You just got your lashes done, and they look fantastic—full, fluffy, and glamorous. But now comes the real question: how do you keep them looking that way until your next fill? Eyelash extensions require a little care to stay fresh and full between appointments. Without the proper maintenance, they can shed too quickly, lose shape, or start looking uneven.
But don’t worry—with a few simple habits, you can make your extensions last longer and keep them looking flawless. In this blog, we’ll explore how to get the most out of your lashes between fills.
1. Clean Your Lashes (The Right Way)
If you take away just one tip from this, let it be this: clean lashes last longer. Dirt, oil, and makeup buildup can break down the adhesive, making your extensions fall out faster. But cleaning them the wrong way can cause just as much damage.
- Use an oil-free cleanser—oils weaken lash glue and cause early fallout.
- Gently wash your lashes daily with a soft, lash-friendly brush.
- Pat them dry—never rub or tug at your lashes with a towel.
Think of it like skincare for your lashes—when you keep them clean, they stay looking fresh way longer.
2. Keep Your Hands Off
When your lashes feel a little out of place, touching, twisting, or pulling at them is tempting. Don’t do it. The more you touch your lashes, the more oil and dirt transfer onto them, weakening the glue. If something feels off:
- Use a clean spoolie to brush them back into place instead of touching them.
- Resist the urge to pick at loose lashes—let them shed naturally.
- If they look uneven, book a touch-up instead of trying to fix them yourself.
A hands-off approach leads to better retention.
3. Be Mindful of Skincare Products
Lash glue and oil do not mix. Even if you do not apply oil directly to your lashes, it can transfer from your moisturizer, eye cream, or SPF.
- Keep anything oil-based away from your eyes.
- Check labels—even “hydrating” skincare may contain oils that break down lash adhesive.
- If your skincare routine is heavy on oils, apply your products carefully to avoid contact with your lashes.
A little extra awareness goes a long way in keeping your extensions intact.
4. Be Careful When Sleeping
If you’re a stomach sleeper who buries your face in the pillow, your lashes probably won’t last as long as they should. Friction from your pillowcase can bend, twist, or pull out your extensions while you sleep.
- Try sleeping on your back to keep your lashes from getting crushed.
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase—it’s gentler on your lashes (and skin).
- If you move a lot in your sleep, a contoured sleep mask can help protect your lashes.
A simple change in your sleep habits can mean less fallout and better retention.
5. Be Careful with Heat and Steam
Lash adhesive doesn’t love extreme heat. While an occasional steamy shower won’t destroy your lashes, frequent exposure to high heat and humidity can weaken the glue.
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and super-hot showers right after a fill.
- Be mindful of heat blasts from ovens and dishwashers.
- If you’re a gym-goer, rinse your lashes with cool water after sweating to remove salt buildup.
A little caution with heat means stronger lash retention and fewer premature fallouts.
6. Brush Them Daily (But Gently)
Lashes can get slightly tangled throughout the day, so giving them a quick brush helps keep them looking fluffy and in place.
- Use a clean spoolie to comb through them every morning.
- Brush upward and outward—not too hard.
- Skip brushing when they’re wet; wait until they’re completely dry.
Brushing takes two seconds but makes a huge difference in keeping your lashes neat.
7. Rethink Your Makeup Routine
One of the best things about eyelash extensions is that you don’t really need mascara. But if you want to wear it, choose wisely.
- No waterproof mascara—it’s too hard to remove and can mess up your extensions.
- Be careful with eyeliner—gel and pencil liners are tricky to remove and can cause buildup.
- Tap off excess eyeshadow to avoid fallout on your lashes.
Less makeup = less scrubbing = longer-lasting extensions.
8. Keep Up with Your Fill Appointments
Even with the best care, your natural lash cycle means you’ll shed some extensions over time. Regular fills keep your lashes looking full and seamless.
- Every 2-3 weeks is ideal for most people.
- Don’t wait until your lashes are almost gone—restoring them takes more time (and money).
- If you’re unsure when to come in, ask your lash tech for a customized schedule.
Staying consistent with lash fills keeps your lash game strong.
A Little Care Goes a Long Way
Lash extensions don’t require much maintenance, but a few small habits can significantly affect how long they last. By keeping your new lashes clean, avoiding oils, sleeping carefully, and brushing daily, you’ll get more time between fills and keep your lashes looking fresh.
Choose Lash Crush for Johns Island & Mount Pleasant Lash Extensions
At Lash Crush, we want your extensions to stay flawless for as long as possible. Need a fill or have questions about your lash routine? You can trust us for high-quality lash extensions in Johns Island and Mount Pleasant, SC. Book your next appointment today—our local lash salon covers all your eyelash and eyebrow needs, enhancing your natural beauty and helping you feel confident every day.