Eyelash Extension Aftercare Educating Your Clients

If you're a lash artist, you know that gorgeous lash extensions are only half the story - what happens after your client leaves the salon is just as important. Every day, we see clients who could get so much more out of their lashes if they just knew the right way to care for them. If you're wondering how to help your clients keep their lash extensions looking fabulous, you're in the right place.

Why Do Eyelash Extensions Need Special Care?

Eyelash extensions need special care to last longer and prevent damage to natural lashes. Without proper aftercare, even well-applied extensions can fall out sooner and might harm your client's natural lashes.

Keep Lash Extensions Looking Great for Weeks

Your clients invest good money in their lash extensions, and proper aftercare helps them get their money's worth. When cared for correctly, lash extensions can stay beautiful for 4-6 weeks, with only normal shedding along with their natural lash cycle. But without proper care, extensions might start falling out within just a few days. Simple daily habits like gentle cleansing and careful brushing can make the difference between lashes that look fresh for weeks and ones that quickly become sparse and uneven.

Protect Your Natural Lashes from Damage

Here's something every lash artist needs to emphasize to their clients: protecting natural lashes is just as important as maintaining the extensions. When clients don't follow proper aftercare, they risk more than just losing their extensions early - they could damage their natural lashes too. Common mistakes like rubbing their eyes, using oil-based products, or pulling at their extensions can weaken or even break their natural lashes. By following the right aftercare routine, clients can keep both their extensions and natural lashes healthy and strong. Remember to explain that natural lashes need to stay strong to continue supporting future extension applications.

How Can Your Clients Take Care of Their New Lashes?

Keeping lash extensions looking perfect is easier than you might think. Here are the most important tips your clients need to know to keep their lashes looking fresh and fabulous:

Tip 1: Avoid Water and Steam

Tell your clients to keep those fresh lashes dry for the first 24-48 hours after application. This means no swimming, no steamy showers, and no hot yoga classes. Why? The lash adhesive needs this time to fully cure and create a strong bond. After this initial period, they can get their lashes wet, but should still avoid direct water pressure on their lashes - suggest they face away from the shower stream and protect their eyes when washing their face.

Tip 2: Skip the Mascara

One of the best things about lash extensions is that they eliminate the need for mascara! Let your clients know that mascara can actually damage their extensions and make them harder to clean. If they really feel they need mascara, recommend only using a mascara specifically formulated for lash extensions, and only applying it to the tips - never at the base of the extensions.

Tip 3: Be Gentle When Cleansing

Clean lashes are happy lashes! Teach your clients to clean their lashes daily, but gently. They should use their ring finger to softly cleanse in a downward motion, never rubbing back and forth or side to side.

Tip 4: Recommended Cleansers

Oil-free lash extension cleansers specifically designed for extensions

• Gentle, unscented foaming cleansers
• Professional lash shampoo from your studio

Remind clients to avoid regular face wash or baby shampoo, as these can break down the adhesive over time.

Tip 5: Avoid Oil-Based Products

This is crucial: oils are the enemy of lash extension adhesive. Tell your clients to check ingredient lists on all their eye-area products, including:

• Eye creams
• Makeup removers
• Facial moisturizers
• Sunscreen

Any product containing oils can weaken the bond of their extensions. Suggest they keep all oil-based products at least an inch away from their lash line, and opt for oil-free alternatives when possible.

What Should Your Clients Do Every Day for Perfect Lashes?

Just like you brush your hair every day, your gorgeous lash extensions need daily attention too! Here's what your clients need to know about keeping their lashes looking perfect between appointments.

Brush Lashes Regularly

Make sure your clients understand the importance of brushing their lashes daily - it's a simple habit that makes a huge difference! Here's what they need to know:

• Brush lashes in the morning, especially after sleeping (those pillow-smooshed lashes need some love!)
• Use a clean spoolie brush, gently combing through from base to tip
• If lashes get tangled during the day, give them a quick brush to keep them neat
• Never brush wet lashes - wait until they're completely dry

Pro tip: Show your clients the right brushing technique during their appointment. Many people brush too roughly at first, so a quick demo can save their lashes from unnecessary stress.

Store Lash Tools Properly

The right lash tools need the right care! Teach your clients these simple storage tips to keep their lash care tools clean and effective:

• Keep their spoolie brush in a clean, dry case or container - not loose in their makeup bag where it can collect dust and bacteria
• Store lash cleansers and brush in a cool, dry place (not in the steamy bathroom!)
• Replace their spoolie brush every 2-3 months, or sooner if it starts looking worn
• Wash their spoolie brush weekly with mild soap and let it dry completely before using

Remind them that using clean tools is just as important as using them correctly. A dirty spoolie brush can transfer bacteria to their lashes, potentially causing irritation or infection.

What to Avoid After Getting Lash Extensions

Your clients trust you with their lashes, so it's important to be clear about what could damage their new extensions. Let's talk about the biggest no-nos that can ruin a perfect lash job.

