This information will tell you all you need to know about caring for eyelash extensions

Just like nails, natural lashes grow, and this means that a set of eyelash extensions will start to look less full over the weeks. After 2 – 3 weeks they will require a maintenance infill to keep them looking their best . Natural lashes shed daily, but it’s rare that we see this as they are usually very fine.

Clients returning for infills must return with at least 40% – 50% of their set remaining, otherwise this will be classed as a full set and the full set fee will apply. Clients that attempt to return for an infill outside of the designated infill timeframe set by their therapist, may be charged for a full set of eyelash extensions due to the additional work now required to rectify the set.

At an infill we remove extensions that have grown out and twisted, and replace those extensions that have naturally shed with your natural lashes.

Humans shed approximately 2-5 natural eyelashes per upper lid, per eye, per day (lets average this at 3 per day), and your therapist will apply approximately 100 extensions to the suitable natural lashes of each eye, therefore you will see the following general loss patterns:

  • After 7 days you will lose 21 extensions
  • After 14 days you will lose 42 extensions
  • After 21 days you will lose 63 extensions

Therefore after 3 weeks you may have lost over half your set.

NB: It is normal to lose up to 5 extensions per eye within the first 24 hours, do not worry.

Now you can see why your lashes, just like your nails, have to be maintained to keep them looking their best; because eyelashes grow and shed daily!

Eyelash Aftercare Rules

Eyelash adhesive actually takes 24 hours to completely cure and therefore, the first 24 hours are the most important time to ensure that your lashes will last.

  • Do not get your extensions wet for the first 24 hours – exposing your new extensions to any moisture such as steam, high humidity and water, will result in the lash glue over-curing and becoming brittle, and your extensions will fall off within a few days.
  • After 24 hours please keep your extensions clean – clean them gently, as instructed by your lash technician and with a designated lash cleanser. Bodily oils that travel onto your extensions will break down adhesive if not removed by cleaning. Failure to clean your lashes will not only result in poor retention, but the build up of bacteria, and can lead to eye infections.
  • Keep oil based products away from your extensions, and limit the use of oily products on your face if possible. Oily products are absorbed into the skin and these then leave your body through pores in your skin, including your eyelids. This oil can travel onto the extensions and break down the glue.
  • Brush your extensions at least 4-5 times a day to keep them looking neat, tidy and uniformed.
  • Do not pick or pull at your extensions. The adhesive, although safe to use, is very strong and picking or pulling will pull your natural lashes out.
  • Do not sleep on your face. Your extensions are delicate, so ‘face planting’ in your pillow will cause your extensions to fall out where they are being rubbed out in the night.
  • Always return for infills within the time set by your therapist, leave them to fall out naturally, or get them removed professionally. Never attempt to remove the extensions yourself.
  • NEVER apply mascara or liquid or gel eyeliner to your extensions or upper eyelid. Both will adhere to the extensions, cannot be safely cleansed off and will create a breeding ground for bacteria. If you ignore this rule then you may be charged for a removal and full set.
  • Always arrive with clean extensions. The job or your therapist is not to clean your lashes due to the lack of client aftercare. Unclean extensions will either require a full removal for client safety, an additional cleansing fee, or less lashing time due to the cleaning time needed.

Lash Sheds

Natural lashes grow in cycles – the average cycle is usually 9-12 weeks. This means that the amount of lashes you have week after week will vary, depending on what stage of your lash cycle you are in. Some weeks your lashes will look fuller than others, and some weeks your retention will be better.

Every 9-12 weeks the client will experience a large loss of lashes, and this is perfectly normal. However, when you wear eyelash extensions, this shed may be more noticeable because you may see a few more extensions falling out than usual. If you are new to wearing extensions you might be alarmed, however do not be as this is just the natural pattern of eyelash growth cycles.

Spring and autumn lash sheds

During the spring and autumn, humans, just like animals, shed hair from all over their bodies – including our lashes. At these times of year, you may find your lashes do not last as long because of this natural shed, and you may need to schedule your infills more frequently. After a few weeks our bodies do calm down, so do not be alarmed.

The video below will show you how to clean and care for your eyelash extensions.