Not shampooing your eyelashes regularly can lead to a buildup of dirt, oil, and debris that can cause a number of problems. Some key things that can happen if you don’t shampoo your lashes include:
Oily, greasy lashes
One of the most obvious effects of not shampooing your lashes is that they can start to appear oily and greasy. Your lashes naturally pick up oils and dirt from the environment, makeup residue, and natural oils secreted by your meibomian glands. Over time, this buildup can make lashes look clumpy and greasy.
Increased risk of styes and inflammation
The oils, dirt, makeup, and bacteria that accumulate on unwashed lashes provide an ideal environment for infections to develop. Not cleaning your lashes regularly increases the chances of getting styes, which are painful bumps caused by blocked oil glands or bacterial infections of the eyelash follicles. The debris on your lashes can also lead to blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelids.
Discoloration and yellowing
Just like any other part of your body, lashes can start to appear dull, discolored and yellow if they are not cleaned regularly. Mascara, eyeliner, pollution, and other particles clinging to your lashes can make them appear brassy and yellowed over time. Shampooing helps remove this buildup and keeps lashes looking fresh.
Increased eyelash fallout
Letting too much oil, makeup, and dirt accumulate on your lashes can put a strain on the hair follicles. This can potentially lead to damage and trauma to the follicles, causing some lashes to fall out prematurely. Gently cleansing your lashes helps remove debris without overstressing the follicles.
Clumping and tangling
When lashes are covered in a layer of oils, makeup, and debris, the individual lashes are more likely to stick together and tangle. Unwashed lashes tend to clump together into spikes and look uneven and messy. Gently washing away buildup allows lashes to separate neatly.
Mascara flakes off easily
Trying to apply mascara over lashes that are coated in oils and dirt will make getting an even coat difficult. The mascara is also more likely to smudge off easily throughout the day. Preparing lashes with a gentle wash ensures mascara glides on smoothly and lasts.
Increased irritation
Leaving makeup, dirt, and debris on your lashes for too long can cause irritation, redness, and itchiness around the eyes. The contaminants resting on your lashes provide a constant source of irritation that can leave the eye area feeling aggravated.
Higher risk of eye infections
Bacteria and microorganisms easily multiply on unclean eyelashes. Not washing away this buildup means you have an increasing amount of bacteria right next to your eyes. This raises the chances of developing eye infections like conjunctivitis, which can be difficult to get rid of.
Sparse, damaged lashes
Over time, the constant presence of grime resting on lashes can cause damage to the hair follicles. This can stunt growth and lead to broken, sparse lashes. Gently cleansing helps nourish lashes without inflicting damage.
How often should you shampoo your eyelashes?
Most eye experts recommend washing your eyelashes 1-2 times per week as part of your regular facial cleansing routine. Here are some general guidelines on shampooing lash frequency:
- Everyday eyelash wearers: Shampoo 1-2 times per week
- 2-3 times a week eyelash wearers: Shampoo 1-2 times per week
- Occasional eyelash wearers: Shampoo every 1-2 weeks
- Those with oily skin or prone to styes: Shampoo 2-3 times per week
- Those with sensitive eyes: Shampoo 1 time per week
You may need to wash your lashes more frequently depending on your individual lash condition, level of eye makeup worn, and if you have any eye infections or complications.
Can you use regular shampoo on eyelashes?
It’s best to avoid using regular hair shampoo to wash your eyelashes. Hair shampoo is formulated to cleanse the hair on your scalp and contains ingredients that may be too harsh for the delicate eye area. Using regular shampoo around your eyes can cause stinging, irritation, and dryness.
Instead, look for a gentle, eyelash-specific shampoo that is free of irritants. Options like hypoallergenic baby shampoo or a specialized eyelash cleanser contain mild ingredients that will thoroughly cleanse lashes without drying them out.
How to properly shampoo your eyelashes
Here is a simple step-by-step method for effectively shampooing your lashes:
- Start with clean hands and gather your supplies – a mild, fragrance-free lash shampoo, cotton pads or soft washcloth, and a clean towel.
- Wet your face and cotton pad or washcloth with warm water. Wring it out so it’s damp but not dripping.
