In my experience as a lash artist, a quick Do’s and Don’ts checklist is an essential tool for my clients.

It allows them to have excellent retention of their extensions and come back for refills less frequently.

This simple list will have you completely covered! 😎

Do: Go to A Certified Lash Artist

One of the first things to ensure when getting a lash treatment is to make sure you consult a certified professional.

Lash technicians have been trained to apply lash extensions securely with the health of your natural lashes in mind.

Each state in the U.S. has its own requirements before someone is allowed to apply eyelash extensions, but most states require a licensed technician.

Don’t: Wear Eye Makeup To The Appointment

When you go to the salon with your eye makeup on, the lash tech will ask you to remove it before the appointment can start.

You will lose some time that was allocated for your appointment.

Do: Ask For An Allergy Test

Some clients may experience an allergic reaction to eyelash extensions.

Your stylist can perform a patch test before the actual appointment to determine if you are allergic or not.

In most cases, it is usually an allergic reaction to fumes released by the adhesive when it cures.

In such cases, you may need to remove the extensions.

Don’t: Sleep On Your Stomach

When you sleep on your stomach, your extensions will rub against the pillow creating a constant friction.

Over time, this will weaken the bond and you’ll have poor retention.

The best position for sleep with extensions is to sleep on your back.

Do: Clean Your Lashes Regularly

Cleansing your extensions daily is a must.

It’s the best way to remove any natural oils and makeup that have accumulated on your lash line.

You might think that you shouldn’t get your extensions wet, but that’s a myth.

A daily cleanse is the best way to promote better retention of your extensions.

Don’t: Rub Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes is a big no-no.

Even when you cry!

That’s because you’re creating friction against your extensions.

You’re also most likely using a side-to-side motion instead of a gentle up and down motion. (This also applies when you clean your lashes with your cleanser).

Do: Brush Your Eyelashes

It’s common for lash extensions to tangle or mess up after a long or windy day.

That’s why you must always keep a spoolie or mascara wand with you.

Doing so prevents natural lashes from growing in the wrong direction, as well as preventing stress on your lashes.

Don’t: Use Lint

Lint-free products just became your best friends.

Cotton pads, wipes, and even towels can leave behind lint that can get caught in your extensions.

You run the risk of pulling them out (along with your natural lashes in the process!).

Do: Sleep On A Silk Pillowcase

Do you know cotton is known to grab onto your hair and twist it from the roots?

It can also absorb the oils and leave your lashes dry and brittle.

The best way to resolve this problem is by avoiding abrasive materials and getting a pillowcase made with smooth material like silk.

Don’t: Use A Lash Curler

As eyelash extensions come with preset curls in grades such as J, L, B, C, D, M, U, etcetera, you don’t need to re-curl synthetic eyelash extensions.

If you find your extensions not curly enough, the best thing to do is to ask your lash tech to use a stronger curl at your next refill appointment.

Do: Dry Your Lashes After a Shower

There are three ways you can dry your lash extensions:

1. Air-dry
2. Blow dryer but avoid holding it too close to your natural lashes as this may damage your extensions. Additionally, you should use a cool air setting and low air pressure.
3. Tap very gently with a lint-free towel at the base of your lash line.

Don’t: Get Cheap Lash Extensions

Cheap eyelash extension services should raise a red flag in your mind.

Just like any other service, quality has a price. The eye area is especially sensitive and this is why you should never compromise on quality.

For instance, I once received a client from another salon that had cluster lashes applied to her lashes!

Cluster lashes refer to several eyelash extensions that are glued together by the manufacturer.

They are much cheaper than standard individual extensions.

Because these already have glue on them, the total glue at the root that the lash tech has to apply onto extensions goes overboard and ends up weighing down your natural eyelashes.

This can easily ruin your natural lashes.

Make sure you pay the right amount (not too much, not too little) to get quality extensions that will not cause any damage.

Do: Protect Your Lashes From Heat

Another thing that wears down the retention of your lash extensions is heat.

You should avoid going out in extreme heat and wear sunglasses when you go out in the sun.

One thing popular with most of my clientele is polarized glasses — they are good at keeping your lashes cool on a scorching day.

Don’t: Use Facial Products With Oil In Them

Oil-based products are a big no-no for eyelash extension wearers because oil can disintegrate lash glue over time.

Moreover, oil is difficult to clean up, which means you might have to rub around your eyelashes harshly to get it all out.

Do: Understand Lash Treatment Isn’t Quick

An initial eyelash appointment will last 90 to 120 minutes for a full set as each and every extension is applied to a natural eyelash one-by-one.

For quality results, you need to give yourself enough time.

Don’t: Get Lash Extensions If You Have Certain Medical Conditions

People of all ages can get eyelash extensions, but those with certain medical conditions like Alopecia Areata, Eyelid Dermatitis, Trichotillomania, and Blepharitis should not.

Even if you have a wound or broken skin around your eyelashes, you should wait until it’s healed.

Do: Ask Questions To Your Lash Tech

If you feel like something is wrong, don’t hesitate to ask your lash tech.

A professional one will answer all your questions and find a solution.

If you get a negative reaction, it just validates that you’re facing someone who’s not confident enough in her work, and it’s time for a change.

Don’t: Swim In Saltwater For A Long Time

Salt is another thing that breaks down lash glue.

Hence, don’t soak in saltwater such as swimming in the ocean for prolonged hours.

I often recommend wearing goggles that don’t squish your lashes if you want to go for a long swim.

Do: Be Careful When Showering

You need to make sure to avoid high pressured water directly aimed at your lashes when showering.

I generally like to turn my back to the water stream and let water flow gently from the top of my head down to my face.

Don’t: Cut Your Lash Extensions

This is unusual, but I’ve seen it happen.

If you think your extensions are too long, under no circumstances should you grab that pair of scissors and try to rectify the situation.

It’s way too risky.

Instead, call back your lash tech and explain the situation.

She could use different lengths for next time and could remove them if it’s really too much.

Do: Get A Lash Lift Before Your Extensions – Not After

Your extensions won’t fare well with chemical treatments like a lash lift or perm.

Having said that, it’s totally fine to get your lash lift before getting your extensions.

A lot of my clients do this combo actually and the results are stunning.

Don’t: Open Your Eyes During The Appointment

If you open your eyes mid-appointment, you can expose them to the formaldehyde fumes released by the lash adhesive.

You risk having red eyes or a chemical burn.

So keep them closed!

Do: Get Regular Refill Appointment

While it’s true that lash extensions are a costly commitment, it’s not a good idea to delay the refill appointment.

If you wait for too long, you might need a full set again, which is more costly.

Second, even with the best aftercare, it’s normal to lose your extensions gradually over time.

After 4 weeks, you might start to have gaps in your lash line, and it’s not as aesthetically pleasing.

Don’t: Use Waterproof Makeup Products

Makeup products like waterproof mascara or eyeliners often turn out to be a hassle to remove.

You’ll end up having to use harsh removers or pads to scrub them all out at the end of the day.

This is one of the biggest faux pas for your extensions’ retention.

Do This, Not That: Lash Edition

I hope my list didn’t scare you off from getting lash extensions!😄

It might seem intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s really not that bad and the result is worth it.

This list is a condensed version of all the important points to keep in mind when getting and maintaining lash extensions.

If you have any questions, please ask me in the comments below, and I’ll give you more details.

— Asako

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