How To Remove Eyelash Extensions

There are a number of reasons why you might want to remove your eyelash extensions. Maybe you just want a little break from the glamour to let your real lashes shine, or maybe you are planning to start fresh with a whole new set.  

There are options when it comes to removing eyelash extensions, and we will talk you through the removal process, every step of the way. The best part is, most of the products you need can be found in everyday drugstores. 

How Are Eyelash Extensions Applied?

Eyelash extensions are the perfect way to add a certain degree of glamour to your everyday look. People choose lash extensions for a number of reasons, and there are a lot of benefits. Lash extensions might be right for you if:

• You want to add length and volume to your natural lashes
• You would like the ability to accentuate and embellish your eye shape 
• You have very straight eyelashes and want to add some dimension and curl
• You would like to save time by not having to curl your lashes every single day
• You want to roll out of bed with already-perfect lashes

The most important thing to consider when getting lash extensions is where to get them. It’s vital to choose a seasoned eyelash technician who has gone through the necessary training. 

When you enter your local salon, the first thing you can expect when getting eyelash extensions applied is a consultation from your lash technician. Believe it or not, there is a lot of artistry involved in correctly choosing and placing the extension fibers. Your lash tech will ask you about your goals for your lashes and determine the best products for you. 

The eyelash extension process will take roughly one to two hours to complete, at least for that first initial appointment. Subsequent fill appointments are not quite as lengthy. 

When getting extensions applied, you will be in a comfortable reclined position with your eyes closed. Most lash techs use gel eye pads on the under-eye area, not only for comfort but also to make it easier to see the dark fibers of the lash extensions against a white surface. 

The real work starts when it’s time to apply the lashes! Lashes are painstakingly applied one by one, with each lash fiber dipped into a specially formulated surgical-grade glue and applied to a single natural lash. 

The fibers are bonded as closely to the lash line as possible for the most natural look. The end result? A custom set of lashes made just for you and your unique eye shape!

How Long Can You Wear Eyelash Extensions?

On average, a set of professionally applied lash extensions will continue to look their best for anywhere from three to four weeks. After that, they will slowly start to shed. This is a completely natural process. Since the lash fibers are individually glued to the natural lashes, as those lashes go through their shed cycle, so do the extensions.

Like any other type of beauty maintenance, it’s totally possible to try to stretch out the time between appointments, but the appearance of the eyelash extensions will suffer. You will notice that the lashes will start to look sparse, with what will appear to be bald spots where the lashes used to be, at which point you may start to think it best to simply remove them. 

Why Would You Want To Remove Your Extensions?

People want to remove their eyelash extensions for a number of reasons, but a lot of the time it is simply because they just let them go for too long without getting a fill.  Once the lashes begin to shed, it’s only a matter of time before they all start to fade. Again, this is completely normal, and a result of the natural shed cycle and the natural oils in our skin.

Try to resist the urge to pick and pluck at those lashes! The more you touch your eyes, the more chances there are that bacteria can spread infection and create irritation in the eye area. 

How Do You Remove Eyelash Extensions at Home?

When it comes to at-home DIY lash extension removal, there are ways to do it. We want to stress the importance of having your lashes removed professionally. However, you can get those lash extensions off of your eyes safely and effectively if you are in a pinch. Here are the steps you should take if you have to remove your lashes on your own. 

Wash Your Face

First and foremost, it is imperative that you start with a fresh, clean surface. Use a cleanser to clean your face thoroughly before starting the removal process. Your lash artist may have advised you to steer clear of oil-based cream cleansers and similar products, but if you’re trying to get those lashes off, now is the time to use them.

A good tip is to step into a hot shower to wash your face because as you’ll see in the next step, creating a lot of steam is an effective way to start the process. 

Create Steam

This can be done in a number of ways. Probably the easiest way is to simply take a nice, relaxing, hot shower. Taking very long, steamy showers is generally to be avoided if you have lash extensions for the exact reason that it can weaken the adhesive bond of the glue. If you are trying to loosen them up, however, a long hot shower is exactly what you want to do.

Another option is to fill a bowl or pot with hot water, put your face over the bowl, and cover your head with a towel. Use extra caution if you choose this method, as you don’t want to burn yourself. 

If you are lucky enough to have a membership to a gym with a steam room, (or even a steam room in your own home) go ahead and lounge in that steam for a while (no workout required). 

Bonus: With all that steam, you are also giving yourself a mini-facial treatment! 

Use Warm Oil

Once you have created a clean surface and spent a little time in a steamy environment, you can move on to actually removing the lashes. The best way to go about this naturally is to use some kind of oil to do the job.

There are some differences in opinion on which oil is the best to use, but we recommend either coconut oil or olive oil if you absolutely must remove your lashes at home. These oils are commonly used in hair and skincare products and have their own benefits besides lash extension removal. Some people also swear by vaseline as an option, and baby oil will also do in a pinch. 

Start by putting the oil of your choice into a small bowl, and have a Q-tip, cloth, and spoolie close at hand. 

Rub the Oil in Gently

Using either a cloth, a clean disposable mascara spoolie, or a Q-tip (or a combination of all three, depending on what you’re comfortable with), gently massage the oil onto the lash line. Try to make sure that you are coating the lashes in the oil as you are doing so.

At this point, you can use the spoolie to gently comb through the lashes. You will notice at this point that the lash extension fibers will slowly start to come loose from the actual lashes. 

One mistake many people make at this point is that they start pulling and picking at the lashes too roughly. Exercise patience, and keep combing slowly and gently, re-applying oil as needed. Eventually, the fibers will all loosen and come off, and you’ll have a clean slate.  

After completing this process, it’s best to use a cotton ball or soft cloth to remove any excess oils and residue. Then give your face a thorough cleansing, ensuring all the excess oil is not clogging up your pores!

Why Should I Have My Lashes Removed by a Professional?

Of course, the best possible option is to have your eyelash extensions removed by an eyelash professional. If you are able, this is the best route to take. You may want to return to a professional for any of the following reasons:

• If the majority of your extensions have grown out and/or shed, and you just have a few left to remove. If this is the case, you can usually have this done in a salon quickly, and often free of charge. 
• If you simply aren’t happy with the way you look in eyelash extensions and you want to have them taken off. If you truly have a whole set of extensions to remove, this is best left to the pros. 
• If you’re experiencing any sort of discomfort or a pricking sensation in the days following your lash extension application. Sometimes one or two extensions can get stuck together, or you might run into a situation where one extension was accidentally glued to more than one eyelash. It’s an easy fix, but definitely requires the steady hand of a professional. 

Eyelash technicians have specialized solvents or gel removers that they can use to quickly remove lash extensions, and if you are feeling at all apprehensive about the process, it’s not a bad idea to simply book an appointment for removal. 

The process a professional will use is similar to what you might do at home, but with higher-quality products and a trained eye and hand. You will just get to sit back and relax as a lash tech uses solvents, tweezers, and cotton balls to remove the unwanted lashes. 

Eyelash Extension Removal Made Easy

When it comes to eyelash extensions, removal is simple. Those who want to take a DIY approach can remove them easily with a little natural olive or coconut oil, or even vaseline. It just takes a little time and patience. However, the lash professionals are always there to help and should be utilized for removal unless it’s an emergency and you need them removed immediately.  

Sources:

Eyelash Extensions Pros and Cons: What to Know Before You Get Them | Healthline

Eyelash Extension Facts and Safety | American Academy of Ophthalmology

How To Remove Eyelash Extensions at Home with Vaseline or Coconut Oil | Beauty Clue