- Apply a small drop of lash shampoo to the dampened pad or cloth.
- Gently wipe the pad or cloth over your closed eyelids from the inner to the outer corners. Take care not to scrub too hard.
- Rinse away shampoo residue by wiping your eyelids with a clean, damp cotton pad or washcloth.
- Gently dry your lashes and eye area with a clean towel. Take care not to rub your lashes.
- Apply any lash conditioners or serums as desired while lashes are still damp.
Always be very gentle when cleansing the delicate eye area. Take care not to pull or scrub lashes. Pat them dry rather than rubbing vigorously. See an eye doctor if you experience any irritation or discomfort.
Can I use eyelash cleanser everyday?
It’s generally safe to use an eyelash cleanser daily, as long as you choose a gentle, non-irritating formula. However, most eye care experts recommend limiting full lash washings to 1-2 times per week. Here are some tips on daily eyelash cleansing:
- Use a mild eyelash cleanser if washing lashes daily.
- Limit full washings to 1-2 times per week. On other days, just dampen a cotton pad with water to wipe lashes clean.
- Make sure to rinse all cleanser residue off thoroughly.
- Be very gentle and take care not to over-rub the eye area.
- Apply a hydrating, conditioning lash serum after cleansing to prevent drying.
- Discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
Check with your eye doctor if you have concerns about daily cleansing. They can help assess your individual lash care needs.
Are eyelash cleansers necessary?
Cleansing eyelash shampoos or cleansers are not an absolute necessity for everyone. However, they provide an effective, gentle way to keep lashes clean, especially if you wear eye makeup regularly. Here are some key benefits of using an eyelash cleanser:
- Removes buildup – Lash cleansers wash away dirt, oil, makeup, and debris that regular face washing may miss.
- Prevents infections – Washing away bacteria on lashes helps prevent styes, blepharitis and other infections.
- Reduces irritation – Cleansing Buildup can cause irritation. Washing it away helps reduce redness and itchiness.
- Enhances mascara – Clean lashes allow mascara to glide on smoothly and evenly.
- Nourishes lashes – Cleansers remove impurities while depositing nourishing ingredients.
While not absolutely necessary for everyone, many find that a regular lash cleansing routine helps keep their eyes fresh, lashes healthy, and eye makeup looking flawless.
Home remedies and natural cleansers
There are several home remedies and natural cleaning options that can be used to effectively cleanse eyelashes:
Baby shampoo
Diluted, fragrance-free baby shampoo works well to gently wash eyelashes and the eye area. Make sure to rinse thoroughly.
Natural oil cleanser
A cleansing oil made from oils like jojoba, sunflower, or olive oil can dissolve debris and rinse away easily.
Coconut oil
The fatty acids in coconut oil help dissolve oil-based makeup and lifts away dirt from lashes.
Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera provides a soothing, gentle cleanser for delicate eyelashes.
Tea tree oil
Diluted tea tree oil helps cleanse lashes while its antimicrobial properties help kill bacteria.
Baking soda
Mix a pinch of baking soda with water to create a natural, non-irritating lash cleanser.
Honey
Honey attracts and lifts away dirt while also depositing hydrating properties.
When using natural cleansers, carefully avoid getting any products in your eyes. Always rinse completely afterwards with clean water.
Can I use eyelash shampoo on eyebrows?
Gentle eyelash shampoos can work well for cleaning eyebrows, which also collect dirt, oil, and product buildup. However, take care to avoid formulations that may irritate the sensitive eye area. Look for lash shampoos designed for use around the eyes or use a diluted baby shampoo. Gently apply to brows with a washcloth or cotton swab.
Conclusion
Regularly cleansing your eyelashes is an important part of lash care, especially if you wear everyday eye makeup. Allowing too much buildup can lead to clumping, breakage, and eye infections. Aim to shampoo your lashes 1-2 times per week with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser. Special lash shampoos or natural cleansers like diluted baby shampoo help lift away debris without over-drying. Be very gentle, take care to rinse thoroughly, and discontinue use if any irritation occurs. With proper cleansing, your lashes will stay healthy, fresh, and ready for your favorite mascara.
