Aftercare Instructions Every Client Needs

Aftercare Instructions Every Client Needs

Good aftercare guidance protects retention and prevents most of the common complaints and reaction issues — and giving it clearly, ideally in writing, is a standard part of professional service.

Standard aftercare guidelines

• Avoid water, steam, and sweating on the lashes for the first 24-48 hours while the adhesive fully cures
• Avoid oil-based makeup removers, cleansers, and skincare near the eye area — use oil-free formulas only
• Cleanse lashes gently daily with a lash-safe cleanser once the initial curing window has passed — contrary to old advice to "keep them dry," regular gentle cleansing is now widely taught as better for retention and lid hygiene
• Avoid mechanical curlers and waterproof mascara on extensions
• Brush lashes daily with a clean spoolie to keep them separated
• Book fills every 2-3 weeks to maintain fullness as natural lashes shed on their normal cycle

Clients who follow aftercare consistently get dramatically better retention — which is also why explaining the "why" behind each instruction, not just the instruction itself, leads to better compliance.

Delivering aftercare effectively

Verbal instructions given right after a service are easy for a client to forget, especially with eyes still adjusting. Providing a written or printed aftercare card (physical or digital) that the client takes home covers this gap, and it doubles as a reference the client can check before doing something risky, like scheduling a sauna session or trying a new cleanser, in the days right after their appointment.

Key Takeaways

• The 24-48 hour no-water/no-steam window exists because the adhesive is still actively curing.
• Modern guidance favors regular gentle cleansing with oil-free products over old "keep them dry" advice.
• Daily spoolie brushing and avoiding mechanical curlers/waterproof mascara protect the set between fills.
• Written aftercare instructions improve compliance more reliably than verbal instructions alone.