Lash extension aftercare: how to make them last longer

You’ve just had a beautiful new set of lash extensions, and you want them to stay that way. The good news is that a few simple habits make a real difference to how long your lashes keep looking full.

Here’s how to look after your extensions from the first day through to your next refill.

The first 24 hours: keep them dry

The first day is the most important. Your lashes need time to settle, so for the first 24 hours:

• Keep your lashes dry. Avoid washing your face directly over your eyes, swimming or letting the shower spray hit your face.
• Avoid steam and saunas. Skip saunas, steam rooms and very hot, steamy showers.
• Hands off. Try not to touch, rub or tug at your lashes while they settle.

Your lash artist will run through your aftercare before you leave, and Lash V aftercare products are available to buy in clinic if you’d like a little extra support.

Your daily lash care routine

After the first 24 hours, it’s all about keeping your lashes clean and well groomed.

Cleanse gently, and keep it oil-free. Clean lashes last longer and look better, so don’t avoid washing them. Oil can weaken the bond, so everything you use near your lashes should be oil-free. For the lashes themselves, ask your therapist about Lash V aftercare, available to buy in clinic. For the rest of your face, our oil-free Australian Skin Institute Rejuvenating Foaming Cleanser is a good daily choice. Keep it away from your eyes, use gentle downward strokes and rinse well.

Brush them every day. Use a clean spoolie to brush your lashes each morning once they’re dry. This keeps them separated, fluffy and pointing in the right direction. Keep the spoolie clean so you’re not brushing old product back through your lashes.

Keep face oils away from your lash line. If you love a facial oil, such as our Miracle Facial Oil Complex, keep using it, just apply it to your cheeks, forehead and neck and steer clear of your eye area and lash line. The same goes for oil-based eye makeup removers and rich eye creams applied too close to your lashes.

Lash extension do’s and don’ts

Do:

• Arrive at each appointment with clean, makeup-free eyes. Lash V pre-care products are available in clinic.
• Cleanse your lashes regularly with an oil-free cleanser.
• Brush them daily with a clean spoolie.
• Pat your lashes dry gently after cleansing.
• Book your refills every 2 to 3 weeks.

Don’t:

• Get your lashes wet, or use a sauna or steam room, in the first 24 hours.
• Pick, pull or twist your extensions, even if one feels loose.
• Rub your eyes or scrub at your lashes with a towel.
• Use oil-based products around your eyes.
• Try to remove your extensions yourself.

Why you shouldn’t remove lash extensions at home

It’s tempting to search for an at-home removal method when you feel like a break, but we don’t recommend it. Picking, pulling or using oils and home remedies can take your natural lashes with them, irritate your eyes and leave you with sparse, uneven lashes that take time to grow back.

If you’d like your extensions off, book an Eyelash Extension Removal ($60). Your lash artist will remove them gently and safely, so your natural lashes are left in good condition. If you’d love lifted lashes without extensions in the meantime, ask about a Lash Lift & Tint.

Refills: keeping your lashes full

Even with perfect aftercare, your extensions won’t last forever, and that’s completely normal. Each extension is attached to one of your natural lashes, and natural lashes shed and regrow all the time. When a natural lash falls out, its extension goes with it.

That’s why we recommend a refill every 2 to 3 weeks. Your lash artist will remove any grown-out extensions and fill in the gaps so your set looks full again. Leave it too long and you may have too many gaps for a refill, meaning you’d need a full set instead.

Our lash extension prices are:

• Full set: $199
• Refill (up to 2 weeks): $125
• Refill (up to 3 weeks): $149
• Eyelash Extension Removal: $60

New to extensions? Read our guide to your first lash extension appointment, and see all our treatments on the lashes and brows page.

Make regular refills easy with a Beauty Pass

The secret to lashes that always look great is a regular refill routine, and a Beauty Pass makes that easy. You pay a set amount each month and receive extra credit to spend on lashes and brows, waxing, IPL, spray tanning or massage.

• Essential: $69 a month for $85 credit
• Maintenance: $99 a month for $125 credit (our most popular)
• Complete: $149 a month for $200 credit

For example, the Maintenance pass fully covers a refill booked within 2 weeks ($125) each month. There’s a 6-month minimum commitment.

Prefer to prepay? With Buy 4 or 6 and save, you save 15% on 4 of the same service or 20% on 6, valid for 6 months. Six 2-week refills would normally be $750, or $600 with your 20% saving.

Ready to book? Keep your lashes full and fluffy with your next refill. Book online or visit one of our six Brisbane clinics.