Applying eyelash extensions is not an easy task and cleaning them is also another challenge that all of us face.

In this post, we will explore some easy ways you can clean your eyelash extensions at home.

How to Clean Eyelash Extensions After Crying

Our tears are solvent that weakens the adhesive on our eyelash extensions. This is why it is important to clean your lashes after you cry!

The best way to clean eyelash extensions after crying is to gently splash them with cold tap water, drying the top and bottom lashes with a clean towel, and then brush your lashes gently with a spoolie to remove any tear build-up.

Here’s what you have to do:

• Use cold tap water to gently splash your lashes after crying. Don’t use warm water because it weakens the bond of your lash extensions.
• Avoid using cotton pads because it will snag and rip your lashes off. Instead, just wipe gently with your hands.
• Get a soft cloth or a face towel and gently dab it above and below your lashes to dry it off. DO NOT rub it directly on your lashes!
• Brush the top of your lashes to get rid of any build-up from your tears.

How to Clean Eyelash Extensions Without a Brush

Use a Q-tip to clean eyelash extensions if you don’t have a brush. It is a great alternative tool to use because it’s something that you might already have at home. The soft cotton tips won’t damage your lashes (if you use gentle pressure) and help to absorb impurities on the surface of your lashes.

Here’s What You Need To Do:

Step 1 – Dip the cotton end of your Q-tip into an oil-free eye makeup remover.

Step 2 – Gently clean the above and below of your lashes. Brush from the roots to the tip and apply gentle pressure

Step 3 – Rinse with tap water and repeat steps 1 and 2 until your lashes are clean.

How to Clean Eyelash Extensions in the Shower

The best way to clean eyelash extensions in the shower is to soak a microfiber towel in water and wring it on your forehead. This allows the water to gently run down your lashes without pulling on them.

Here’s What You Need To Do:

Step 1 – Do not wash your face or lashes directly under the water stream from the showerhead. The water pressure coming from your showerhead is too strong and will likely ruin your extension application.

Step 2 – Take a step back from the showerhead and soak a microfiber towel with water coming from the showerhead.

Step 3 – Wring the soaked microfiber towel on your forehead and let the water gently run down your face and onto your lashes.  Tilt your head slightly back so the water runs slower which reduces the chance of it pulling on your lashes.

Step 4 – Gently apply an oil-free lash cleaner to your lash extensions and lightly rub on your lashes from the roots out to the tips with your fingers. If you plan on washing your face too, use an oil-free facial cleanser and apply it to other areas of your face.

Step 5 – Soak the microfiber towel in the water again and wring it on your forehead. As before, tilt your head slightly back. Repeat this step until all lash cleaner (and facial cleanser if you are using any) is rinsed off.

Step 6 – Dry your lashes by gently pushing the towel on top and bottom of your lashes. Do not compress your extensions.

Step 7 – After your shower, lightly brush your lash extensions up with a spoolie to make them stand up more.

Step 8 – If you want your lashes to dry faster, use a hairdryer (cold setting) to help dry your extensions. Make sure you blow from the bottom up and hold the dryer at a distance (around the length of your hand). Use the lowest airflow setting and do it for no more than 5 secs at a time. You can also use a small handheld fan if you have one handy.

If you are looking for a good oil-free lash extension cleaner, try the Stacy Lash – Lash Shampoo. This is a gentle foaming lash extensions and eye makeup remover that does not burn or irritate your eyes. It is gluten, paraben, phthalate, ethylene oxide, betaine, sulfate, polyquaternium, vegan and cruelty free. It can be used on both your natural lashes and eyelash extensions.

How to Clean Eyelash Extensions without Lash Cleanser

You can use micellar water to clean your eyelash extensions if you don’t have a lash cleanser.

Micellar water is made of compounds used for cleansing, like glycerin (A substance that retains skin moisture, hydrate, and refreshes skin surface) and surfactants (surface-active agents responsible for washing away the oil on the skin). Micellar water is best for removing dirt, oil, and makeup.

