Learning how to clean eyelash extensions is a must for any eyelash lover. Whether you’re getting a professionally applied set or some gorgeous Lilac St. DIY, this guide will explain how to keep your eyelashes clean and intact.
How to clean eyelash extensions at home?
Figuring out how to clean eyelash extensions can be a little scary since they are so delicate. It’s natural to worry about losing your eyelashes if you brush them incorrectly. Here’s how to do it the right way.
Remove makeup beforehand
Eyelash extension cleansers are often a little too gentle to remove face or eye makeup.
We recommend removing your makeup before cleaning your lashes. This will make it easier to clean the eyelashes themselves, without accidentally mixing the remnants of makeup.
We recommend using one of the following products to remove your makeup:
- Dedicated facial cleanser
- No makeup remover oils
- Makeup remover cloth
- Micellar water
Just be careful to avoid your eyelashes when removing your makeup. If you wear eyeliner, use a cotton swab to remove it without pulling on the lashes. To see how it’s done, take a look at ours facial cleansing video.
Use a suitable cleaner
![Clean eyelash extensions](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/0304/9554/files/Untitled_design_4_5e7e73ea-e159-410b-ad0e-1c738141ab59_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648820943)
Eyelash extensions cannot be cleaned with any old cleanser. Many facial cleansers and makeup removers contain oils or strong surfactants that can break down the glue used to hold the extensions in place. Cleaning by mistake can lead to faster loss of extensions.
As we explain further below, the best lash extension cleanser would be either a dedicated lash extension cleanser or an oil-free micellar water.
Use a brush to clean the eyelash extensions
Most eyelash cleaners also come with a small, round brush designed specifically to help you clean your lashes. A brush makes cleaning the lashes much easier and prevents you from accidentally pulling the lashes while cleaning. If you don’t have a brush, you can use your ring but be very careful to avoid pulling your lashes.
In the palm of your hand, pour a small amount of the eyelash cleaner. Then add a few drops of water. Swirl the brush or finger around the cleanser to lather it up a bit.
Then, with the brush, gently rub the cleanser over your lashes working from the lash line down. If you don’t have a brush, you can use your ring, but be careful with your pressure.
It should go without saying, but be sure to keep your eyes closed when doing this.
Rinse, dry and brush your lashes
Once you have finished cleaning one eye, gently flush your eye with cool or lukewarm water to remove any remaining cleanser. Then repeat the cleaning process on the other eye.
Once both eyes are clean, you can gently dab the area around the eyes with a super soft washcloth. Don’t touch your lashes with the towel – instead, let them air dry.
Once your lashes are dry, gently brush them with a clean spoolie brush, starting at the roots and working your way to the tips. This will help detangle them, which helps them stay in place for longer, and also ensures they look nice and fluffy.
What to use to clean eyelash extensions
Using the wrong cleanser can weaken the glue for your lashes, so here are some things you can use. We even give suggestions on how to clean your eyelash extensions without lash shampoo.
Shampoo for eyelashes
Your best bet is an eyelash shampoo designed specifically for eyelash extensions, like the cleanser in our Eyelash Bath Kit. These cleansers are designed to gently cleanse the eye area without stinging the eyes or irritating the skin. The cleaning agents contained in them are specially selected with extensions in mind, so that they do not weaken the glue for your eyelashes.
Gentle cleanser
If you don’t have eyelash shampoo available, you can also clean your eyelash extensions with a gentle facial cleanser that is advertised as safe for the eyes.
The key is to use a cleanser that is completely oil-free and not so strong that it removes waterproof makeup, as this also means it will break down the glue.
You’ll also want to avoid cleansers with fatty ingredients that aren’t essential oils, such as fatty acids, caprylic triglyceride, and most silicones. If you have any doubts about a cleaner, don’t risk using it.
Gel and foam cleansers are best. Be sure to avoid creamy, milky or oily cleansers. Anything advertised as a “balm cleanser” or “oil cleanser” is off limits.
