Can You Swim With Eyelash Extensions? 7 Myths Busted

Imagine this: you just had your full set of eyelashes done and your tech advised not getting them wet. Oh nooo, but you got them specifically for your beach vacation. So what now? Can you go swimming in the ocean?

Spoiler alert: YES, eyelash extensions and swimming are not mutually exclusive. Let's debunk the Top 7 myths together and gather all the details so you can continue enjoying your water activities without worrying about your gorgeous lashes.

Why This Question Matters: Understanding Lash Extension Concerns

People are always worried about swimming with lash extensions because they are concerned it will cause them to shed early. And you are here, reading this article, probably for one of the following reasons:

• You just spent about 2 hours and a good amount of money on your new fluttery lashes and want to keep them looking their best for as long as possible.
• You might be worried about damage to the extensions and your natural lashes.
• You are seeing conflicting information online and not sure what to believe
• You love to swim and you want to know best practices for protecting your lashes.

Sounds familiar? Do not worry, with proper knowledge and care, your extensions are completely swim-friendly. Let's clear up the confusion by looking at each of the myths about swimming with eyelashes.

The 7 Biggest Myths About Swimming With Eyelash Extensions

As a salon specializing in lash extensions, we’ve heard a bunch of misconceptions about the aftercare routine not only from our clients, but from forums, FB groups, and so on. In this article we will focus on the 7 myths that we’ve heard most often, explaining and labeling each of them as TRUE, FALSE, or PARTIALLY TRUE. Read and note which ones you’ve believed in yourself!

Myth #1: You Can't Go Swimming With Lash Extensions at All

This is a common myth and it is 100% … FALSE.

You absolutely CAN. They are meant to make your life easier, not to restrict you in any way.

Let's look at the science behind the extension glue, shall we?Most modern adhesives used by lash technicians contain cyanoacrylate - the ingredient that bonds a natural lash to the extension. It has a drying time of 0.5-1.5 seconds and requires humidity to completely cure. By the time your set is done the glue is 80% dry. It will require time and further humidity to set completely.

Our recommendation:

Wait 24 hours after the application before swimming with lash extensions

Myth #2: Chlorine Will Instantly Ruin Your Lashes

This one is… PARTIALLY TRUE.

Exposure to chlorine can weaken the adhesive over time, but it doesn’t mean that a single pool session will ruin your extensions. Frequency matters. Prolonged exposure can overdry the adhesive and may cause them to shed prematurely.

TIPS:

• If you are a frequent swimmer, invest in a pair of extension-friendly goggles.
• Ask for a shorter length. Based on hundreds of our clients, we noticed that shorter lashes last better for people who go to the pool regularly.

Myth #3: Saltwater Is Worse Than Pool Water
Is swimming with your lashes in the ocean worse than going to the pool?

PARTIALLY TRUE.

Salt water creates a hypertonic environment, meaning it has more dissolved salt than the moisture naturally found in the hair. It can draw moisture from the lash and overdry the adhesive. Remember how dry your hair gets after a day in the ocean? Well, the same is happening to your eyelashes. And as you wash and brush your hair, you should also clean and brush your lashes.

Extensions and SPF: Some of the sunscreens have oils in them and if those oils end up on your lash line the retention may suffer.

Neither chlorine nor saltwater are enemies of the extensions. With proper care both can be done safely.

TIPS:

• Rinse your eyes immediately after the swim.
• Wear stick sunscreen that is waterproof, oil-free, and alcohol free.
• Try not to rub your eyes, but blot them instead, releasing some excess water.

Myth #6: Your Lashes Won't Look Good After Swimming

This one is also… FALSE.

After the first 24 hours, your lashes are technically waterproof. The water will not affect your retention, it is actually recommended to wash your eyelashes daily to keep them healthy. What can happen is the chlorine or saltwater can temporarily clump your lashes together, but that is easily reversed by washing, drying, and brushing.

TIPS:

• Rinse your lashes with fresh water immediately after swimming.
• Choose a lash tech who is well trained and uses high-quality materials.
• Follow the aftercare recommendations.

Myth #7: You Don't Need Special Products for Swimming

You already know that you should cleanse your lashes daily. But can you do it with your regular face wash?

No, you can’t. This is FALSE.Regular face washes contain ingredients that:

A) Might be too harsh for gentle skin around the eyes.

B) Contain oils.

You should invest in a special lash shampoo that has a balanced pH - perfect for cleansing, yet gentle enough for your eyelids. Lash sealants could be a good investment as well. You apply just a tiny bit to the spot where your extensions are attached and it can potentially protect them from salt or chlorine.

