Removing Eyelash Extensions At Home? How To Do It Without Lash Loss
Eyelash extensions are more common than ever before due to the majestic looks they add to one’s eyes.
Along with adding length to the natural lashes, the extensions increase the much-needed volume to make your eyes look more beautiful. Moreover, extensions take away the daily hassle of applying false lashes, which can be time-consuming and may even damage the natural lash line.[1]
On the other hand, you can wear eyelash extensions for weeks without putting any extra effort. However, you will need to occasionally visit a lash technician to remove dirty lashes and attach fresh extensions. This can be inconvenient when you may need to remove the lashes in an emergency, like when the lash extensions start falling out.
That’s why we have come up with a guide to let you know everything about removing your lash extensions at home. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
How To Remove Eyelash Extensions At Home?
Even though taking off eyelashes may seem like an easy task, it’s far from it. Tugging or pulling on your eyelashes for too long can damage the natural lash line. That’s why it’s recommended to visit your lash technician to get the eyelash extension removed with ease. However, if you’re in a hurry, check out the following procedures to take off the extensions safely and conveniently.
1. Using An Eyelash Extension Gel Remover
One of the best ways to remove eyelash extension glue is to use a gel remover. It’s a simple solution that melts the glue holding the lashes and releases them without causing any damage.
For the removal process, you should have a couple of paper towels, disposable mascara brushes, Q-tips, and cotton pads. First, squeeze the paper towel between your top and bottom lashes. Make sure to squeeze your eyelids together so the product can’t get into your eyes.
Next, put a little bit of the gel remover on the disposable mascara brush or a Q-tip and apply it to the lash line. During this step, try to target the areas where the lash extensions have been applied, to melt as much glue as possible. Sit still, and let the gel work for two to three minutes before running a fresh mascara brush through your lashes to take off the extensions.
Once the extensions have come off, rinse the area with cold water without opening your eyes. If you feel that there’s glue or lashes left on your eyes, take a cotton pad, saturate it with the gel, and place it on the lashes for a few minutes. This should do the trick; just make sure to keep your eyes shut throughout the process.
2. Loosen The Eyelash Glue With Steam
Don’t like the idea of using strong solvents or gels to remove eyelash extensions? You may safely remove eyelash extensions by steaming your face for a while. However, note that this procedure only works for lashes that are at the end of their cycle. For newly applied lash extensions, you’ll need to use a solvent or book an appointment with a lash technician.
Use a gentle face wash to take off any dirt and grime from your face so that it gets easier to remove the lashes. Then, take steaming hot water in a bowl, place your face over it, and cover with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping. We recommend steaming your face for ten to fifteen minutes to loosen the lash extensions.
Alternatively, you can take a warm bath or hot shower to let the steam naturally dissolve the glue bonds. In the end, you should be able to remove the fake lashes without coaxing or pulling. If there’s too much resistance, it may mean that the extensions are yet to loosen enough for you to remove with the help of steam.
3. Apply Oil To Remove The Eyelash Extensions
Your lash technician may have told you to stay away from using oil or oil-based products near the lash line. That’s because oil can weaken the glue, leading to the extensions falling out or catching too much dirt. So, if you plan on removing eyelash extensions at home, a viable procedure would be to use oil.
Having said that, we recommend avoiding oils that can cause breakouts, especially if you have oily or sensitive skin. Instead, you may use oil-based cleanser, coconut oil, castor oil, almond oil, or olive oil for the job. One oil that we will strictly advise to stay away from is mineral oil, and also try to avoid products that contain it.
The process is pretty simple as all you need is to dip a cotton pad or cotton ball in the oil of your choice and start applying it on your lash line. Try going in swipes to dislodge the extensions and weaken the lash glue. Soon the lashes will come off.
Note that using oil for lash extension removal can take a while, and it won’t be as quick as when you use a professional lash extension remover. This is especially true for lashes that have been put in recently. So, take your time removing the lashes, and remember to be gentle. Once you’re happy with it, rinse off the oil from the lashes with a mild and eye-safe face wash.
Finding it extremely difficult to take off the lashes? Try warming up the oil and let it cool down to a tolerable temperature before applying the oil to your lashes. Gentle circular motions are said to work well to dissolve the stubborn glue. Some suggest to massage your lashes with oil for a few days to remove most of the eyelash extensions.
Why It’s Recommended To Get Eyelash Extensions Removed By A Lash Technician?
We have already told you some ways to take off the lash extensions at home safely. But, it’s always an optimal choice to visit a lash technician to get them removed without much hassle. That’s because any lash expert is certified to use professional eyelash extension remover for strong surgical-grade lash adhesive.
