Swimming with Lash Extensions in Saskatoon | Expert Tips

Can You Swim with Lash Extensions in Saskatoon?

Whether you’re hitting the indoor pools at the Shaw Centre this winter, planning a tropical vacation, or training year-round at Lakewood, you’re probably wondering: “Can I still swim with my lash extensions?”

The short answer is yes—you absolutely can! I’ve had hundreds of clients enjoy swimming at indoor pools, hot tubs, winter getaways, and summer lakes while rocking gorgeous lash extensions. The key is understanding how water affects your lashes and following a few simple care tips to keep them looking fabulous year-round.

Whether you’re planning a Caribbean escape from Saskatchewan’s cold, training for a triathlon, or just love your weekly aquafit class, let me share everything I’ve learned about swimming with lash extensions from over 5 years as a certified lash technician here in Saskatoon. Ready to book your lash appointment before your next pool session or vacation?

The 24-48 Hour Rule: Your Most Important Timeline

Here’s the golden rule I tell every client at Étoile Lash Studio: wait at least 24-48 hours after your lash appointment before swimming. This waiting period is crucial because the lash adhesive needs time to fully cure and create a strong, waterproof bond.

I once had a client who booked a full set on Friday afternoon, then texted me Saturday morning panicking because she’d jumped in her friend’s pool that evening and lost several lashes. We were able to fix it with a quick refill, but it taught both of us an important lesson about timing!

If you’re planning a vacation or special event involving swimming, book your lash extension appointment at least 2-3 days in advance. This gives your lashes the best chance to bond properly and survive all your water activities.

Swimming in Chlorinated Pools: What You Need to Know

Saskatoon has amazing indoor pool facilities perfect for November—the Shaw Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre, and the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre keep us active year-round. But chlorine, while great for keeping pools clean, can gradually break down lash adhesive over time.

Does this mean you can’t swim? Absolutely not! Here’s what I recommend for regular pool swimmers:

Protection Strategies for Pool Swimming

Wear swim goggles whenever possible. This is your best defense against chlorine exposure. The goggles create a barrier that keeps chlorinated water away from your lash line. Plus, you’ll be able to see underwater without squinting!

Rinse immediately after swimming. As soon as you’re out of the pool, gently rinse your lashes with fresh water. This removes chlorine residue before it has time to weaken the adhesive. I keep a water bottle in my pool bag specifically for this purpose.

Pat dry, don’t rub. Use a clean towel to gently pat your lashes dry. Never rub or pull on them—this can cause premature shedding or damage to your natural lashes.

Brush when completely dry. Once your lashes are fully dry (about 30 minutes later), use a clean spoolie brush to gently separate and fluff them back into place.

One of my Stonebridge clients swims laps at the Shaw Centre three times a week and maintains beautiful volume lash extensions year-round. Her secret? She never skips the rinse-and-brush routine, and she comes for refills every 2 weeks instead of waiting the full 3 weeks.

Planning Ahead for Summer Lake Swimming and Winter Getaways

Good news for vacation planners! Natural lake water is much gentler on lash extensions than chlorinated pool water. Whether you’re dreaming of next summer at Pike Lake and Blackstrap, or heading to a tropical resort this winter, your lashes will handle it like champs.

Tips for Lake and Beach Swimming

Avoid aggressive splashing or diving. While lake water won’t damage your lashes, the force of diving or waves hitting your face can loosen them. Try to keep heavy water impact away from your eyes when possible.

Fresh water rinse is still helpful. If you’re swimming in a lake with lots of algae or sediment, rinse your lashes with clean water afterward to remove any debris. This keeps your lashes clean and comfortable.

Salt water requires extra care. If you’re escaping Saskatoon’s winter for an ocean beach, salt water can be slightly more drying. Rinse thoroughly and consider using a lash-safe conditioning serum to keep your natural lashes healthy.

