How to Maintain Your Eyelash Extensions Between Fills

Getting a beautiful set of lash extensions is just the beginning. How you care for your lashes in the days and weeks following application determines how long they'll last and how good they'll look. With proper maintenance, you can extend the time between fill appointments and keep your lashes looking salon-fresh every day. This guide covers everything from daily habits to weekly routines that will maximise your lash investment.

The First 24-48 Hours

The initial period after your lash appointment is critical for long-lasting results. During this time, the adhesive is still curing and particularly vulnerable to moisture and manipulation.

Rules for the First Two Days:

• Avoid water: Keep your lashes completely dry for at least 24 hours (48 hours is even better)
• Skip the workout: Heavy sweating can interfere with adhesive curing
• No steam: Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot showers that create steam around your face
• Sleep on your back: Side and stomach sleeping can crush and distort new extensions
• Hands off: Resist the urge to touch, play with, or adjust your new lashes

Daily Maintenance Routine

Once past the initial curing period, establishing a daily routine keeps your lashes in optimal condition:

Morning Routine (2-3 minutes)

1. Gentle brushing: Use a clean spoolie to brush through your lashes from base to tip. This separates any lashes that crossed overnight and restores their shape.
2. Visual inspection: Check for any loose or twisted extensions that may need professional attention.
3. Style if desired: Apply lash-safe makeup, avoiding waterproof formulas and products containing oils.

Evening Routine (5 minutes)

1. Remove eye makeup: Use an oil-free makeup remover on cotton-free applicators to gently remove any eye makeup.
2. Cleanse lashes: Apply lash cleanser and gently work through your lashes and lash line with a soft brush.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Use lukewarm water to remove all cleanser residue.
4. Pat dry: Gently blot around your eyes with a lint-free cloth.
5. Final brush: Once lashes are mostly dry, brush through with a clean spoolie to separate and shape.

Weekly Care Tasks

In addition to daily care, incorporate these weekly habits to maintain lash health and appearance:

Deep Clean (Once Weekly)

Perform a more thorough cleaning once per week, spending extra time on the lash line where debris accumulates. Use slightly more cleanser than your daily routine and consider using a dedicated lash cleansing brush for deeper cleaning.

Spoolie Replacement

Replace your spoolie brush weekly or wash it thoroughly with gentle soap. Dirty brushes transfer bacteria and debris back onto clean lashes, undermining your cleaning efforts.

Retention Check

Assess your lash fullness weekly to determine when you'll need your next fill. Most clients notice significant gaps around the two-week mark, though retention varies based on lash cycle, lifestyle, and care habits.

Products to Use and Avoid

Safe Products:

• Oil-free lash cleansers (specifically formulated for extensions)
• Oil-free micellar water
• Water-based and mineral-based cosmetics
• Extension-safe mascaras (water-based, for tips only)
• Gel or liquid liner (not waterproof)

Products to Avoid:

• Oil-based cleansers and makeup removers
• Waterproof mascara and eyeliner
• Oil-based skincare (around eye area)
• Glycol-containing products
• Cotton balls, pads, or rounds
• Mechanical lash curlers

Lifestyle Adjustments

Your daily habits significantly impact lash retention. Consider these adjustments:

Sleep Position

Back sleeping is ideal for lash extensions, preventing crushing and friction. If you can't sleep on your back, try a silk or satin pillowcase, which creates less friction than cotton. Some clients invest in specialty lash pillows with cutouts that protect extensions.

Exercise Considerations

Regular exercise is fine with lash extensions, but take precautions:

• Pat sweat away from your eye area rather than wiping
• Shower and cleanse lashes after every workout
• Consider goggles for swimming (though water exposure is fine after the curing period)
• Avoid extreme heat from hot yoga or saunas when possible

Environmental Factors

Australia's diverse climate presents unique challenges:

• Humidity: High humidity can cause extensions to droop; more frequent brushing helps
• Sun exposure: UV rays can fade black extensions over time
• Salt water: Rinse thoroughly after beach swims
• Chlorine: Pool chlorine can weaken adhesive; rinse and cleanse after swimming

When to Schedule Your Fill

Most clients schedule fills every 2-3 weeks, but the ideal timing depends on your natural lash cycle, lifestyle, and how full you prefer your lashes to look. Signs you're due for a fill include:

• Visible gaps in your lash line
• More than 40-50% of extensions have shed
• Remaining extensions look uneven or sparse
• You're compensating with mascara on natural lashes

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Lashes Looking Sparse

If your lashes are shedding faster than expected, consider whether you're cleaning them properly (dirty lashes don't last), avoiding oils effectively, and sleeping in a lash-friendly position.

Lashes Crossing or Clumping

Regular brushing prevents this issue. If lashes are persistently clumpy, you may be using too much product near your eyes or not drying your lashes properly after cleaning.

Extensions Twisting

Twisted extensions usually result from friction (sleeping on them, rubbing eyes) or improper initial application. Gentle brushing may help, but twisted lashes typically need professional removal and replacement.

Consistent maintenance is the secret to beautiful, long-lasting lash extensions. By dedicating just a few minutes daily to proper care, you'll enjoy fuller lashes for longer and get maximum value from every appointment.