Can I Wash My Eyelash Extensions After 24 Hours?

If you’re a fan of eye-catching lashes, then eyelash extensions may have become your new best friend. They provide a fuller and more dramatic lash look than mascara could ever achieve.

However, with this enhancement comes responsibility, specifically, with lash extensions aftercare.

One of the most pressing questions that people have about their newly applied lash extensions is can I wash my eyelash extensions after 24 hours?

So, let’s take a look at whether you can shower with eyelash extensions, or how long to wait after you get eyelash extensions, before you’re safe to wash them.

Why Do I Need to Wait 24 Hours to Wash My Eyelash Extensions?

The Importance of Allowing the Adhesive to Fully Bond

Your lash technician or lash artist will have applied your extensions using a special lash adhesive or lash glue.

This lash adhesive creates a bond between your natural lashes and the lash extension to keep it in place.

To form this bond between the lash adhesive and your natural lash, it’s essential to wait at least 24 hours for the bond to cure and fully set.

So, if you’re tempted to wash your new lashes before the 24 hours are up, it’s best to hold off and let the bond between your lash extensions and natural lashes develop fully.

The Risk of Premature Lash Extension Fallout with Early Washing

If you wash your face or get your extensions wet before the 24-hour mark, it can weaken the bond between your natural lashes and the extensions.

When the bond is weakened, it increases the risk of premature lash fallout or losing one or two of the extensions.

And trust us: you don’t want to get their lashes wet and find out that your extensions fell out before you’ve even had the chance to show them off properly.

How Can Waiting 24 Hours Contribute to The Longevity of My Lash Extensions?

When you wait the full 24 hours before washing your lash extensions or getting them wet, you’re helping to extend the longevity of your lash extensions’ life.

By waiting, you’re allowing the bond between your natural lashes and lash adhesive to fully cure and set.

If you get your lash extensions wet or wash them too early, the adhesive will soften and weaken, which diminishes the lash extension’s lifespan

Can I Wash My Eyelash Extensions After 24 Hours?

The Potential Risks of Getting Your Extensions Wet Too Soon

The adhesive used to attach your eyelash extensions to your natural lashes is known as a cyanoacrylate adhesive.

This adhesive starts to cure once it is exposed to moisture in the air, setting the bond formed between the natural lash and extension.

If you get your extensions wet before they’ve had time to cure entirely, you can reduce the adhesive’s effectiveness that holds the extension in place.

The Process of Eyelash Extension Adhesive Curing

Curing is the process where the lash adhesive starts to harden, and the bond between the natural lash and extension sets.

This process is essential to extending the life of your extensions. If you don’t allow the adhesive to cure entirely before getting your extensions wet, you risk the bond and, ultimately, your extensions’ longevity.

What to Do if You Accidentally Get Your Extensions Wet Before 24 Hours

If you accidentally get your lash extensions wet before 24 hours have passed, wipe them gently with a clean, dry tissue. Avoid rubbing your eyes or eyelashes vigorously. Simply let them air dry and avoid getting them wet further until the 24-hour period has passed.

Can I Shower with My Eyelash Extensions?

Yes, you can shower with your eyelash extensions, but you must take the necessary precautions to protect them from getting wet. It’s advisable to shower without directing the shower head onto your face, so the direct flow of water doesn’t touch your lash extensions.

Products to Avoid in The Shower with Lash Extensions

To keep your lash extensions looking their best, it’s best to avoid exposing them to certain products and elements that can weaken the bond between the natural lashes and the extension. Specifically, try to avoid oil-based products, including facial cleansers and shampoos.

The Importance of Keeping Your Lash Extensions Away from Direct Water

To ensure your extensions don’t fall out or start to loosen prematurely, avoid getting them wet or allowing them to become fully saturated in water. Water can break down the adhesive bond, causing the extensions to loosen.

How Do I Clean My Lash Extensions?

When it comes to cleaning your lash extensions, there are specific techniques you need to follow.

Start by gently brushing your lashes with a clean spoolie brush to remove any makeup or debris.

Next, use a specially formulated lash cleanser or a gentle natural shampoo mixed with water to wash your lashes.

You can either use a small amount of cleanser on a spoolie brush or low lint cotton swab to thoroughly clean your natural lashes and extensions.

Recommended Cleansers and Makeup Removers Safe for Lash Extensions

Not all facial cleanser wipes, makeup removers, and oil-based products can be used safely for lash extensions.

Opt for oil-free or water-based makeup removers like micellar water and specifically formulated lash cleansers to remove makeup and cleanse your lashes, and lash line without damaging your extensions.

The Frequency and Schedule of Eyelash Extension Cleaning

The frequency and schedule of eyelash extension cleaning will depend on you and your lifestyle.

We recommend that you clean them daily and preferably at night to remove the makeup, debris, and oils accumulated throughout the day. It’s best to do this with clean hands or brushes, using gentle strokes.

What Aftercare Tips Should I Follow to Keep My Eyelash Extensions Clean and Healthy?

1. Gently brush your extensions daily with the spoolie provided. This will help keep their shape, and remove any dirt or dust that may have collected throughout the day.

2. avoid rubbing and pulling at your lashes, as this can cause them to pull off prematurely.

3. Avoid using oil-based makeup removers, as this could break down the adhesive used on the lash extensions and make them fall out quicker than they should. Opt for an oil-free eyelid cleanser and makeup remover instead.

4. Refrain from using waterproof mascara, as it is likely to contain ingredients that can negatively affect the bond between your natural lashes and the extension ones.

5. Wash your lashes carefully to prevent bacteria build up, you can use a mild shampoo or baby wash & rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water after every shower or before every re-lash appointment (when between infills).

6. Try not to get your lashes wet for 12–24 hours after having them applied with glue—this will give time for the glue bond to set properly before coming into contact with water again; allowing maximum retention of your extensions, preventing premature lash loss, and premature lash shedding.

How to Avoid Damaging or Losing Lashes From Your Full Set Of Lash Extensions

To avoid damage or premature lash extension loss, avoid rubbing and pulling your lashes.

Sleeping on your stomach or side can also cause damage to your extensions, so try sleeping on your back, if possible. Gently brush your lashes with a spoolie brush to help maintain their shape without damaging the extensions.

The Dos and Don’ts of Aftercare for Lash Extensions

There are various dos and don’ts to follow when it comes to aftercare for your lash extensions. Do take proper care of your extensions, use recommended products to clean your lashes, and brush your lashes, keep them dry and avoid oil-based products.

Don’t pull or rub your lashes too hard, don’t let them become too wet, and don’t use mascara on them (unless it’s specifically designed for lash extensions).

Taking care of your extensions is essential to extending their life and maintaining the appearance of your natural lashes, so ensure you avoid water within the first 24-48 hours after your lash appointment, to protect your full set of eyelash extensions.

Try not to get your eyelash extensions wet, so avoid using water near your lashes, to keep your extensions looking their best, for as long as possible.