DIY lash extensions are becoming more and more popular. They give you longer, fuller lashes without a trip to the salon. But many people who wear them wonder: can you swim with DIY lash extensions?
The answer is yes, you can swim with them, but you need to be careful. In this post, we’ll go over how water affects your lashes, the best tips for keeping them safe, and what you should avoid if you want your lashes to last.
Why Swimming Can Be Tricky With Lash Extensions
DIY lash extensions are attached to your natural lashes using glue (lash adhesive). This glue is strong but not waterproof forever. Water, chlorine, salt, and even the way you touch your eyes after swimming can all affect how long your lashes last.
Here are the main reasons swimming can be tough on lash extensions:
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Glue curing – Lash glue takes about 24–48 hours to fully set. If you swim too soon, the glue may weaken.
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Chlorine in pools – Chlorine is a strong chemical that can break down lash adhesive.
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Salt in the ocean – Saltwater can dry out your lashes and make them stiff.
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Eye rubbing – After swimming, many people rub their eyes, which can pull off extensions.
How Long Should You Wait Before Swimming?
The most important rule is: don’t get your lashes wet for the first 24–48 hours after applying them.
This waiting time allows the glue to cure completely. If you jump into a pool or ocean right away, your lashes may not stick well and could fall off much faster.
Tips for Swimming With DIY Lash Extensions
Once you’ve waited the curing period, you can swim with your lashes on. Just follow these easy tips:
✅ Do This
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Wear swimming goggles – This is the best way to protect your lashes from chlorine and salt.
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Rinse with clean water – After swimming, splash your face with fresh water to wash away pool chemicals or salt.
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Pat dry gently – Don’t rub your eyes. Instead, use a soft towel to lightly pat your lashes dry.
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Brush them – Carry a clean lash brush (spoolie) and gently comb your extensions back into shape after swimming.
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Use a lash sealant – Some lash kits offer a clear sealant that helps make glue more resistant to water.
❌ Avoid This
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Don’t rub your eyes – This can loosen or pull out your extensions.
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Don’t use oily sunscreen near your eyes – Oil weakens lash glue. Choose oil-free products for your eye area.
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Don’t soak for hours – Short swims are fine, but sitting in a hot tub or pool for a long time can make lashes shed faster.
Pool vs. Ocean: Which Is Harder on Lashes?
Both can cause problems, but in different ways:
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Pools – Chlorine is very harsh and can weaken lash adhesive quickly.
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Oceans – Saltwater dries out both your natural lashes and extensions.
If you swim often, you may need to accept that your lashes won’t last as long.
How Long Do DIY Lashes Last If You Swim?
On average, DIY lash extensions last about 5–7 days per set. If you’re careful, you might stretch this a little longer. But if you swim every day, your lashes may only last a few days.
The good news? DIY lashes are easy and affordable to reapply at home. Even if they fall off a bit faster after swimming, you can simply touch them up.
Alternatives If You Swim Often
If you’re a regular swimmer and don’t want to worry about lash glue, here are some good alternatives:
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Magnetic lashes – These don’t use glue, so water doesn’t affect them as much.
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Strip lashes – You can apply them before a party and remove them before swimming.
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Waterproof mascara – A simple option if you want extra lash volume for a swim day.
Final Thoughts
So, can you swim with DIY lash extensions? Yes, you can—but only after the glue has had time to cure, and only if you take care of them.
Remember these key tips: wait 24–48 hours before getting them wet, rinse your face with clean water after swimming, avoid rubbing your eyes, and use goggles if you can.
With a little extra care, you can enjoy both your beautiful lashes and your time in the water. And if your extensions don’t last as long because of swimming, you can always reapply them at home—it’s the beauty of DIY lashes.
