Can't Live Without Lash Extensions? Here's How to Avoid Dreaded Eyelash Mites

Cleaning your eyelash extensions is easier than you probably think and should be done daily, just as you would your regular lashes. "Not only will your lash extensions look fresher after a daily clean, but they will also last for longer," Piper said. According to Dr. Green, all you need is a gentle cleanser or makeup remover and a cloth. Then you simply wash your falsies in a downward motion over the eyelid and lash line. "Be sure to not rub back and forth, as this can be too abrasive on the eyelash extensions," she warned.

Piper agreed, saying that the cleanser must be oil-free and the cloth should be fiber-free. "Oil can cause adhesive bonds to break down, meaning lash extensions will last for less time than they should, while any wipes/cloths with fibers will get tangled in lash extensions," she explained. Once dry, use a clean mascara wand to ensure the lashes hold their curl and don't form clusters.

If you don't clean your eyelash extensions correctly, you are putting yourself at risk of dirt and bacteria buildup. Piper believes this can affect the adhesive bond and ultimately cause your lashes to fall off earlier than expected.

Worse still, Dr. Green said a lack of hygiene can lead to an allergic reaction, or sore, itchy, irritated, red eyes. "It's also common for lice/mites to appear in eyelashes if not cleansed properly," she added.

When people talk about to eyelash lice, they are actually referring to mites, which are known medically as Demodex. "Demodex mites are tiny mites that live around hair follicles," Dr. Shotter explained. "Since eyelash extensions have boomed in popularity, so has a rising problem with Demodex mites living in the eyelashes."

She added that, "True eyelash lice are very uncommon and are normally transferred from the pubic area." Demodex mites, on the other hand, can be found all over your body and are often the cause of rosacea.

When you first get your eyelash extensions, you are advised to avoid wetting them for 24 hours. Dr. Shotter pointed out that many people are then afraid to wash them at all, as they are worried the extensions will fall out. "This leads to a buildup of debris and bacteria, the perfect habitat for the Demodex mite," Dr. Shotter said.

However, you're only ever going to be more susceptible to Demodex if you don't practice good hygiene. "The purpose of eyelashes is to catch dirt and debris — keeping it out of the eye," Dr. Green said. "When you wear eyelash extensions, you're more prone to debris getting caught in the lash line; therefore, daily washing is mandatory."

Dr. Green also noted that practicing good hygiene starts at the salon, as Demodex can live on lash applicators and tools and spread. "Make sure you do your research before booking an appointment to make sure this place is 100-percent sanitary," she advised.

If you experience any eye irritation while wearing eyelash extensions, book an appointment with your local GP or dermatologist so they can diagnose the problem. If you do have Demodex, Dr. Green said they're likely to tell you to apply petroleum jelly to your eyelids and let it sit for two hours, followed by 1-percent permethrin shampoo for 10 minutes. You wash this off, and do this treatment twice a day. If they don't advise this course of treatment, they may prescribe an ointment.

Ultimately, prevention is the best treatment, so keep your lashes clean and, as Dr. Shotter said, "don't be afraid to take a break from extensions every now and then."