Swimming, Saunas, and Lash Extensions – What’s Safe?

Looking After Lash Extensions During Swimming and Water Activities

As Lash Technicians, we know that some of the first questions clients ask, especially during warmer months or before a holiday, are: “Can I still go swimming with lash extensions?” and “Is it okay to use a sauna?”

Here’s a useful breakdown you can share with clients, helping them enjoy their lifestyle without compromising the retention of their eyelash extensions.

Swimming with Lash Extensions: Yes, but with Care

The short answer is yes, clients can swim with eyelash extensions, but they must follow the correct aftercare advice. The amount of time clients should wait before getting their lashes wet depends on the eyelash extension glue and finishing products used during their treatment.

Always follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions. If the set has not been finished with a product that completes the curing process, clients may need to avoid water for the period specified by the adhesive manufacturer. When Superbonder is applied correctly at the end of the treatment, the bonds are cured and the lashes can be exposed to water immediately.

Encourage clients to dry their eyelashes gently after swimming. They should blot around the eyes with a clean, lint-free towel and avoid excessive rubbing, which can pull on the extensions, cause premature shedding or damage the natural eyelashes.

Recommend cleansing the lashes after swimming in a pool or the sea using Lash Shampoo and a Cleansing Brush. This helps remove chlorine, salt, sunscreen and other residue that may accumulate around the adhesive bonds.

You can also provide clients with a Reusable Lash Spoolie so they can gently brush their dry lashes and keep them looking neat after swimming.

Top tip: Keep your preferred lash shampoo and cleansing brushes available for clients to purchase. Explain how they can use these products for daily cleansing, travel and post-swim aftercare.

Saunas and Steam Rooms: A Lash-Retention Risk

Heat and humidity can affect eyelash extension retention, particularly before the adhesive has fully cured. Clients should avoid saunas and steam rooms for the curing period specified by the adhesive manufacturer or Lash Technician.

Once the adhesive has fully cured, clients can use saunas and steam rooms, but frequent or prolonged exposure to heat, steam and moisture may still affect retention. Clients who regularly use these facilities may require more frequent maintenance appointments.

For regular sauna users, consider recommending a lighter lash style such as a Half Set or Angel Lashes. You can also explain when they may need more regular infills to maintain their desired look.

Quick Tips for Sun, Spas and Lash Survival

• Hot showers are fine once the adhesive has cured, but clients should avoid directing high-pressure water straight onto their lashes.
• Oily sunscreens and skincare products can build up around the adhesive bonds. Recommend an appropriate oil-free formula around the eye area or advise clients to apply their usual sunscreen carefully.
• Sand, saltwater, chlorine and sunscreen can create residue, so gentle daily cleansing is essential for keeping the lashes and eyelids clean.
• Clients should brush their lashes only when they are clean and dry.

What Can You Do as a Lash Technician?

One of the most effective ways to support lash retention is to educate your clients. Provide clear guidance that reflects the adhesive and finishing products used during their treatment, particularly for clients who regularly swim, exercise or use saunas.

You can also apply Superbonder Sealant at the end of the lash treatment. Superbonder completes the adhesive-curing process, locks in fumes and adds flexibility to the bonds. When applied correctly, it also makes the finished set water-resistant without requiring the client to wait before getting the lashes wet.

Superbonder supports retention, but clients must still cleanse their extensions correctly and avoid rubbing or pulling them. Read more in our guide to using Superbonder for lash extensions.

These simple guidelines can help clients enjoy swimming and other water-based activities without unnecessarily compromising their lash extensions. Clear, product-specific aftercare advice supports stronger retention, healthier natural lashes and greater client satisfaction throughout the year.