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TAMPA LASH & BROW
Lash Care 101
Everything you need to know to keep your lash extensions looking full, healthy, and beautiful — from the science of your natural lashes to daily care.
What To Expect
Here's what to expect after your lash appointment.
LASH CYCLES
Every natural lash goes through three phases: a growth phase, a resting phase, and a shedding phase. This cycle happens continuously, which means your lashes are always growing and shedding. On average, your natural lashes grow approximately 0.12–0.14mm per day. As they grow, the extension attached to each lash moves further from the lash line and eventually needs to be replaced with a fresh extension. This is why regular fills are necessary.
NATURAL SHEDDING
Your lashes go through a regular shedding cycle just like the hair on your head. When a natural lash sheds, the extension attached to it comes with it. This is not a sign of damage or that anything is wrong. Shedding is a sign that your lashes are healthy and regenerating. Expect to lose around 1–3 lashes per day.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Because every lash is on its own growth cycle, shedding varies from person to person. For your first few appointments, we recommend scheduling fills every 2–3 weeks so we can assess your cycle and figure out your ideal lash mainentance schedule.
90–120
NATURAL LASHES PER EYE
1-3
LASHES SHED PER DAY
60-90
DAY GROWTH CYCLE
How to Care for Your Lashes
Aftercare is the single biggest factor in how long your extensions last. Great technique gets you a beautiful set. Great aftercare keeps it that way.
THE FIRST 12 HOURS
In the first 12 hours after your appointment, the adhesive is still curing. During this window, avoid wetting or brushing your lashes. After 12 hours, your bond is set and you're good to go.
If you received LED-cured extensions, the bond is instant — no 24-hour wait required. You can get them wet immediately.
DAILY CLEANSING
This is the most important part of your aftercare routine. Cleansing your lashes daily removes oil, dead skin cells, makeup residue, and environmental buildup that can weaken the adhesive bond and lead to premature shedding.
Think of it like skincare: you wouldn't skip washing your face and expect clear skin. Your lashes work the same way.
1.
Apply a small amount of lash-safe cleanser to a soft cleansing brush.
2.
Gently brush along the lash line in downward strokes. Focus on the base where buildup and makeup accumulates.
3.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and gently pat dry with a fluffy towel.
4.
Once dry, brush through with a clean spoolie to reshape and separate.
TAMPA TIP
Tampa's hard water contains minerals that can coat your lashes over time, reducing adhesive performance. That's why we formulated our own lash cleanser with biodegradable chelation technology designed specifically for Florida's water conditions.
THE DO'S AND DON'TS OF LASH CARE
DO
✓ Cleanse your lashes daily with a lash-safe cleanser
✓ Brush through gently with a spoolie each morning
✓ Sleep on your back or use a silk pillowcase
✓ Wash daily and dry gently — never rub
✓ Keep your fill appointments consistent
DON'T
X Use oil-based cleansers, makeup removers, or moisturizers near the eye area
X Pull, pick, or tug at your extensions
X Use mascara on extensions
X Use pencil liner
X Use a mechanical eyelash curler
X Skip cleansing — buildup is the #1 cause of poor retention
Retention & Fills
Understanding how retention works helps you get the most value from your lashes and keep them looking fresh between visits.
WHAT AFFECTS RETENTION
Retention a.k.a. how long your extensions stay on, is influenced by several factors, some within your control and some that are simply part of your body's natural rhythm. Your lash growth cycle, hair porosity, hormone fluctuations, skincare products, sleeping habits, and how consistently you cleanse all play a role.
Clients who follow a proper aftercare routine consistently see better retention and more fullness between fills. It's the difference between lashes that look great for a week versus lashes that carry beautifully until your next appointment.
WHEN TO BOOK YOUR FILL
Since everyone's lash growth and shedding cycle is unique, the rate of retention varies from person to person. Most clients schedule fills every 2–3 weeks to maintain a full, seamless look.
1
Week 1
Your set is at its fullest. Extensions are fresh and sitting close to the lash line. Enjoy them.
2
Week 2-3
Natural growth has moved some extensions further from the lash line. Normal daily shedding has thinned the set slightly. This is the ideal window for a fill.
3
Week 4+
Significant growth and shedding have occurred. At this point, a fill may take longer or a new full set may be recommended, depending on how many extensions remain.
WORTH KNOWING
Consistent fills allow your artist to remove any extensions that have grown out and replace them with properly placed fresh ones. This maintains the shape and fullness of your original design over time and ensures every extension is sitting at the correct distance from the lash line.
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