Just last month, a client returned from a week in Mexico and sent me photos of her lashes looking absolutely perfect the entire trip. She followed the simple rinse-and-brush routine each evening after hotel pool sessions, and her hybrid lash extensions stayed gorgeous for her whole vacation.

Hot Tubs and Saunas: Perfect for November in Saskatoon

With November temperatures dropping, hot tubs and saunas become even more appealing! The combination of heat, steam, and chemicals (in hot tubs) can be more challenging for lash extensions than regular swimming, but they’re absolutely manageable.

Hot tubs contain higher concentrations of chlorine and other chemicals at elevated temperatures, which can accelerate adhesive breakdown. If you love relaxing in a hot tub after a cold November day, wear goggles or keep your face above water as much as possible.

Saunas expose your lashes to extreme heat and steam. While occasional sauna visits won’t ruin your lashes, frequent or prolonged sessions may shorten retention time. Many of my clients who use saunas regularly simply plan for more frequent refills—it’s worth it for that winter relaxation!

Adjusting Your Refill Schedule for Swimmers

If you’re swimming regularly—whether at indoor pools for winter fitness, aquafit classes, or planning frequent getaways—you’ll probably need to adjust your refill schedule.

Occasional swimmers (1-2 times per week): Stick to the standard 2-3 week refill schedule. Your lashes should hold up beautifully with proper care.

Frequent swimmers (3+ times per week): Consider refills every 2 weeks instead of 3 weeks. This keeps your lashes consistently full and beautiful despite the extra water exposure.

Competitive swimmers or water sports enthusiasts: We can create a maintenance plan that works with your training schedule. Some of my athlete clients come for mini-refills every 10 days to keep their lashes camera-ready for competitions. Check out my guide on lash extensions for athletes for more specialized tips.

Choosing the Right Lash Style for Active Water Lifestyles

Not all lash extension styles hold up the same way when exposed to frequent water. Here’s what I recommend based on your swimming habits:

Classic lash extensions are durable and maintain their shape well after water exposure. They’re perfect for swimmers who want a natural, low-maintenance look. Learn more about classic lashes.

Hybrid lash extensions offer the best of both worlds—some volume for special occasions but durability for active lifestyles. Many of my swimmer clients prefer this balanced style.

Volume lash extensions are absolutely possible for swimmers! Just be prepared for slightly more maintenance and keep that refill schedule consistent.

During your booking consultation, let me know about your swimming schedule so we can choose the perfect lash style and curl that will work with your lifestyle.

Real Client Success Stories from Saskatoon Swimmers

One of my favorite client transformations was a competitive swimmer from the University of Saskatchewan. She thought lash extensions weren’t possible with her training schedule—5 pool sessions per week at the PAC! We customized a plan with classic lashes, goggles during training, and bi-weekly refills. Six months later, she still has gorgeous lashes and has converted her entire swim team.

Another client takes her kids to Lakewood pool for family swim sessions year-round. She was worried the constant water exposure would ruin her investment. By following the rinse-and-brush routine and protecting her lashes when possible, she’s maintained beautiful lashes for over two years of regular swimming.

The Bottom Line: Swimming and Lash Extensions Are Totally Compatible

You don’t have to choose between beautiful lashes and enjoying water activities in Saskatoon! With proper timing, simple protective measures, and consistent care, your lash extensions can survive—and thrive—through indoor pool sessions, winter vacations, hot tub relaxation, and next summer’s lake adventures.

The most important things to remember:

• Wait 24-48 hours after application before swimming
• Rinse with fresh water after pool or lake swimming
• Pat dry gently and brush when completely dry
• Consider goggles for chlorinated pools
• Adjust your refill schedule if you swim frequently
• Book appointments strategically around your water activities

Ready to enjoy gorgeous lashes all year round, whether you’re poolside, lakeside, or anywhere in between? Book your appointment with Étoile Lash Studio today, and I’ll help you create a lash plan that fits your active Saskatoon lifestyle. Check out our complete aftercare guide for even more tips on maintaining beautiful, long-lasting lashes!