You have just stepped out of the salon, caught your reflection and fallen a little in love with your new lashes. Now comes the part that decides how long that feeling lasts: eyelash extension aftercare. The way you treat your lashes in the first few hours, the first week and every day after has a real effect on how full they stay, how comfortable they feel and how healthy your natural lashes remain.
The good news is that aftercare is not complicated. It does not involve an expensive routine or a long list of products. For most clients, it comes down to a handful of habits: keeping lashes dry at the start, cleansing gently, brushing daily, being careful with makeup and skincare, and booking refills on time.
In our experience, the difference between a set that looks tired after ten days and one that still looks lovely at three weeks is rarely the lashes themselves. It is usually small everyday habits, like rubbing tired eyes after work, using an oil cleanser out of habit, or skipping the spoolie for a few days.
In this guide, we share the same aftercare advice we give our clients at The Lash Company, organised by timeline. We start with the first 3 hours, move through week one, then cover the daily routine that keeps lashes looking their best between refills. We also explain why each step matters, and when it is time to see a doctor instead of a stylist. If you are still deciding on a style, you can learn more about eyelash extensions in Singapore before reading on.
Why Eyelash Extension Aftercare Matters
Before the do’s and don’ts, it helps to understand what you are caring for. Eyelash extensions are single strands of synthetic lashes applied to each of your individual natural eyelashes. Each extension is bonded to one natural lash with a specialised adhesive, a technique known as isolation. Volume sets work the same way, except each extension is a handmade fan, meaning a small bundle of very fine lashes, attached to one natural lash.
Retention, explained
You will hear stylists talk about retention. Retention simply means how well your extensions stay on between appointments. Good retention means your set stays full and even for longer. Poor retention means extensions fall out early, leaving gaps. Aftercare is one of the biggest factors in retention that you control.
Your natural lash cycle
Even with perfect aftercare, extensions do not last forever, because your natural lashes do not either. According to All About Vision’s guide to eyelash regrowth, a new eyelash grows for one to two months, transitions for about 15 days, then rests for four to nine months before falling out naturally, with the full cycle lasting between 4 and 11 months. Because your lashes are all at different stages, a few shed every day, and the extensions attached to them go too.
That is why our FAQ notes that a set of eyelash extensions lasts between 3 and 5 weeks, depending on your eyelashes’ natural cycle and your daily routine. Aftercare cannot stop natural shedding, but it can stop extensions falling out early because of oil, rubbing or poor hygiene.
Aftercare protects your eyes, too
Aftercare is also about hygiene. Oil, makeup, dead skin and dust can build up at the base of the lashes. A clean lash line is more comfortable and helps reduce the risk of irritation. That is why every visit to The Lash Company starts with a complimentary deep cleansing lash spa, which removes dead skin, oil, dirt and bacteria to help prevent eye infections and irritation. Your daily routine continues that work at home.
What we often see
What we often see at our outlets is two clients with the same set, applied on the same day, coming back at three weeks with very different results. Usually, the one with the fuller set has been brushing daily and avoiding oil-based products. The lashes were the same. The aftercare was not.
The First 3 Hours: Keep Your Lashes Dry
The first few hours after your appointment are the most important part of eyelash extension aftercare. This is when the adhesive is still settling into its strongest bond.
The rule
After your lash service, keep your lashes dry for 3 hours. That means no water, no steam, no sweat and no splashing your face during this window.
Why it matters
Lash adhesive needs a little time to set fully. Once it has, the bonding agent in the glue is waterproof, which is why you can swim, exercise, shower and visit the spa with your extensions afterwards. But exposing the bond to water or moisture too early can weaken it, and weakened bonds tend to show up as extensions falling out sooner than they should.
Practical tips for the first 3 hours
- Plan your day around it. If you can, book your appointment at a time when you do not need to shower, work out or wash your face straight afterwards. Many of our clients choose a weekend or an evening slot so they can head home and relax.
- Avoid hot, sweaty activities. Skip the gym, a hot yoga class or a long walk in the midday sun until the 3 hours have passed. Singapore’s heat and humidity are part of daily life, so a short, air-conditioned journey home is ideal.
- Do not touch. It is tempting to feel your new lashes, but resist. Touching and rubbing transfers oil from your fingers and can disturb the bond.
- If you have dry eyes, applying eye drops before your session can help you stay comfortable. If you need drops afterwards, tilt your head and be gentle so the lashes stay as dry as possible, and speak to your stylist about the best approach.