If you didn’t know already, similar to super glue, lash glues are meant to withstand moisture, dirt, soap, and sweat. Though a regular visit to a lash technician can be pricey, they know the techniques to make the procedure painless and quick. Those who get eyelash extensions frequently can even get a removal done for free if they’re going to put in a new set of lashes.
Moreover, people who prefer to go heavy with their lash extensions should always get them removed from a professional without fail. We strongly recommend removing eyelash extensions with the help of your regular lash technician, as they are aware of the eyelash placements and the glue that has been used.
In most cases, the main reason people want to remove eyelash extensions at home is due to a bad job done by a lash tech. As your eye area is extremely sensitive, you should be careful about choosing a technician. To ensure that you feel comfortable, you may visit their facility, check their procedures, and verify their license.
Having said that, if you are in a situation where a lash technician has ruined your lashes, book an appointment with a better professional. It always helps to get suggestions from your friends as they would give honest reviews about a facility.
Reasons To Avoid Removing Your Lash Extensions At Home
Even though there are a handful of safe ways to remove eyelash extensions at home, you should always be wary of things that can go wrong. That’s why we have decided to list some reasons you may want to avoid taking them off yourself. So, let’s check them out.
1. Being Too Harsh On Your Actual Lashes
One of the major reasons professionals advise against removing lash extensions at home is the lack of knowledge about safe removal. Most people aren’t aware of the fact that taking off lash extensions is much more technical than removing fake eyelashes. Besides, it requires you to be as careful as possible to avoid damaging the natural lash line.
Yes, you can gently wipe against the lashes or use a circular motion, but even the slightest tug may pull out your natural lashes. This can damage the eyelash follicles, leading to reduced growth of lashes which may take months to heal.[2]
Another common mistake that we come across is the use of tweezers to remove the lash extension. While this may seem like a viable option, especially when it comes to saving time, the procedure can damage your hair follicles and your lash line. Moreover, it’s advised not to use sharp objects like tweezers near your eyes as they may lead to injuries.
If you decide to remove lashes at home, make sure to use one of the ways we have suggested, and be as gentle on your lash line as possible. In case all the lashes fail to come off in one sitting, don’t worry, and take a few days to do the job of removing the remaining extensions.
While removing your eye makeup, use olive or coconut oil to massage your eyelashes for five to ten minutes as a removal remedy. You can repeat the procedure for a few nights to get rid of all the lash extensions.
2. Threat Of Infections
You must be careful while handling the lashes, as even the slightest damage can lead to an eye infection. It can be caused by various reasons like bacteria and may end up disrupting your daily life as eye infections are usually pretty irritating. [3]
To reduce the chance of infections, lash technicians make it a habit to wear clean gloves while removing the lash extensions. Moreover, their workspace and tools are sanitized prior to your visit to limit infections. They also try their best to avoid getting too close to your eyeballs to avoid causing any damage.
If for some reason, your eyes are inflamed or itchy after getting fresh lash extensions, it’s advisable to visit your physician as soon as possible. Also, it helps to pick a professional lash technician only after confirming that they have a clean office space and the knowledge of using the right tools.
We know that the same amount of cleanliness and precision can’t be maintained at home. But, you can still try your best to avoid infections by using clean tools and wearing gloves if required.
While using the oil cleansing method, try not to dip your bare hands into the container but use a clean spatula or spoon. Also, don’t let the oil sit for too long as it may trap dirt and bacteria, which can cause infections or inflammation in your eyes. Do wash off any build-up of excess oil with a good cleanser as that may lead to clogged follicles.
3. Reaction To Products
You may have noticed that several skincare products have guidelines to avoid using them in the eye. That’s because the skin near your eyes is thinner than the rest of the face. So, using a harsh product may cause irritation and inflammation.
When choosing an oil or product to remove your eyelash extensions, it’s essential to check if they are safe to be used near the eyes. Natural oils like coconut or olive oil are better choices as they don’t usually have any harmful reaction on the skin.
However, if you pick something like a makeup remover, ensure it’s safe to use near the lash line. An ophthalmologist-recommended oil-based eye makeup remover is the safest product to use, even for those with extremely sensitive skin.
In case you’re using an eyelash extension remover gel, make sure to do a patch test before using it on your lash line. All you need to do is place a bit of the product on a little area of your upper arm and let it sit for a while. If there’s any sign of irritation, rash, or an allergic reaction, it will be best to stay away from the product.[4]
Do Eyelash Extensions Affect Your Natural Lash Line?
