PHOENIX — Eyelash extensions are proving to be more than just a fad. But with the popular beauty trend sticking around, a new conversation has emerged — lash lice and mites.

But first — if you’re wondering what eyelash extensions are, they are when a single synthetic eyelash gets attached to one natural eyelash. But on almost every single eyelash on both eyes.

The look gives someone the opportunity to have longer, fuller and long-term fake eyelashes.

But what is lash lice? And is it real?

“It is real, but we don’t see a lot of it,” Heather Ames, owner of Beauty Secrets Day Spa in Glendale, told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “Over the years, I’ve only seen a couple cases.”

Those cases didn’t come from her salon. People came to her salon in Glendale seeking help.

“It basically comes down to clients not cleaning their lashes or going somewhere that is not sanitary,” Ames said.

Ames and the estheticians who work for her salon strongly communicate to their clients the importance of cleaning eyelash extensions.

But what happens if eyelash extensions go unwashed?

“It can cause a build of dirt and oil along the lash line, which can create bacteria, therefore spreading it and making it worse,” Ames said.

Beauty Secrets Day Spa in Glendale gave @KTAR923 tips on how to be smart with eyelash extensions and properly clean them to avoid any kind of lash lice or mites. #EyelashExtensions pic.twitter.com/mih2hSgawJ

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) November 22, 2019

Her salon sells a cleanser to its clients, but there are plenty of different options for anyone out there looking for one.

An easy and affordable option is super gentle baby shampoo that is watered down.

Regardless of what solution you end up using, do not use cotton to apply it.

This can leave behind residue and tug at your lashes, making them fall out.

Instead, with clean fingers, apply it by dabbing on your lashes or use a special lash brush to work the solution onto your eyelashes.

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