How to Clean Lash Extensions in 6 Steps

Cleaning lash extensions will ensure you can use them again. It is essential to prevent bacteria and dirt from old lash extensions from entering your eyes. Bacteria buildup can lead to blepharitis, bacterial overgrowth on dirty lashes that can cause inflammation on your eyelids. Bacterial overgrowth can also attract mites, so it is imperative to clean eyelash extensions thoroughly.

After adhering lash extensions, wait forty-eight hours before cleaning so your false lashes can cure and become waterproof. You should clean eyelash extensions at least every other day to remove eye makeup, dirt, dead skin cells, old lash adhesive, and bacteria on the lashes. If you have oily eyelids, wash your lash extensions every day to remove natural oils, which can break down the lash glue on your lash extensions.

Cleaning eyelash extensions is imperative for eye health. Follow the step-by-step guide below to clean eyelash extensions:

1. 1. Cure your lashes. It is crucial to follow aftercare instructions. The first time you apply your false lashes, wait forty-eight hours before cleaning them. Your lash extensions need time to cure and become waterproof.
2. 2. Remove your eye makeup. Use an oil-free makeup remover, such as micellar water or foaming cleanser, to remove eye makeup, including mascara and eyeshadow, from your lashes.
3. 3. Use a lash cleanser. Wet your lashes, then apply a lash extension cleanser or lash shampoo to clean your lash extensions using a small cleansing brush. Brush the lash shampoo against the eyelashes, running the bristles back and forth along the lash line to remove any dirt and makeup.
4. 4. Rinse the cleanser. Rinse the lash cleaner off with warm water.
5. 5. Dry your lashes. Using a dry paper towel or hand towel, pat dry your lash extensions.
6. 6. Brush your false lashes. Using a clean spoolie brush (similar to a mascara wand), brush out your false eyelashes to fluff them up.

When cleaning lash extensions, consider the following tips for success:

1. 1. Use lash shampoo. When cleaning lash extensions, you want to use a specialized lash extension cleanser, such as a lash shampoo, which is unscented and non-irritating for your eye area. Special lash cleansers also contain moisturizing ingredients to keep your lash extensions soft.
2. 2. Avoid baby shampoo. Some makeup gurus use baby shampoo to clean eyelash extensions. However, baby shampoo is usually scented, which can irritate your eye areas. The sulfates and oils in the baby shampoo can also weaken the adhesive bond in your falsies.
3. 3. Be gentle. Avoid vigorous movements when cleaning your lashes to prevent the false eyelashes from falling out. Gently dab your eyelashes when removing makeup and drying.
4. 4. Use a hairdryer. You can use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting to speed the drying process.

Get the MasterClass Annual Membership for exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Bobbi Brown, RuPaul, Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, and more.