Demodex & Lash Extensions: What Every Lash Wearer Needs to Know
Most of my clients have great lash retention when they follow proper aftercare, but every now and then, I see a case where the extensions just aren’t lasting as long as they should.
That was the situation with a client I inherited from another lash artist. Despite applying her extensions the same way I do for everyone else, she was coming in for touch-ups way more often than my other clients.
After some troubleshooting, I asked her a simple question:
"Are you cleansing your lashes with the lash-safe cleanser I gave you?"
Her answer? No.
That’s when I let her in on something that everyone should know—proper cleansing isn’t just about keeping your lashes looking fresh. It’s also about keeping microscopic critters from taking over your lash line.
And that’s where Demodex comes in.
What Are Demodex Mites?
Demodex mites are microscopic organisms that naturally live on our skin, especially around hair follicles, including the lashes.
Most of the time, they’re harmless. They feed on dead skin cells and oil (sebum), helping to keep our skin exfoliated. But when there’s an overgrowth? That’s when problems start.
Too many Demodex mites can lead to:
✔ Irritated, itchy, or inflamed eyelids
✔ Poor lash retention (because they break down natural oils that help hold the lashes in place)
✔ A condition called Demodex blepharitis, where mites clog oil glands at the base of the lashes, leading to crusting, redness, and discomfort
What Causes an Overgrowth?
Demodex thrives when there's an excess of oil and debris—basically, a dirty lash line is their ideal breeding ground. And guess what happens when you don’t cleanse your lashes regularly?
The mites multiply, leading to inflammation, weaker lashes and lash extensions that just won’t last as long.
Other factors that contribute to an overgrowth include:
🔹 Hormonal changes (like perimenopause or menopause, which can increase oil production)
🔹 Poor hygiene (not cleansing the lash line regularly)
🔹 Age (Demodex populations tend to increase as we get older)
How to Prevent Demodex Mites from Taking Over Your Lash Line
1. Cleanse your lashes daily—morning and night.
If you wear lash extensions, use a lash-safe foaming cleanser like Cloud Bath to remove oil, makeup, and buildup.
2. Avoid oil-based products around the eyes.
Oil feeds Demodex, so stick to oil-free skincare and makeup removers.
3. Change your pillowcase regularly.
Mites and bacteria can transfer from your skin to your bedding, so swap out your pillowcase at least once a week.
4. If you experience irritation, check in with your lash artist.
If your lash extensions aren’t lasting and you have symptoms like itchy or red eyelids, a simple adjustment to your aftercare routine can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
When my clients cleanse their lashes properly and follow my aftercare instructions, their retention improves dramatically compared to their experience with previous lash artists.
So if you’ve ever noticed your lashes shedding faster than usual, before blaming the extensions, ask yourself: am I keeping my lash line clean?
A little extra care goes a long way—not just for maintaining beautiful lashes, but for your overall eye health.
If you want longer-lasting lashes, start with cleaner lashes.
📌 Have questions? Feel free to ask me at your next appointment!
Next Steps
1️⃣ Need a lash-safe cleanser? Cloud Bath is back in stock! Grab it at your next appointment.
2️⃣ Want to see what these mites look like? (Trust me, it’s eye-opening.) Check out the images below!
