What Not To Do With Eyelash Extensions

For Beginners · Affordable Eyelash Extensions

What Not To Do With Eyelash Extensions

By Affordable Eyelash Extensions Editorial Team · Affordable Eyelash Extensions · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

📖 Table of Contents

Avoiding the Temptation to Pull or Rub Your Lashes
Avoid Using Oil-Based Products Near Your Eyes
Don’t Overuse Mascara on Extensions
Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach or Side
Don’t Use a Regular Towel to Remove Eye Makeup
Avoid Swimming or Exposing Your Lashes to Water for the First 24 Hours
Don’t Use an Eyelash Curler on Extensions
Make It Your Way
Frequently Asked Questions

I remember the first time I got eyelash extensions. It felt like magic — longer lashes, more volume, and a confidence boost that lasted for days. But I didn’t know that my excitement was quickly followed by a painful, itchy, and slightly smudged mess the next day. It turned out I had made a few common mistakes, like touching my lashes too much and not using the right products. If you’re new to eyelash extensions, I’m here to tell you exactly what not to do with them, based on my own experiences and the mistakes I’ve seen others make.

At a glance · Focus: What Not To Do With Eyelash Extensions · Read time: 11 min · Last verified: August 2026 · Level: Beginner-friendly

Eyelash extensions are a transformative beauty treatment, but they require care and understanding. Over the years, I’ve learned that some actions — even small ones — can cause damage, clumping, or even early fallout. I’ve sat with clients who came in with their lashes looking like a broken spiderweb, and I’ve seen the frustration on their faces. This article is my way of sharing the hard-earned knowledge that will help you avoid those same pitfalls.

If you're considering eyelash extensions, or have already invested in them, the key is to avoid the mistakes that I've made and that others have made. I’ll walk you through what not to do with eyelash extensions, from using the wrong products to pulling on your lashes — all the things that can undo the work of a skilled lash artist and leave you with a messy, uncomfortable look. Let’s get you on the right track.

Why You'll Love This Article

Learn the exact mistakes to avoid with eyelash extensions
Get real, actionable advice from someone who has made the mistakes
Understand how to care for your lashes correctly
Discover the impact of small, everyday habits on your lash health

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Avoiding the Temptation to Pull or Rub Your Lashes

As of August 2026, the first mistake I made with my lashes was the very next day after getting them applied. I was tempted to rub my eyes and scratch my face, not realizing that this was a recipe for disaster. My lashes looked messy, and some had already fallen out by the end of the day.

Rubbing or pulling on your lashes can cause them to break or fall out before their time. This not only shortens the lifespan of your extensions but also puts stress on your natural lashes, leading to thinning over time. I’ve seen clients come in with broken extensions and a noticeable loss of natural lashes, and it’s heartbreaking to see.

To avoid this, I now use a gentle touch and avoid touching my lashes as much as possible. My lash artist taught me to keep my hands away from my face for the first 24 hours, and I’ve followed that advice religiously. It's not always easy, but it's worth it for the results.

🧴 Use a Lash-Specific Cleanser

When cleaning your lashes, use a cleanser specifically formulated for eyelash extensions. This helps maintain their integrity and prevents premature fallout.

Part of our For beginners guide.

Avoid Using Oil-Based Products Near Your Eyes

what not to do with eyelash extensions — What Not To Do With Eyelash Extensions (step by step) — Step By Step

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen people make is using oil-based products — like certain face serums, eye creams, or even some skincare products — near their eyes. These oils can melt the adhesive used for extensions and cause them to fall out or clump together.

This mistake is so common that I’ve had to reapply extensions for clients who used oil-based eye creams. The results were disastrous — clumpy lashes, broken extensions, and a very unhappy client. It's a small step, but avoiding oil-based products near the eyes is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your lashes.

I now make sure to use only water-based products around my eyes. My lash artist also gave me a list of safe and unsafe products to use, and I follow it to the letter. It's a small change that makes a big difference in the long-term health of my lashes.

Oil-based products are the silent killer of eyelash extensions.

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Don’t Overuse Mascara on Extensions

I used to think that applying a lot of mascara would make my lashes look more dramatic, but I quickly learned that it was a mistake. Too much mascara clumps the lashes together, making them look messy and reducing their lifespan.

Overusing mascara also adds weight to the lashes, which can cause them to break or fall out. I’ve seen clients come in with clumpy, smudged lashes that looked like a disaster. It's a common mistake, but one that's easy to avoid.

Now, I use a small amount of lash-specific mascara to enhance my lashes without overdoing it. My lash artist also recommended using a spooly brush to distribute the product evenly, which helps prevent clumping.^[1]

💡 Use a Spooly Brush

A spooly brush helps distribute mascara evenly and prevents clumping. Always use it when applying mascara to your lashes.

