Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid After Getting a Brow or Lash Treatment
Brow and lash treatments are a great way to enhance your natural beauty, whether you're opting for a lash lift, brow lamination, or tinting. These services can save time in your daily makeup routine and give you a polished, professional look that lasts for weeks. However, the key to keeping your brows and lashes looking fabulous is proper aftercare. Many clients unknowingly make mistakes after their treatments that can shorten the life of their results or cause irritation.
In this blog, I’m going to share the top 5 aftercare mistakes to avoid to make sure you get the most out of your brow and lash treatments!
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1. Getting Brows or Lashes Wet Within the 24 Hours
One of the most common mistakes clients make after a brow or lash treatment is getting their brows or lashes wet too soon. Whether you’ve had a lash lift or brow lamination, it’s crucial to avoid water exposure for the first 24 hours. The reason? The treatment is still setting during this time, and any moisture can cause the lashes or brows to lose their newly sculpted shape.
What to Avoid:
Swimming, hot showers, or even steamy environments like saunas.
Crying (yes, this is real!) or excessive sweating from exercise.
Washing your face—use a damp cloth to carefully clean around the brow or lash area.
By avoiding water, you’re ensuring that the products used during the treatment can fully work their magic. This helps to lock in the curl of your lashes or the sleek structure of your brows.
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2. Using Oil-Based Products
Another common mistake is applying oil-based products on or near the treated area. Whether it's your favorite moisturizer, cleanser, or makeup remover, anything with oil in it can break down the chemical bonds formed during your brow or lash treatment. This can result in prematurely reversing the effects of your treatment, whether it’s a lash lift or a brow lamination.
What to Look For:
Avoid products like oil-based cleansers, serums, or makeup removers.
Instead, opt for water-based skincare products to use around the treated areas.
Check labels for ingredients like mineral oil, coconut oil, or argan oil—these are culprits in breaking down the structure of your treatments.
Using oil-free products is essential to maintaining your results for as long as possible.
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3. Rubbing or Touching Your Brows and Lashes
You’ve just walked out of your appointment with beautifully shaped brows or lifted lashes, and it can be tempting to touch them. However, rubbing or touching your brows and lashes can disrupt the treatment and lead to issues like breakage, irritation, or even early fading of your tint.
Why It’s Important:
Rubbing your brows or lashes can weaken the structure that has been carefully shaped or lifted.
Tint can fade faster if the area is touched frequently.
You risk introducing bacteria, leading to irritation or infection.
To maintain the longevity of your treatment, avoid touching your brows or lashes and refrain from sleeping face-down on your pillow, which can cause friction and flatten your results.
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4. Using Mascara or Brow Gel Too Soon
After a lash lift or brow lamination, clients often reach for their favorite mascara or brow gel to accentuate their new look. However, applying these products too soon after treatment can be detrimental.
For lash lifts, mascara or lash extensions should not be applied for at least 24-48 hours after the treatment. Similarly, with brow lamination, you should avoid brow gels and makeup in the brow area for the first couple of days. Doing so can disrupt the treatment and prevent it from fully setting, leading to less dramatic results.
What to Do Instead:
Keep your lashes and brows product-free for at least 24-48 hours.
After this period, if you want to use makeup, opt for gentle, water-based products.
Remember that one of the best perks of these treatments is that you might not need makeup to achieve the look you desire!
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5. Skipping Regular Maintenance and Aftercare
Even though brow and lash treatments last for weeks, they still require proper maintenance to ensure they look their best the entire time. Skipping maintenance appointments or aftercare can shorten the lifespan of your treatment.
For Lashes:
Comb your lashes regularly using a clean spoolie to keep them lifted and separated.
Avoid sleeping on your face, as this can cause lashes to lose their shape.
Consider using a lash serum that’s safe for treated lashes to help nourish them and keep them strong.
For Brows:
Keep your brows hydrated using a brow conditioner to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
Return for maintenance appointments every 4-6 weeks to keep your shape and lamination looking fresh.
The key to long-lasting results is consistent aftercare. By sticking to a good routine, you’ll enjoy gorgeous brows and lashes for as long as possible.
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Conclusion
Investing in a brow or lash treatment is a great way to boost your confidence and streamline your beauty routine. However, aftercare is everything! By avoiding these common mistakes—getting them wet too soon, using oil-based products, touching the treated area, applying makeup too early, and skipping regular maintenance—you can keep your brows and lashes looking flawless for weeks.
At the end of the day, your brow or lash professional will give you personalized aftercare instructions, so be sure to follow them to maximize your results. If you have any questions or concerns after your treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. Your best brows and lashes are just a little TLC away!
