POST 1 — BLOG

If you have a dog or cat at home—or even volunteer around animals—your furry friends could be secretly sabotaging your lash retention.

One of my longtime clients began experiencing serious retention issues after volunteering at a dog rescue. Every two weeks, she’d return with barely any extensions left. She was adamant that the animals weren’t the cause. But guess what? As soon as she stopped volunteering around the dogs, her retention completely recovered—and she hasn’t had a single issue in over four years.

How Animal Dander Affects Lashes

Dander can cling to your natural lashes and lash extensions, creating irritation around the eye area. This can lead to:

• Inflammation or itching around the lash line

• Poor bonding of the adhesive due to dander buildup

• Premature lash extension loss due to increased rubbing or weakened retention

Indoor pet owners—especially those with cats—are the most at risk. Dander doesn’t just float in the air. It clings to your pillowcases, clothes, and even your extensions.

Cat Allergens: Invisible but Powerful

From Allergy Insider:
“While cat allergens are present in the animal’s saliva, urine, and dander, they can become airborne and linger suspended in air for long periods. They can end up in environments with or without cats—including schools, households, and transportation. Cat allergens cling to bedding, clothing, and furniture and can cause year-round symptoms. They may remain in an environment for months without degrading.”
Source: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Allergy Insider
Cat Dander Fact Sheet

This means even if you don’t touch your pet before your appointment, allergens may still be present on your clothes, pillowcases, and hair—causing invisible problems for your lash line.

The Solution: Cleanse With the Right Products

To protect your lash investment, I recommend daily cleansing using a high-quality, lash-safe cleanser. My top choice is:

Xtreme Lashes® Eye Makeup Remover & Facial Cleanser
It’s oil-free, alcohol-free, and sulfate-free—specifically formulated to:

• Gently cleanse dander and bacteria

• Keep lash extensions fresh and intact

• Maintain moisture in the adhesive bond

Using harsh cleansers that contain alcohol, sulfates, or glycols will dehydrate cyanoacrylate-based adhesives. Once dehydrated, the bond becomes brittle, leading to rapid extension loss—and no, cyanoacrylate can’t be rehydrated.

Get 20% Off + Free 2-Day Delivery

I use Xtreme Lashes® because they’re the gold standard in lash care. Their Eye Makeup Remover & Facial Cleanserwas formulated by a nurse and is trusted by professionals worldwide.

This multitasking cleanser:

• Uses a soothing aloe vera juice base to gently cleanse and hydrate skin

• Contains a coconut-derived cleansing agent that removes dirt, oil, and makeup

• Features antioxidant-rich rosehip, chamomile, eyebright, and cucumber to calm, refresh, and protect the skin

• Is over 90% natural, with no artificial colors, fragrances, dyes, or mineral oil

• Is sulfate-free and safe for sensitive skin

• Is specifically formulated for use with eyelash extensions

This is not just a cleanser—it’s a daily beauty treatment for your face, lashes, and brows.

👉 Use my link to receive 20% off your order and free 2-day delivery:
www.xtremelashes.com/Retail/xl2025

Affiliate Disclosure

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase through the link above, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust in my professional practice.