Your Guide to Gorgeous, Long-Lasting Lash Extensions: Aftercare Instructions

Congratulations on your new lash extensions! With proper care, you can maximize their life and keep them looking flawless until your next refill.

Following these simple rules is the key to excellent lash retention and eye health.

 

1. Daily Cleansing & Grooming (The Must-Do Routine)

 

This is the most important step for long-term retention and hygiene. Cleaning your lashes daily removes oils, dirt, makeup residue, and dead skin cells, which can otherwise break down the adhesive and lead to eye irritation or infection.

• Cleanse

  • ​Wash your lashes at least once daily. Use Lash Genie lash extension foaming cleanser/make-up remover.

  • Tools: Oil-Free foaming cleanser, soft cleansing brush, or lint-free applicator.​​

• Rinse​

  • ​Rinse your eyes gently with clean, cool, or lukewarm water until all traces of the cleanser are gone.

• Dry​

  • ​Gently blot your lashes at the base with a clean, lint-free cloth or let them air dry. You can also use a mini handheld fan to fluff them dry.

• Brush Daily​

  • ​Once completely dry, gently brush through your lashes using a clean, dry spoolie brush. Brush from the base to the tips, keeping your eyes closed. Open eyes and brush lashes into shape.

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2. Products to AVOID

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• Eye Products

  • ​Any product containing oil, alcohol, or glycol (often found in micellar water).

  • Mineral oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, heavy moisturizers, thick eye creams, and oil-based serums.

• Mascara​

  • ​All waterproof or oil-based mascaras. Do not use mascara on Volume lash fans—it will close the fan and cause clumping.

  • If you must use mascara, choose a brand-specific, lash extension-safe formula and apply only to the tips.

• Eye Makeup Remover​

  • ​Any remover not specifically labeled "oil-free," "lash extension safe," or containing oil/glycol.

  • Avoid cotton balls, cotton pads, or Q-tips, as the fibers can catch and pull on the extensions. Use lint-free wipes or sponges instead.

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3. Habits to AVOID (Protect Your Investment)

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• Rubbing/Pulling

  • ​NEVER rub, tug, or pick at your lashes. This will cause the extension and your natural lash to fall out, potentially damaging your hair follicle.

• Curling​

  • ​Do not use mechanical (clamping) or heated lash curlers, as they will break the adhesive bond and damage the extension.

• Excessive Heat​

  • ​Avoid exposing your lashes to excessive heat (e.g., getting too close to an open oven, a lit BBQ, a cigarette lighter, or a super-hot blow dryer). The synthetic lash material can singe or melt, leaving them distorted.

• Sleeping Face Down​

  • ​Try to sleep on your back. If you are a side or stomach sleeper, use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction, or invest in a contoured eye mask designed for lash extensions.

• Facials/Peels​

  • ​Always inform your aesthetician that you have lash extensions. Ensure all creams, serums, and chemical peels are kept away from the eye area.

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5. Long-Term Maintenance

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• Book Fills

  • ​Your natural lashes shed, so your extensions will shed with them. Book a lash fill appointment every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain a consistently full look.

• ​Post-Swim Rinse

  • ​After swimming in chlorinated water or saltwater (ocean), rinse your lashes with fresh water and cleanse them as soon as possible to prevent the salt/chlorine from breaking down the adhesive.

• BRUSH YOUR LASHES​

  • ​Keep your spoolie handy and brush your lashes throughout the day to keep them straight, separated, and looking their best.

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Health & Safety Recommendations (Contraindications)​

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Eyelash extensions are not suitable for everyone. For your safety and to ensure the best results, it is crucial that you inform your Certified Lash Genie Eyelash Extensionist if you have or have recently experienced any of the following. Your technician will then assess if they can safely proceed or if they must refuse the service until the condition has cleared.

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Active Eye or Eyelid Conditions (Absolute Contraindications)

If you have any of the following, the procedure must be refused until symptoms have completely cleared and you are no longer contagious:

• Infections: Any active eye infection, such as Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Hordeolum (styes), or viral/bacterial infections.

• Inflammation: Any signs of inflammation, swelling, redness, itching, discharge, crustiness, or burning in or around the eyes.

• Blepharitis: Chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins. Applying extensions can worsen this condition.

• Demodex Mites: Overpopulation of Demodex mites (lash mites) leading to irritation or inflammation.

• Open Wounds/Skin Trauma: Cuts, abrasions, burns, or recent scar tissue in the eye area.

• No Natural Lashes: The service cannot be performed if you have no natural lashes for the extension to adhere to.

Allergies and Sensitivities

• Allergic Reaction: Previous adverse reaction to eyelash extensions or an allergy to the main adhesive ingredient, Cyanoacrylate. A patch test is highly recommended 24-48 hours before your appointment, especially for new clients.

Medical and Health Conditions

• Chemotherapy/Radiation: Clients currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. It is generally recommended to wait until therapy is fully completed and to consult with your physician.

