Most don't think twice about taking our false eyelashes off before bed. After all, why would you want to get some shut-eye with something that might irritate you? And we're not talking about your squeeze.
But if you're thinking of giving it a try, you might wonder: can you sleep with false eyelashes on?
The answer is YES, but also maybe and then NO. Technically, you CAN sleep with your falsies on. However, before dozing off with your fake lashes in place, you should keep a few things in mind.
For starters, sleeping with false eyelashes can strain your natural lashes unnecessarily. Eventually, this will cause them to become weaker and more brittle. In addition, sleeping with false eyelashes on can also lead to an accumulation of dirt and bacteria around your lash line, which can lead to infections.
Still, it’s not all doom and gloom (promise) read on to find out more.
Should You Sleep in Magnetic Lashes?
If you're considering giving magnetic lashes a try, it's essential to know that you should remove them before bed. If left on too long, the magnetic liner can irritate your eyelid and damage your natural lashes.
Magnetic false lashes were designed to be easily removable and should only be worn for short periods. So if you're looking for a lash option that you can sleep in, magnetic lashes are not the way to go.
The best way to look after your magnetic falsies is to remove them before bed and store them in a clean, dry place. Removing your mag-lashes will help extend their lifespan and ensure they're always ready to wear.
What About Sleeping in Other False Lashes?
If you're not planning on wearing magnetic lashes, there are still a few things to remember, just in case you hit the sack with your falsies still in place.
When it comes to false eyelashes, there are two main types: strip lashes and individual lashes.
Strip lashes are glued along your lash line and can stay in place for longer than most. On the other hand, individual lashes are applied one by one for a natural look with the intention that you sleep in them.
Can You Sleep in Individual Lashes?
Manufacturers design individual lashes for longevity. You can sleep in them. They're made to stay in place for at least a month, or 5-6 weeks if you're lucky.
There will be some fallout because your natural lashes have a life cycle of 6-12 weeks (depending on some outside factors), and the rate of shedding will influence the life of your individual fake lashes.
If you want to wear your falsies to bed, we recommend opting for individual lashes. They'll give you a natural look that will last and, with proper care, won't cause any damage to your natural lashes.
Regardless of what false eyelashes you choose, basic eye hygiene is vital. Make sure to clean your lashes and lash line before bed to prevent any build-up of dirt or bacteria.
Basic Eye Hygiene for False Lash Wearers
It's important to wash your face before night, but if you're wearing artificial eyelashes, you'll need to go the distance to ensure they're clean. Here are some tips for maintaining clean eyelashes.
- Use an oil-free makeup remover to remove any makeup or dirt from your lashes gently. We recommend using a cotton pad soaked in micellar water.
- Gently brush your lashes with a clean mascara wand to remove debris.
- Use a lash cleanser or baby shampoo to wash your lash line and lashes. Make sure to rinse thoroughly.
- Once you have removed your fake lashes, you can apply a small amount of castor oil or coconut oil to a cotton swab and lightly brush it over your lashes. Doing this will help to condition and strengthen your natural lashes.
How to Prevent an Allergic Reaction to Your False Lashes
If you're allergic to the glue used to apply false eyelashes, you may experience redness, swelling, and itching around your eyes. Always test the adhesive on a small skin area before applying it to your lash line to avoid an allergic reaction. If you feel any irritation, no matter how mild, discontinue use immediately.
Choosing a hypoallergenic glue that is safe for sensitive skin is also essential. Many brands offer safe and gentle bonds that won't irritate.
If irritation happens, remove the artificial eyelashes immediately and give the affected region a cool water rinse if you experience an allergic reaction. To minimise swelling, apply a cold compress, and if the symptoms don't go away, call your doctor.
Possible False Lash Eye Infections and How to Avoid Them
Our eyes are very sensitive, so we must take care when applying false eyelashes. If you don't take care to do it properly, you could end up with an eye infection.
To avoid infection, make sure to:
- wash your hands before applying or removing false lashes
- use a clean pair of tweezers or lash applicator
- never share false lashes with anyone else
- never apply false lashes that have been worn by someone else
- carefully remove any glue from your lash line after wearing false lashes
- store false lashes in a clean, dry place
If you experience any eye infection, conjunctivitis, redness, pain, discharge, or swelling symptoms, remove the false lashes immediately and see your doctor.
How to Extend the Life of Your False Lashes
With proper care, your false lashes can last for weeks. To extend the life of your falsies:
- avoid getting them wet
- avoid using oil-based products on your lash line
- avoid rubbing or touching your eyes
- clean your lash line regularly
- when removed, store your false lashes in a clean, dry place
Following the above suggestions will help you get the most out of your false eyelashes and prevent damage to your natural lashes.
How to Protect Your Falsies when Napping
Sleep with your eyes open - all joking aside, if you must sleep with your eyes closed, try using a silk pillowcase - this will help to protect your lashes and keep them from getting bent out of shape.
You can also try placing some cotton wool on each eyelid to act as a barrier between your lashes and your pillow - extreme, we know, but protecting our lashes is our goal.
Sleep on your back with your head lifted - this will help keep your lashes from squishing during your forty winks.
Use an eye mask with contours - this will help keep your lashes from getting squished and protect the skin around your face.
Consider having a nap without your falsies - we know this isn't ideal, but it will give your lashes a break and prevent further damage.
Keep your blankets off your face - by keeping your bedding away from your face, you can stop any friction that could potentially damage your lashes.
The no blanket rule also applies to your pyjamas, and don't let your cat sleep on your face - bringing a whole new meaning to catnapping. Check out this funny TikTok video.
Final Thoughts
On a serious note, fake lashes contain chemicals and adhesives that can harm your natural lashes if not used correctly. We recommend only wearing falsies for special occasions and taking them off before you go to bed.
Alternatively, if you're unsure, go for high-quality individual lashes applied with a safe adhesive or considered pre-glued lashes. Whatever you do, look after them well to avoid damage.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and found it informative if not conclusive, it will give you food for thought. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us - we're always happy to hear from you.
