Key Takeaways
- Since keeping lash extensions clean helps keep lashes healthy and avoid irritation or infections, we suggest making gentle daily cleansing a habit.
- Regular household soaps, shampoos, or products containing alcohol and strong fragrances can break down the adhesive and lead to early lash shedding, so we recommend opting for gentle, lash-safe substitutes.
- Easy solutions such as a baby shampoo + water mix or alcohol-free micellar water can be effective and low-priced alternatives to clean your lash extensions at home.
- Careful dabbing, rinsing with lukewarm water and drying with a lint-free towel protects your lashes and adhesive bond, whereas over-zealous scrubbing causes damage.
- By knowing the chemistry of lash adhesives, we’re able to select gentle cleansers and wash techniques that help extend lash retention and stay looking fabulous.
- Proper daily, weekly and monthly care (and refill appointments) will prolong the life of lash extensions for a beautiful, comfortable result.
We keep it simple and safe so your lashes stay fresh and last longer!
We understand not everyone keeps lash shampoo on hand, so we rely on gentle cleansers and soft tools for a clean finish.
Here at iBEAUTY CODE we’re all about sharing how to maintain healthy, full lashes.
Why cleaning is non-negotiable
To us, lash extensions are part art, part self-care – and clean lashes are the cornerstone. Clean lashes are not about aesthetics – they’re about your health and comfort. Daily cleaning is not optional; it affects every aspect of your beauty regimen.
Cleaning daily removes makeup, dirt and oils that accumulate throughout the day. If we skip this, those little bits clump onto the lashes, like glue, leaving them looking fatigued. Even if you don’t use makeup, little things like sweat and pollution leave a film behind. Gentle cleaning sweeps it all away – keeping lashes soft and neat.
When we maintain clean lashes, we reduce the chance of eye issues such as blepharitis. Bacteria and dirt just love to hide where lashes meet the lid. If we let it accumulate, it can result in redness, itching, swelling or even eye infections. Blepharitis be damned – blepharitis is painful and causes lashes to fall out prematurely. When we clean daily, we starve the bacteria and keep our eyes happy.
Clean lashes equal longer-lasting extensions. Oil from our skin, makeup, and dust can deteriorate the glue that secures extensions. If we allow that to occur, the lashes begin to fall out prematurely. We have to get fills more, which is more expensive and time-consuming. By washing with care on a daily basis, we assist each batch in lasting as long as possible – frequently extending another week or two in between fillings.
Well-washed lashes simply look better and feel better. Grimy lashes can stick together, mat, or actually jab the eye. This is painful and can appear disorderly. We want our extensions to be bouncy, voluminous, and silky – not crunchy or clumped. When lashes are build-up free, they sway and maintain their beautiful shape.
For any eye makeup wearer, cleaning is even more key. Mascara, eyeliner, and shadow can get trapped in between the lashes, making a breeding ground for bacteria and irritation. A nice cleanse washes all of that away, leaving eyes feeling refreshed and lashes appearing on point.
Clean lashes safeguard our natural ones as well. Build-up is heavy and can weigh down the extension and natural lash, resulting in breakage or premature lash fallout. We want to nurture healthy growth and maintain natural lashes’ strength.
The hidden dangers in your cabinet
When we discuss at-home lash extension care with clients, we’re often surprised to hear many turn to products already sitting in their bathroom. On face value, this feels simple and secure. However, what’s lurking in those bottles and jars can sabotage healthy, long lashes! Numerous common products are capable of breaking down the adhesive of extensions, irritating your skin, and even causing lash loss.
Understanding what to steer away from is equally critical as understanding what to consume. Below are common household products you should keep far away from lash extensions:
- Micellar water with oil or strong cleansers
- Baby shampoo
- Face washes with exfoliating beads
- Bar soaps
- Makeup remover wipes (especially oil-based)
- Oil-based cleansers or balms
- Toners with alcohol
- Anything with strong scent or added fragrance
- Hair shampoo or body wash
Most soaps and shampoos contain harsh ingredients and surfactants. These ingredients are designed to remove dirt and grease from skin or hair, but on lash extensions, they do more damage than clean. For instance, sodium lauryl sulfate, a surfactant in many soaps, dissolves the adhesive that secures lash extensions.
Not even a simple face wash is safe from hidden surfactants or oils that feel gentle on skin, but rough on lash bonds. Most OTC products contain alcohol or potent fragrances. Alcohol, which is usually labeled as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, dries out the natural lashes. This not only makes extensions brittle, but can cause the glue to deteriorate more quickly.
Fragrances are another warning sign. They might make products smell nice, but they frequently irritate the delicate skin around the eyes. We have clients get red, puffy lids from scented cleansers or wipes used near their lashes. Certain “mild” alternatives, such as baby shampoo, may seem harmless but are actually a poor selection.
