How To Shower With Eyelash Extensions: Myths Debunked

Aftercare of lash extensions includes many things but the most important has to do with showering. Can you get lash extensions wet? How do you shower with eyelash extensions?

As a lash technician, I got asked these questions more times than I can count. Thus, I decided to create this blog post and share my tips with you.

The following article will help you establish best practices when showering with eyelash extensions, how to take a bath with eyelash extensions, the types of soaps and shampoo you can use, and debunks a few myths along the way.

Let’s start!

How to Shower With Eyelash Extensions

I know it can feel weird and uncomfortable to shower with eyelash extensions. You’re probably worried about getting them wet, damaging the adhesive, or even losing a few. But trust me, once you get the hang of it—it’s not that complicated.

Following these simple guidelines when showering with lash extensions will maximize their retention.

1- Avoid Water Pressure

The force of water gushing out from the shower directly on your eyelash extensions can affect their retention negatively. Hence, don’t aim the showerhead directly at your lashes or use high-pressure showers and jets.

So how can you wash your hair then?

You can turn around while showering, and let the water run down from your head to your back. This way, you can keep the force of water away from your eyes, while still getting your hair clean.

This technique also prevents soap and shampoo from getting on your eyelash extensions and damaging them.

And how about washing your face?

You can simply cup water in your hands to rinse your face while showering. This way, you can keep the pressure of water away.

2- Avoid Hot Steamy Showers

Water temperature is crucial because hot water creates steam and humidity. When paired with the high temperature, that’s enough to waken the bond between the extensions and your natural lashes.

As a rule of thumb, if your bathroom is steaming up, lower the water temperature ASAP.

It’s best to keep the shower moderately warm with a temperature between 99 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit for your skin too. As a matter of fact, dermatologist Dr. Rajani Katta recommends lukewarm showers for 10 to 15 minutes maximum during winter in order to avoid dry skin.^[1]

3- Avoid Rubbing and Scrubbing

First off, showering with lash extensions isn’t the same as without them. Rubbing is a big no-no and hence scrubbing is even bigger a danger when you’re wearing fake lashes.

You can’t scour away the dirt like you always do. Instead, be gentle and soft with your body when showering.

Take the loofah and body brush out of your bathroom because both can snag and tug on the eyelash extensions, leading to premature falling of lashes.

4- Use Oil-Free Products Only

Oils can degrade the bond created by eyelash adhesives over time. So, when you’re showering, always take care to use oil-free soap solutions around the eyes.

Also, avoid creamy soaps as they can interfere with the adhesion capacity of the cyanoacrylate-based lash glue. It’s better to avoid body washes and soaps around your eyes to be on the safe side.

You can also invest in a water-based face-washing solution and an oil free makeup remover to maximize the retentiveness of lash extensions.

“Turn to your back and rinse down the back instead of the front when shampooing or conditioning your hair to avoid oils in these products coming into contact with the lash glue.”

5- Cleanse the lashes

Simply rinsing the lashes with water is not enough to remove the oil and dirt between your lashes.

“To remove all traces of oil from your lashes (even oil from cleaning products you are using), it’s best to cleanse the lashes eyelashes, and face at the end of your shower, after you are done cleansing your body and hair.”

If you use a makeup brush instead of your hands, it’s easier to clean your lash extensions. Start by applying the cleanser on your brush and lathering it up on the eyes. Using an oil free makeup remover, take your time to gently cleanse your lashes.

Truth be told, you don’t need to scrub hard to keep your lash extensions clean.

Pro Tip: Instead of cleansing their lashes in the shower, some people prefer to do it in the sink after taking their shower. That way, you tend to gently splash water in your face thus avoiding high pressure and rubbing.

Can You Get Eyelash Extensions Wet?

Once the adhesive that attaches the extension to the natural lash has completely cured, lash extensions can get wet without compromising the adhesive bond.

Moreover, the extensions themselves are waterproof since they are made from a synthetic material called polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). I’ve written a complete guide about what lash extensions are made of here if you want to know more about it.

Several sources online will advise you to wait for 24h to 48h after your appointment before getting your lashes wet.

That is actually a myth!!

Eyelash adhesives have greatly improved over the years and a 4h waiting period is now sufficient for the glue to completely cure.

Your lash stylist could confirm the appropriate waiting period required based on the glue that was used.

How Long After Eyelash Extensions Can I Shower?

This 4 hours rule applies to any other activity that involves submerging your lashes in water such as swimming or bathing.

How to Dry Lash Extensions After Showering?

There are 3 commons ways to dry your lashes after a shower:

1. Use a lint-free towel: Gently pat your lashes until the excess moisture is gone. I usually like to use a microfiber cloth because it’s softer than regular towels and carefully pat my lash line.
2. Use an air fan: You can use a handheld fan or something bigger like a ceiling one. The airflow will help your lashes to dry quickly without messing up the shape of your extensions.
3. Use a hairdryer: Using a hairdryer is OK but you need to be careful with the temperature and the speed of the fan. Make sure you set the hairdryer on a cool-air setting with a low fan speed.

Which one is my favorite?

I usually use my lint-free towel because it’s the quickest and there is no risk of damaging my extensions.

Shower Goggles for Eyelash Extensions

There’s an elephant in the room that we can’t ignore: shower goggles!

I have seen a lot of bad advice over the years and wearing goggles in the shower is definitely one of them. For example, this article from Gamour.com states that you should shower with goggles to keep your lash extensions intact!^[2]

“There is no need to wear goggles when showering with eyelash extensions. It’s a myth that you should never get your eyelashes wet.”

It’s quite the opposite! We recommend cleansing the lashes daily to help maintain a clean and healthy lashline.

We once had a client who was wearing goggles when showering and developed lash mites because she wasn’t cleaning her lashes. You can read her full story here.

The only exception to the rule above would be taking a shower when the curing period of the adhesive of 4 hours is not completed.

In such cases, you could wear goggles with ample space around the eyes to protect your lashes from the water.

However, I’d suggest you shower before your lash appointment or after the cure period of the glue is over to avoid any mishaps instead of wearing goggles for showering. It’s not that long of a period and I’m sure you can make it without a shower for 4 hours.

Bathing With Eyelash Extensions

You can bathe on your own terms without worrying about lash extensions falling out. When taking a bath with salt or oils, simply avoid putting your head underwater to preserve your extensions.

Salt is known to weaken the bond of the eyelash adhesive. This is the reason why swimming in the ocean as well as crying with eyelash extensions aren’t good for fake lashes.

If you do dip your head underwater while taking a salt bath, make sure to cleanse your lashes after you’re done bathing to remove any leftover salt or oil residue from your lashes.

FAQ

References

1. Baylor College of Medicine (2015).Hot showers harmful to skin during winter. Retrieved from https://www.skinvision.com/articles/best-shower-temperature-for-your-skin/ (Accessed on 3-3-2021)
2. Glamour (2012). 3 Must-Dos When it Comes to Caring For Eyelash Extensions (And Check Out My Fancy New Ones!). Retrieved from https://www.glamour.com/story/3-must-dos-when-it-comes-to-ca (Accessed on 3-3-2021)