I’ll let you in on a little secret 😉

Your lash tech knows exactly how you sleep, depending on how you lose your extensions! (I’ll show you pictures in a second).

I wrote this guide because knowing how to protect eyelash extensions when sleeping is a very important part of aftercare instructions I always make sure to cover during my initial client consultation.

I also recorded this video if you prefer to watch rather than read.

Why It Matters

Each time your lashes are pressed against your pillow, it can cause friction, tugging and pulling.

Eventually, this will lead to premature shedding.

You’ll also lose your extensions unevenly, which means loss of shape of your initial lash map or design.

Let me show you some examples.

Side Sleeper Example

Here’s a client of mine that has a bad habit of sleeping on her side while tucking her face into her pillow.

She came for a refill after 3 weeks.

As you can see, the outer corner of her left eye is where she lost most of her extensions.

This is a very thing I see with side sleepers.

They frequently end up with gaps on their lash line concentrated on the outer corner of the eye (the side they sleep on).

Stomach Sleeper Example

Now, take a look at this client, who’s sleeping on her stomach with her face directly pressed against the pillow.

As you can see, she mostly lost her extensions in the middle of her lash line.

How to Sleep With Lash Extensions

1. Sleep on Your Back

Sleeping on your back is the best way to protect your eyelash extensions while sleeping. In that position, you don’t risk rubbing your extensions against the pillow.

If you’re a side or stomach sleeper, it can be hard to get used to it at first.

But in my experience, this is what makes the biggest difference.

As a side note, did you know sleeping on your back comes with a ton of benefits?

Truth be told, this position is proven relieving the pain around your neck or back, putting a stop to cervicogenic headaches, preventing wrinkles, reducing heartburn, eliminating acid reflux, and alleviating pressure on internal organs.

2. Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase

The best pillowcases for lash extensions are made of silk or satin. They are very soft and smooth fabrics, which helps reduce friction on your lashes when they touch the pillow.

Also, avoid pillowcases made out of cotton at all costs!

Why?

Because cotton is a much more abrasive fabric.

This means more friction and more chances for your extensions to pull and snag.

Also, cotton is more porous than silk or satin. It’ll absorb moisture like there’s no tomorrow.

3. Try a 3D Sleep Mask

3D sleep mask are great because your lashes never actually touch the mask itself.

Therefore, you can blink all you want during sleep without being nervous of ruining your extensions.

Here’s what they typically look like.

But whatever you do, don’t use a regular sleep mask!

With one of those, your lashes will definitely rub against the mask and that’s terrible.

Bedtime Routine

If you really want to optimize the lifespan of your eyelash extensions, this would be the ideal bedtime routine:

• If you wear makeup, however little it is, the first step is to remove it gently with an oil-free remover before hopping on the bed.
• Brush your eyelashes and apply the least amount of eye cream, as it can seep into the lash adhesive and reduce the retentiveness of lashes while you’re asleep.
• Stretch for a few minutes before crashing on the bed – this helps frequent tossing and turning, as it reduces your pain points.
• Place a pillow under your knees and your arms to also reduce the chances of sleeping on the side.
• Create a cushion barrier might also help staying on your back.
• In the morning, rinse and brush your lashes.

Lash ‘n’ Snooze

I love seeing clients come back for a refill with amazing extension retention (talking about more than 80% left).

What do they all have in common?

They take great care of their lashes during sleep – we sleep 1/3 of the day after all!

So, If this is your first time sleeping with lash extensions and have a question, please just let me know in the comments below!

— Asako

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