I know, I’ve been there…

You just got a beautiful fresh set of lashes and suddenly, the unexpected happens.

The floodgates open!

Don’t worry. Your lashes will be fine.🌈

I wrote this article to explain why that is and what to do about it.

The 4-Hour Rule

The first thing you must know is that after getting your lashes done, the adhesive needs 4 hours to fully cure.

After this waiting period, your lashes are considered waterproof. 🙂

The extensions themselves are never a problem because they’re made of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), a synthetic material.

They won’t lose shape if they get wet.

Back in the day, clients had to wait 24 hours for the glue to fully cure, but this is old news now thanks to improved adhesive formulations and the “force curing” method we use at the end of your appointment.

So, once the adhesive is cured, you’re free to cry a river.

Now, what happens if you cry within that 4-hour window?

It depends on how intense it is.

But yes, I’m sad to say that you risk negatively affecting your extensions’ retention.

Salt, Oil, and Everything Else

Crying might seem the same as getting eyelash extensions wet, but it’s very different.

As opposed to plain water, tears contain electrolytes (potassium, sodium, chloride), and thousands of proteins in addition to salt and fatty oils.¹

So, what’s the problem?

Over time, these compounds will break down the lash adhesive used to bond the extensions to your natural lashes.

Remember, we always tell you to use oil-free makeup when you wear lash extensions?

It’s the same reasoning here.

What to Do if You Cry

Don’t panic – your extensions won’t start falling out immediately. 😉

First things first, no rubbing your eyes!

All you have to do is cleanse your lashes to remove the oils and salts from your tears that have accumulated onto your lash line.

It’s a very easy process that goes like this:

1. Rinse your face with lukewarm water. You can make a cup with your hands and gently pour the water.
2. Put a little bit of lash shampoo onto a lash brush.
3. Start with one eye and gently move the brush from the bottom to the tip of your lashes (never sideways) and make it foam.
4. Rinse your eye with water again.
5. Repeat the process with your other eye.
6. Once your lashes are dry, use a spoolie brush to comb them.

This simple routine will ensure that any residue from your tears is removed.

Make sure to purchase a cleanser specifically made for lash extensions.

Tears of Joy, Not Despair

You’re already going through a rough patch.

Losing your extensions would be a slap in the face!

For those more difficult moments, just remember to cleanse your lashes afterward to keep them in tip-top shape for when things get better.

— Asako

Want to visit our salons? Book an appointment with our Montreal or Toronto locations or e-mail us: contact@divinelashes.ca.
Ready to master lash artistry? Take a look at our online or in-person courses here.
Need lash supplies? Visit our shop here.

Additional readings:

References

1. Santos-Longhurst, A. (2019, June 24). What Are Tears Made Of? 17 Facts About Tears That May Surprise You. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-we-cry