How to Shower with Eyelash Extensions

Co-authored by Alicia Ramos and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

Eyelash extensions are a semi-permanent way to make it look like you are wearing mascara or falsies all the time. They are applied individually with a special glue by a certified eyelash technician. If you are considering getting eyelash extensions but you are worried about ruining them in the shower, stay out of the shower for at least 2 days after your extensions are applied, wash your face in the sink, and avoid using oil-based cleansers and removers to keep your eyelash extensions looking good for longer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Caring for Extensions around Water

1
Avoid showering for 48 hours after your extensions are applied. Eyelash extensions use special glue to bond with your eyelids. This glue can take as long as 2 days to dry fully. Do not shower or get your extensions wet in any way for the first 48 hours after you have them put on.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.}
- Your technician will tell you exactly how long you should avoid taking a shower during your appointment.
2
Keep your showers cool so you don’t create a lot of steam. Steam can loosen the bond between the glue and your eyelids. If you are used to taking super hot, steamy showers, consider cooling down the temperature so you aren’t weakening your extension glue every day. Turn your bathroom fan on to clear the steam faster from your shower.^{[3]
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- You should also avoid going to saunas or steam rooms while wearing eyelash extensions.
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3
Wash your face in the sink instead of in the shower. The pressure from your showerhead can be too intense for eyelash extensions. Instead, wash your face in the sink. Wet your face by splashing water onto your face with your hands. Wash the cleanser off of your face while avoiding your eyelashes.^{[4]
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Tip: Washing your face in the shower can also dry out your skin since you use a hotter temperature in the shower than you would for washing your face.
4
Dab above and below your lashes to dry them off. When you dry your face, avoid putting the towel directly onto your eyelashes. This can pull off your extensions. Instead, dab the towel above and below your eyes to dry the area. Let your eyelashes air dry before you apply any makeup.^{[5]
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- If you need to moisturize your face, avoid putting any on your eyelids or under eyes. The oil in moisturizer can break down the glue in eyelash extensions.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using the Right Products

1
Avoid washing your face with oil-based cleansers. Any type of oil will break down the glue in your eyelash extensions. Instead, opt for oil-free cleansers to wash your face with. Oil-free cleansers are often marketed toward acne-prone skin, since they won’t clog your pores as much as oil-based cleansers.^{[6]
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- You can purchase oil-free cleansers at most beauty supply stores.
2
Put cleansers on a cotton pad to avoid disturbing your extensions. Instead of using a washcloth to apply face cleansers, use small cotton pads to apply your cleanser as you wash your face. Use caution as you wash around your eye area. Avoid using cleansers on your actual eyes as much as you can.^{[7]
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3
Remove your eye makeup with an oil-free makeup remover. If you wear a lot of eye makeup, do not use an oil-based makeup remover. Instead, purchase an oil-free makeup remover to preserve the bond between your eyelash extensions and your eyelid. You can find oil-free makeup remover at most beauty supply stores.^{[8]
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Tip: Avoid wearing waterproof mascara and eyeliner, since it can be hard to remove without an oil-based remover.
4
Apply makeup remover with a Q-tip to avoid your extensions. Instead of using a cotton pad or cotton ball that can disturb your extensions, dip a Q-tip into your makeup remover and gently wipe away your makeup. Avoid your eyelash extensions as much as possible when you remove your makeup.^{[9]
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- Clean your eyelashes with an eyelash extension cleanser that will preserve the glue used. You can buy eyelash extension cleanser at most beauty supply stores.
5
Clean your eyelash extensions with a foaming cleanser. If you have a buildup of mascara or eyeliner in your lash extensions, purchase an oil-free foaming cleanser. Find one that is for your face or specifically for lash extensions. Apply the foaming cleanser directly to your eyelid with a fluffy makeup brush. Dab the cleanser off with a damp washcloth to avoid disturbing your extensions.^{[10]
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- Clean your lash extensions any time you notice makeup buildup or about once a week.

Expert Q&A

Question

What happens if I get my eyelash extensions wet?

Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
Alicia Ramos is a licensed aesthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients.

Alicia Ramos

Skincare Professional

Expert Answer

In the first 48 hours after getting the extensions, it may knock them off entirely. The bond of the glue is too weak in this time period, and the water may just totally dissolve the glue. After that, you're good to go.
Question

Do I need to wash the eyelashes differently?

Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
Alicia Ramos is a licensed aesthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients.

Alicia Ramos

Skincare Professional

Expert Answer

I recommend cleansing them with an eyelash extensions cleanser while you're in the shower. That little step can go a long way to keeping the extensions looking good.