Eyelash extensions may revolutionize your entire beauty regimen in an instant, giving you an incredible, no-effort glam that lasts for weeks without the need to apply mascara or false eyelashes every day.
However, a month later, those fluttering lashes may no longer look as polished as they did when you first walked out of the salon.
In fact, you’ll probably have a few stubborn stragglers as your eyelash extensions begin to fall out.
We can help you whether you don’t have time to schedule an appointment with an eyelash technician for a fill-in or simply want to take a vacation from your lash routine.
Follow these expert-approved eyelash extension removal tips to get rid of those final few artificial lashes without harming your real lashes.
Should you remove your lash extensions at home?
You might be feeling brave enough to tackle the eyelash removal process on your own now that you’ve figured out how to cut your own hair and mastered the art of the DIY pedicure—but removing eyelash extensions instantly is best left to the pros, as it involves stripping away professional-grade lash glue.
Not only do you require the tools that a lash professional employs, but you might also contaminate the eye area with bacteria that could lead to an infection if you remove them at home.
“You should always wait for a specialist to remove your eyelash extensions for the safety of your eyes and the health of your natural lashes,” advises Andra Ciulei Marin, an eyelash extension stylist and artistic director at Courtney Akai Lash Boutique in NYC.
Even if you’re desperate to get rid of all of your lashes at once, it’s difficult to do it on your own, and the last thing you should do is remove the tweezers. Clementina Richardson, celebrity lash expert and founder of Envious Lashes in NYC, says, “Picking at your lashes would be the worst possible thing you can do.”
“Bloodstains will appear along the lash line as a result of this.” Because the extensions are linked to the normal lashes, plucking on them will cause the natural lashes to fall out.”
What’s the good news? Although you won’t be able to undertake a professional-style removal in the comfort of your own home, there are actions you can take and materials you can use to assist speed up the process.
Just don’t be surprised if it takes a few days or even a little longer. Patience is essential in this situation.
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How to remove eyelash extensions at home
#1. Use an oil-based makeup remover
Most of the “don’ts” your lash specialist told you after your installation are now encouraged when it comes to removing eyelash extensions. This involves removing eye makeup with an oil-based remover.
If you don’t have one on hand, consider the IPSY-favorite SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. C + E Micro-Dissolve Cleansing Oil, which is tough enough to break down waterproof mascara while simultaneously delivering a nutritious dose of vitamin C and vitamin E.
If you’re looking for an eye makeup remover, Marin recommends looking for products that contain glycols. “Glycols are employed as solvents in cosmetics and have been found to destroy adhesive bonding,” she says.
By saturating a cotton pad with an oil-based cleanser and applying it to your lashes on a daily basis, you’ll eventually weaken the eyelash glue’s bonds, allowing them to detach on their own.
2. Take a steamy shower
Another significant no-no when applying a new set of lashes? Water that is hot. While a long, steamy shower (or even a steam room) may not be as helpful as hitting the showers (or even a steam room) while the lash adhesive is still forming, it can help release the eyelash extension glue.
Heat and moisture are two known enemies of lash adhesives, according to Marin. “When applied in big enough and intense enough quantities, these components can disintegrate cyanoacrylate [the lash adhesive] alone, and especially when applied simultaneously.”
You shouldn’t anticipate all of your lashes to come out after one hot shower, just like you shouldn’t expect to see all of your lashes fall out after using an oil-based cleanser.
“It will take a lot of steam and hot water to impact the longevity of the eyelash extensions if a decent grade adhesive is utilized,” Marin adds.
#3. Try using castor oil
If you’re desperate to get rid of your lashes, you can use castor oil as a nightly treatment to break down the bindings while you sleep. Mineral oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, canola oil, and castor oil have all been demonstrated to impair extension adhesives, according to Marin.
During your evening skincare routine, cover a spoolie or q-tip with castor oil and brush it on your lashes after you’ve removed all of your eye makeup.
“Rub the swab or spoolie over the top of your lash line where the extensions are glued, being careful not to get any oil in your eye,” Marin advises. If oil gets into your eye, wash it out as soon as possible with water.
Because they create baby oil from mineral oil, it can be an excellent alternative. Try the 100 percent Pure SheaMoisture Pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil if you want to stick with glue-dissolving castor oil.
Castor oil may also aid in the growth of longer natural eyelashes.
#4. Don’t pick or pull at your lashes (fake or real)
Even if you’ve done all of the above and are still stuck with one random lash, resist the impulse to grab for the tweezer since you risk damaging your natural lashes, especially if the natural lashes you pull are still growing.
