The Belris® Guide to Keeping Your Lashes Flawless
Beautiful eyelash extensions don't end when you leave your appointment. What happens in the days and weeks afterward determines whether your set stays full, fluffy, and flawless—or sheds prematurely and looks patchy by week two.
At Belris®, we apply natural-looking eyelash extensions in Los Angeles with precision isolation, handcrafted fans, and medical-grade adhesive. But even the best application won't hold up without proper aftercare.
Here's everything you need to know to protect your investment and keep your lashes looking their absolute best between fills.
The First 24 Hours: Critical for Retention
The first day after your lash appointment is the most important window for adhesive curing. During this time, the bond between your natural lash and the extension is still strengthening—and exposure to water, heat, or friction can weaken it permanently.
For the first 24 hours after application:
- Keep lashes completely dry — no water, no face wash splashing near the eyes
- Avoid steam and saunas — heat and humidity interfere with curing
- Skip heavy workouts — sweat can compromise the bond before it sets
- Do not rub, touch, or pull on your lashes
- Avoid hot showers — steam exposure weakens fresh adhesive
This 24-hour window allows the adhesive to fully cure and bond properly. Clients who follow this step carefully see significantly better retention over the life of their set.
Clean Your Lashes Daily (Yes, Really)
One of the biggest mistakes clients make is not washing their lash extensions. Many assume that keeping lashes "untouched" will make them last longer—but the opposite is true.
Clean lashes actually last longer.
Oil, makeup residue, dead skin cells, and environmental debris accumulate along the lash line daily. When left uncleaned, this buildup:
- Breaks down the adhesive bond
- Causes extensions to shed prematurely
- Creates a breeding ground for bacteria (which can lead to eye irritation or infections)
- Makes lashes look clumpy and dull instead of fluffy and separated
Best practice for lash cleansing:
- Use an oil-free lash cleanser specifically formulated for extensions
- Cleanse gently once daily—preferably at night before bed
- Apply cleanser to a soft brush or your fingertips and gently work it through the lash line
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
- Pat dry with a clean towel—never rub
- Brush lashes gently with a clean spoolie once fully dry
Clients searching for eyelash extensions near me often don't realize that daily cleansing is one of the single biggest factors in retention. This step alone can add a full week to the life of your set.
Avoid Oil-Based Products at All Costs
Oil is the enemy of lash adhesive. Even small amounts dissolve the bond that holds your extensions in place, causing premature shedding and patchy retention.
Products to avoid around the eye area:
- Oil-based makeup removers (including micellar waters with oil)
- Heavy eye creams near the lash line
- Facial oils and serums applied too close to the eyes
- Waterproof mascara (requires oil-based remover to take off)
- Coconut oil, castor oil, or any DIY lash growth oils while wearing extensions
Always check ingredient labels. If a product contains oils of any kind—mineral oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil—keep it away from your lashes.
Switching to oil-free skincare and makeup removers can easily add 5–7 days to your retention cycle.
Brush Your Lashes Gently Every Day
Brushing keeps your lash extensions fluffy, properly aligned, and free from tangles. It's one of the simplest steps in aftercare—and one of the most neglected.
How to brush correctly:
- Use a clean spoolie brush (the kind that looks like a disposable mascara wand)
- Brush lightly once or twice daily—morning and night
- Always brush when lashes are completely dry
- Start from the base and gently sweep upward and outward
- Avoid over-brushing or tugging—light strokes are enough
This simple habit keeps your set looking neat, prevents lashes from crossing or tangling, and ensures they maintain that freshly-applied look between fills.
Sleep Smart for Better Retention
Your sleeping position has a bigger impact on lash retention than most clients realize. If you sleep face-down or press your face into your pillow, you're causing friction and pressure that can bend, break, or prematurely shed your extensions.
Tips for lash-friendly sleep:
- Sleep on your back or side—avoid sleeping face-down whenever possible
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase—these fabrics create less friction than cotton
- Consider a lash-safe sleep mask with eye cavities that don't press on your lashes
- Always cleanse lashes before bed—removing oil and debris overnight prevents breakdown
Small adjustments to your sleep habits can make a noticeable difference in how long your lashes stay full and intact.
Additional Aftercare Tips for Maximum Retention
Avoid mascara. If you absolutely must wear it, use only water-based, extension-safe mascara on the tips—never at the base. Most clients find they don't need mascara at all once they have extensions.
Skip the eyelash curler. Your extensions are already curled. Using a mechanical curler can break extensions and damage your natural lashes.
Be cautious with makeup application. Avoid heavy eyeliner directly on the lash line. If you wear eyeliner, use a water-based formula and apply it gently.
Don't pick, pull, or play with your lashes. This is one of the fastest ways to cause premature shedding and damage your natural lashes.
Stay Consistent With Lash Fills
Even with perfect aftercare, your natural lashes shed daily as part of their natural growth cycle. This is completely normal—every person sheds 1–5 natural lashes per eye per day.
Regular fills keep your set looking full and prevent the "patchy phase" that happens when too many lashes shed between appointments.
Most clients benefit from fills every 2–3 weeks, depending on:
- Natural lash cycle speed
- Desired level of fullness
- Lifestyle factors (gym frequency, skincare routine, sleep habits)
- How well aftercare instructions are followed
Waiting longer than 3–4 weeks between fills often requires a full new set rather than a fill, which costs more and takes longer.
When to Book Professional Removal
Never pull, pick, or attempt to remove your lash extensions yourself. This can damage your natural lashes, cause breakage, and leave your lash line patchy and uneven.
If you're ready for a break from extensions or need a fresh start, professional removal is safe, quick, and protects your natural lashes.
At Belris®, we offer safe eyelash extension removal for clients across Westwood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and surrounding Los Angeles areas. The process uses a gentle adhesive remover that dissolves the bond without pulling or damaging your natural lashes.
The Bottom Line: Aftercare Is Everything
Beautiful lash extensions are a partnership between expert application and diligent aftercare. Even the most precisely applied set won't last without proper maintenance.
Clean lashes = longer retention. Always.
If you're looking for expertly applied eyelash extensions in Los Angeles, Belris® is trusted by clients throughout West LA for precision application, handcrafted volume, and aftercare education that actually works.