Baby shampoo
Baby shampoo can also work well as an eyelash extension cleanser. Baby shampoo is usually made with very mild cleansing agents and a slightly higher pH, which prevents it from stinging the eyes. While we don’t recommend using baby shampoo on the rest of your face (our face prefers a lower pH), it’s a nice alternative to cleaning your extensions.
To make things even gentler, you can actually mix a few drops of baby shampoo with water in a small bottle. This will dilute the shampoo, which will be gentler on your eyes and skin.
Can you use micellar water?
Using micellar water with eyelash extensions is a controversial topic. Some lash technicians recommend it while others suggest you stay away. If you choose the right formula and use it correctly, it’s okay to clean your lashes with micellar water.
The best micellar water for eyelash extensions
The best micellar water for eyelash extensions will always be oil-free. Micellar waters specifically designed to remove waterproof makeup are sometimes too strong and can lead to lash loss. Here are some micellar waters that you can safely use to clean your lashes:
- Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is a nice, affordable option. The pH in this micellar formula is a bit higher than normal, so it’s less likely to sting the eyes (although it can be a problem with the rest of the face.)
- La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water Ultra and Makeup Remover is also a great, gentle option that doesn’t irritate the eyes.
- LancĂ´me Eau Micellaire is a more luxurious micellar water with a rose scent. If you like to feel pampered and don’t mind a scent, this is a great choice.
How to clean eyelash extensions with a micellar water
Figuring out how to clean eyelash extensions with micellar water can be a little confusing. You can’t use a cotton pad like you normally would, as the friction is guaranteed to pull some of your extensions.
Instead, we recommend using micellar water as you would a regular cleanser. The only difference is that it won’t foam.
Simply dip your lash brush (or any clean, fluffy eye makeup brush) into some of the micellar water. Then use the brush to gently brush the micellar water over your extensions. Finally, rinse your eyes with cool water.
Tips for cleaning eyelash extensions
Here are a few more tips that will make figuring out how to wash your eyelash extensions a little easier. This section will also help you understand how to keep your eyelash extensions clean.
Avoid wearing mascara or eyeliner
Both mascara and eyeliner can become quite problematic when wearing eyelash extensions. The point is not so much wearing these products as trying to remove them.
If you feel the need to wear a little makeup on occasion, choose a washable, easy-to-remove eyeliner and mascara that’s specially designed for eyelash extensions.
Use an oil-free makeup remover
Oils, either from products or from your face, can break down the glue that holds your eyelash extensions together. While wearing extensions, you’ll want to avoid oil-based skin care as well as oil-based makeup removers. Instead, switch to oil-free formulas like micellar water. Alternatively, you can also try a makeup remover cloth like the one in our Lash Bath Kit!
Do not use cotton pads
Cotton pads, as well as other abrasives, can pull your lashes and remove the extensions. Instead, it’s best to use a super soft brush when cleaning the lashes and lashes themselves.
You can also use your ring to gently brush your lash cleaner of choice over your lashes. When dealing with eye makeup above the lashes, a makeup remover cloth will be your best bet.
Use a protective product after cleaning
An eyelash extension sealant such as Lilac Lash Crystal Coat it can be incredibly useful after cleaning. Such products create a seal over the lash glue to keep it strong and can also give your lashes a really nice shine. You can also purchase a sealant from your lash specialist.
Use a silk pillowcase
Eyelash extensions, whether professional or DIY, are designed for sleep. However, most people still experience the most eyelash loss at night, usually because they use a cotton pillow case.
The smoother your pillowcase is, the less it will pull on your lashes, causing them to come off. While you should generally try to sleep on your back, a silk or satin pillowcase will also help if you roll over in your sleep.
Don’t forget to brush
![brushing eyelashes](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/0304/9554/files/Untitled_design_5_4bf8d037-f803-4e7f-a73b-d2c76a92bb87_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648821222)
We’ve already touched on this, but it’s worth repeating: brushing your eyelash extensions is very important! Tangled eyelash extensions don’t look great, but that’s only a small part of the reason. When lashes are tangled, the tangle pulls and puts pressure on the glue, which can lead to lash loss. It’s so important to brush your lashes both morning and night to detangle them for that fluffy look and longer-lasting extensions.