No one can deny that the oomph factor given by eyelash extension isn’t achievable by false lashes. The lash artist takes care to blend the extensions with your natural lashes to make them look real. And as a surgical-grade glue is used during the process, there’s very little chance of the lash extensions coming off.
Nevertheless, many people believe eyelash extensions ruin natural lashes, but it’s far from the truth. The certified lash technicians are trained to handle your lashes with care, and they only use products suitable for use near the eyes. Also, when you remove lash extensions with the help of professionals, there’s no need to worry about any damage to your natural lashes.
Contrary to popular belief, lash extensions don’t weigh down your lash line. In fact, most of them are lighter than the usual voluminous fake eyelashes available on the market. This makes it easy to carry long eyelashes for weeks without needing any extra products.
We would also like you to note that lash technicians usually customize lashes based on eye shape and personal preference. So, you’ll be getting one-of-a-kind extensions that are a perfect fit for your features.
One added benefit of getting lash extensions is the reduced need to use makeup products. Most people who get lash extensions don’t feel the need to apply mascara as a part of their daily routine. Getting lash extensions also eliminates the need to put on and remove fake eyelashes, which is time-consuming. Using fewer products reduces the strain on your lash line, making your natural lashes healthy.
Just remember to avoid getting cheap or readymade extensions as they may affect the growth and health of your natural eyelashes.
Will Getting Eyelash Extensions Stop The Growth Of Your Natural Lashes?
Another common concern that bothers people is the growth of natural eyelashes. As the eyelash extensions sit on the lash line, they may seem to restrict the growth of your natural eyelashes. But that isn’t true in most instances as lash technicians are very careful while applying the extensions on your lash line.
Furthermore, the damage or growth of your natural lashes depends a lot on the aftercare. Here are some of the things that you should do to minimize damage to your natural lashes:
- Avoid letting the new lash extensions come in contact with steam or water up to 48 hours after the application.
- Sleep carefully for the first few days after getting the extensions to prevent them from becoming crooked.
- Wash and groom your eyelashes with an eyelash extension cleanser every three days to prevent clumping and dirt buildup.
- During your morning routine, don’t forget to brush the tips of your eyelashes with a clean, dry mascara brush.
- Never use cream-based or oil-based makeup removers when you have eyelash extensions.
- Avoid using eyelash curlers and heavy mascara on extensions.
- Refrain from rubbing your eyes or pulling on the eyelashes as it can damage the extensions and your natural lashes.
By following these without fail, you will have healthy, natural lashes that won’t be affected by the extensions. Also, don’t forget to ask the lash technician about specific care tips for your new lash extensions. And make sure to get a lash fill every three weeks to prevent lash fallouts.
How To Care For Your Lashes After Removing The Extensions?
Now that you’re done removing the lash extensions, it’s time to give your natural lashes some attention. They have gone through a lot, so it’s best to avoid putting too much product in the area. Avoid touching your natural lashes as much as possible and only lightly brush them if they’re clumping together.
At night, you may want to use a high-quality lash serum or plain old castor oil to give your lashes the much-needed boost. The nourishment from the right products will help in growth of your natural lashes, and may even make them grow thicker or fuller.[5]
Always use a clean and fresh mascara wand to apply the serum or castor oil to your lashes gently. Don’t worry too much if dry or brittle lashes come off, as it’s common after removing eyelash extensions yourself or through a lash technician.
Moreover, for the first few days after eyelash extension removal, it’s recommended not to go heavy on your eye makeup. So, don’t even think about putting on false eyelashes or a heavy coat of mascara. Instead, if necessary, you may use a simple, lightweight mascara to gently coat the lashes without weighing them down.
Similarly, while removing your eye makeup, try using a gentle oil-based makeup remover or cream remover that’s safe to use. You can use cotton pads or a cotton swab while removing the makeup. Finally, be extra gentle and careful to avoid the lash line as much as possible.
Give your natural lashes some time to heal, and they will grow back just like before.
Final Words
That’s everything we had to tell you about removing your eyelash extensions at home without lass loss. We hope our suggestions and tips regarding aftercare will help keep your natural eyelashes healthy and growing.
Having said that, we would like to reiterate that in case you face problems while removing the lashes, consult a lash technician. The same goes for instances where the eyelash extensions are fresh or have been set with an extremely strong adhesive.
Another thing to keep in mind is that it may take some time to get adjusted to new eyelash extensions. Wait a week and if it still feels odd, use one of the safe home procedures we have outlined to remove the lashes safely.
Until next time, goodbye, and take care!
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3036812/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6147748/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6592309/
