Can’t Live Without Lash Extensions? Here’s How to Avoid Dreaded Eyelash Mites

4 years ago

Eyelash extensions are totally underrated. I got a fresh set of natural-looking lashes just before Christmas, and they completely transformed my beauty routine. Not only did I no longer have to worry about applying mascara every morning, but I also found that I didn’t need much more than a thin layer of tinted moisturiser and a touch of blush regardless of where I was heading.

But when I was showing off my lash extensions (read: bragging) to a friend, she freaked out about eyelash lice and mites and demanded I go home immediately and clean them. And that’s when I realized I had no idea how to clean my eyelash extensions, let alone what eyelash lice were. So I went straight to the experts – Dr. Sophie Shotter, medical director and founder of Illuminate Skin Clinic in Kent; Dr. Michelle Green, cosmetic dermatologist and chief resident in dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City; and Natalie Piper, international training manager at British eyelash extension company Lash Perfect – and asked them to share their insights on all things eyelash extensions hygiene. Read on to see what they said.

Getty / ICHIRO

How Do You Clean Eyelash Extensions Correctly?

Cleaning your eyelash extensions is easier than you probably think and should be done daily, just as you would your regular lashes. “Not only will your lash extensions look fresher after a daily clean, but they will also last for longer,” Piper said. According to Dr. Green, all you need is a gentle cleanser or makeup remover and a cloth. Then you simply wash your falsies in a downward motion over the eyelid and lash line. “Be sure to not rub back and forth, as this can be too abrasive on the eyelash extensions,” she warned.

Piper agreed, saying that the cleanser must be oil-free and the cloth should be fiber-free. “Oil can cause adhesive bonds to break down, meaning lash extensions will last for less time than they should, while any wipes/cloths with fibers will get tangled in lash extensions,” she explained. Once dry, use a clean mascara wand to ensure the lashes hold their curl and don’t form clusters.

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Why Is It Important to Clean Your Eyelash Extensions?

If you don’t clean your eyelash extensions correctly, you are putting yourself at risk of dirt and bacteria buildup. Piper believes this can affect the adhesive bond and ultimately cause your lashes to fall off earlier than expected.

Worse still, Dr. Green said a lack of hygiene can lead to an allergic reaction, or sore, itchy, irritated, red eyes. “It’s also common for lice/mites to appear in eyelashes if not cleansed properly,” she added.