When it comes to aftercare for eyelash extensions, lash clients will only listen to what they want to hear, so we need to manage their expectations! If you stand in front of them and just let the aftercare instructions roll off your tongue, it’s likely that they will take absolutely no notice whatsoever.
Try a different tack, use bite size pieces little and often – the first time you meet them at consultation you’re going to ‘prep’ them, why not tell them the basics of lash aftercare too! So, what are the basics of caring for eyelash extensions? And what lash extension aftercare do we recommend?
Tell clients to avoid ‘steamy’ experiences for 24 hours afterwards. This includes saunas, steam rooms, the gym, hoovering, but also standing by the kettle waiting for it to boil, opening the dishwasher while it’s on and oven door while cooking – who knew these household dangers lay in wait ready to ruin your beautiful lash extensions?
Bring on the panic from your client when you mention this one. ‘You mean I can’t wash my hair, for 24 hours?’ They might become inventive, asking ‘Can I wear goggles or a ski mask’. But ultimately, the answer is no – the shower will still produce steam and can affect the adhesive bond.
To wash or not to wash lashes straight after treatment is a controversial subject – we know some people say that washing straightaway can help prevent reactions, however, there is another group of lash artists who have found post-set washing makes client’s eyes sting.
Micellar water – full of lovely little micelles, perfect for removing make-up quickly and efficiently. People look at the word ‘water’ and assume it’s fine to use on lashes – but it’s not – a micelle is a lipid, i.e. an oil, meaning micellar water is one of the worst products to use on lash extensions.
Makeup wipes are also a no-no – they contain fibres which will catch on the lashes and pull them off, and they are impregnated with oil which breaks down the eyelash adhesive.
Lovely waxy eyeliner is the bane of your life as a lash tech – packed full of beeswax, form fillers, thickeners and oil – so difficult to remove and so good at breaking down cyanoacrylate. Instead encourage clients to use oil-free eyeliners, such as our Amplify Eyeliner.
But do encourage clients to clean their eyelash extensions often. Every day they should be brushing through their lashes with a mascara wand and they should also be giving their lashes a good clean! We recommend our Lash Cleansing Duo set, perfect for getting into the lash line to clean away any nasties! You can retail this to them for £19.99.
View our top eyelash extension aftercare picks.