If you don’t want to use micellar water, try to make your own lash cleanser instead! Below is a DIY lash cleanser recipe using baking soda and baby shampoo.  Baby shampoo is oil-free and is safe around your eyes. Baking soda acts as a cleaning agent to help scrub and lift impurities off your lash extensions.

DIY Baby Shampoo and Baking Soda Lash Cleanser

Here’s What You Need:

• Distilled water
• Foam pump bottle
• 1 tablespoon of baby shampoo
• 1 tablespoon of Baking soda

Here’s What You Need To Do:

• Put the baking soda and baby shampoo in the bottle, then add distilled water.
• Seal the lid and shake it until everything is dissolved and mixed together.

What to Use to Clean Lash Extensions?

You can use Micellar water, Cetaphil, baby shampoo, foam cleansers, witch hazel and lash shampoos to clean your lash extensions. 

Below is more details for using each of these products for eyelash extension cleaning and how to use them:

Micellar Water – Micellar water is commonly used as a cleanser for your skin. It contains a mild detergent which is gentle enough for cleaning your eyelash extensions.

Here’s How to Use It for Cleaning Lash Extensions:

Step 1 – Pour some micellar water into the palm of your hand

Step 2 – Stir the solution with a makeup cleansing brush until it’s foamy

Step 3 – Brush the Micellar water on your extensions. To ensure effective cleaning, brush your lashes first in an up and down motion and then from side to side. The up and down brushing will allow you to remove makeup on your extensions while the side-to-side motion allows you to remove any eyeliner and other makeup on your eyelids.

Step 4 – Scoop some water in the palm of your hand and splash onto your eye gently. This helps to rinse off the makeup. Repeat this step until most of the makeup has been rinsed off. It’s highly likely that you will lose a few strands of lash after this step. Just be gentle with this procedure and you will be able to clean your eyelash extensions without them falling out.

Step 5 – Repeat steps 1-5 for your other eye.

Tip: You can use a small hand-held fan to help you dry your lashes faster. A hand-held fan works well because it’s gentle enough to not ruin your lashes.  To use it, simply hold the fan under your lashes while you brush your extensions with a spoolie in a curling motion. This trick helps your extensions dry faster while helping them stay curled longer.

Baby Shampoo – Most baby shampoos these days are tear-free and hypoallergenic (safe for sensitive skin). This makes them great products for cleaning your eyelash extensions. The process for using baby shampoo to clean your extensions is similar to using Micellar water. You can follow the steps I’ve outlined above if you want to clean your extensions with baby shampoo.

Witch Hazel – Witch hazel is a great alterative to baby shampoo if you want to make lash cleanser without baby shampoo. Witch hazel contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and is often used as a cleanser for the skin. Witch hazel is also great for cleaning your eyelash extensions because it can help break down oily makeup and natural oils produced by your body.

There are cleansing products available on the market that contain witch hazel but if you want to create and use your own, simply mix 1 part witch hazel with 1 part water, brush onto your extensions with a makeup cleansing brush and then splash your lashes gently with water to rinse it off.

Foam Cleansers – Foam cleansers lathers into a milky or creamy texture when mixed with water. They are commonly used for face washes. However, they also make a great cleaner for your eyelash extensions. The process for using foam cleansers to clean your extensions is similar to using Micellar water. The only difference is that you should dip your cleansing brush into water first before stirring it in your foam cleanser. Water helps to lather and foam up which makes them very effective for removing makeup and dirt off your extensions.

Cetaphil – You can use the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser to clean your eyelash extensions. This brand also sells other lotions and cleansers that has similar packaging so don’t get confused. Using Cetaphil to clean your eyelash extensions is similar to using foam cleansers but the Cetaphil cleanser is designed to not foam. This provides gentle and effective cleaning.

To clean your eyelash extensions, ensure to apply the Cetaphil Cleanser from your lash roots to the tip of your extensions. Use gentle pressure until your extensions are covered, then splash gently with water.

Lash Shampoo – I think this one is obvious but I decide to include it in this list anyway. Lash shampoos are designed for you cleaning your lashes and extensions. Simply follow the instructions on the label when using them.