shed prematurely.

But that’s not all. Poor eyelash extension hygiene can also result in more serious issues like blepharitis, a common condition in which the eyelids become inflamed due to the buildup of oil, dead skin, and bacteria around the lash base. This can cause itching, irritation, and even lash loss. In more severe cases, lash mites can thrive in unclean environments (yes, they do exist), so cleaning is essential.

Clean lashes not only look fuller and more vibrant, but they also lower the risk of irritation and infection. Simply put, good lash hygiene allows you to enjoy your extensions for longer while protecting the health of your eyes.

What can happen if lashes aren’t cleaned properly?

Nature gave us eyelashes to trap dust, dirt, and other small particles and keep them out of our eyes. If you don’t clean lashes regularly, natural oils, dead skin cells, and make-up can build up around the base of your lashes, particularly when you have extensions, as there is a gap of a couple of millimeters where it can accumulate at the base of your lashes between your eyelid and where the extension is attached.

This build-up can start to break down the lash glue or get in between the extension and the natural lash, ultimately causing the extensions to fall out more quickly.

Blepharitis is one of the most common and unpleasant side effects of poor lash hygiene, a condition in which the eyelids become red, inflamed, and itchy as a result of debris and bacteria accumulation. With lash extensions, the risk rises because the base of the lashes can trap more dirt if not properly cleaned. This inflammation is often accompanied by crusting, irritation, and a burning sensation, making your eyes look red and feel unhealthy.

Furthermore, this environment provides a perfect breeding ground for lash mites (Demodex), which are tiny organisms that feed on dead skin and oil. As they multiply, they can worsen the inflammation, causing even more irritation and the loss of natural lashes.

Eventually, you may find yourself rubbing or fidgeting with your eyes, especially while sleeping, which will cause more extensions to fall out. All of this can be avoided with regular and proper cleaning, not only to protect your investment but also to maintain your overall eye health and comfort.

How to clean lash extensions using cleanser

To keep your lash extensions looking fresh and to make them last, regular and proper cleaning is essential. When cleaned effectively, lash extensions stay fuller for longer, avoid unwanted buildup, and retain their vibrant appearance. Follow our step-by-step process and you can’t go wrong:

Follow our step-by-step process and you can’t go wrong:

1. Remove eye make-up. Use an oil-free makeup remover to gently remove the makeup on and around your eyes, avoiding the lashes. Our foaming cleanser is suitable for removing eye make-up as well as cleaning lashes, making it a very savvy purchase.
2. Remove your foundation Many foundation removers are oil-based or contain at least some oil. Feel free to use your preferred cleanser but do take care to keep all products well away from the eyes.
3. Wet your lashes. Use cool or lukewarm, not hot water to wet your lashes – splash the water on with your hands if you like, or soak an eyelash cleansing brush in water and dab gently onto your lashes.
4. Apply cleanser. Next, dispense some foam lash cleanser onto your brush. An eyelash cleansing brush makes the best choice as the fibres can get in between the lashes.
5. Wash those lashes. Work the cleanser gently, moving the brush softly up and down as well as sweeping across the lashes. Concentrate on the base of the lash extensions as this is where oil and dead skin cells accumulate. Repeat this part of the process until your eyes feel clean and refreshed. Do not rub.

6. Rinse, rinse and rinse!Next, rinse your eyes off with cool / lukewarm clean water, so that all the cleanser along with any excess dirt and makeup are removed from the area and your lashes. Use your hands to splash the water on, or rinse out the brush you have used and use it to dab water on until all traces of product are removed.
7. Dry.Blot your lashes and eye area with soft paper tissue. Again – no rubbing!
8. Dry some more…If you have classic lashes then they will likely be dry just from blotting with tissue, so you can skip to step 9. Russian Volume extensions hold more water and will need a quick blow with a cool, low setting on a hairdryer. A small handheld fan can do the job as well.
9. Brush those lashes out. Now your lashes are clean and dry but they need brushing back into shape, especially if you have volume extensions as the fans may close a little during washing. Using a lash wand / spoolie brush, comb them through gently, following the shape of the curl, and fanning them back out to their full and fluffy former glory.