A lot of baby shampoos contain hidden oils or surfactants that are still too harsh for lash extensions. Oils are a prime culprit as they slide into the lash line, loosen the glue and lead to early lash loss. Even if you don’t notice immediately, repeated use can mean your extensions won’t last as long, and touch-ups are more common.
It’s easy to assume that water is sufficient for cleaning lashes. Though water is mild, it won’t take away makeup, oil, or dust that accumulates every day. The improper type, even just once or twice a week, can wreck all the meticulous effort into your lash extensions.
Our recommendation is always to keep it simple and skip anything with harsh chemicals, alcohol, fragrance or oil.
Safe lash shampoo alternatives
Washing lash extensions keeps them fresh and clean, but sometimes we find ourselves out of lash shampoo, or just want to experience something different. Stick with a daily lash cleanser made for extensions if possible, but there are a few safe options you can use in a pinch.
We want to assist our clients in maintaining their lashes looking fresh and beautiful and keeping eyes comfortable and safe. When selecting a substitute, it’s important that the product is gentle, does not obstruct lashes, and won’t irritate or parch the delicate eye region. A lot of what’s on store shelves is too harsh or oily for lash extensions, so it’s nice to be aware of a few safe alternatives.
- diluted baby shampoo (1 part to 3 parts water)
- Alcohol-free micellar water
- DIY gentle foaming cleansers (non-oil based)
- Plain water on a lint-free pad (when nothing else is at hand)
Diluting baby shampoo with water is one of the easiest, safest alternatives if you don’t have lash shampoo handy. We’re consistently fans of 1 part baby shampoo to 3 parts water – this just keeps the mix gentle and not overly drying. While baby shampoo is gentle on eyes, it’s still best not to use too much and to rinse thoroughly.
We recommend a soft brush or a lint-free pad to lightly brush the mix along the lash line. Rinse with cold water and towel dry. Simple, foolproof, and inexpensive.
Alcohol-free micellar water is another great option for lash cleaning without lash shampoo. Be sure to use formulas that are free of alcohol or oils, as they can degrade the glue and cause extensions to become loose or fall off more quickly. Alcohol-free micellar water lifts makeup, sweat, and oil sans a lot of rubbing.
We suggest taking a small amount on a lint-free pad and gently dabbing at the lashes. Never scrub or rub – this pulls on the extensions.
Do-it-yourself options merit consideration. Others create mild foaming washes at home with a teaspoon of baby shampoo and distilled water in a foaming bottle. You can use them for 1-2 days but we always say get back to a proper lash cleanser ASAP.
In other words, going one or two days in between cleansing is typically healthier for your lashes than using any of these harsh replacements. Because lash shampoos typically last awhile, it’s smart to keep a backup bottle on hand.
Incorporating lash cleansing into your daily face wash helps make it a habit. If you do run out, these all are safe for short-term use. Always go back to a well-regarded lash cleanser.
How to clean lash extensions
Knowing how to clean lash extensions the proper way is essential for maintaining their health and maximizing their appearance. We constantly tell our clients that daily care makes the lashes last longer, keeps the glue strong and reduces things like bacteria or makeup residue.
Even without lash shampoo, it’s still crucial to adhere to a cautious protocol, and we’ve discovered some best practices that hold true for just about everyone.
We start with a quick checklist to help you get the job done right:
- Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face or lashes.
- Wet your face or lashes with lukewarm water first – never hot, never cold.
- If you’re wearing makeup, cleanse with an oil-free makeup remover. Pat lightly. This assists remove most mascara or eye makeup without tugging on the extensions.
- No rubbing. Remember, always dab/blot gently so you don’t pull or loosen the lashes.
- If you have lash shampoo, put a small drop on a clean brush or soft cleansing brush. Lather and gently brush the foam over your lashes and eyelids for a minimum of 5 seconds.
- If you don’t have lash shampoo, don’t attempt to sub in a random cleanser. A lot of face washes or soaps have oils or harsh stuff that can break down lash glue or dry out your natural lashes. If you have to, it’s best to hold off for a day or two until you receive lash shampoo again.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water after cleaning. Never use a powerful stream from the shower, a gentle cup or splash works best.
- Dry with a lint-free towel. Avoid rubbing or tugging.
- Comb through your lashes with a clean mascara wand. This aids in neatness and prevents tangling.
We tell clients all the time that it’s more than cleaning; they’re also nourishing and protecting their lashes. It prevents buildup so lashes remain clean, soft, fluffy and in place.
If you do use any cleanser or foam, be sure to rinse it away fully with distilled water. This maintains glue strength and prevents irritation. If you’re an everyday makeup wearer, this quick step can fit into your nightly face wash.
