Eyelash extensions can be expensive, ranging anywhere between $100 and $400, depending on what kind of style you get. Given the hefty sum of this beauty treatment, you might be wondering how to get the most bang for your buck — AKA, you’re wondering if you can reuse your lash extensions.
Read on with the team here at Lashify® to learn more about eyelash extensions, how long they last, which extensions are reusable, and how to take proper care of them.
What Are Lash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions are one of the most dramatic ways to amplify your makeup look. They’re small synthetic fibers that attachto your natural lashes for a bolder look.
The fibers are usually made from faux mink, nylon, or silk materials, although eyelash extensions come in a variety of styles and lengths.
What Are Some Types of Eyelash Extensions?
- Classic Eyelash Extensions: These are the most common eyelash extension type. They provide your lashes with a natural, subtle boost of length without adding much by way of volume. One strand is applied to each natural lash.
- Volume Eyelash Extensions: These extensions provide your lashes with volume and length. They’re applied by attaching three strands to each one of your natural lashes.
- Wispy Eyelash Extensions: These are hybrid eyelash extensions that create a feathery look by using eyelashes of varying lengths. Kim Kardashian actually inspired this extension style!
What Are False Eyelashes?
First off, you should know that eyelash extensions differ from false eyelashes. Eyelash extensions are a complete set of eyelashes that are adhered to the lash line — often by a lash technician — and can last for several weeks at a time. Once they fall off, though, that’s it.
False eyelashes, on the other hand, are store-bought lash strips that are glued just above the lash line. These have to be removed at the end of each day you wear them, although some types can be reused.
There are three main types of false eyelashes: strip lashes, cluster or flare lashes, and individual single lashes.
Strip Lashes
Strip lashes are temporary lashes for daily use. These bands of fake lashes are glued above your lash line, and they’re usually applied with lash adhesive and tweezers in a quick motion.
You can trim strip lashes to fit the shape of your individual eyes — just be sure to measure them before applying them to get the best fit.
Most strip lashes are made with synthetic fibers and can be reused around three times with proper cleaning. However, some strip lashes are self-adhesive. These can’t be reused and should be disposed of after the first use.
To clean strip lashes, wash your hands and then use your thumb and index finger to gently peel the lashes off, starting from the outer corner. Place the lashes on a clean towel.
Then, take a cotton swab and douse it with rubbing alcohol or oil-free eye makeup remover (our Melt Away Removerremoves Gossamers® and any other eye makeup in one swoop). Use the cotton swab to carefully rub off any eye makeup or glue from your false eyelashes.
Then, take another cotton swab dipped in warm water to remove any remaining mascara or residue on the lashes.
Cluster Lashes
Cluster lashes, also known as “flares,” are smaller pieces that can be a bit easier to work with than strip lashes. If you need more practice with applying strip lashes, this might be the style of false lashes for you.
Cluster lashes are easier to place onto the lash line, and the corners don't lift as strips can. They can be applied in a row to give the appearance of a full strip lash, or they can be placed on the outer corners for a cat-eye look.
To apply cluster lashes, use a small amount of adhesive on the band and apply each one onto the upper lash line. Like strip lashes, clusters can be reused a few times if you take them off and care for them correctly.
Since clusters are applied directly to natural lashes, it’s important to be careful when removing them. This prevents any damage to your natural lashes.
To remove cluster lashes, apply a cotton swab dipped in petroleum jelly to your lash line. Let the petroleum jelly sit for a few minutes, and then use an eyebrow brush to wipe the lashes off. You can clean your clusters by taking a small bowl, filling it with a bit of micellar water, placing your clusters in the solution, swishing them around with a lash brush, and letting them soak for 10-15 minutes.
Afterward, take them out and place them on a paper towel. Use your tweezers, a spoolie brush, or a cotton swab to remove any glue. Brush the lashes out so that they can regain their fan-like fluff.
Individual Single Lashes
If you prefer a subtle lash look, Individual lashes may be for you.
Individual lashes are the best option for a customized look, as they usually come in sets of 30-60 strands of varying lengths. This lash style provides a more natural way to add length and fullness to your lashes. You can add these in between gaps or wherever your lashes look a bit sparse, or you can layer them up for a fuller look.
Another benefit of individual lashes is that they give you more control over your lash look in the process. You can apply each individual lash strand with a pair of tweezers or a lash applicator, though this application process can take a bit of practice.
Unlike the other two kinds of falsies we’ve mentioned, individual lashes are a bit harder to reuse. While you can remove them and clean them in the same way as the others, they’re a bit harder to keep track of once they’re off your eyes.
Can Eyelash Extensions be Reused?
In short, nope — you can’t reuse professional eyelash extensions.
In general, most eyelash extension sets can last anywhere between two to four weeks. However, as you wear your extensions, the lashes naturally fall out on their own one at a time while your natural lashes go through their natural growth cycle.
Most people who wear eyelash extensions religiously choose to go to a lash technician to get a fill-in after two weeks.
While our own Gossamers® aren’t designed to be reused, 90% of our customers have found a way to do so. If you’re interested in more tips, you can check out the Lashify Life group on Facebook, where over 100,000 clients share helpful tips and tricks!
How To Boost the Longevity of Your Eyelash Extension Set
So, you want to make sure your extension set lasts as long as possible?
One of the biggest things you can do is avoid allowing oils to touch the lashes, as oils can break apart the bond and cause the lashes to lift. So, that also means avoiding touching your lash extensions with your fingers, as they have natural oils on them, and avoiding any oil-based eye creams or other products.
Another tip is to wait 24 hours before you shower after you apply those lashes. If your lashes do get wet, make sure you let them fully dry before doing any touch-ups. When you do shower, avoid letting the water hit your lashes directly, and when you wash your face, avoid splashing water directly onto your eyes.
Last but not least, avoid sleeping on your face, as this can affect the longevity of your lashes (and can also cause wrinkles!).
Some Additional Eyelash Tips
- Invest in oil-free makeup and skincare products. Because the oil in many kinds of makeup, makeup removers, and mascara can break down the bond on your lash extensions, it’s a good idea to use water-based foundations and other kinds of oil-free makeup.
- Keep your lashes clean. After 24 to 48 hours, you can begin to clean your lashes daily. Use an eyelash extension brush and an oil-free cleanser. Then, brush your lashes with a disposable or reusable lash brush.
- Avoid cotton or polyester pillowcases. Opt for a silk pillowcase instead to avoid friction on your extensions!
Get the Most out of Your Extensions
It makes sense that you want to get the most out of your investment, given that eyelash extensions aren’t particularly cheap. That said, while eyelash extension sets can’t be reused, some false eyelashes made of synthetic material can.
As long as you properly clean your eyelash extensions, though, and make regular visits to your lash tech for a fill-in every few weeks, you can extend their longevity and save yourself money in the long run!
Sources:
How To Clean False Eyelashes the Right Way | Greatist
Everything You Need To Know About Eyelash Extensions and How to Apply Them | Allure
This Is How Long You Can Expect Your Eyelash Extensions to Last | Byrdie
