I hear of too many clients who still don’t wash their lashes!! That news is the one thing that’s guaranteed to send my very own lashes into knots.
My dear lash lover – your lash extensions MUST be washed every day (twice a day if you wear makeup) with an oil-free, foaming lash shampoo that is designed specifically for lash extensions.
Let me explain WHY you MUST wash your lashes…just in case you accidentally (on purpose) forgot to clean your lashes.
Natural eyelashes exist to trap dust, dirt and debris, and stop sweat from trickling into your eyes. When you have lash extensions applied, the surface area of these “dust traps” increases. This means your eyelashes collect way more gunk than your natural lashes alone.
Now, imagine the amount of build-up that happens if you don’t wash your lash extensions—YUCK!
Serious problems can develop from not washing your lashes
1. Left unwashed for too long, you can create an infestation of Demodex folliculorum, or “lash mites”. These little mites begin to feed off the build-up of dead skin cells left on your eyelids and around your natural lash follicles.
2. Unwashed lashes also promote blepharitis—inflamed lash follicles. The telltale signs of blepharitis include a yellow “crust” around the base of the lashes (very hard to remove), and red, inflamed eyelids. Prolonged blepharitis can cause permanent natural lash thinning, as the hair follicles cannot grow and shed as they usually would.
It sounds gross. Yet, it’s sooo easily avoided! It takes no more than 30 seconds in the shower to wash your lashes, so really, you have NO excuse!
How to clean your lash extensions (in case you forgot)
1. Take your foaming cleanser and cleansing brush into the shower with you, and be sure to cleanse your lashes LAST. Cleaning lashes last removes any residual haircare products and face cleanser from your lashes. If you wear makeup throughout the day, you’ll have to undergo this process again in the evening.
2. To cleanse, dispense 1-2 pumps of foam into your hand (or to the lid of your cleanser bottle) and using your cleansing brush, apply the foam to your eyelids and lashes, using a gentle downward brushing motion. Rinse with clean water, then pat dry with a tissue or lint-free cloth.
Please look after your lashes, they’ll not only last longer but you’ll continue to have healthy eyes!
