As a lash artist or lash technician, one of the most important conversations you can have with your clients is about proper aftercare. Applying a full set of lashes—whether you’re using classic lash extensions, hybrid lash extensions, or volume eyelash extensions—is only one part of the process. To maintain the health of natural lashes and prolong the lifespan of the extensions, clients must clean them properly and regularly.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide professional tips you can pass on to your clients about how to clean their eyelash extensions. This not only improves lash retention but also protects eye health and supports your client’s beauty career by keeping their lashes camera-ready at all times.
Why Cleaning Eyelash Extensions Matters
Cleaning eyelash extensions isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s essential for hygiene, lash retention, and maintaining the integrity of both the lash glue and the natural lashes.
Key Reasons Clients Should Clean Their Lashes:
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Improves Retention: Dirt, oils, and leftover makeup break down lash adhesive, causing extensions to fall out prematurely.
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Prevents Eye Infections: Regular cleaning reduces the buildup of bacteria and debris, lowering the risk of irritation or infections.
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Protects Lash Fans: Volume lashes and lash fans are delicate—keeping them clean ensures they stay fluffy and full.
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Maximizes Longevity: Clean lashes mean fewer fills and more time between appointments.
Must-Have Lash Cleaning Tools for Clients
Introduce your clients to the right lash tools for their aftercare routine. Here are the essentials every lash wearer should own:
1. Oil-Free Makeup Remover
Oil-based products break down lash glue. Clients should use an oil-free remover, especially if they wear eyeliner, eyeshadow, or mascara (which should always be extension-safe).
2. Lash Cleanser (Lash Shampoo)
Specially formulated lash cleansers clean the lash line without compromising the bond. Look for foam cleansers that are gentle yet effective.
Pro Tip: Recommend your in-salon or branded cleanser to clients as part of their eyelash extensions care kit.
3. Lash Cleansing Brush
A soft-bristled brush designed for lash cleansing helps get between lashes for a thorough, gentle clean—ideal for volume eyelash extensions or anime lash extensions.
4. Clean Mascara Wand or Spoolie
After drying, a mascara wand or spoolie helps fluff and re-separate the lashes to maintain shape and curl.
Optional:
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Microfiber towels (lint-free)
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Mini fan or low-speed hair dryer on cool setting
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Distilled water spray bottle (for sensitive eyes)
Step-by-Step: How Clients Should Clean Their Lash Extensions
Whether your clients are sporting classic lashes or dramatic anime lash extensions, here’s the ideal cleansing routine you should share with them:
Step 1: Remove Eye Makeup
Before cleansing, clients should remove any makeup—especially eye products. Clients shouldn’t wear mascara with lashes, however, concealer or foundation can move into the lash line which then needs to be cleansed. Instruct them to:
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Use an oil-free remover.
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Avoid cotton pads (they can snag lashes).
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Use cotton swabs for precision around the lash line.
Step 2: Wet the Lashes
Have them splash or mist lukewarm water (not hot!) on the lashes to prep for cleansing. This helps loosen debris and makeup residue.
Step 3: Apply Lash Cleanser
Using a lash cleanser brush/spoolie/mascara wand, clients should:
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Dispense a pump of lash cleanser.
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Apply it gently in a dabbing motion onto the lash line.
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Avoid getting product into the eye directly.
Step 4: Gently Clean Lashes
Clients should clean in:
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Up-and-down strokes along the lash line – brush the lashes from the lash line downwards.
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Side-to-side sweeps to dislodge oil, dead skin, and makeup residue – brush the lashes at an angle (gently brush the lashes towards the inner eye and then towards the outer eye).
Make sure they focus on the lash line, where oil buildup occurs and retention problems begin.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Using cool or lukewarm water, clients should rinse until the cleanser is completely gone. Leftover residue can lead to irritation.
Step 6: Dry the Lashes
To dry:
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Pat gently with a lint-free towel.
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Air dry or use a cool fan or hairdryer (low setting).
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Avoid rubbing or tugging.
- For volume or hybrid lash extensions, airflow drying is especially helpful to maintain fluff and shape.
Step 7: Brush and Fluff
Once completely dry, clients should gently comb through their lashes using a clean mascara wand. This step:
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Restores curl.
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Prevents lash clumping.
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Keeps lash fans open and airy.
How Often Should Clients Clean Their Lash Extensions?
The answer varies based on lifestyle, skin type, and makeup usage:
| Client Type | Recommended Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wears makeup daily | Daily |
| Oily skin or eyelids | Daily |
| Active lifestyle (gym, swim, sweat) | After each session |
| Minimal makeup + normal skin | 2–3 times per week |
Lash Cleaning Tips to Share with Clients
- Don’t sleep on your face: Side or face sleeping can displace lash extensions and trap debris. Clients can also make use of a silk pillowcase to minimize friction between their lashes and the pillow, and/or a 3D eye mask.
- Avoid waterproof makeup: It’s harder to remove and can damage extensions during cleansing. Mascara is generally not necessary with lash extensions and should be avoided. If a client must use mascara, it should be a water-based, extension-safe formula.
- Say no to cotton pads: They shed fibers that cling to lashes and compromise bonds.
- Brush lashes twice a day with a clean spoolie brush: This helps keep lashes orderly and less likely to twist and move in different directions.
- Don’t skip aftercare: Educated clients = better retention = more referrals and loyalty.
- Wash your lashes after crying: This isn’t ideal however, your lashes get quite stiff and dry (when you’re finished crying) and this affects the longevity of the lash set (lash retention). It’s important to wash them to make sure they’re completely clean.
- Regular appointments: Schedule regular fill appointments every 2-3 weeks to maintain a full and fresh look.
- Keep lashes away from direct heat sources: This might sound silly but placing your face too close to a bonfire, a toaster, or smoking can impact the lashes.
Extra Tip: Include Cleaning in Your Lash Certification Curriculum
If you’re training future lash artists or offering a lash certification program, make aftercare education a core part of your instruction. Teaching your students how to properly explain lash cleaning routines will elevate their client retention and build long-term success in their eyelash extensions career.
Conclusion
As a beauty professional, you want your clients to enjoy long-lasting, beautiful lashes while also protecting their natural lash health. By educating them on how to properly clean their eyelash extensions, you’re doing more than preserving a lash set—you’re building trust, boosting your client satisfaction, and solidifying your reputation as a true lash technician.
Encourage your clients to invest in the right lash tools, like gentle cleansers, lash wash brushes and mascara wands, and teach them this simple but essential routine. Whether they’re flaunting classic, volume, hybrid, or even anime lash extensions, clean lashes are happy lashes!
