The lash industry is booming, with long-lasting eyelash extensions becoming a beauty staple, allowing many to ditch daily mascara. At the same time, eye beauty trends now include lash lifts, tints, and eyelash extensions that require proper aftercare for the best results. With numerous options, it’s essential to follow the correct care regimen. Failing to do so can lead to lash maintenance problems like premature shedding, breakage, or even infection. Below, we’ll explore the top lash care mistakes and explain how to avoid them.
Sleeping with Makeup or Rubbing Your Lashes
Many people skip removing eye makeup before bed. Sleeping with mascara and eye makeup on stiffens and clumps lashes, so that when you toss and turn, they can break or even pull out of the follicle. Likewise, aggressively rubbing or pulling at your lashes damages fragile hairs. Aggressive makeup removal can break your eyelashes, and it is recommended to avoid any rubbing or tugging on lashes. Always gently remove makeup. Let a makeup remover soak on your eyelids for a few seconds, then softly slide it away. This prevents unnecessary tension and breakage.
Neglecting Gentle Lash Cleansing
Dirty lashes are a common culprit for lash loss and irritation. Natural lashes and extensions both trap oils, debris, and bacteria at the lash line, which can clog hair follicles and cause infections. It’s a mistake to use harsh cleansers or wipes that drag on the lash line. To clean your lashes safely:
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Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser. The type of cleanser you use on your face, particularly around the eye area, significantly impacts your lash health. It is crucial to select a cleanser specifically formulated for sensitive eyes or, ideally, one designed for use with lash extensions. Avoid any oil-based makeup removers or cleansers, as these can easily break down the adhesive used for extensions, causing them to fall out prematurely. Opt for a mild, non-abrasive formula to cleanse thoroughly without compromising your lashes.
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Brush daily with a clean spoolie. Regular brushing is a simple yet effective step in maintaining the appearance and health of your lashes. Every morning, after washing your face, gently comb through your lashes using a clean, dry mascara wand or a dedicated spoolie brush. This action helps to untangle any stray fibers that may have become matted or crisscrossed overnight, preventing breakage. Brushing assists in evenly distributing natural oils, keeping your lashes nourished and looking neat.
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Pat dry carefully. How you dry your face, especially around your eyes, can greatly impact the longevity and integrity of your lashes. After cleansing, resist the urge to vigorously rub your face with a towel. Instead, gently pat the eye area dry with a soft, clean towel. This delicate approach prevents unnecessary pulling or tugging on your lashes, which can lead to damage or premature loss. Be particularly gentle if you have lash extensions, as harsh rubbing can snag and dislodge them.
Following a consistent eyelash care routine prevents build-up. Clean lashes help keep the follicle area healthy and ready for strong new growth, rather than leaving lash solutions to fight bacteria in a dirty environment.
Attempting DIY Lash Extension Removal
If you have eyelash extensions, removing them yourself is a major mistake. Lash glue, a type of cyanoacrylate adhesive, is a powerful adhesive. Pulling extensions off can painfully rip out your natural lashes. Experts strongly advise against DIY removal. Even steam, oil, or rubbing rarely fully dissolves the adhesive without risk.
If you want to remove extensions, schedule an appointment with a licensed lash technician. They use professional-grade adhesive remover to break down the glue gently. If you have a few leftover lashes at home and cannot get to a tech immediately, you can slowly loosen them with a cotton swab soaked in an oil-based eye makeup remover or clean oil like castor or coconut oil. Apply it to the lash line for several minutes to gently dissolve the glue. Never pull on the extensions. Instead, be patient. Let the oils work and allow the extensions to fall off naturally over a few days.
When you have eyelash extensions, another big mistake is using oily products near your eyes. Lash adhesives are sensitive to oil. Exposure to oil (from makeup removers, creams, or serums) can dissolve the bond and cause extensions to fall out prematurely. This includes many facial and eyelid creams, as well as some mascaras. To avoid this error, always check labels and use oil-free formulas: choose makeup removers, eyeliners, and water-based creams. If your skincare routine includes an eye cream, be careful to avoid contact with the lash line.
Neglecting Regular Cleaning and Brushing of Extensions
Some people believe that once extensions are in place, they don’t require cleaning or maintenance. Proper maintenance is crucial for natural-looking eyelash extensions. Skipping these steps allows residue to build up at the base of the lashes, leading to irritation or weakening the glue bond. Here’s a simple lash maintenance routine after a fill:
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Wash every 2–3 days: Proper cleansing is crucial for maintaining hygiene and extending the life of your lash extensions. Every two to three days, use a gentle, extension-safe lash cleanser specifically formulated to remove oil, makeup residue, and environmental debris without compromising the adhesive. Gently lather the cleanser at the base of your lashes, using a soft, circular motion. After thoroughly cleansing, rinse your lashes with lukewarm water, ensuring all cleanser is removed. This routine prevents buildup that can weaken the adhesive bond and keeps your natural lashes healthy underneath.
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Avoid excessive moisture initially: The initial 48-hour period after lash extension application is critical for the adhesive to fully cure and create a strong bond. During this time, it is essential to avoid any contact with excessive moisture, including water, steam, sweat, and tears. Exposing your lashes to moisture too soon can weaken the adhesive, causing extensions to shed prematurely or lose their retention. After this crucial curing period, it is perfectly fine to shower or wash your face as usual. However, always exercise caution and avoid directly applying high-pressure water streams onto your eyes, as this can still cause unnecessary stress on the lash bonds.
By establishing this cleansing habit, you ensure that your natural lashes remain healthy under the extensions. Regular lash maintenance, such as this, will help your extensions last as long as possible and keep your lash line clean.
