Lash extensions performed correctly will give you beautiful, full, and long lashes, but if you don’t maintain them properly, you won’t be able to enjoy their benefits for very long. To help you get the most out of your lash extensions, Umbreen Sheikh, Licensed Cosmetologist and Founder of Wink Brow Bar with locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and London, shares her tips for maintaining eyelash extensions and keeping them looking their best.

Which lash extension style is right for you?

Tips for Maintaining Eyelash Extensions

Keep your lashes clean.

The best way to keep your lash extensions clean is to use a lash extension-safe cleanser. When washing your face, use cotton pads with your favorite facial cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and oil.

Avoid water and steam for the first 48 hours.

After your extensions have been applied and you're looking gorgeous, stay away from water and steam until 48 hours have passed.

Wear goggles to the shower.

If the idea of wearing goggles to the shower doesn’t seem appealing, avoid direct contact between your extensions and the water from the shower.

Choose extensions that fit your natural lash shape.

Tell your esthetician to choose extensions that are similar to the shape of your natural lashes. If you get very curly lashes and your own lashes are straight, they might fall off prematurely.

Avoid waterproof mascara.

Though you don’t have to wear mascara once you have extensions, sometimes you might want to add some extra drama to your look. In that case, avoid waterproof formulas at all cost. It’s harder to remove and you don’t want to be tugging on your lashes.

Liquid eyeliners are easier on your lashes.

Liquid eyeliners glide on without tugging at your lash line. Tight lining while wearing lash extensions should also be avoided, as this disrupts the base of the extensions where the strength of the bond is most critical.

Nix the eyelash curler.

Eyelash extensions, if done at a reputable salon under a skilled therapist, are durable but not indestructible. Don’t go testing their limits by crimping your lashes with an eyelash curler.

Give your lashes a rest between extensions.

If you already have weak or damaged lash follicles, allow some rest periods in-between. It’s pretty similar to having manicures—rest is always good.

A few more things to remember:

• Sleep on your back.

• Maintain lash refills regularly.

• Brush lashes morning and night.

• Avoid over-exposure to moisture.

• Omit oil-based products.

Tip for for healthy and glossy lashes:

Wink Brow Bar recently launched Wink Nourishing Lash Fortifier + Keratin. This product promotes strong, healthy, and glossier lashes with special after-care conditioner that is infused with nourishing keratin. This thickening and strengthening formula help blend new-growth hairs with previously treated lashes, creating a seamless, beautifully-enhanced eye look. Each coat fortifies and nourishes root structure, and can also be used with any lash service, including lash extensions, lash lifting, and tinting.

For more information, visit winkbrowbar.com and follow them on Instagram: @winkbrowbar

[Images courtesy off Blink Brow Bar, top photo courtesy of Dominika Gregušová from Pexels]

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy