Eyelash extensions need to be cared for if you want them to last. That’s why your aftercare routine is crucial to the longevity of your eyelash extensions. In addition, one of the most debated topics is if you’re allowed to get your extensions wet.
We know that it’s crucial to wash, clean, and brush your lashes daily, so it can’t be that bad, right? Cleaning your lashes daily with an oil-free cleanser will ensure no leftover makeup, dust, or debris can build up on your lash line.
So, can you get lash extensions wet? In order for your lash glue to set completely, avoid getting them wet for the first 24 hours after you get them done. Afterward, gently cleanse them with an oil-free cleanser and spoolie. Otherwise, try to avoid water as much as possible.
There is a constant debate regarding how often you should wet your eyelashes, and it will all depend on the brand of glue used for your extensions. Each one has varying instructions to follow.
Many of us are confused if that means we need to limit physical activities like swimming, exercising, or anything else that creates moisture. Are these types of activities truly harmful for our extensions, and how can we take care of them?
Should You Wet Your Lash Extensions?
Wetting your lash extensions is okay in some situations, but there are a few things to watch out for. But just so we’re clear, you’ll always want to avoid water right after your appointment.
Similar to perms, eyelash extensions need to cure for a certain period of time for the glue to set your lashes. The adhesive can be weakened by water, especially immediately after applying your lash set. Wetting your lashes after your appointment can allow the lashes to fall out prematurely.
So depending on your brand of glue, your lash tech will tell you to avoid washing your face, swimming, sweating, and crying for at least 24-48 hours. However, some lash glues claim to set your extensions in place in as little as four hours.
Regardless, it’s best to listen to your lash tech’s directions. However, should you panic any time water or moisture reaches your lashes? Thankfully, no.
While the occasional sweating, crying, or water hitting the lashes is okay, it’s just recommended to avoid constant harsh pressure. In addition, as long as you tend to your lashes and clean them after water, moisture, or salt hits them, you’ll be good to go!
So let’s take a look at what you should watch out for and how to care for your lashes, so they last for weeks on end!
1. Daily Cleaning
Lash techs will always advise cleaning your lashes gently and with an oil-free cleanser.
This is because oil-based products can weaken your lash glue over time, and your lashes can fall out fast. However, using oil-free products can help maintain your lashes for longer.
Once you have your gentle cleanser, you’ll need a lash wand or spoolie dedicated for your lash extensions. You can brush through your lashing to distribute the cleanser or brush them back into place so they will dry like they’re new.
Wetting your lashes with water daily to clean them is necessary to prolong the lifespan of your lash extensions. In addition, you’ll be removing the daily dirt, dust, and grime from the day that can form into clusters or bacteria.
So, if you wet your lashes daily to clean them, you can rest assured no harm will come to your extensions.
2. Showering/Bathing
Chances are if you get your lashes wet, it’s most likely from showering or bathing. Thankfully, the lash glue used should be strong enough to withstand showers and baths. The part where it gets tricky is with hot steamy showers.
If you can avoid creating a sauna in your bathroom, there shouldn’t be any issues getting your lashes wet during a shower or bath. Now you can finally relax, knowing you don’t have to take a shower strategically.
What if you are worried about your lashes getting too wet and losing their shape? Well, all you need to do is clean them how you usually would and brush them into place to air dry. Then, you can lightly dab a towel on the lashes or leave them be.
You can rest assured that if you wet your lashes during a shower and bath, your lashes will survive. To ensure their longevity, avoid steamy showers and brush through your lashes so they can dry in their standard shape.
3. Swimming
We know that chlorine in pools can affect more than just our lashes. Ask anyone who colors their hair blonde if their strands have ever turned green in a pool.
Unfortunately, if you have lash extensions, swimming in a pool may not always be good.
Chlorine can weaken the bond of your lash adhesive over time. Therefore, the more times you expose your extensions to chlorine, the more times the chlorine can weaken your lash glue, and your lashes will eventually fall out.
However, taking a dip in a pool or hot tub every once in a while won’t hurt. If they get wet, gently cleanse them, so excess chlorine does not sit on the lashes and weaken the adhesive.
Unfortunately, constant exposure to chlorine and pools can cause your lashes to fall out. In moderation, swimming in pools won’t be harmful to your lashes, so you can just continue with your lash routine.
But what about the ocean?
4. Salt Water
Salt shares the same impact on your lash extensions as chlorine does. We know saltwater is in the ocean, and swimming in the ocean can potentially disrupt your lashes if you get them wet.
Like chlorine, constant exposure to saltwater from the ocean will eventually cause your extensions to fall out. However, swimming in the sea every once in a while won’t do any harm.
Just be sure to clean your lashes thoroughly to get rid of salt. However, whether you’re in a pool, the ocean, or a shower, there is one thing to always keep an eye on, and that’s water pressure.
5. Water Pressure
Water pressure is not something most people think about when it comes to caring for their lashes. But, whether you are in the shower or the ocean, the pressure of the water surrounding you has a significant impact on your lash retention.
Of course, some water from your shower or swimming pool won’t hurt every once in a while. However, it can be detrimental to your lash extensions if you frequently expose them to high water pressure. We shouldn’t underestimate the strength of water.
High-pressure water can loosen the bond of the lash adhesive, and over time your lashes can fall. If you are in the shower, avoid hitting your face directly with high water pressure.
However, investing in some goggles can ensure your lashes are protected from any incoming waves if you are swimming. So next time you are at the beach or a pool, a quality pair of goggles can save you from your lash nightmares.
6. Saunas
Another place that can potentially cause damage to your eyelash extensions is saunas. There isn’t a direct source of water in a sauna. However, the steam and moisture of a sauna can cause problems.
Steam, moisture, and heat are all elements that can disrupt your lash extensions. Saunas also involve a heavy sweat sesh, so you will have some droplets forming on your body. All of these elements can weaken the bond of the lash glue.
Direct steam can disrupt the longevity of your lashes, so if it’s possible to skip the sauna, you should. It’s possible that one sauna session won’t do any harm, but saunas can get highly intense quickly, especially with frequent exposure.
Use A Lash Sealant
The best way to keep your lashes intact is to invest in a lash sealant. A lash sealant can protect your lashes from harsh external factors like water, moisture, sweat, and steam. In addition, these lash sealants are formulated to increase the strength of your lash adhesive.
So, if you ever worry about getting your lashes wet somewhere that’s not your bathroom, a lash sealant can help minimize any potential damage from occurring. Your extensions will thank you for this extra preventive measure.
Final Thoughts
Getting your lash extensions wet every once in a while won’t be harmful. In fact, it can even help prolong your extensions to cleanse them daily with a gentle solution and brush them with a spoolie. In addition, it is okay to get them wet in the bathroom.
Showers and baths aren’t harmful, but what can be is your water pressure. So avoid hitting your face with an intense high-pressure shower. Swimming in the ocean or pool now and then is okay; just avoid frequent exposure to salt and chlorine.
Clean the lashes if they come into contact with salt or chlorine. Both salt and chlorine can loosen the lash glue and let your extensions fall out over time. Avoid intense sauna sessions, so moisture and heat don’t weaken the bond either.
Finally, investing in a lash sealant is a great preventive measure to ensure your lash extensions can last until your next fill.
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