Lash Extensions Maintenance: Dos and Don'ts for Longevity

Posted on March 24th, 2025

 

Walking out of the salon with fresh lash extensions feels like stepping into your main character era—flawless, confident, and absolutely unbothered.

Those perfectly fanned-out lashes add just the right touch of drama, making everyday life feel a little more glamorous.

But here’s the thing: just like a designer handbag or a great pair of heels, lash extensions need a little TLC to keep looking their best.

Otherwise, that “freshly done” look fades faster than you'd like, and nobody wants that.

Lash maintenance might sound like another chore on your already packed to-do list, but it’s really about working smarter, not harder.

A few smart choices can mean the difference between long-lasting, fluttery lashes and a patchy mess.

The trick? Knowing what helps them thrive—and what sends them straight to an early fallout. Stick around, and we’ll spill all the tea on keeping your lashes full, fluffy, and fabulous for as long as possible.

 

Popular Aftercare Practices for Lash Extensions

Popular aftercare practices for lash extensions play an important role in maintaining their longevity, starting from the very moment you step out of the salon.

Initially, it is important to avoid exposing your new lash extensions to water, saunas, or steam for the first 24-48 hours.

This period allows the adhesive to fully cure, ensuring a stronger bond between your natural lashes and the extensions, preventing premature fallout. It’s also advisable to sleep on your back to minimize any disturbance, as tossing and turning against a pillow can tug at the lashes, leading to early shedding.

Once the curing period has passed, gentle and regular cleansing becomes detrimental. Use a lash-safe cleanser, preferably one that is oil-free, to remove debris, makeup, and natural oils that could weaken the adhesive. Keep in mind that neglecting this cleansing ritual can lead to clogged follicles, potentially fostering infections.

Another major part of lash extension maintenance is avoiding oil-based products. Oils can make the adhesive break down faster, causing your lashes to fall out earlier than expected. This means switching to oil-free makeup products and removers, even when considering the rest of your beauty routine.

Say goodbye to waterproof mascaras and eyeliners, as they typically require more rigorous removal methods, risking damage to both the extensions and your own lashes. Instead, opt for lash extension-friendly mascaras specifically formulated to be gentle while enhancing volume when needed.

Avoid rubbing your eyes or pulling on the extensions. If your eyes are itchy or tired, pat them gently using your ring finger. By replacing old habits with these careful practices, you reinforce the attachment of your extensions, keeping them looking fuller and lush for longer.

A key maintenance habit is brushing your lash extensions daily with a clean spoolie brush. This helps to keep them aligned and remove any tangles. It’s a simple act, but regular brushing prevents clumping, which can cause pulling on your natural lashes.

Addressing the natural growth cycle is also part of lash extension aftercare. Scheduling regular refills, approximately every 2-3 weeks, compensates for the natural shedding process, keeping your lashes full and voluminous. 

Ensuring you adhere to aftercare recommendations allows you to enjoy stunning lashes for longer. This commitment not only takes care of your aesthetic appeal but also maintains the health of your natural lashes by preventing damage or excessive shedding.

 

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Common pitfalls often undermine the longevity of your beautiful lash extensions.

For example, the habit of rubbing your eyes, although tempting when you're tired or experiencing irritation, can be particularly detrimental. The constant friction breaks the adhesive bond and can even lead to loss of natural lashes.

Instead, make it a habit to gently tap your eyes with your ring finger if you experience discomfort. This method provides relief without compromising the attachment. In addition to gentle handling, be mindful of the products you use around your eyes.

The sizzling trend of smoky eyes and dramatic liner looks can tempt you into reaching for your trusty waterproof mascara. Unfortunately, these products, especially designed to withstand moisture, require vigorous wiping or oil-based removers for clean-up—a major `don't` in your lash extensions maintenance practice.

Choosing water-based, oil-free alternatives, or skipping the mascara altogether, will significantly help maintain the integrity of both the adhesive and the lashes.

Another significant do's and don'ts for beautiful lashes is steering clear of oil-based beauty products near your lashes. These can include certain moisturizers, makeup removers, and even facial oils that find their way close to your lash line, inadvertently weakening the bond of the lash extensions. Swapping these for oil-free versions ensures your lash extensions remain intact longer.

