At my beauty salon in Maghull, one question I ask at nearly every infill is how you’re cleaning your lashes. Quite often, the answer is a guilty pause. Many women worry that washing will make their lashes fall out, so they avoid touching them at all. In fact, the opposite is usually true.
Clean lashes tend to last longer, look fluffier and feel more comfortable. So in this guide, I’ll share the routine I give my own clients. It works for classic lashes and volume lashes alike.
Why Cleaning Your Lashes Helps Them Last
Every day, your lash line collects oil, skin cells, make-up and dust. Without cleaning, that build-up sits around the base of each lash. Over time, it can weaken the hold and make lashes clump together. As a result, your set looks tired well before your next infill.
Your eyes matter here too. A grubby lash line can become itchy and uncomfortable. The NHS explains blepharitis and how to keep your eyelids clean, which is worth a read if your lids often feel gritty. If your eyes are red, sore or swollen, please see a pharmacist, your optician or your GP rather than waiting for your infill.
What Builds Up on Your Lashes
Make-up is the obvious culprit. Eyeliner, eyeshadow and concealer all drift towards the lash line during the day. However, natural oil from your skin is just as important. Moisturiser and night creams also creep up from the cheeks while you sleep.
Then there’s everyday life round here. A windy walk along the canal towpath, a crowded Merseyrail carriage or a dusty afternoon clearing the loft all leave their mark. In other words, even if you wear no make-up, your lashes still need a wash.
My Gentle Evening Routine
First, wash your hands. Then wet the lashes with lukewarm water, keeping your eyes closed. Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser on a soft, clean brush or your fingertips. Work it along the lash line in small downward strokes, rather like stroking a cat the right way.
Next, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Pat the skin around your eyes dry with a clean towel, but don’t rub the lashes themselves. Finally, let them air dry. Most of my clients fit this into their evening routine without much fuss.
At your appointment, I’ll tell you how soon you can start washing a new set. Because every client is different, I’d rather explain it face to face.
Brushing Your Lashes Through
Once your lashes are dry, brush them through with a clean spoolie. Start from underneath and sweep upwards and outwards. This separates any lashes that have stuck together and keeps the fans on volume sets looking soft. It also helps you spot any lashes that have grown out and started twisting.
Do this gently every morning as well. That said, don’t tug at a lash that’s sitting oddly. Leave it for me to sort out at your next appointment.
What Not to Use on Your Lashes
Oil is the main thing to avoid. Oily cleansers, cleansing balms and many eye make-up removers can break down the hold around each lash. So check the label of anything you use near your eyes. If you’re unsure, bring the product to your appointment and I’ll have a look.
Also avoid cotton pads and cotton buds on the lash line. Their fibres catch on the lashes and pull. Similarly, steer clear of rubbing with a face cloth. And please don’t use eyelash curlers on your set, because they can bend or snap the lashes.
Mascara and Your Lashes
Most clients find they don’t need mascara at all with classic or volume lashes. However, some like a touch for a night out in Liverpool. If you do, keep it to the tips and avoid waterproof formulas, because they’re hard to remove without rubbing or oil. Then take it off gently that evening with your oil-free cleanser.
Honestly, though, mascara adds work and build-up. I’d rather we choose the right length and fullness so you don’t feel you need it.
How Cleaning Fits With Your Infills
Infills are best every two to three weeks, and an infill appointment takes 30 minutes. Clean lashes make that appointment much easier. I can see clearly which lashes have shed and where new ones are needed. Meanwhile, a heavy build-up means I spend part of your time cleaning first.
Autumn and winter bring their own challenges, with central heating and chunky scarves. My piece on lash retention when the heating returns covers that side of things in more detail.
After the Gym, a Swim or a Long Shift
Sweat and chlorine both leave residue on the lash line. So after a class at the gym or a swim, rinse your lashes with clean water and give them a quick, gentle wash. Similarly, if you’ve worn a mask through a long shift at Aintree hospital, a clean at the end of the day helps. In other words, cleaning your lashes after anything sweaty keeps the base fresh.
The same goes for a long day in the garden or a damp, drizzly walk home from Maghull station. A quick wash takes a minute, yet it makes a real difference to how long your set looks full.
When Cleaning Isn’t Enough
Sometimes a client cleans beautifully and still has itchy, sore lids. In that case, I won’t simply carry on with an infill. Instead, I’ll suggest you get your eyes checked first by a pharmacist, optician or GP. Your comfort comes before any set of lashes.
Keep Cleaning Your Lashes Between Visits
I’m the only therapist at the salon, so I see your lashes every time. As a result, I can usually tell within seconds whether the routine is working. I’ll always tell you kindly if something needs to change.
You can find more about my classic lashes Liverpool appointments on the treatment page. If you have questions about cleaning your lashes, call me on 0151 909 6116 or contact us, and I’ll talk you through it.
