Eyelash extensions are the most natural looking alternative to falsies, and you’ll find lots of pre-appointment checklists and advice articles out there that ensure you’re well-informed before you go ahead with the treatment. What you often WON’T find is advice on how to care for your lashes after the fact.

And that’s exactly what this article is here for: to share some expert dos and don’ts after getting eyelash extensions to help you care for your new lashes, help them last, and keep them looking their best.

DO

✅ Ask questions

The most important ‘do’ for first timers especially is to ask questions if there is absolutely anything you’re not sure about during the first 48 hours after treatment, which is when the glue is still setting. If you’re unsure about how best to care for your new lashes, book an appointment to see a practitioner.

✅ Sleep on your back

The good news is that eyelash extensions are pretty hardy, but they can become weaker when they’re pulled and tugged, and this can happen easily if you’re a front sleeper. If possible, try to sleep on your back when you have new extensions. A contour pillow can make this position much more comfortable.

✅ Dig out your old spoolies

If you’ve been cleaning and collecting old mascara spoolies, then this is your chance to finally put them to good use! The thing with lash extensions is that because they’re individually placed, they can and do move around, but you can easily move them back into place with a clean spoolie, gently brushing them.

✅ Think about infills

Lash extensions last much longer than falsies, but they’re not a permanent solution, and they will begin to fall out over time. While the best extensions can last for around 50 days, you’ll begin to notice the first signs of shedding at about 3 weeks, and at this point you can book a follow up appointment for infills.

DON'T

❌Use oils

Oils are a major no-no when you’ve got extensions. That’s because oils can easily break down the glue that’s holding the lashes in place, so your look won’t last as long. Steer clear of anything containing PEG, hexylene glycol, butylene, or propylene glycol, and stock up on some high-quality oil-free alternatives.

❌ Watch any rom coms

During the first 48 hours after a lash extension treatment, the glue will still be setting. It is essential not to get the glue wet during this period, so if you want to watch a rom com and have a good old happy cry, now isn’t the best time! That means that swimming is out of the window for a couple of days, too.

❌ Go eye makeup crazy

It’s so tempting to want to try out the latest trending eye makeup looks, but your poor lash extensions won’t be able to take it! Applying and removing heavy eyeliners and shadows won’t do your extensions any favours, so try to keep your eye makeup a little more natural when you’ve had a lash treatment.

❌ Forget to keep clean

It’s important to keep your eye area clean as this prevents dirt and bacteria from building up which can cause eye infections such as styes. If you do pick up an infection, your extensions may need to be removed, so make sure you always wash around your eye area and keep your lashes fresh and healthy.

It may seem like there’s a lot of dos and don’ts that come with getting eyelash extensions, but don’t worry! Extensions are easy to care for, and the dos and don’ts are just about keeping your lashes looking great and helping to extend their lifespan, helping you to really get the most from your treatment.

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Thanks for writing for us, Sarah!

Sarah Pelham is the Beauty & Wellness Expert for Bookwell, an online platform for instant bookings for hair, nails, beauty & massage appointments. For nearly four years Sarah has worked closely with hundreds of salon owners within the beauty and wellness industries. She has her finger on the pulse of new trends in this growing market.