Can I Sleep With Eyelash Extensions?
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After a long day, you want nothing more than to curl up in bed and drift off to sleep. But just as you lie down, a question crosses your mind…
Can I sleep with Eyelash Extensions? Yes, but sleep on your back to avoid friction with the pillow. If you sleep on your side, rest your head on the edge of the pillow or use a pressure-free sleep mask to protect them. Avoid sleeping on your stomach which may cause them to get tangled or fall off.
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash Extensions are semi-permanent lashes that are individually applied to your natural lashes to make them look longer or more full. Common types include mink, silk, and synthetic. They come in many shapes and sizes depending on your desired look. If you’re unsure about which one’s are best for you, consult with a certified technician who will guide you through the process. Eyelash extensions last as long as your natural eyelashes, so maintenance will be on-going to keep a full look.
Before getting the extensions, carefully note any concerns or conditions you have and discuss them with the technician. This may relate to allergies, sensitive skin, or anything that may cause an issue with your eyes. For example, the adhesive that is used may cause an allergic reaction for some.
Eyelash extensions are high maintenance and need to be properly cared for. This means regularly cleaning them with gentle soap and avoiding oil-based cleansers. Be careful not to rub your eyes or try to adjust the lashes. This can shorten their life span or cause them to get uneven. When going to bed, be extra mindful to make sure they don’t come in contact with anything, especially for the first couple of nights after they are applied.
If you’re looking for soft and great looking eye lashes, checkout Ellipse Eyelash Extensions (view on Amazon).
Adhesive
Eyelash extensions are applied using a strong glue to keep them firmly attached to your natural lashes. Once they’re attached, it usually takes around 24 to 48 hours for the glue to dry. There are many different types of adhesive. It’s important that it’s good quality and won’t cause any discomfort such as irritate the eyes or affect your natural lashes.
How to Sleep With Eyelash Extensions
1. Sleep on Your Back
It’s recommended to sleep on your back to avoid any contact with the pillow. This would cause the lashes to get tangled and eventually fall off quicker. Many people are side sleepers so you may wonder, how do I sleep on my back? It can take some getting used to, especially if you’ve only ever slept on your side. Using pillows for support and stretching before bed are a couple of things to try. The key is to find a method that is most comfortable for you. Everyone is different so be sure to experiment a little. Here are some tips:
2. Position Your Pillows
Surround yourself with pillows for support and to prevent rolling on to your side. With two pillows, place them under each arm to elevate them and to keep the shoulders slightly higher. This allows the body to maintain a neutral position. You can also place a pillow under the knees to avoid lower back pain and to prevent rolling. Use a proper pillow that supports the head and neck, and one that keeps you secure throughout the night.
3. Stretch
Sometimes during the night, we toss and turn if we can’t find a comfortable position. To avoid this, do try stretching before bed. You can even do them in the bed. A good back stretch to try is to lie flat on your back, and pull your left knee up to your chest, while keeping the opposite leg straight and relaxed. Hold it for 30 seconds and then repeat with the opposite knee. Another quick one while your’re sitting down is to extend your arms out in front and press the hands together. As you do this, slowly let your head and neck come down into a diving position. Hold for about 20 seconds. Remember to breathe deeply while doing these exercises. When the back is stretched, it is relaxed, making it easier to stay still during the night. For more back stretch ideas, do a quick Google search to find more.
Eventually, back sleeping gets easier and you won’t need to think about it so much. In the beginning, you may wake up some nights with the urge to roll on to your side. In this case, a sleep mask may come in handy.
4. Use an Eyelash Extension Sleep Mask
Investing in a good, eyelash extension sleep mask can help protect your extensions from pillow friction and prolong their life. If you’re not a back sleeper, no sweat. This handy item will keep your lashes safe and secure for side sleeping. Not only do they provide the protection during sleep but they also give you a restful sleep, making you feel refreshed in the morning. Different from traditional sleep masks, eyelash extension sleep masks provide a space between the eyes and the mask, which allow freedom and comfort. Traditional masks usually press right up against the eyes – not a good idea for your extensions.
Checkout the LEEKEN 3D Eye mask for Sleeping (view on Amazon).
5. Use a Silk Pillowcase
Silk is smooth on the skin and gentle on the lashes. If your extensions do happen to rub against a silk pillow, they should run smoothly against it, rather twist and tangle from friction on a cotton pillow. Less friction means a longer life for your lashes. As a bonus, silk is also good for the skin and prevents wrinkles. View the Pure Mulberry Slip Silk Pillowcase (view on Amazon), which is hypoallergenic, soft, and breathable.
Avoid using a big pillow that makes it easier for your eyes to rest against. Instead, use a smaller, ergonomically shaped pillow that provides the freedom to sleep on your side while keeping the lashes safe.
How Long Do Lash Extension Last?
Lash extensions last for about 6 to 8 weeks, since they shed with your natural lashes. It is recommended though, to keep them maintained with a specialist every 2 to 3 weeks, along with your own maintenance. It is also important to note that health and genes play a role in eyelash growth. This may be different for everyone so be observant and maintenance will get easier overtime.
Make Your Eyelash Extension Last Longer
For the first 24-48 hours after getting extensions, avoid getting them wet. This would cause the adhesive to lose its hold. Take a bath instead of a shower, or be careful not to splash any water onto them. Instead, gently wipe your face clean with a cloth. Also, you will want to avoid exercise that would cause you to sweat around the eyes and affect the adhesive.
Gently brush your lashes every morning and night with a mascara wand to keep them straight and clean, and also to prevent tangles. Lashes can get a lot of dead skin cells trapped overtime. A tip is use your index finger as a guide while you brush the lashes up. Place your finger horizontally above the eye, allowing the lashes to curl-up over it. Then start to brush in light, fluid motion. If you continue this routine daily, your extensions will maintain a full look.
It may be tempting to play with your lashes, adjust them, or for some reason, tug on them. For the sake of keeping them in place, avoid touching them at all. Eyelash extensions should stay secured until your natural eyelashes fall out. If you want them removed, set up an appointment with a technician. Pulling them out yourself may result in your natural lashes coming out.
Choosing a Technician
Choose a technician carefully. Check reviews of previous clients to learn about their experience and if they would go back. The technician works around your eyes so they should be a professional with lots of experience. Be sure to ask a lot of questions, make sure they are certified, and if you can see pictures of their previous work. If they don’t have any, or have very little experience, it may be best to keep looking.
Here are some tips on what to look out for before the procedure. Make sure that both the technician and salon is clean. Ask them about the type of glue and technique that will be used. They should be comfortable explaining to you each step of the process. Before the procedure, the technician should thoroughly wash their hands and all tools should be properly sanitized. If anything looks off, be sure to bring it up or look somewhere else.
