Lash Mites! The Importance of Lash Hygiene!

If you have ever laid on my lash table you probably already know the importance of cleaning your lash extensions. Not cleaning your lashes daily allows dirt, oil, makeup residue and grime to build up. This not only breaks down the lash glue but it is the perfect breeding ground for eyelash mites , otherwise known as demodex folliculorum.

These tiny parasites are too small to be seen with the naked eye and are more common than we’d all like to think (about 80% of the population has them).They feed off of waste and build up from our skin and are usually harmless in small numbers. Problems arise when they accumulate in large numbers causing irritation, inflammation and an infection known as demodicosis.

Large numbers of mites can accumulate in a single hair follicle and can eventually cause the eyelash to fall out!

Fortunately for you lash lovers, demodicosis is preventable with proper hygiene! Mites hate sunlight and crawl out at night to feed on the hair follicle. Washing your face and lashes every night before going to bed is the most important step! Eye makeup is also a major factor in bacterial growth on your lashes. It is important to wash your makeup brushes regularly and throw away old and expired makeup and creams. Also, never EVER share eye makeup or makeup brushes. Just don’t do it!

If you think you have a lash mite infection here are a few steps you can take to rid the parasite from your lashes:

1. Properly clean your lashes twice daily (I have included a DIY lash cleanser recipe at the end of this post and step by step instructions for cleansing your lash extensions).

2. Use an over the counter antibiotic treatment such as Trobradex or Tetravisc (see your pharmacist or ophthalmologist for treatment plan).

3. Put a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil in your lash cleanser ( this seems counter productive since you are advised to avoid all oil based products on your lashes but your lash health is more important than lash extension retention).

4. Stop using eye makeup until the infection resolves.

How to clean your lash extensions:

1. Remove excess makeup with your regular oil free facial cleanser and/or micellar water.

2. Use a Cleanser formulated for Eyelash Extensions. Using a soft brush or your fingers gently massage the cleanser into the lashes in a downward motion paying extra attention to the base of the lashes along your lash line. GENTLY wiggle the brush along the lash line to get the extra grime.

3. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all residue is removed.

Repeat if necessary.

4. Carefully pat dry with a paper towel or towel. Do not rub.

5. Use your clean mascara wand to brush your lashes

Repeat this DAILY to maintain lash health.

Lash Extension Shampoo recipe:

1 Tablespoon of Baby Shampoo

1 Teaspoon of Baking Soda

Distilled water

Combine all ingredients in a small bottle and shake.

This recipe works best when it is used in a foam pump bottle. Unfortunately it is not as good as shampoos specially formulated for lash extensions and doesn’t have a long shelf life (it should be discarded after 3-5 days and a new batch should be made).