TIPS:

• Purchase a special lash shampoo for daily cleansing
• Keep a spoolie in your gym/beach bag for a quick brush after the swim
• Talk to your lash tech about potentially using a lash coating
• Invest in a pair of swimming goggles.

Pool vs Ocean vs Lake: What's the Difference?

You shouldn’t have to decide between maintaining your eyelash extensions and enjoying swimming. Once you understand how different types of water affect the lash adhesive and what to do post-swim, this should no longer be a concern.

As you can see, the fresh water is safest, but it doesn’t mean you should skip the perfect day in the sun by the ocean or skip a pool date. The key to helping your extensions last as long as possible is proper care.

Complete Pre-Swim Preparation Guide

Swimming with lash extensions – YES or NO? We say YES, but with a little prep.

If you are still worried about how water will affect your extensions and not sure what to pack in your gym or beach bag, this guide is for you! Follow these simple steps to ensure proper retention.

1. Your lash appointment should be scheduled 1-2 days before your swimming session.
2. Keep your eye area completely dry for 24 hours
3. Apply lash sealant before swimming (optional, but might be helpful)
4. Pack your essentials:

Gym bag: goggles, lash shampoo, brush, a spoolie.

Beach bag: goggles (optional), sunscreen stick (no oil- or alcohol-based), lash shampoo, a bottle of clean water, a spoolie.

How to Care for Eyelash Extensions After Swimming

What matters most is not the water itself, but how long the exposure is and how well you clean the lashes afterwards. The longer the exposure, the greater the effect it has on the retention.

It is best to do the following within 30 minutes after swimming:

1. Rinse with fresh water. It will stop any chemical reaction.
2. Do NOT Rub. Use gentle circular motions around the eyes instead of back and forth.
3. Pat dry gently with a tissue or let air-dry.
4. Brush with a clean wand. If you don’t have one, don’t worry. You can put the lashes in the right direction with your clean fingers. They might look a little criss-crossed, but that doesn’t damage them.
   

As soon as you can (ideally within 2 hours, but at least that same night) do this:

Cleanse with extensions-safe cleanser. Use a soft brush to distribute the shampoo, paying attention to the eyelid. Only soft touch, no rubbing.

Allow to air dry completely if you have the time or use a clean tissue/paper towel to blot the excess water. Do not use a regular towel as it might pull the lashes.

Quick Summary

• Saltwater = extra thorough cleansing needed
• Chlorine = cleaning needed to remove residue completely
• Fresh water = cleaning recommended, though not as crucial and can wait longer.

Lash Extensions and Swimming: When to Avoid the Water

There are times when you should avoid the water completely in the best interests of your health and/or to make your extensions last longer. Here is a full list of WHEN and WHY

• Within 24-48 hours of application

Yes, you are right. We’ve mentioned it several times by now, but it is worth listing again. This time is needed for the glue to set.

• If adhesive feels loose or extensions shedding

If you notice more shedding than expected (2-5 lashes daily is normal, but more than that might be a sign of premature shedding and is best discussed with your lash tech)

• Active eye infection or irritation

If you notice signs of an eye infection: swelling, itching, redness, oozing pus from one or both of the eyes - it is best to see a doctor and potentially remove the extensions.

• Immediately after a lash refill

Even though only roughly half of the lashes have been replaced, you should still wait 24 hours.

• If you notice allergic reaction

True allergic reaction is rare, but can happen and includes the signs of redness, itching, and swelling. You should contact your lash tech immediately for potential next steps.

Conclusion: Enjoy Swimming Without Worry

Let’s summarize everything we’ve talked about in a few simple ideas:

• Swimming with extensions is absolutely possible

Yes! As long as you take simple precautions, you are good to go.

• Myths create unnecessary fear

Eyelash extensions are one of the most popular beauty services and, of course, there is a lot of conflicting information and myths. Do not give in to fear, stay informed.

• Proper timing is critical

Repeat after me: “I should wait 24 hours before getting my lashes wet every time I see my lash tech”.

• Aftercare determines success

Clean those lashes daily. At our salon we notice a strong correlation between the retention and how clean the person’s lashes are.

• Right care products make all the difference

All you need is: a good lash cleanser and a lash coating (potentially). Some people could also benefit from lash growth serums. Talk to your lash tech to find out what would work best for YOU.

At Beauty Republic, we know everything about eyelash extensions. When you choose us as your lash artists, you can be sure that your lash health is our priority. We always assess your eyelashes and suggest the best set just for you. We make sure you know how to take care of your lashes and help you plan your appointments around events and vacations. We are also available 24/7 to answer any questions and give personalized recommendations.

Schedule a Free consultation to get swimming-specific lash advice.

Violetta

Licensed esthetician with over 8 years of experience and 2,000+ happy clients.

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