After the 3 hours
Once the 3 hours are up, you can return to most of your normal routine, with the care steps below. You do not need to avoid water entirely for days. In fact, keeping your lashes clean is an important part of good aftercare, which we cover shortly.
Week One: The Do’s and Don’ts
The first week is when you settle into new habits. Here are the key do’s and don’ts, based on the aftercare advice we give every client.
Do
- Do brush your lashes daily with a clean spoolie to keep them neat and tidy.
- Do cleanse your lashes with a water-based makeup remover and a lash cleanser for good hygiene and retention.
- Do keep products away from your lashes when washing your hair or doing skincare.
- Do pat your face dry gently with a clean towel, avoiding the lash line, and let lashes air-dry.
- Do get in touch with us if anything feels uncomfortable.
Do not
- Do not rub your eyes. Rubbing risks abrasions and infections, and it is one of the most common reasons extensions twist or fall out early.
- Do not use oil or cream-based cleansers. Oil can weaken the bond between extension and natural lash.
- Do not let shampoo, conditioner or face masks touch your lashes. These products often contain oils and other ingredients that can affect retention.
- Do not use eyelash curlers, mascara, gel eyeliners or cream eye shadows. They are not suitable with extensions.
- Do not pull or pick at your lashes. If something feels wrong, contact your salon instead.
Getting used to the feeling
Many of our first-time clients say their lashes feel slightly different for the first day or two. That is normal as you get used to them. However, extensions should not feel painful, sharp or heavy. If a lash pokes your eye or the set feels uncomfortable, contact us. Our service policy asks clients to get in touch within three working days of their appointment with any concerns, so we can arrange a follow-up consultation.
Sleep habits
Many stylists suggest sleeping on your back where possible, as pressing your face into the pillow can bend or twist extensions. If you are a side sleeper, simply be aware of it, and brush your lashes gently each morning to reset them.
When to see a doctor
If you notice eye pain, swelling, persistent redness, discharge or changes to your vision, please see a doctor, optometrist or ophthalmologist. Our service policy notes that eyelash extensions may carry risks such as redness, itching and swelling. Do not try to remove extensions yourself.
How to Cleanse Your Lashes: A Gentle Daily Routine
Many clients are surprised to learn that cleansing is part of eyelash extension aftercare. It seems logical to keep lashes away from water altogether, but clean lashes actually last better and feel more comfortable.
Why cleansing helps
Throughout the day, your lash line collects oil, sweat, dead skin, dust and makeup. If that builds up at the base of the extensions, it can loosen the bond and make the lash line feel itchy or uncomfortable. Regular, gentle cleansing removes that build-up.
What to use
Our aftercare advice is simple: use a water-based makeup remover and a lash cleanser for good hygiene and retention. Avoid oil or cream-based cleansers anywhere near your eyes. If you are unsure whether a product is suitable, bring it along to your next appointment or ask your stylist.
A simple routine
- Wash your hands first. The US Food and Drug Administration advises washing your hands before applying eye cosmetics and making sure any instrument you place in the eye area is clean. The same common sense applies to your lash routine.
- Remove any makeup around the eye area with a water-based remover, working gently and avoiding tugging at the lashes.
- Cleanse the lashes with a lash cleanser, following the directions on the product, using gentle downward strokes rather than scrubbing.
- Rinse lightly with clean water, keeping your eyes closed.
- Pat the surrounding skin dry with a clean towel, then let the lashes air-dry.
- Brush through with a clean spoolie once dry.
Keep your tools clean
Spoolies and cleansing brushes can collect oil and bacteria too. Keep them clean and dry, and do not share them. The FDA puts it plainly: “Don’t share your cosmetics. Another person’s bacteria may be hazardous to you.” Replace spoolies when they look worn or dirty.
How often to cleanse
Most clients find that cleansing once a day, usually in the evening, works well. On days when you have worn makeup, sweated a lot or spent time outdoors, a thorough cleanse is especially helpful. If your eyes are sensitive, keep it gentle, and stop using any product that causes stinging or irritation.
Daily Brushing With Your Spoolie
Brushing is the simplest step in eyelash extension aftercare, and one of the most effective. It takes less than a minute, and it keeps your lashes looking neat and fluffy instead of tangled.
Why brushing matters
As you sleep, wash your face and go about your day, extensions can shift, cross over each other or point in odd directions. This is called criss-crossing. Left alone, criss-crossed lashes can look messy, and twisted extensions may tug on neighbouring natural lashes. Daily brushing gently returns each lash to its place.
