Eyelash extensions are a beauty investment that can transform your look, giving you fuller, longer, and more dramatic lashes. However, to maintain that stunning effect, it's crucial to care for them properly. One of the simplest yet most important steps in your lash care routine is brushing your eyelash extensions regularly. Whether you're wearing classic lash extensions or have opted for a more dramatic look with strip lash extensions, regular brushing ensures they stay in top condition and last as long as possible.
The Importance of Brushing Your Lash Extensions
Prevents Tangling and Clumping
Just like your natural hair, lash extensions can tangle and clump together. When lashes are tangled, they lose their uniformity, which can make your extensions look messy and uneven. Brushing your lash extensions daily helps to prevent this by separating the individual lashes, ensuring they remain neat and aligned. This not only keeps your extensions looking their best but also prevents the discomfort that can come from tangled lashes.
Maintains Lash Direction
Each lash extension is carefully placed to follow the natural direction of your lashes. However, as you go about your daily activities, your lashes can shift and lose their alignment. Brushing helps to guide the lashes back into place, maintaining their intended direction and ensuring your eyes maintain that wide-awake, polished appearance.
Reduces Shedding
Lash extensions are bonded to your natural lashes with adhesive, and over time, they can begin to shed as your natural lashes go through their growth cycle. While shedding is normal, you can minimise excessive loss by brushing your lashes regularly. By gently combing through your extensions, you can remove any loose lashes that are about to fall out, preventing them from causing premature shedding of the surrounding extensions.
How to Properly Brush Your Lash Extensions
Use a Lash Wand
The best tool for brushing your lash extensions is a clean, dry spoolie or lash wand. These wands are similar to mascara brushes and are designed to gently separate and groom your lashes. Make sure to keep your lash wand clean by washing it regularly to avoid transferring dirt or oil onto your extensions.
Brush from the Middle to the Tips
To avoid pulling or tugging on your lashes, start brushing from the middle of your extensions and work your way to the tips. This method is gentler on your natural lashes and the adhesive bond, ensuring you don’t accidentally cause any damage or shedding. Gently comb through the lashes in an upward motion, following the natural curve of your extensions.
Brush When Dry
It's essential to brush your lash extensions when they are dry. Wet lashes are more delicate and prone to damage, so wait until they've dried completely after washing your face or getting out of the shower before you start brushing. Brushing wet lashes can cause them to stick together, making it more difficult to achieve a smooth, separated look.
Why Strip Lash Extensions Need Special Attention
If you occasionally switch from regular lash extensions to strip lash extensions, you'll need to be just as vigilant with your brushing routine. Strip lash extensions, which are applied as a single strip rather than individual lashes, can be prone to tangling and clumping if not cared for properly. Since strip lash extensions cover a larger area of your lash line, they can easily become dishevelled throughout the day, especially if you’re active or have oily skin.
Maintains Their Shape
Brushing your strip lash extensions helps to maintain their shape and ensures they blend seamlessly with your natural lashes. Since strip lashes cover more surface area, they’re more noticeable when they start to lose their shape or become uneven. Regular brushing keeps them looking fresh and well-aligned.
Enhances Adhesive Longevity
Just like individual lash extensions, strip lash extensions rely on adhesive to stay in place. When you brush them regularly, you’re less likely to tug or pull on the strip, which can cause the adhesive to weaken prematurely. This simple step can help extend the life of your strip lash extensions, allowing you to get more wear out of each set.
Prevents Dirt and Debris Buildup
Throughout the day, your lashes can collect dirt, dust, and even makeup residue. This buildup can lead to irritation, infection, or a decline in the appearance of your lash extensions. Brushing your strip lash extensions helps to remove any particles that may have settled on them, keeping your lashes clean and your eyes healthy.
Additional Tips for Lash Extension Care
Avoid Oil-Based Products
Oil-based products can break down the adhesive used to apply your lash extensions, causing them to fall out prematurely. When choosing skincare or makeup products, opt for oil-free formulae, and be mindful of the ingredients in your cleansers, moisturisers, and eye makeup removers.
Cleanse Your Lashes Regularly
In addition to brushing, it’s important to cleanse your lash extensions regularly. Use a gentle, lash-friendly cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your lashes. This step not only keeps your lashes clean but also helps to prevent any buildup that could weigh down your extensions or cause them to clump together.
Be Gentle with Your Lashes
When you have lash extensions, it’s crucial to handle them with care. Avoid rubbing your eyes, tugging on your lashes, or sleeping on your face, as these actions can cause your extensions to become damaged or fall out. Instead, be gentle when washing your face, and try to sleep on your back to protect your lashes from friction.
Schedule Regular Fills
Lash extensions require maintenance to keep them looking their best. As your natural lashes grow and shed, you’ll start to notice gaps in your extensions. To maintain a full, even look, schedule regular fill appointments with your lash technician. Fills typically need to be done every 2-3 weeks, depending on your lash growth cycle and how well you care for your extensions.