Key Takeaways
- Yes, working out with lash extensions is safe as long as you wait 4 hours after your lash appointment for the adhesive to fully cure, preventing sweat from affecting your extensions.
- Use lash shampoo to cleanse your lashes after an intense workout or gym session.
- Avoid lotions and makeup since they can mix with your sweat and drip onto your lashes.
A lot of my clients are very active.
As much as they love their lashes, they wouldn’t give up their active lifestyle because of them.
I wrote this quick article to share my top 5 tips on how to work out with lash extensions so that you don’t negatively affect their retention.
Tip #1: Timing Matters
If you want to preserve your extensions, the most important thing to remember is to wait 4 hours after your lash appointment before engaging in intense activity where you’ll start sweating.
What’s so bad about sweat?
It’s mostly water, salt and oils.
And if your sweat comes into contact with the lash adhesive before it’s completely cured, it will lead to a very weak bond and poor retention of your extensions.
So, is 4 hours just an arbitrary number?
Not at all.
You see, the lash adhesive draws moisture from the air to set.
This process used to take 24 hours, but with improved adhesive formulas, 4 hours is all you need now.
Tip #2: Workout With a Clean Face
You probably have experienced this in the past.
The feeling of your beautiful makeup melting down your face as you sweat profusely.
Not a great feeling, right?
The problem is even greater if you have eyelash extensions.
The last thing you want is for your makeup, lotions, sunscreen, etc. to drip onto your lashes.
Most of these products contain oils that can weaken the adhesive over time and ultimately lead to your extensions falling out.
Tip #3: Hands Off
It can be tempting to rub your eyes when sweat is pouring down.
You must resist the urge!
Constantly touching or rubbing your eyes causes friction against your extensions.
In the worst case, you might pull an eyelash out.
It’s always best to leave them alone.
Instead, you can use a sweatband to absorb most of the water from your forehead.
Tip #4: Stay Protected
If you’re just exercising in a gym, there’s not much to worry about.
But if you’re going for a run outside and the sun is torching hot, make sure to wear sunglasses.
This will protect the lash adhesive from degrading due to the UV rays and excessive heat.
Also, if you go for a swim, always bring with you a pair of goggles that are deep enough so that you can blink without your lashes rubbing against the lenses.
Tip #5: Keep It Clean
Each time you sweat you’ll have water, oil and salts accumulating on your lash line.
Once or twice is not terrible, but if you’re an avid gym-goer, it can become problematic.
Over time, this will weaken the adhesive used to attach the extensions to your natural lashes.
So, I always recommend to thoroughly cleanse your lashes post workout.
You should use a lash shampoo specifically designed for extensions.
Fitness Meets Flawless Lashes!
I always feel very happy when my clients come back after 3–4 weeks for a touch-up, and they have spectacular retention.
That’s why I decided to write this article (and many others!) to help you maximize your investment.
— Asako