Pulling and picking your lashes might result in sparse lashes, but doing so on a regular basis can be harmful.
“Extreme follicle damage could result in irreversible harm if you rip your eyelashes off all the time,” Marin warns.
Read: How to Choose the Right Hair Extension for Short Hair
#5. Layer on mascara
Instead of selecting or pulling out the remaining lash extensions, try concealing them with lengthening mascara and eyeliner.
“A good black liner on your upper lid will cover up any stragglers,” Marin advises. Not only can mascara help blend stubborn extensions that appear to be clinging to your lashes for dear life, but it can also help weaken the adhesive that keeps the extensions attached to your natural lashes.
“My advice is to wear mascara every day,” Marin explains. “Because most mascaras are rich with waxes and oils, any residual extensions should fall off after roughly a week of use.”
To speed up the process, apply mascara like NEUTROGENA Healthy Volume Mascara throughout the day—this formula contains both olive and sweet almond oil—and then remove it with an oil-based makeup remover at night.
This is one of those times when two major lash extension mistakes come together to create a right.
#6. Be gentle
Once your eyelash extensions have fallen out, treat your natural lashes with care, especially when adding or removing makeup. “Avoid forceful rubbing and avoid putting too much pressure on the lashes or eye area,” Marin advises.
Instead, use an eyelash conditioner or growth serum to nurture and strengthen those delicate hairs, allowing them to grow long and strong.
Although there is no miracle at-home lash remover for extensions, these professional recommendations can help you understand how to let those artificial lashes fall out faster on their own while still protecting and maintaining the quality of your natural lashes.
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Caring for Eyelash Extensions
For sultry eyes, eyelash extensions lengthen, volumise, and thicken your natural lashes. They’re enjoyable to wear and apply for, and the process is simple.
Lash extensions will be shed with your natural lashes after 30 to 45 days of growth. If you take proper care of your lashes, they will last as long as you expect.
- Avoid wetting your eyelashes for 24 hours after going in for eyelash extensions.
- It is not recommended to wear mascara, and you really shouldn’t have to. But if you feel like you need an extra boost of volume, you can use an oil-free mascara on the tips once they grow out a bit.
- Do not use anything oil-based, including cleansers, hydrators, or makeup removers, as this will break down the adhesive quicker.
- It’s best to sleep on your back if at all possible so that your face doesn’t hit the pillow and absolutely do not wear an eye mask. Anything pressing on your lashes can irritate them or point them in the wrong direction.
- Don’t pull, pluck, twist, or fuss with the extensions.
- Never use an eyelash curler.
Is It Safe to Remove Eyelash Extensions at Home?
Having your eyelash extensions removed by a professional is the safest approach to remove them (for both your natural lashes and your eyes).
Extensions are usually bond with surgical-grade glue, which isn’t something a novice should experiment with.
Bacteria can also readily move into the eye area, something a lash artist can easily avoid (they have hundreds of hours of training, not to mention the proper equipment).
So, if you have the option, you should wait to consult a specialist.
However, there are times when you won’t be able to go into the salon to have your lashes removed and will need to take matters into your own hands.
Fortunately, there are a few damage-free, expert-approved techniques to remove eyelash extensions at home, whether you’re in between treatments or just want to give your natural lashes a break.
Just remember to pay attention to our warnings regarding the sanitary and safety concerns of taking matters into your own hands.
Should I Use a Professional Eyelash Extension Remover
Certainly not! Eyelash extension remover, specifically prepared with highly strong glue-dissolving ingredients, is used by professionals.
If this substance comes into contact with your eyes, it can be very hazardous. Only professional and certified lash stylists should use them.
On the market, there are two types of professional lash extension removers: gel remover and cream remover.
Gel removers are usually transparent and have a high viscosity. Lash stylists commonly use this type of remover. Cream removers, on the other hand, are often more viscous than gel removers and are used to completely remove extensions.
These products are incredibly effective and can be found in professional beauty supply stores as well as on the internet. They guarantee that the lash adhesive is completely removed.
Why You Shouldn’t Remove Eyelash Extensions at Home
We’ve gone through how to remove lash extensions at home in detail. However, I believe you should be aware of the hazards before undertaking the operation.
I typically advise avoiding removing eyelash extensions yourself at home. In fact, I urge having them professionally removed whenever feasible.
Conclusion
Eyelash extensions aren’t exactly low-maintenance, but they certainly add a lot of glitz to your look.
If you’re in love with your stylish extensions and want to maintain them, it’s recommended to return for touch-ups within three to four weeks instead of removing them and starting over.
If it’s a one-time event, though, you can securely remove the extensions at home.
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