• Alopecia Areata: Hair loss conditions, as extensions can add stress to fragile natural lashes and may lead to further breakage.

• Trichotillomania: Compulsive hair pulling. Extensions may worsen the urge to pull out the lashes, causing permanent damage.

• Severe Skin Conditions: Active flare-ups of conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis, or Dermatitis around the eye area.

• Glaucoma or Severe Ocular Disease: Severe conditions like glaucoma, corneal disease, or diabetic retinopathy.

• Chronic Dry Eye or Excessive Watery Eyes: These conditions may be exacerbated by the procedure and can lead to poor adhesive retention.

Recent Procedures and Treatments

• Recent Eye Surgery: Including Lasik, cataract surgery, or eyelid surgery. Medical clearance from your doctor and a waiting period (often 4-6 weeks or more) is required.

• Recent Lash Lift/Tint: Must wait the recommended time (e.g., 8 weeks for a lash lift) to allow the natural lashes to recover and reset.

• Semi-Permanent Makeup: Such as eyeliner tattoo, must be completely healed (e.g., after 4 weeks).

• Cosmetic Procedures: Including Botox (wait 1 week) or Chemical Peels (wait 3 months), as recommended by some professionals.

Procedural & Comfort Concerns

• Contact Lenses: You must remove contact lenses before the procedure, as having eyes closed for a long period with contacts can cause dryness and irritation.

• Claustrophobia: The procedure requires lying still with eyes closed for an extended period.

• Excessive Involuntary Eye Twitching: This can make application difficult and increase the risk of glue coming into contact with the eye.

• Under the Influence: Being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs that may impair your ability to remain still.

• Pregnancy (Relative Contraindication): While not an absolute contraindication, sensitivity to fumes can increase, and lying flat for extended periods may be uncomfortable, especially for clients in the later stages of pregnancy. A patch test is strongly recommended.

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Your First Eyelash Extension Appointment Guide

 

Part 1: How to Prepare (The Day Before & Day Of)

 

Proper preparation is the most important step for long-lasting lashes. The main goal is to ensure your lashes are completely clean so the adhesive can bond perfectly.

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• Come with clean lashes & no eye makeup

  • ​This is essential! Arrive with no mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, or residual makeup on or around your eyes. Makeup and oils prevent the adhesive from bonding, leading to poor retention and lashes that fall off quickly. Your technician will appreciate the time saved from having to clean your lashes thoroughly.

• Avoid Oil-Based Products​

  • ​For at least 24-48 hours before your appointment, avoid using oil-based cleansers, moisturizers, or serums near your eye area. Oil is the enemy of lash glue and will cause the extensions to shed prematurely.

• Skip the Caffeine​

  • ​Try to avoid coffee, energy drinks, or other stimulants for at least 3-4 hours before your appointment. Caffeine can cause your eyelids to flutter or twitch, making the meticulous application process much harder for your artist.

• Remove Contact Lenses​

  • ​If you wear contacts, remove them before your appointment and wear glasses instead. Your eyes will be closed for a long time (1.5–3 hours), and contacts can become very uncomfortable or cause irritation.

• Do Any Gtooming/Washing​

  • ​Take a shower, wash your hair, and do any facial cleansing before you arrive. You will need to keep your new lashes completely dry for the first 24-48 hours after the application to let the adhesive fully cure.

• Visit the Restroom​

  • ​Go to the bathroom immediately before you lie down. Once the process starts, it will be difficult to take a break.

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Part 2: What to Expect During the Appointment

A full set of lash extensions typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours. It should be a relaxing, painless, and gentle process. Many clients find it so relaxing they take a "lash nap"!

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• Consultation

  • ​Your lash artist will discuss your desired look (classic, hybrid, volume), your lifestyle, and your natural lash health. They will help you choose the best length, curl, and thickness that is safe and flattering for your eyes.

• Preparation​​

  • ​You will lie down comfortably on the lash bed. Your technician will gently apply under-eye pads or tape to cover your lower lashes, keeping them separated from your upper lashes during the application. Your natural lashes will be cleansed and primed (even if you arrived clean) to ensure a perfect bond.

• Application​

  • ​This is the bulk of your appointment. Your eyes must remain fully closed the entire time. The technician will use two tweezers to isolate one of your natural lashes, then use a tiny amount of professional-grade adhesive to bond one (or more) synthetic extension to a single natural lash. Extensions are never applied to your skin.

• Finishing​

  • ​Once all the extensions are applied, the technician will fan your lashes to ensure the adhesive is dry and remove the under-eye pads. They will instruct you to slowly sit up before you open your eyes to avoid feeling dizzy. Then comes the reveal—your new, beautiful set of lashes!

• Aftercare​

  • ​Discuss aftercare with your artist and follow the aftercare instructions on this page. https://lashgenieaustin.com/lashes#lash-care​

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