How to Sleep with Eyelash Extensions

Co-authored by Melissa Jannes

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

Eyelash extensions can make even sparse lashes look full and plump. Your nightly skincare routine and the way you sleep can have a major impact on the lifespan of your eyelash extensions. Switching out your oil-based skin care products and learning to sleep on your back are just a few ways to keep your eyelash extensions looking healthy.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Developing Lash-Friendly Sleeping Habits

1
Sleep on your back to avoid crushing your lashes. Position your head so it is center of your pillow and fluff up the sides to cushion your face when you lay down on your back. The pillow barricade may help you subconsciously stay on your back while you are sleeping.^{[1]
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- If you can't sleep on your back for long periods of time, sleep on your back for the first couple of nights after you have gotten the extensions. This will give your lashes enough time to properly set.^{[2]
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- If you have to sleep on your side for comfort, sleep with your face off the edge of a pillow to keep the area around your eye from rubbing up against the pillow.^{[3]
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2
Invest in a form-fitting pillow that will keep you from rolling onto your side. Use a pillow made of memory foam or one that has a styled wave-shape to keep your neck and head from turning in your sleep. When your head turns, your cheek will push up against your lashes and damage them over time.^{[4]
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- A wide range and style of these pillows can be purchased in the bedding section of a local department store, or online with major retailers.
- Instead of swapping out your pillow, purchase a silk or satin pillowcase. The slippery texture will reduce any tugging that occurs to your lashes while you sleep.
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3
Purchase a cupped facemask to protect your lashes while you sleep. Carefully, lift and slip the cupped mask over your eyes before you lay down to go to sleep. The cupped style of the mask will protect your extensions from rubbing against your pillow or blankets. Avoid wearing a flat sleep mask to keep your lashes from getting crushed.^{[5]
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- These can be purchased at your local department store in the sleepwear section, or online with major retailers.
- Don't drape your arm over your eyes when you go to sleep at night. Even with the mask, this will apply a tugging pressure to the extensions and will eventually cause the lashes to fall out prematurely.
4
Keep the edges of blankets or sheets away from your face. Refrain from pulling the covers up and over your head when you sleep at night. Place your arm on top of the blanket to keep you from pulling it up near your face. This will keep the fabric from rubbing against your lashes and damaging them.^{[6]
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5
Avoid rubbing your eyes when you wake up to prevent damaging the lashes. Rubbing your eyes extensively will cause your eyelash extensions to loosen and fall out. Make the conscious decision not to rub your eyes when you wake up. This may be hard to do at first, but after a few days, you should be able to break the habit.^{[7]
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Image titled Sleep with Eyelash Extensions Step 5

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Changing Your Nightly Skincare Routine

1
Use a spoolie brush to comb your lashes before you go to bed. Work in an upwards motion along your top lashes, and a downwards motion on your bottom lashes. Use a similar motion as you would when applying mascara. This will set your lashes in the proper shape and minimize their tangling while you sleep.^{[8]
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- To avoid poking your eyes with the brush, close one eye and brush upwards on those lashes. Then repeat the process for the other eye.
- Purchase a spoolie brush in the beauty or cosmetic section at a local department store, or online with major retailers. A spoolie brush looks like a mascara applicator and can be used to comb your eyelashes and eyebrows.
2
Use oil-free products to clean and moisturize your face. Refrain from using oil-based products, as the oil will deteriorate the eyelash adhesive. To find out if a product is oil-free, read the manufacturer's ingredients label on the back of the bottle. Most oil-free products will clearly advertise themselves as such.^{[9]
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- If you still aren't sure what products to use, ask a staff member at the salon where you got your lashes done. The staff is knowledgeable and will be able to suggest alternative oil-free products.
3
Use a cotton swab with makeup remover to carefully wipe off eye makeup. Put some of the cleanser on a cotton swab, and gently pat the skin around your eyes to remove makeup or dirt. Continue this process until all of the makeup has been removed. You will have more control using a cotton swab over a cotton pad to remove the makeup, and won't bump your eyelashes as much.^{[10]
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- Use oil-free makeup removers like micellar cleansers to remove the makeup from around your eyes.
- If you opt to use a cotton pad with the cleanser, dab your eyelids instead of rubbing them to remove the makeup, as excess rubbing will damage the lashes and cause shedding.
- Apply mascara to your eyelash extensions sparingly to avoid weakening the follicles. Not only do most mascaras contain oil that will break down the adhesive on your lashes, but the mascara will require you to rub the lashes to remove it.^{[11]
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4
Wash your lashes nightly or at least once a week to keep them clean. Use the lash cleanser and instructions that your eyelash technician gave you. This will maintain the strength and cleanliness of your lashes. This typically involves applying the cleaning solution with a small makeup brush using circular motions, and then patting the eyelashes dry.^{[12]
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- If you run out of eyelash cleaner or did not receive any, use an oil-free baby shampoo diluted with water as an alternative.
5
Pat your face dry with a towel after washing to avoid dislodging the lashes. Use a towel to gently dry your face, and be extra careful when drying the skin around your eyes. Avoid rubbing or dragging the towel across your face to dry it, as this might cause some of the lashes to fall out.^{[13]
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- Eyelash extensions can take quite a while to dry, which can leave them feeling unnaturally heavy. Use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to gently speed up the air-drying process.^{[14]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Can you sleep on your eyelash extensions?

Melissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician
Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing.

Melissa Jannes

Licensed Esthetician

Expert Answer

Sleeping on your extensions can crush them, so try to sleep on your back. If you have trouble sleeping on your back, get an eye mask that's hollowed out over the eye. That way, the mask doesn't push directly onto your extensions, so they'll be protected while you're sleeping.