Want to go the extra mile in your aftercare routine? Don’t miss our detailed tips in how to take care of eyelash extensions.

How often should I clean my lash extensions?

For best results, we recommend washing your lashes twice a day, morning and evening. Tie it in with your usual skin cleansing / make-up removing routine and it will soon become second nature.

Products and ingredients to avoid when cleaning lash extensions

When it comes to keeping your eyelash extensions clean and long-lasting, what you do not use is just as important as what you use. Many everyday skincare and makeup products contain ingredients that can interfere with the adhesive bond, causing your lash extensions to fall out prematurely.

The biggest culprit? Oil. Oil-based cleansers, makeup removers, moisturizers, and even some sunscreens can dissolve the cyanoacrylate glue used to attach your lash extensions. This weakens the bond between the extension and your natural lashes, causing shedding much faster than expected.

Aside from oils, avoid products containing glycerin, glycols, or heavy emollients, as they all have a similar effect on lash adhesive. Even "gentle" formulas, such as baby shampoo, can be harsh and leave residue that interferes with lash retention.

So, whenever you clean your face or remove makeup, always double-check the label. Choose oil-free products that are specifically designed for use with eyelash extensions. Consider using a foam lash cleanser designed to protect the adhesive while cleaning and refreshing your lashes.

Tips and tools for cleaning your lash extensions

DO use a soft, clean make-up brush and a foam-cleanser to remove make-up. To remove eyeliner we recommend using a lip applicator or sponge-tipped micro swab, but not on the lashes.

DO use the same brush for steps 3), 4) and 5) – if you like! Just make sure it is clean each time.

DON’T use an oil-based cleanser anywhere near your eyes, or one that contains oil or glycerin /glycols. Same goes for pure natural oils such as coconut oil.

DON’T use cotton wool buds, balls or pads anywhere near your eyes as fluff can get caught in your lashes and become very difficult to remove. They can also snag on your lashes and pull them out - cloths and make-up remover wipes can do this too.

DON’T pump foam cleanser straight onto a client’s eye area - it will make them jump!

DON’T rub when cleaning or drying your lashes, just dab gently.

DON’T brush lashes while they’re wet.

DON’T worry if you notice a couple of lashes coming loose while cleaning them. It’s normal to shed 2-5 natural lashes per eye per day – you just might notice it happening more when you wash them.

DO wash, rinse and dry one eye at a time from start to finish, keeping it closed throughout.

DO ask your lash technician to give you a lash wand for the maintenance of your extensions between sessions.

DO wash your lashes after going swimming, getting sweaty in the gym or after a good cry! Tears, sweat and chlorine can damage and loosen the lash adhesive.

DO wash your lashes before your infill appointment. Wash the top and lower lid as well to remove all oil and makeup so that no traces remain that might interfere with the treatment. Not only will your lash tech love you, but you’ll also love the extra time they spend doing your lashes because they’re not having to waste time cleaning them first!

Can I wet my eyelash extensions after getting them done?

You have probably gathered by now that you absolutely can wet your lash extensions! In fact, after the first 24 hours, not only is water safe, it’s essential for keeping your lashes clean and your eyes healthy.

A common misconception is that lash extensions must always be kept dry. This is most likely due to the initial aftercare instructions, which typically advise against using water, steam, pools, or saunas for the first 24 hours after application. This is to ensure that the lash adhesive cures and bonds properly.

However, once that first-day window has passed, water is no longer harmful. Professional lash extensions that have been properly applied and cured are water resistant. In fact, gentle cleansing with water and a lash-safe cleanser is essential for preventing oil, dirt, and bacteria buildup, which can weaken retention and cause irritation.

So, rest assured: wetting your lashes after the first 24 hours will not cause them to fall out; however, failing to clean them may.