Sleeping Face-Down or on Your Side
Your sleeping position can strain your lashes overnight. Many people unknowingly sleep on their stomach or side, pressing their face into the pillow. This constant pressure can cause extensions to crush or bend, leading to them shedding faster. The solution is to try to sleep on your back or elevate your head slightly, so lashes aren’t pressed into pillows. Use a silk or satin pillowcase if possible; the smooth fabric helps lashes glide rather than catch. Gently train yourself to sleep on your back, or at least switch sides periodically. Your sleeping position, often an overlooked factor, can significantly strain your lashes overnight, particularly if you have extensions. Many individuals unknowingly sleep on their stomach or side, pressing their face directly into the pillow. This seemingly innocuous habit creates constant pressure on your lashes, which can lead to several undesirable outcomes.
Specifically, this sustained pressure can crush or bend delicate lash extensions, compromising their integrity and appearance. It can accelerate their shedding process, leading to a shorter lifespan for your beautiful lashes. The friction and compression against the pillow can also damage natural lashes over time, weakening them and making them more prone to breakage.
Gently training yourself to sleep on your back requires patience and consistency. You might start by consciously trying to fall asleep on your back each night. If you find yourself shifting during the night, consider placing pillows strategically around your body to help maintain the back-sleeping position. Alternatively, if a complete switch to back-sleeping isn't feasible, try to at least switch sides periodically throughout the night to distribute the pressure and minimize prolonged strain on one set of lashes.
Using an Eyelash Curler (Especially After Mascara)
While an eyelash curler can be great for natural lashes, using it improperly is a mistake. Curling after applying mascara can be disastrous: mascara-coated lashes may stick to the curler and tear out. The result is a thinner, scraggly lash line, and possibly permanent gaps until regrowth occurs. Squeezing an eyelash curler too forcefully can cause the lash shaft to weaken. Always curl lashes before applying any mascara. Gently close the curler at the base of lashes and hold for a few seconds, then repeat as needed up the length.
Applying Heavy Mascara or Makeup on Extensions
Another frequent pitfall is trying to use mascara or heavy waterproof liners on lash extensions. Even mascaras labeled “extension-safe” can stain or clump the extensions, requiring tugging at removal. Skip it with extensions, especially waterproof types, which can soften the glue on your lash extensions. Similarly, mineral eyeshadows with sparkle can flake into the glue bond.
To preserve extensions, use light, non-waterproof eye makeup and remove it gently. If you need eyeliner, use a water-based pencil and avoid getting it under the lash band. And always remove makeup slowly. Gently pat a remover-soaked pad over the eye for a few seconds to dissolve the makeup, then softly wipe away. Keeping harsh makeup and makeup removal off of extensions will prolong their life and protect your natural lashes underneath.
Choosing Heavy Lash Styles (Cluster or Mega-Volume Lashes)
It’s tempting to ask your tech for the most whole, boldest lash look, but opting for super-heavy styles is a mistake for lash health. Lashes that come in thick “clusters” or mega-volume sets are much heavier than individual classic or volume lashes. Avoid clustering lashes, as these heavier fanned lash clusters pull on your natural lashes, which can damage them over time. This extra weight can lead to premature fallout of both the extension and your own lashes. Instead, consider lighter natural volume lashes or classic styles. Natural volume lashes use very lightweight synthetic lashes that give fullness without extreme weight. By choosing lighter extensions or a natural-looking eyelash extension set, you maintain a complete look while safeguarding your natural lash integrity. It’s better to have healthy, long lashes than to sacrifice them for a one-off dramatic style. When in doubt, ask your lash artist to make sure the weight of extensions is appropriate for each natural lash.
In today’s market, it’s easy to buy eyelash extensions online. Bargain-basement lash kits or adhesives found online may be of low quality. Poor-quality lashes can shed fuzzier fibers into your eye, and subpar glues can contain irritants or break bonds quickly. Purchase lash supplies from reputable sources like Pro Lash. If getting extensions, ensure your lash artist uses high-grade materials. And if you do maintenance at home, choose proven products. Skimping on lash quality to save a few dollars can ultimately compromise comfort, appearance, and lash health.
Ignoring Aftercare for Lash Lifts and Tints
Lash lifts and tints are trendy lash lift and tint treatments that curl and color your natural lashes. They can give a mascara-like effect, but they also require proper aftercare. A common mistake is jumping back into water or oil-based products too soon. For example, avoid getting lashes wet or using oils during the first 24–48 hours so the lift solution can set. Even after the initial period, be mindful: oil-based creams can weaken the chemical curl. Use only mild, water-based cleansers around your eyes. Avoid saunas or steamy showers immediately after treatment. And treat your tinted lashes gently when removing makeup, as any tugging can prematurely lift off the tint.
The best way to avoid all lash care mistakes is to adopt a set of healthy lash habits. Practice a daily eyelash care routine: gently cleanse your eyes every evening, comb your lashes each morning, and give your lashes regular breaks from heavy makeup or extensions, if possible. Incorporate lash care tips like removing eye makeup before sleep and applying serums or oils at night. Nourish your body as well: a balanced diet rich in vitamins (biotin, vitamins C and E, omega-3s) can promote stronger natural lashes from within. Using a nourishing eyelash conditioner or serum can also help reinforce lash strength and length over time. Additionally, schedule routine maintenance: if you have extensions, have infills done every 2–3 weeks by a professional and follow their aftercare advice. If your lashes seem weak or thinning, ease up on extensions and give them a chance to recover. With mindful care and these precautions, you can enjoy beautiful lashes without compromising their health.
Sources:
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DFW Lash University – The Ever-Evolving World of Eyelash Extensions: Trends and Predictions for 2025 dfwlashuniversity.com
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Healthline – Eyelash Extensions Aftercare: How to Clean Lashes healthline.com
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IPSY – How to Remove Lash Extensions From Lash Experts ipsy.com