How to brush, the way we teach it
Every service at The Lash Company includes a complimentary aftercare kit with a spoolie wand. To keep your lashes defined:
- Close one eye.
- Place the spoolie on top of your lashes.
- Roll the brush over your lashes to keep them defined.
Rolling over the top of the lashes, rather than combing up from the roots, is gentler on both the extensions and your natural lashes. Repeat on the other eye.
When to brush
Brushing once in the morning keeps your lashes tidy for the day. Brushing again after cleansing, once your lashes are completely dry, helps them dry in the right direction. Avoid brushing wet lashes, as they are more prone to tangling.
Gentle is the key
Do not tug a spoolie through a knot. If you find a tangle, roll the brush gently over that section a few times instead. If a group of lashes seems stuck together or twisted, mention it at your next refill rather than trying to separate them yourself.
A typical example
Here is a typical example of how small habits add up. A client gets a Hybrid set before a two-week holiday. In the first few days, she brushes every morning and cleanses each evening with a water-based remover, and her lashes look fresh and fluffy. Midway through her trip, she runs out of her usual cleanser and borrows an oil-based makeup remover from a friend. She also forgets her spoolie at the hotel. Within a few days, she notices a few lashes twisting and some extensions shedding at the outer corners. When she returns, she books a refill and mentions what happened. Her stylist explains that the oil-based remover likely softened the bond, and that daily brushing would have helped keep the twisted lashes in place. After the refill, she packs a travel spoolie and a small bottle of water-based remover for every trip. At her next refill three weeks later, her set is noticeably fuller.
Makeup, Skincare, Facials and Swimming
Life does not pause for lashes, and it does not need to. Here is how to fit eyelash extension aftercare around your makeup, skincare and active lifestyle.
Makeup
One of the biggest perks of extensions is wearing less eye makeup. Minimal eye makeup is recommended, as it may interfere with retention. If you do apply makeup, it should be thoroughly cleansed with an appropriate lash cleanser. Eyelash curlers, mascara, gel eyeliners and cream eye shadows are not suitable with extensions, because they can weigh lashes down, leave residue or damage the bond. Many of our clients find they do not miss mascara at all.
Skincare
Most skincare is fine to use, as long as you keep it away from the lash line. Be especially careful with oils, rich creams, face masks and anything applied around the eyes. Apply eye creams gently along the orbital bone rather than close to the lashes.
Facials
Facials and extensions can coexist with a little planning. It is recommended to have facials a week before your lash session, because the oils and steam used in many facials may affect adhesion of the extensions. If you have a facial booked while wearing extensions, let your facial therapist know so they can keep products and steam away from your eyes.
Swimming, exercise and the spa
Yes, you can swim, exercise, shower and enjoy the spa with your extensions. The bonding agent in the glue is waterproof. The only rule is to keep your lashes dry for the first 3 hours after application. After a swim or a sweaty workout, a gentle cleanse with a lash cleanser helps remove chlorine, salt or sweat from the lash line, and a quick brush once dry keeps everything neat.
Contact lenses and glasses
If you wear contact lenses or glasses, mention it at your consultation. Your stylist can take it into account when choosing your length and curl, so the lashes sit comfortably.
Before your next appointment
Aftercare also prepares you for your refill. Please do not wear eye makeup to your appointment, as clean eyes give our stylists more time to work on your lashes. Avoid oil and cream-based cleansers for 3 days before your appointment, and if you have dry eyes, apply some eye drops before your session. You can find all of these tips in our eyelash extension aftercare guidance.
Eyelash Extension Aftercare Beyond Week One: Refills, Serums and Getting Help
After the first week, good habits become second nature. The focus then shifts to keeping your set full over time and protecting the health of your natural lashes.
Refills keep your set even
As your natural lashes shed, they take their extensions with them, and new natural lashes grow in without extensions. A refill fills those gaps and replaces grown-out extensions. A refill every 3 weeks is recommended to maintain fullness. Refills can only be done within a certain time frame, so if it has been a while since your last appointment, contact your outlet and we will advise whether a refill or a fresh set suits you. A refill takes between 30 and 75 minutes depending on the refill you choose and the condition of your current set. You can find refill prices for every style on our lash menu.
Nourish your natural lashes
Your natural lashes are the foundation of every set. Our aftercare guidance suggests nourishing and strengthening your lashes with a strengthening lash serum. If you have sensitive eyes, check with a doctor before using any new product near the eye area.