The science of lash adhesives
This is why knowing the science behind lash adhesives is important to keeping your lash extensions clean and safe. Lash adhesives, or glues, have different formulas and strengths. Some dry quickly, some dry slowly and some are for sensitive eyes.
We observe that the interaction of glue with a natural lash alters the durability and care resistance of extensions. Here’s a table to show the link between the types of lash adhesives and what they do:
| Type of Adhesive | Drying Time | Strength | Sensitivity | Oil Resistance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Cyanoacrylate | 1-2 sec | Very strong | Low | Low | Classic/Volume lashes |
| Sensitive Formula | 3-5 sec | Moderate | High | Low | Sensitive clients |
| Flexible Bond | 2-3 sec | Strong | Medium | Medium | Hybrid lashes |
| Oil-Resistant | 1-2 sec | Strong | Low | High | Oily skin, active users |
We always put lash glue about 1-2 mm off the lash line. This prevents burns, glue allergies and protects the skin. It takes up to 48 hours to cure, so during this time, it’s best to avoid washing or wetting them.
Washing too early or using harsh cleansers can break the bond before it’s prepared. Maintaining clean lashes is not simply aesthetic. When we don’t cleanse the lashes properly, biofilm – a combination of bacteria, oils and dead skin – can accumulate.
This moist sticky film enables bacteria to thrive and produce exotoxins, which inflame the oil glands in the eyelids. We witness eyelash mites, such as Demodex, preying on the biofilm. Overpopulation of these mites can lead to painful swelling and a condition known as blepharitis.
Blepharitis, which is extremely prevalent with lash extensions, is caused by inadequate cleansing. If we use the wrong cleansers, oils or strong soaps, for example, we run the risk of breaking down the glue.
Oil-based products are the biggest culprit – they can cause extensions to fall off prematurely. On the flip side, certain foaming cleansers can leave residue that undermines the glue unless rinsed away with distilled water.
That’s why a mild, oil-free cleanser is best. It keeps the glue strong and lashes healthy. Understanding these facts aids us in selecting the proper soap for cleaning lash extensions.
When we know what the glue needs, we can keep lashes looking great and everyone feeling safe.
Extending the life of your lashes
Maintaining your lash extensions requires consistent nurture and easy routines. When you take the right steps, lashes remain full and neat for weeks – even without the fancy lash shampoo. We treat many clients from all demographics, so we know that simple and straightforward regimens are optimal for everyone.
No matter your location or how hectic your day may be, just a couple minutes a day can truly transform your lashes.
| Care Frequency | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Brush with clean mascara wand (morning & night); avoid rubbing; pat dry with lint-free towel | Prevents tangling, keeps fluffy look, avoids breakage |
| Cleanse gently at night (esp. for oily skin/makeup users); sleep on silk/satin pillowcase | Stops bacteria, reduces lash loss while sleeping | |
| Weekly | Check for loose lashes and avoid oil-based products | Catches early signs of loss, keeps glue strong |
| Wash pillowcase regularly | Keeps lashes clean, lowers risk of buildup | |
| Monthly | Book refill appointments | Keeps fullness, fills gaps, checks lash health |
Brushing your lashes every day with a clean mascara wand is easy, but it creates a huge difference. We recommend brushing both morning and night to keep lashes tidy and to prevent tangles. This keeps the lashes looking soft and fluffy.
Once washed, take a clean, dry towel and gently pat the lashes. Avoid lint-shedding towels, as small fibers can cling to lashes and dislodge them prematurely.
When it comes to washing, get into the habit! If you have oily eyelids or wear makeup, wash your lashes before turning in. This prevents dirt and oil from accumulating which can reduce lash life. Not cleaning can allow bacteria to grow, which is not good for lashes or your eyes.
When you cleanse, use gentle strokes and don’t ever scrub or tug. Oil-based products are not lash glue’s friend. Oils will break down the glue, causing lashes to shed more quickly. Verify your makeup removers, eye creams, and face oils to ensure they are oil-free.
If you’re not certain, consult your lash specialist or opt for transparently labeled products. Sleep matters too. Try to sleep on your back because your lashes will last longer since there’s less rubbing on the pillow at night.
If you toss and turn at night, opt for a silk or satin pillowcase. They create less friction and can assist lashes to remain intact. It prevents dirt from transferring onto pillowcases, so you’ll want to wash those often as well.
The first two days after a new set are crucial. Wait 48 hours prior to getting your lashes wet so the glue can set nicely. This small detail could keep your lashes in place much longer.
Keeping up with refills every 3-4 weeks maintains lashes dense and in good condition. Gaps and wimpy lashes get repaired before they escalate.