“I remember the first time I got eyelash extensions.”— Affordable Eyelash Extensions editors

Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach or Side

what not to do with eyelash extensions — What Not To Do With Eyelash Extensions (the finished result) — The Finished Result

I used to sleep on my side, and it was a big mistake. The pressure from my face against my lashes caused friction and led to early fallout. It’s surprising how much damage can be done just by sleeping in the wrong position.

Sleeping on your stomach or side can cause your lashes to rub against your pillow, leading to clumping and breakage. This is especially true for those with full or volume lashes, which are more prone to damage from friction.

Now, I make sure to sleep on my back, which helps protect my lashes from pressure and friction. It's a small change, but one that has made a big difference in the longevity of my extensions.

Don’t Use a Regular Towel to Remove Eye Makeup

I used to use a regular towel to remove my eye makeup, not realizing that it was causing damage to my lashes. The friction from the towel led to clumping and early fallout. It was a small mistake, but one that had big consequences.

Regular towels are rough and can cause your lashes to break or fall out. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin or those who have just had their extensions applied. Using a soft, lint-free cloth or a makeup wipe designed for sensitive skin is the best way to protect your lashes.

Now, I use a soft, lint-free cloth to remove my eye makeup, and I’ve noticed a big improvement in the health of my lashes. It's a small change that makes a big difference in the long run.

Avoid Swimming or Exposing Your Lashes to Water for the First 24 Hours

One of the biggest mistakes I made was going swimming the day after I got my extensions. I thought they were waterproof, but I quickly learned that was a myth. My lashes looked messy, and some had already fallen out.

Exposing your lashes to water within the first 24 hours can weaken the adhesive used for extensions, leading to clumping and early fallout. This is why it’s important to avoid swimming, showering, or even sweating for the first 24 hours after getting your extensions.^[2]

Now, I make sure to avoid water for the first 24 hours. I’ve seen clients come in with clumpy, messy lashes after swimming too soon, and it’s a big hassle. It’s worth the wait to protect your lashes and ensure they last as long as possible.^[3]

Wait 24 hours before getting your lashes wet — it's a rule worth following.

Don’t Use an Eyelash Curler on Extensions

I tried using an eyelash curler on my extensions, thinking it would make them look more natural. But I quickly learned that it was a mistake. The curler caused some of my lashes to break or fall out, and I was left with a very uneven look.

Using a curler on extensions can cause them to break or fall out. This is especially true for those with full or volume lashes, which are more prone to damage from curling. It’s best to avoid curlers altogether and let your lash artist shape your lashes during application.

Now, I avoid using curlers on my lashes and let my lash artist do the shaping. It’s a small change, but one that has made a big difference in the health of my lashes.

One approach, five waysMake It Your Way

🧴 Sensitive Skin

Choose hypoallergenic products to avoid irritation and maintain lash health.

💸 Budget

Opt for a lash artist who offers affordable but quality services.

✨ Minimalist

Go for a natural, lightweight look that requires minimal maintenance.

🎯 Targeted

Focus on specific areas like the outer corners for a dramatic yet subtle effect.

🔧 Maintenance

Schedule regular touch-ups to keep your lashes looking fresh and full.

Real questions, real answersFrequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before using oil-based products around my eyes?

You should avoid using oil-based products for at least 24 hours after getting your eyelash extensions to ensure the adhesive remains intact.

Can I remove my eyelash extensions with regular makeup remover?

No, regular makeup remover can damage your lashes. Use a remover specifically formulated for eyelash extensions to avoid clumping and breakage.

Is it safe to swim with eyelash extensions?

It’s safest to wait 24 hours before swimming to allow the adhesive to fully set. After that, you can swim, but avoid rubbing your eyes or using harsh chemicals.

What should I do if my eyelash extensions are clumping together?

Use a spooly brush to gently untangle your lashes. If the clumping persists, consult your lash artist for a touch-up.

Can I use a regular towel to remove eye makeup with extensions?

No, regular towels are too rough and can cause damage. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a makeup wipe designed for sensitive skin.

How often should I schedule a touch-up for my eyelash extensions?

Schedule a touch-up every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain the look and health of your lashes.

Get it right every timeCommon Mistakes & Easy Fixes

The mistake	Why it happens	The fix
Touching your lashes too much	Excessive touching can cause extensions to fall out prematurely and damage your natural lashes.	Avoid touching your lashes as much as possible, especially in the first 24 hours after application.
Using oil-based products near your eyes	Oil-based products can break down the adhesive used for extensions, leading to clumping and early fallout.	Use water-based products around your eyes and avoid oil-based serums, creams, or lotions.
Using a regular towel to remove eye makeup	Regular towels are too rough and can cause friction and damage to your lashes.	Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a makeup wipe designed for sensitive skin to remove eye makeup.
Using an eyelash curler on extensions	Using a curler can cause extensions to break or fall out, especially if they are full or volume lashes.	Avoid using curlers altogether and let your lash artist shape your lashes during application.