What to do if something feels wrong
If you notice itching, irritation or a section of lashes falling out unusually early, contact us. We ask clients to get in touch within three working days of their appointment, so we can arrange a follow-up consultation. The US Food and Drug Administration advises that if any eye cosmetic causes irritation, you should stop using it immediately, and HealthHub, from the Health Sciences Authority, advises seeing a doctor if irritation is severe and does not go away.
For eye pain, swelling, discharge, persistent redness or blurred vision, please see a doctor, optometrist or ophthalmologist first. We cannot diagnose eye conditions, and these symptoms need proper medical care.
Leave removal to a professional
If you want to take a break or your set feels uncomfortable, please do not pull, pick or try to remove extensions yourself. Doing so can take your natural lashes with them and irritate your eyes. Instead, book a professional removal with a trained stylist. At The Lash Company, removal costs $15 for sets we applied, $25 for Classic or Volume sets from other salons and $40 for cluster or YY lashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I keep my eyelash extensions dry?
Keep your lashes dry for 3 hours after your lash service. This gives the adhesive time to set properly. During this time, avoid showering, washing your face, swimming, steam, saunas and heavy exercise that makes you sweat. After the 3 hours, the bonding agent in the glue is waterproof, so you can return to swimming, exercising and showering as usual. Gentle cleansing with a lash cleanser is part of good aftercare once the 3 hours are up, so you do not need to avoid water for days afterwards.
Can I wash my face with eyelash extensions?
Yes. In fact, keeping your lash line clean is an important part of eyelash extension aftercare. Use a water-based makeup remover and a lash cleanser, and avoid oil or cream-based cleansers near your eyes. When washing your face, be gentle around the eye area and keep face masks, shampoo and conditioner away from your lashes. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing, then let your lashes air-dry and brush them with a clean spoolie once they are dry.
Can I wear mascara with eyelash extensions?
Mascara, eyelash curlers, gel eyeliners and cream eye shadows are not suitable with extensions. They can weigh lashes down, leave residue at the base and affect retention. Minimal eye makeup is recommended, and anything you do apply should be thoroughly cleansed with an appropriate lash cleanser. Many of our clients find they no longer feel the need for mascara, because extensions already add darkness and definition. If you would like a bolder look, talk to your stylist about a fuller set at your next appointment instead.
How often should I get a refill?
A refill every 3 weeks is recommended to maintain fullness. For our Natural Classic set, we recommend a refill within 2 to 3 weeks. Refills can only be done within a certain time frame, so if it has been a while since your last appointment, contact your outlet and we will advise whether a refill or a fresh set suits you. A refill takes about 30 to 75 minutes depending on the refill you choose and the condition of your current set. We are unable to refill cluster lashes.
Why are my extensions falling out after a few days?
A few extensions falling out each day is normal, because your natural lashes shed on their own cycle and take their extensions with them. If you notice a lot falling out early, common causes include getting lashes wet in the first 3 hours, using oil or cream-based cleansers, rubbing your eyes, sleeping face down or using mascara and curlers. Contact us within three working days of your appointment if you are concerned, and we will arrange a follow-up consultation. Please do not pick at loose extensions in the meantime.
Make Eyelash Extension Aftercare Part of Your Routine
Good eyelash extension aftercare is less about effort and more about consistency. Keep your lashes dry for the first 3 hours. Avoid rubbing, oil-based cleansers and products like mascara and curlers. Cleanse gently with a water-based remover and lash cleanser, brush daily with your spoolie, and plan facials and refills around your lash appointments. These small habits help your set stay full, clean and comfortable from week one to your next refill.
Just as important, listen to your eyes. Mild adjustment in the first day is normal, but pain, swelling or ongoing redness are reasons to see a doctor. And if you ever want your extensions off, a professional removal is the gentle, safe choice for your natural lashes.
At The Lash Company, aftercare starts in the salon, with a complimentary lash spa, collagen eye mask and aftercare kit on every visit. Our stylists are happy to answer questions at your appointment, or you can reach your outlet by text or WhatsApp.
When you are ready for a fresh set or your next refill, you are welcome at any of our lash salons in Katong, Holland Village and Tras Street. You can book your eyelash extension appointment online in a few minutes, and we will help your premium eyelash extensions look their best for weeks to come.
About the author
The Lash Company Team, lash stylists at The Lash Company. We have specialised in eyelash extensions in Singapore since 2016, with outlets in Katong, Holland Village and Tras Street, and have been featured in VOGUE, TimeOut and Expat Living.