Top 5 Lash Aftercare Mistakes to Avoid for Long Wear
- Valeria
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
Lash extensions have transformed modern beauty routines, allowing clients to wake up with fuller, darker lashes—no mascara required. Whether you're heading to the office or getting glam for a night out, lash extensions offer effortless elegance.
But here’s what many people overlook: the secret to long-lasting, beautiful lashes lies in proper aftercare. Even a perfect lash set can go from fabulous to flawed if you're not taking care of them correctly.
At Casa de Hilo, we've worked with hundreds of lash clients, and we see the same issues pop up time and again. In this guide, we’ll reveal the top 5 lash aftercare mistakes that sabotage your look—and show you exactly how to avoid them.
Why Lash Aftercare Matters
Before diving into the mistakes, let’s briefly explore why aftercare is so important.
Lash extensions are applied one-by-one to your natural lashes using a semi-permanent adhesive. The glue needs time to cure (harden), and the bond must stay clean and undisturbed to ensure the extensions last. Proper aftercare can:
Extend the life of your lashes (up to 4–6 weeks)
Prevent premature fallout
Keep lashes looking fuller and fluffier
Avoid infections and irritation
Protect the health of your natural lashes
Without good aftercare, you risk losing extensions too early, damaging your natural lashes, or developing conditions like blepharitis—an inflammation of the eyelid caused by poor hygiene.
Let’s now look at the top 5 aftercare mistakes—and what you should do instead.
Mistake #1: Getting Your Lashes Wet Too Soon
The Issue:
The most common and easily avoidable mistake is getting your lashes wet too soon after your appointment. This usually happens within the first 24–48 hours, when the adhesive is still curing.
Exposure to water, steam, or even sweat during this critical period can weaken the bond between the extension and your natural lash, leading to premature lash shedding.
How It Happens:
Taking a hot shower or sauna
Doing a sweaty workout
Cooking over boiling water
Washing your face with water splashing onto your eyes
What to Do Instead:
Wait 24–48 hours before getting your lashes wet.
Use a damp cloth to clean your face and avoid the eye area.
Be cautious with humid environments like saunas, steam rooms, or hot yoga.
Bonus Tip:
Ask your lash artist if they use a nanomister or lash sealer to speed up the curing process—this can help reduce the wait time slightly, but 24 hours is still a safe bet.
Mistake #2: Using Oil-Based Products Near Your Eyes
The Issue:
Oil-based products are one of the worst offenders when it comes to lash extension retention. Oils break down the lash adhesive, causing extensions to detach much faster than they should.
Hidden Sources of Oil:
Eye creams and moisturizers
Cleansing balms and oil cleansers
Micellar water with oil
Oil-based eye makeup removers
Creamy eye shadows or pencils
What to Do Instead:
Use oil-free or water-based cleansers around your eyes.
When applying moisturizers, dab around the orbital bone, not directly on the lash line.
Always check the label—look for terms like “oil-free,” “lash-safe,” or “extension-safe.”
Casa de Hilo Pro Tip:
We recommend using a foaming lash cleanser 2–3 times a week. It helps keep the lash line clean and prevents bacterial build-up, without compromising retention.
Mistake #3: Rubbing, Pulling, or Sleeping on Your Lashes
The Issue:
Rubbing or pulling your lashes—whether it’s due to itchiness, habit, or when removing makeup—can cause major damage. Not only will you lose extensions, but you can also risk breaking or permanently damaging your natural lashes.
And yes—how you sleep plays a major role too. Sleeping on your stomach or side with your lashes pressed into your pillow can cause them to bend, fall out, or tangle.
What to Do Instead:
Brush your lashes daily with a clean spoolie to prevent tangling.
Sleep on your back when possible, or use a 3D contoured sleep mask that doesn’t touch your lashes.
If your eyes are itchy, resist rubbing and instead use a lash-safe saline mist spray or gently comb them.
When removing makeup, use a patting motion rather than rubbing.
Mistake #4: Skipping the Cleanse Routine
The Issue:
Many clients avoid cleaning their lashes out of fear that washing them will cause them to fall out. Ironically, this mistake leads to more fallout, poor retention, and even health risks.
Dirty lashes = bacteria, oil, and debris buildup = inflammation and lash loss.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Lashes:
Risk of blepharitis
Itchy, red, or swollen eyelids
Extensions become clumped and dull
Retention drops dramatically
What to Do Instead:
Use a lash extension-safe cleanser and a soft cleansing brush.
Gently wash along the lash line 2–3x per week.
Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a lint-free towel.
Do NOT Use:
Cotton pads or Q-tips (they leave fibbers behind)
Makeup wipes (they contain oils and tug at the lashes).
Mistake #5: Skipping or Delaying Fill Appointments
The Issue:
Your natural lashes shed regularly—about 2–5 lashes per day. As your extensions shed with them, your once-full set can start looking uneven, sparse, or patchy.
Many clients wait too long between fills, which means they lose too many lashes and end up needing a full set again—which is more time-consuming and costly.
What to Do Instead:
Book your lash fills every 2–3 weeks.
Don't wait until more than 40–50% of your extensions are gone.
Ask your lash artist for a custom fill schedule based on your natural lash cycle, lifestyle, and skin type.
Bonus Tips from Casa de Hilo’s Lash Experts
Because we love going the extra mile, here are a few extra tips to protect your lash investment:
Avoid waterproof mascara—it’s difficult to remove and breaks down the glue.
Don’t use lash curlers on extensions—they cause crimping or breakage.
Keep heat away from your lashes—opening a hot oven or blow-drying too close can cause melting or frizzing.
Brush lashes daily—this keeps them neat, detangled, and fluffy.
Consult a lash expert if you experience any eye irritation or redness that lasts more than 24 hours.
Your Lash Aftercare Checklist
Here’s a quick reference guide to keep your lashes in top shape:
✔️ Do This | ❌ Not This |
Sleep on your back | Sleep face-down or sideways |
Use oil-free products | Use oil-based makeup or skincare |
Clean lashes 2–3x/week | Skip cleansing entirely |
Brush daily with a spoolie | Rub or tug at your lashes |
Get fills every 2–3 weeks | Wait over a month between fills |
Conclusion: Treat Your Lashes Like the Luxury They Are
Lash extensions aren’t just a trend—they’re a commitment. A commitment to looking and feeling your best. And like any beauty investment, the payoff depends on how you care for them.
By avoiding the 5 key mistakes outlined in this guide, you’re not just prolonging the life of your lashes—you’re protecting your natural lashes, saving money on maintenance, and enjoying that fresh, flawless look day after day.
At Casa de Hilo, we don’t just apply lashes—we educate, empower, and support our clients to look and feel their best between appointments.
Ready to Lash the Right Way?
Book your lash appointment with Casa de Hilo today and experience the difference expert care makes. Whether you're new to extensions or a seasoned lash lover, we’ll help you maintain a stunning set with the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and style.
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