Summer is here! And that means pools, parties, summer sports and trips to the beach. Wearing mascara can be a drag when you're playing in the water, so why not try eyelash extensions? You just have to know how to care for them properly.

Follow this guide to after care, and you’ll be loving your lashes all summer long. And, for all of you lash artists reading this, be sure to pass on these tips to your clients to ensure they get the most out of the services you provide.

1. High-Heat is a No-No

When applied correctly, your lash extensions are sturdy and resilient, but high heat can take even the best-applied lashes down. Don’t point your blow dryer in the direction of your lashes. The heat will straighten out and distort them. Likewise, avoid exposing your lashes to high-heat cooking. In other words, don’t stand in front of that pot of boiling water! Relaxing in the sun by the pool or beach? No problem, of course!

2. Keep Them Clean

Your lashes, both real and extensions, collect environmental pollutants, such as dust, chlorine and salt water. To keep eyelashes clean and fresh, I recommend Wash and Wink Eyelash Shampoo or Wash and Wink Eyelash Shampoo+Conditioner. It’s an oil-free cleanser specially formulated with natural botanicals for use with all lashes and extensions. Wash and Wink keeps your beautiful lashes clean and healthy without irritating, harming, or reducing eyelash extension bond. For best results, spray the lash cleanser onto a flocking or micro-brush. With closed eyes, gently apply to base of lashes using downward strokes, softly sweeping across lashes. Follow with a gentle water rinse and then let your lashes dry naturally. This will protect your lashes from eye makeup or eye shadow that may get dusted onto your lashes.

After washing them, or any other time, if you see that your lashes are not straight, brush through them gently with a mascara wand (spoolie). Glad Lash has several to choose from, such as our Pink Spoolies, which come with 25 per pack, to keep your lashes looking pretty.

3. Use Oil-Free Makeup and Removers and Specialty Mascara

The oils in many makeup and remover products are the worst enemy of your lashes. The oil breaks down the adhesive causing premature lash loss. Lucky for you there are oil free options for you to use.

You can use mascara on your lash extensions for a more dramatic look, but I recommend only a light pass, and only occasionally. If you choose to apply mascara, similarly, use an “extension safe” mascara option.

4. Seal the Deal with a Protective Coating Sealant

Coating sealants like Lash Lock by Glad Lash are thinner than mascara, and when you apply a light coat over your extensions, they help to seal and protect lashes from dust and chlorine. I suggest using a coating sealant on your lash extensions once a week, after cleaning your lashes with an eyelash extension shampoo. 

5. Handle With Care

Yes they are new and fun, but your extensions are not a toy! Your natural lashes have their own cycle and shed naturally, so avoid rough handling such as rubbing and pulling which can remove your natural lashes and the extensions. Never be tempted to pick or remove extensions yourself. Always consult your technician for help.

You can even help out your lash longevity when you sleep. By sleeping on your back or side, you can minimize the pressure on your lashes.

6. Satin Pillowcase

Speaking of loving your lashes while you sleep, using a satin pillowcase can help you maintain your lashes. Not only do satin pillow cases look and feel luxurious, the silky smooth fabric reduces friction which in turn helps keep your lashes in place (studies have shown that sleeping on a satin pillowcase can help eliminate hair loss and breakage). So avoid cotton pillowcases and splash out on satin, which gives the added benefit of a “cool touch,” perfect for those warm summer nights!

7. Ditch the Crimp Curler

While standard crimp style eyelash curlers might give your natural lashes the extra curl that you desire, they are not suitable for use with eyelash extensions. Do not use. Simple! If you want a curled look, be sure to ask your eyelash artist who can suggest curled lash options to suit you.

If you need ongoing curling, in place of a traditional curler, try using a heater brush curler designed specifically for use with extensions such as the Eyecurl II. The heated curler uses just the right amount of heat so as to not damage lashes, so it can be used safely to keep your lashes curled and separated.

8. Schedule a Fill

To keep lashes gorgeous throughout the summer, follow your natural eyelash growth cycle and keep up with a fill every two to three weeks. Yes, eyelash extensions do require maintenance, so please be prepared for the upkeep. This is a super important part of your after care regime.

Still wondering if you should get those lashes done for the summer? Go for it!