Eyelash extensions can be a real confidence booster. However, the excitement of a new set can wane quickly if they’re improperly cared for.
Cleaning, protecting, and preserving extensions can feel like an uphill battle, and even the way we sleep can cause them to drop out and ruin their silhouette.
Learning how to sleep without ruining eyelash extensions is a matter of planning.
The worst way to sleep when you have eyelash extensions is on your front. In contrast, sleeping on your back (the supine position) is the best way to preserve semi-permanent eyelashes.
If you can’t change your sleeping position easily, there are alternatives. Getting silk or satin pillowcases or a 3D eye mask can prevent excessive shedding.
Also, your skincare routine and the products you put on your skin before bed are important because they can damage your extensions.
Can I Sleep with Eyelash Extensions?
A well-kept set of eyelash extensions should last 3-6 weeks.
Nonetheless, how you sleep affects the longevity of your set, and your sleeping position, bedding, and even nighttime skincare routine all impact the state of your extensions.
Sleeping on your stomach is the worst position for your eyelashes because it can catch the extensions between you and your pillow.
This can lead to lash extensions being pulled out (sometimes with the natural lash they are attached to). They may even get bent out of shape due to the pressure and friction. This will ruin the appearance of your extensions and reduce their lifespan.
If you sleep on your side regularly, the lashes on one side of your face will likely fall out quicker, especially at the outer corner of your eye.
Nonetheless, sleeping in the supine position (on your back) might be uncomfortable. In that case, sleeping on your side is better for lash extensions than sleeping on your stomach.
The best approach is to sleep on your back. There are several things that you can do to make this more comfortable.
Sleeping Supine to Protect Lashes
According to Sleep Health, the average adult changes position between 11 and 45 times during a typical night’s sleep. This means that not crushing your lashes can be tricky.
Here are some ways to encourage supine sleeping:
- Placing a pillow beneath your knees
- Use a small, round pillow under the neck and a flat pillow under the head
- Sleeping in a slightly elevated position by putting pillows under your back
- Spreading out arms and legs
- Place pillows at your sides
These are gentle ways to prevent your body from rolling excessively during the night, but remember that this will likely be a trial-and-error process.
Sleeping on your back is not only good for your eyelash extensions. According to the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the supine sleeping position is better for the skin on your face.
It could prevent premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. So, if you have delicate skin or are concerned about signs of premature aging (as well as the condition of your eyelash extensions), sleeping on your back could be the right choice.
Can I Sleep on My Side with Eyelash Extensions?
You can sleep on your side when you have eyelash extensions. However, it’ll increase the lash loss rate on the side you often sleep on. You can minimize this by taking certain measures.
Sleeping with your cheek at the edge of the pillow is easier. That way, your lashes extend beyond the pillow. This won’t prevent you from rubbing your face on the pillow at night, but it’ll mitigate some losses.
If you intend to sleep on your side or have had no luck switching to a supine sleeping position, you should consider switching to a differently-shaped pillow.
Choose a pillow that’s specifically designed to meet the contours of your neck or which is designed for side sleeping. Pillows like these may reduce restlessness by ensuring that your neck and shoulders are supported.
If this still doesn’t work, there are further steps you can take to prevent damage, shedding, and the cost of unnecessary repairs and infills.
Considering the material of your pillowcase is just one way to address the issue of friction and prevent damage to your eyelash extensions.
How to Not Ruin Eyelash Extensions While Sleeping
Keeping your semi-permanent lash extensions in good condition while you sleep can feel like an uphill battle. However, it can be relatively simple.
Avoid Oil-Based Skincare Products
Ensure that your nighttime skincare routine uses products that are not oil-based.
Oil-based products will weaken the glue used to adhere your extensions to your natural lashes over time, leading to increased fallout, especially when combined with friction.
Silk Pillowcase
Are you concerned about your ability to remain in a supine position while you sleep? Then, getting a 3D eye mask or a silk pillowcase can protect your eyelash extensions, even if you’re a restless sleeper.
Unlike cotton, silk doesn’t wick away moisture from the skin and hair, which means less friction on your hair and eyelashes. Minimizing friction is key to ensuring that your eyelash extensions aren’t separated from your natural lashes (and prevent the extensions from pulling them out).
There are extra benefits to silk pillowcases, too. The National Library of Medicine suggests that silk pillowcases are better for those who experience acne regularly.
There’s a link between these pillowcases and a general reduction in the levels of acne in many studies, though research into this is fairly new.
Some suggest this is due to this material’s antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
3D Eye Mask
If you’re still finding eyelash extensions on your pillow most mornings or silk pillowcases are not a viable option, you can also try using a contoured eye mask.
These masks are designed to help you sleep better by blocking out light. Unlike regular sleep masks, they’re contoured to allow space between your eyelids and the back of the mask.
Wearing a contoured sleep mask to bed is the most reliable way to protect your eyelash extensions. That’s especially true if you sleep on your stomach or side, as they add a protective barrier and make it harder for your eyelash extensions to rub against your bedding or arms.
These masks make it possible to sleep on your side or even your stomach without excessive shedding. This will increase the time between infill appointments and save you money in the long term.
How To Fix Slept-On Eyelash Extensions
Sometimes, you find that you’ve accidentally slept on your eyelash extensions.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to repair their appearance. Of course, you may be unable to restore them to their former glory.
Start by washing your face with warm water and gently patting it dry. Once done, you can use a spoolie and tweezers to reposition lashes.
Brush through your lashes with the mini brush or spoolie to de-clump them and get them all back in their intended positions. If you don’t have a spoolie, a clean mascara wand will suffice for gentle brushing and repositioning.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do about lash extension fallout. If you’ve lost a lot of lashes or your eyelash extensions have become deformed due to pressure, a return to the salon may be your only viable option.
It’s far better to prevent damage and excessive shedding. Repairing the damage that sleeping on your eyelash extensions could do may prove costly.
