Can You Get Your Lashes Wet After a Lash Lift? Aftercare Guide
Lash Lift Aftercare: How to Make Your Lash Lift Last Longer
A lash lift is a total game-changer for anyone who wants a low-maintenance, polished look. Most clients find that once they get their first lash lift, they’re hooked. With just a few simple daily habits, you can help your lift last longer and keep your natural lashes healthy.
If you’ve ever been confused about lash lift aftercare or heard conflicting advice online, this guide clears it up using real lash chemistry.
Day of Your Lash Lift: What to Do (and What to Avoid)
The first day after your lash lift is the most important.
Here’s what we recommend:
Do not get your lashes wet for the first 24 hours
Skip mascara for the rest of the day
Try not to sleep directly on your face the first night (to make sure your lashes aren’t bent or twisted)
Avoid hot steam, saunas, hot yoga, and steamy showers for the next 48–72 hours
These steps help protect both the curl and the direction of the lashes while they’re fully setting.
Can I Get My Lashes Wet After a Lash Lift?
This is one of the most common questions clients ask - and the most confusing one online.
If you’ve ever had a lash artist tell you not to get them wet for 24–48 hours, but then seen videos of artists rinsing lashes right after a lift, you’re not wrong to feel confused.
The short answer:
Yes, you can get your lashes wet -- after the first 24 hours.
Before that, it’s best to avoid water completely.
Why We Say “Don’t Get Them Wet for 24 Hours”
A lash lift works by breaking and reforming disulfide bonds, which determine the natural shape of the lash. These bonds can only be altered using chemical reducing agents - not water.
Water on its own does not undo the curl.
However, immediately after the service, lashes are still settling into their new shape and direction.
If water hits the lashes too soon - it can interfere with how the lashes sit, even if the curl itself remains intact (longevity of the curl).
That’s why we recommend waiting a full 24 hours before getting them wet. It’s about protecting the final result.
Steam vs. Water: What Matters Most After a Lash Lift
Steam is more of a concern than water alone.
During a lash lift, the cuticle layer of the lash opens to allow product penetration. After the service, the cuticle slowly closes over the next 72 hours.
While the cuticle is still partially open, lashes are more porous and vulnerable.
Steam combines heat and moisture, which increases absorption and can cause swelling inside the lash. That swelling can:
Weaken the structure of the lash
Disrupt how the curl finishes setting
Make lashes feel brittle or over-processed
Lash cuticle breakdown:
Before lift: ~5–10% open
During processing: ~40–60% open
After neutralization: ~20–30% open
72 hours later: ~10–15% (back to a healthy state)
This is why hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and facials should be avoided for 48–72 hours, even after the 24-hour water window has passed.
Lash Lift Maintenance: Daily Habits That Help It Last
Once your lashes are fully set, maintenance is easy - which is why lash lifts are so addictive. We love a low maintenance beauty routine at Schulz Beauty.
Mascara & Makeup
Mascara and false lashes are fine after the first 24 hours
When removing makeup, be gentle
Use up-and-down motions, not side-to-side
Friction is the main cause of lash breakage
Sleeping & Morning Care
If you sleep on your face or side, you may wake up with lashes that look a little crimped - similar to bedhead.
This is normal.
In the morning:
Rinse your face and lashes
Brush lashes back into place (we recommend using our in-house lash conditioner) for this step
Moisturizing Your Lashes
This step makes a big difference in lash health and longevity.
After a lash lift, your lashes need hydration. Dry lashes are more prone to breakage, especially when combined with things like sleeping on your side, rubbing your eyes, or removing makeup.
That’s why we recommend using Brow Intoxxication by Bomb Duo Lash Conditioner as part of your daily routine.
Think of it like a leave-in conditioner for your lashes:
It helps replenish moisture after the lift
Keeps lashes soft and flexible
Reduces breakage caused by friction and dryness
Apply a light layer daily, especially before bed, to support lash health and extend the life of your lift. You can also use in the mornings to help brush out your lashes.
When to Book Your Next Lash Lift
A lash lift doesn’t suddenly “fall.” It grows out.
Around the 4–6 week mark, you may notice an awkward phase where some lashes are lifted and others are straight. This is completely normal.
We recommend waiting 6-8 weeks before your next lash lift, or until about 80% of the lashes have grown out. This timing helps prevent over-processing and keeps your natural lashes strong and healthy long-term.
Final Takeaway
A lash lift is meant to be effortless. Not getting your lashes wet for the first 24 hours and avoiding steam is what helps lock in the result.
Stick to the aftercare, keep lashes hydrated, and you’ll get the longest-lasting, healthiest lift possible.
Read more about our lash lift services that we offer here.