Avoid Rubbing or Pulling on Lashes

We all rub our eyes sometimes, but with lash extensions, this habit needs to stop! Here's what to tell your clients:

• No matter how tired or itchy their eyes get, rubbing is off-limits
• If their eyes feel itchy, they can gently tap around the eye area instead
• Never pull, pick, or play with their extensions (even when they're bored!)
• Avoid sleeping face-down or pressing their face into their pillow
• When drying their face, pat gently around the eye area instead of wiping

Show them how even gentle rubbing can twist and tangle extensions, while rough handling can pull out both extensions and natural lashes. Ouch!

Steer Clear of Heavy Eye Makeup

Less is more when it comes to eye makeup with extensions. Here's the scoop:

• Skip the eyeliner, especially liquid liner that can weaken the adhesive bond
• Avoid powder eyeshadows that can create buildup around the lash line
• If they must use eyeshadow, suggest cream formulas and teach them to apply it carefully below the lash line
• Remind them that their extensions already give them that glamorous look - they don't need much else!

Pro tip: Consider creating a simple "approved products" list they can take home. This makes it super easy for clients to know what's safe to use with their new lashes.

When Should Your Client Come Back for a Lash Fill?

When to Schedule Refills

Most clients should come back every 2-3 weeks for the best results, but here's how to explain the timing to them:

• If they see 40% or more of their natural lashes without extensions, it's definitely time for a fill
• Book their next appointment when they still have about 50% of their extensions - this keeps their lashes looking full all the time
• Waiting too long between fills (over 4 weeks) means they might need a full set instead of just a fill
• For special events, suggest scheduling a fill 2-3 days before the big day

Recognizing Lash Loss Patterns

Help your clients understand what's normal shedding and what's a red flag:

Normal Patterns - What to Expect:

1. Natural Daily Shedding: Losing 2-3 lashes per day is totally normal - just like how we naturally lose 2-5 natural lashes every day. If your client notices a few lashes on their pillow or when cleaning, that's perfectly fine.

2. Even Coverage: Their lashes should thin out gradually and evenly on both eyes. Think of it like a garden where flowers slowly drop their petals - it happens bit by bit, not all at once.

3. Healthy Shedding: When extensions fall out with the natural lash still attached, it's actually a good sign! This means the bond was strong and the natural lash just completed its growth cycle.

Red Flags - When Clients Should Contact You:

1. If they're losing 5 or more lashes at once from the same area, something's not right. This could mean the adhesive wasn't applied properly or they're using products that break down the bond.

2. When one eye looks noticeably thinner than the other, it might be due to sleeping position, rubbing one eye more, or applying products unevenly. This needs to be checked out.

3. If extensions are falling off while natural lashes stay put, there's likely an issue with the adhesive bond. This could be from using oil-based products or not following aftercare instructions.

4. Any burning, itching, redness, or swelling around the lash line needs immediate attention. These could be signs of an allergic reaction or infection, and you'll want to check this right away.

Be sure to explain that everyone’s natural lash growth is different, so their refill schedule might need to be adjusted. It's important to find a maintenance schedule that fits their growth patterns and lifestyle.

How to Guide Your Clients Through Their First Lash Appointment

The time your client spends in your chair is valuable. It's the perfect chance to help them achieve great results with their lashes, so make sure you use this opportunity well.

Providing Written Aftercare Instructions

Don't expect clients to remember everything you tell them - they're usually too relaxed during the appointment! Here's how to make sure they get all the important info:

• Give them a simple, clear aftercare card with the most important dos and don'ts
• Include your salon's contact information for any questions
• Add pictures or icons to make instructions easy to follow
• List recommended products they can buy from your studio
• Include a basic care timeline (first 48 hours, first week, ongoing care)

Pro tip: Create a QR code that links to your detailed care instructions online. Many clients prefer having digital access to care tips!

Offering Follow-Up Support

Show your clients you've got their back even after they leave your studio:

• Send a quick follow-up text or email the next day to check how they're doing
• Invite them to send photos if they have concerns
• Create a simple way for them to reach you with questions (maybe a dedicated phone number or Instagram DM)
• Consider offering a quick 5-minute check-up a week after their first full set
• Share care tips and reminders on your social media that they can refer to

Great aftercare support isn't just about maintaining beautiful lashes - it's about building client loyalty and trust. When clients know you care about their results, they're more likely to become regulars and recommend you to others!

Teach Your Clients About Eyelash Extension Care

As a lash artist, your talent shows in both your application skills and how you teach your clients to care for their lashes. When you take those extra minutes to show proper care techniques and explain why each step matters, you're building more than beautiful lashes - you're creating confident clients who become your biggest fans. Well-informed clients keep their lashes looking fresh, come back for regular fills, and naturally show off your work to their friends.