Adopt a habit of cleansing your lashes daily with a gentle, lash-safe cleanser is important to have too. The cleanser works by removing any oil buildup or residue, keeping your lashes healthy.

At the end of the day, diligent care and attention to these daily routines make all the difference in how your lash extensions wear over time.

Clichéd though it may sound, working with this cycle rather than against it is pivotal. Your natural lashes have a specific life span, meaning they’ll shed and regrow, similar to the hair on your head.

Consider a regular refill schedule, returning to the salon every 2-3 weeks, which aligns with this cycle, preventing any sparse or patchy look and maintaining that lush, voluminous effect you love. Alongside regular salon visits, educate yourself about your lashes.

Speaking with your lash technician and asking questions during a consulation helps tailor your care routine to your lifestyle and conditions, ensuring you get the best out of your lash extensions.

 

Protecting Your Lash Extensions During Special Activities

Protecting your lash extensions during your everyday activities ensures they maintain their beauty and durability.

Swimming, for example, can present challenges for lash extensions because of the extended exposure to water and chlorine, which can weaken the adhesive and lead to premature fallout.

To help prevent this, wearing goggles while you swim is a simple yet effective solution. These protective shields not only keep the water away from your eyes but also help in maintaining the extent of the adhesive's hold on your lash extensions.

Just make sure to pat them dry with a soft towel afterward. Keeping your lash extensions intact while enjoying the pool or beach is entirely possible with these mindful precautions.

Exercise is another area where you should pay attention to your lash extensions. When you work out, sweat can increase the risk of lashes degrading because it might contain oils or salts that could compromise the adhesive.

Try to pick lighter workouts or adjust the intensity, especially during the first couple of days when your extensions are still curing. Once they’re fully set, regular physical activity is perfectly fine, so long as you make minor adjustments to your routine.

Washing your face post-workout with a gentle lash-safe cleanser will help remove any sweat or residue, maintaining the integrity of both your natural lashes and extensions. Integrating these practices into your workout routine can safeguard your extensions while allowing you to stay active.

Your nighttime routine is just as important for better longevity of your lashes, especially whenever it comes to protecting them while you sleep. Switching to a silk pillowcase is a small change with significant benefits.

Silk creates less friction than cotton, allowing your lashes to glide smoothly over the fabric while you sleep, substantially reducing the risk of tangling or pulling. This is especially important if you tend to shift positions during the night.

For those of you who are prone to sleeping on your side, consider using a sleep mask specifically designed for lash extensions, with a contoured design that leaves space for your eyes and lashes without putting pressure on them. Incorporating these into your nightly ritual can greatly minimize any nightly wear and tear, prolonging the life and appearance of your extensions.

So, make sure that you brush your lashes gently before bed with a clean spoolie to realign and neaten them.

All these steps, as part of your beauty sleep routine, help you wake up each morning with your lash extensions intact and ready to enhance your natural beauty throughout the day.

 

Experience Beauty at It's Best In a Luxurious Environment

Great lash care isn’t just about routine—it’s about embracing habits that keep your extensions looking flawless while supporting the health of your natural lashes.

A few small adjustments to your daily routine can make all the difference in how long they last. At Ametrine Lash and Beauty, we specialize in enhancing your beauty with expert services designed for long-lasting results.

From Ametrine Lashes and Refills to Brow Extensions and Sculpting, we make sure that every treatment complements your natural elegance while keeping your lashes in top condition.

But beauty doesn’t stop at lashes. Our services extend to precision brow treatments, refreshing facials, and expert makeup applications tailored to any occasion.

In case you're looking for a subtle glow or a full-glam transformation, we provide the artistry and expertise to bring your vision to life.

Smooth, radiant skin is part of the experience too, thanks to our Ametrine Body Waxing services, making it easier than ever to step out with confidence.

Ready to book your appointment? Explore our full range of services here or get in touch at [email protected] or 410-536-3040.

Let’s create a look that keeps you looking your best every day.