How to Clean Eyelash Extensions and Falsies

How to Clean Eyelash Extensions and Falsies, According to Experts

A little TLC goes a long way in extending wear and protecting lashes.

By Genesis Rivas

Updated on July 12, 2023 @ 06:39AM

Photo:

Getty Images

Considering how transformative eyelashes can be, it's important to treat them with TLC. Of course, this means knowing how to clean lashes properly — especially falsies and lash extensions. In fact, cleaning your eyelashes will help to extend their wear and maintain their shape, says celebrity makeup artist Renny Vasquez. Fortunately, cleaning your eyelashes doesn't take much. With just a couple of products and a few minutes, you're able to keep your lashes long and beautiful for a longer period. To find out how, we tapped Vasquez and Clementina Richardson, celebrity lash expert and founder of Envious Lashes.

Ahead, learn how to clean your falsies and lash extensions.

Person looking in mirror and applying mascara — Getty Images

How to Clean Falsies

Whether you decide to use magnetic lashes, faux mink lashes, or silk lashes, cleaning them regularly is non-negotiable. "With false lashes, you should clean them after each use so you can reuse them a few times," Richardson tells us.

"Use a very gentle cleanser, like baby shampoo, and let it sit for a few minutes," instructs Richardson. Alternatively, Vasquez says you can also use a lash cleanser, like the KISS Falscara Remover ($6), which is an affordable option that gently removes any residue on the lashes.
After you've applied the cleanser onto the lashes, Richardson recommends gently rubbing them with your fingers or a clean spoolie brush to help remove any stickiness and makeup. "The glue that's attached to the strip should come off easily," she tells InStyle.
Once the lashes are free of any residue, lay them out to dry.
After they're dry, use a clean mascara wand or spoolie brush to brush out the falsies to help return them to their original shape and prevent them from sticking together.

How to Clean Eyelash Extensions

When cleaning eyelash extensions, Richardson says it's important to be gentle with them. "Avoid washing your face and your eye area in the shower as you have to be very gentle, and the water pressure from shower heads is way too aggressive on extensions," she says.

Begin by applying an oil-free cleanser on a microfiber washcloth or the Take My Face Off Mitt ($14) and applying it all over your face, including over the eyes, recommends Richardson. Other cleansers that use oils in their formulas can weaken the lashes and make them shed quickly, which is why it's better to opt for an oil-free, lash-friendly formula, like the Envious Lashes Oil-Free Makeup Remover ($15).
"When it comes to your eyes, rub the cleanser only in one direction repeatedly," notes Richardson. "Then, lean over the sink and rinse with water using your palms."
Finish by gently patting (never rubbing) your face with a dry towel.
After you've cleansed your lash extensions, gently brush them out with a clean spoolie brush and enjoy newly clean, fluffy, beautiful, and long lashes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use foam cleansers to clean my lashes?

While this is a popular social media hack, it isn't a must, Richardson confirms. "Using a foaming cleanser is only necessary if you have dead skin buildup around your lashes," she says. "Otherwise, constantly fussing with your lash extensions shortens their lifespan, causing them to shed prematurely."
Where should I lay out false lashes to dry?

You can dry your falsies on a microfiber washcloth or even a paper towel. Just avoid any material, such as cotton pads and swabs, that can transfer to the lashes.
How can I restore false lashes that have lost their shape?

First, make sure that your falsies are wet before reshaping. Then, lay a pair laterally across the length of your finger. Next, use a spoolie to gently brush hairs from the lash line to ends. Finally, store and set lashes in their original box.