Guide to Eyelash Extensions Aftercare: Winter Edition

Fall/Winter Lash Care Tips | Advice on How Your Clients Can Maintain Their Lash Extensions During the Colder Months

As the fall and winter chill sets in, it's not just time to cozy up, but the time for your clients to give their lash extensions some extra TLC. We all know that winter can be tough on our skin, hair, and, yes, even our lashes. So, whether you're a seasoned Lash Tech advising your clients or a lash enthusiast who’s only just started your journey, it's crucial to understand the ins and outs of aftercare and how it can change all year round. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty and equip you with the knowledge to keep your clients' lashes looking flawless all season long!

Understanding the Winter Woes

Winter brings its own set of challenges for lash extensions, and being aware of potential problems is the first step in conquering them. During winter, you may notice that the cold temperature is slowing down the drying time of your glue, which can result in poor retention unless you switch to a faster curing lash glue or alter the conditions of your lash studio. Not only can the weather cause havoc on lash application during treatment, but it can also impact the way your clients can look after their lashes. 

It’s a given that during the colder months, we’re switching on the heating and even maybe warming ourselves in front of a cozy fire. But did you know that the drop in temperature and the increase of dry air can lead to dehydration, making your clients’ lashes shed more than they’re used to and more prone to breakage? You might think that they can tackle this by turning on the heating, but in fact, indoor heating systems can suck the moisture out of the air, leaving your lashes craving hydration.

Cleaning the Lashes

Don’t think that because our lashes and skin are dryer than usual and not as oily, your clients don’t need to wash their lashes. This is not the case! In fact, during the colder months, your clients are more likely to switch up their skincare routine - say hello to an abundance of heavy creams, serums, and oils. Therefore, it’s now more important than ever to practice pretreatment and tell your clients to clean their lashes regularly! The last thing we want is for these oils to weave their way in between the glue bonds making the lashes look clumpy and messy, and in rare cases, causes poor retention and premature lash shedding.

One of the key players for proper winter lash care is an eyelash extension cleanser. This magical potion not only keeps your lashes squeaky clean but also plays a crucial role in preventing common winter lash issues. Lash extension cleansers, such as our Foaming Lash Shampoo, are specifically formulated to gently remove impurities, makeup, and oils without compromising the bond of the extensions. If you’re unsure as to how your clients can use a foam cleanser, check out our Guide to Eyelash Extensions Aftercare.

Why Lash Cleansing Matters in Winter:

Say No to Buildup: With the dry winter air, some skin types tend to produce more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. This excess oil can lead to buildup on the lashes, which is certainly what we don’t want! Regular cleansing with a lash extension foam cleanser helps prevent this and maintains a flawless and clean lash line.

Lash Longevity: Clean lashes are happy lashes! Forget all of the old advice that says otherwise, proper cleansing ensures that your extensions stay put for the long haul. Trust us, daily cleansing is your secret weapon against premature lash fallout.

Winter Lash Care Tips for Clients

Now that we've laid the foundation, let's talk about practical tips your clients can follow to keep their lash game strong during the winter months.

Brushing the Lashes: At the end of every lash treatment, we recommend gifting your client with a mascara wand to ensure they brush their lashes regularly. Brushing the lashes, alongside cleansing, will prevent them from criss-crossing and will keep them looking neat and fluffy for longer. 

Gentle Cleansing Routine: Advise clients to cleanse their lashes daily using a gentle eyelash extension foam cleanser with a cleansing brush or mascara brush. Emphasize the importance of being gentle to avoid unnecessary tugging or pulling, as this will lead to extensions or even natural lashes falling out. 

Hydrate Inside Out: Encourage clients to stay well-hydrated. Drinking enough water not only benefits the skin but also helps maintain the natural moisture balance of their lashes.

Avoid Hot & Steamy Situations: While it's tempting to cozy up by the fireplace or indulge in hot showers or baths during the winter, excessive heat can be a nemesis for your lash extensions. Excessive exposure to steam can affect the lash bond, especially straight after the lash application, leading to poor retention. Recommend clients to be mindful of steamy showers and saunas, especially in the first 24-48 hours after getting lash extensions. To avoid this issue you can use Superbonder Sealant at the end of your treatment. This sealant cures the lash glue in an instant and creates a flexible bond which means the extensions can get wet after application.

Protect from the Elements: In snowy conditions, clients can use an umbrella to avoid any direct contact with their lashes, particularly if they leave your salon right after their treatment. For windy conditions, your clients can wear sunglasses to protect them from nature’s forces and from picking up debris such as dust. While our lashes are there to protect our eyes from exactly that, after a lash extension set, we want to protect the final results too.

Regular Lash Fills: Remind clients about the importance of regular lash extension touch-ups. Winter weather may speed up the natural lash-shedding process, so keeping up with appointments ensures a consistently fabulous look.

The Humidifiers Hack: If your clients' home environment is super drying due to excessive heat from radiators, humidifiers add much-needed moisture to the air, creating a more lash-friendly environment. This actually prevents lashes from becoming overly dry and helps maintain their flexibility. Just remember, when it comes to your working conditions, never place your humidifier super close to your client as you don’t want the excess moisture to speed up the drying time of your lash glue, which in turn can cause shock polymerization.

Remember, as a Lash Tech, your role goes beyond applying extensions. Providing your clients with valuable tips on winter lash care will undoubtedly leave your clients with lashes that are as resilient as they are beautiful. So, embrace the winter chill, equip your clients with a mascara brush and an aftercare leaflet, and let them do the rest!