Getting new eyelash extensions can be very exciting. You are happy to finally have the thick, long lashes of your dreams, and you can't wait to do your makeup and create a full look. However, in all of your excitement, it is essential to take good care of your lashes. Follow these dos and don'ts to keep them looking great for longer and also to prevent itching and other problems. 

Do: Keep your eyelashes completely dry for the first 24 hours.

While you will eventually be able to shower and get your eyelashes wet, you do not want to do this right away. It is best to keep them completely dry for the first day, and if possible, the first two days. This gives the eyelash glue a little longer to cure, which will make your eyelashes more resilient so they last longer.

Don't: Touch them any more than necessary.

Many new eyelash extension wearers make the mistake of touching their eyelashes because they are just so enamored by them. But as soft as they feel and as much fun as they might be to touch, this is a bad idea. Each time you touch the lashes, your skin deposits oil on them. Over time, this oil will attract dust, which may make your eyes itchy. Touching your eyelashes also pulls on them a little, which weakens the glue.

Do: Use oil-free products on your face.

This goes for your makeup, your eye makeup remover, and anything else that you use near your eyes. Any product with oil may contribute to the breakdown of the eyelash glue, causing you to lose some of the extensions prematurely. 

Don't: Use waterproof mascara.

You can apply mascara to your eyelash extensions if desired, but make sure it is not a waterproof formula. The waterproof mascaras take too much product and effort to remove, which tends to be hard on the lashes.

Do: Clean your lashes weekly with a foaming lash cleanser.

Your stylist should be able to give you a specialized cleanser to use with your eyelash extensions. If they do not, you can buy such a cleanser at most pharmacies. Make sure it is specifically labeled for use on eyelash extensions. This regular cleansing will get rid of the dust and other contaminants that can build up on the eyelashes and cause irritation.

Eyelash extensions are wonderful, but you do have to take care of them. Follow the tips above, and you should be in good shape.