Great results don’t end when clients leave your chair—retention lives (or dies) at home. This guide gives clients clear, step-by-step aftercare so their lash extensions last longer, feel comfortable, and look full between fills. It also includes guidance for clients wearing sets applied with UV LED–cured adhesives (UV glue), which can change the first-day routine compared with traditional cyanoacrylate-only cures.
Why Aftercare Matters
Retention depends on clean lashes, a stable bond, and minimal mechanical stress. Oil build-up, steam/heat, and rubbing all weaken bonds and accelerate shedding. Clear aftercare improves retention, comfort, and long-term lash health—meaning happier clients and fewer urgent fix-ups.
The First 24 Hours: What to Do (Classic vs UV Glue)
For Traditional Adhesives
- Avoid water & steam: No swimming, saunas, steam facials, or hot yoga.
- Keep heat low: Steer clear of hot ovens/hair dryers pointed at eyes.
- Hands off: Don’t rub, pull, or sleep face-down.
For UV LED–Cured Adhesives (UV Glue)
Many UV systems fully cure bonds at the appointment under UV light, reducing traditional “no water/steam” restrictions. Always follow your artist’s brand-specific guidance.
- Water contact: Often permitted immediately or sooner than traditional glues; still avoid hot steam the first day unless your artist says otherwise.
- Makeup & skincare: You may resume earlier, but keep products oil-free around the eye area.
- Gentle handling: Even with UV cure, avoid rubbing and heavy pressure on the first night.
Daily Lash Care Routine
- Cleanse daily: Use an oil-free, lash-safe cleanser and soft brush. Rinse thoroughly.
- Pat dry: Gently blot—no rubbing. Let air-dry or cool-fan dry.
- Fluff & align: Brush with a clean spoolie once dry to realign fans and remove lint.
- Hands off: Avoid picking, twisting, or pulling.
Weekly Care & Refresh
- Deep clean 2–3×/week: A thorough cleanse removes makeup residue and airborne oils.
- Check for buildup: If you see flakes or stickiness at the base, cleanse more frequently.
- Mind your pillowcases: Swap to smooth fabrics (e.g., satin) weekly to reduce friction.
Products to Use & What to Avoid
Use
- Oil-free, lash-safe cleanser formulated for extensions.
- Clean spoolies (replace often) and soft cleansing brushes.
- Water-based eye makeup and gentle, extension-safe removers.
Avoid
- Oils around the lash line (cleansers, serums, balms) which can loosen bonds.
- Waterproof mascara/liners—hard to remove and can clump extensions.
- Mechanical stress: Eyelash curlers, aggressive rubbing, or tugging.
- High heat & steam: Prolonged exposure can soften bonds.
Sleep, Sweat & Lifestyle Tips
- Sleep position: Back-sleeping is best; side sleepers can use a contoured sleep mask.
- Workouts: After the first day (or earlier if UV glue per artist directions), it’s fine to sweat—just cleanse after.
- Swimming: Rinse with fresh water afterward and cleanse that evening.
Makeup, Removal & Touching the Lashes
- Removal: Use cotton-free applicators with oil-free remover. No cotton pads that snag fans.
- Brow products: Keep waxes/gels away from the lash line.
- Contact lenses: Insert/remove gently; cleanse lashes after using rewetting drops.
When to Book Fills
Most clients do best with fills every 2–3 weeks. If you’re a side-sleeper, heavy gym-goer, or have oily skin, you may prefer closer to 2 weeks. Consistent maintenance keeps sets full and reduces appointment time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Itchiness/redness: Stop touching the area. If persistent, contact your artist for a check; switch to sensitive products as advised.
- Clumping/stickiness: Increase cleansing frequency; switch to water-based makeup; consult your artist if it continues.
- Unexpected early shed: Review aftercare, sleep position, product use, and environment (steam/heat). Book a quick retention check.
Downloadable Checklist & Mini-Infographic
Client Aftercare Checklist (Daily & Weekly)
- ☐ Cleanse lashes daily with an oil-free, lash-safe cleanser.
- ☐ Pat dry—no rubbing. Brush gently once dry.
- ☐ Keep oils and waterproof eye makeup away from the lash line.
- ☐ Avoid high heat/steam near the eyes.
- ☐ Sleep on your back or use a lash-friendly sleep mask.
- ☐ After workouts/swimming: rinse and cleanse the same day.
- ☐ Book fills every 2–3 weeks.
- ☐ For UV glue sets: follow your artist’s brand-specific first-day guidance (water may be OK sooner; avoid hot steam unless cleared).
Download this Aftercare Checklist PDF:
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Color |
Greyscale (Black & White)
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Aftercare Quick Start
Clean: Daily oil-free cleanse → pat dry → brush.
Protect: No rubbing, no waterproof eye makeup, avoid high heat.
Live: Sweat/swim? Rinse + cleanse after. UV glue sets may allow earlier water contact—ask your artist.
Maintain: Fills every 2–3 weeks for a consistently full look.
Download this Aftercare Infographic PDF:
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Color
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Greyscale (Black & White)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I get my lashes wet after UV LED glue?
Many UV LED–cured systems allow earlier water contact because the bond is fully cured under UV light. Always follow your artist’s brand-specific guidance and avoid hot steam the first day unless advised.
How often should I clean my lash extensions?
Clean daily with an oil-free, lash-safe cleanser. Deep clean 2–3 times per week to remove makeup, sweat, and oils that weaken the bond.
Which products should I avoid around my lash line?
Avoid oils, balms, waterproof mascaras/liners, and heavy creams near the lash line. Choose water-based makeup and gentle, extension-safe removers.
Do I still need to avoid steam and heat with UV glue?
UV glue often reduces first-day restrictions, but high heat and steam can still stress bonds. Keep exposure minimal—especially on day one—unless your artist says otherwise.
When should I book fills for the best retention?
Most clients do best with fills every 2–3 weeks. If you sweat heavily, sleep on your side, or have oily skin, schedule closer to 2 weeks.
How can I prevent fans from twisting or closing?
Pat lashes dry—don’t rub—and brush with a clean spoolie once dry. Sleep on your back or use a contoured sleep mask to reduce friction.
