How To Remove Eyelash Extensions At Home

Girl removing her lash extensions

Girl removing her lash extensions

When it comes to the glamorous world of beauty, something about eyelash extensions gives us that extra confidence boost. From the moment we step out of the salon to the minute we go back for our fills, our stunning lash extensions serve as our secret weapons. 

 

Having said that, many lash enthusiasts of the world are often guilty of creating unflattering gaps by pulling and tugging at their eyelashes. Why you may ask? Well, sometimes we get impatient, and try to remove our lash extensions ourselves. But we go about it the wrong way!

 

If you've ever been in a similar situation, then you've come to the right place! In today's article, we want to break down the proper and correct ways you can safely remove eyelash extensions at home. Say goodbye to unnecessary irritation lash line gaps because our tips and tricks will teach you all there is to know about removing lash extensions by yourself. 

 

What Are Eyelash Extensions

Before we get to the actual steps and tips, let's first discuss what eyelash extensions are. As an experienced lash lover and or lash artist, you may know all there is to know about the gorgeous, stunning lash sets. Having said that, you would be surprised at just how many lash beginners aren't aware of the ABC's of lash extensions.

 

So, just so we can cover all the basics - let's begin with what are eyelash extensions. 

 

Lash extensions are tiny small synthetic hairs and extensions that are attached to each individual natural lash. These extensions can be made of synthetic material, mink, or even silk. Even though all lash extensions are applied with the same method, there is a diversity when it comes to the overall appearance. What makes lash extensions so widely adored across the globe is how they can fit each individual client's personal style and preference. 

 

Lash Extension Life Spans

It's no secret that lash extensions can truly transform our appearances and elevate our confidence. But sadly, lash extensions aren't permanent solutions, as every extension has its expiration date. Natural lashes usually have a lifespan of around 6 to 8 weeks or about 40 to 60 days. During their life cycles, natural hair follicles fall out, and the regrowth phase begins. As the client's natural lashes are shed every 40 to 60 days, creating a lash extension schedule is imperative to accommodate the fall-out intervals. 

 

Even though most lash technicians are well aware of these life spans, lash beginners often are oblivious to the expiration dates. That is why, sometimes, many can get impatient when noticing a flail lash and go straight to pulling and tugging methods. And that is exactly what you should NOT do. And let us explain why. 

  

Steps Before Removing Your Own Eyelash Extensions

With all the basic topics covered, it's time to look at how to safely remove eyelash extensions at home. By learning these simple steps and tricks, you can bypass the horrors of lash gaps and irritated lash lines that can cause major discomfort. 

 

The first step is knowing it can be done properly without causing any irritation, unnecessary damage, or even eye infections. As removing lashes requires the fingers to get very close to the eyes, it's paramount that you keep your hands very clean. Working with unsanitized hands is one of the most common and quickest ways to catch eye infections. 

 

How To Safely Remove Lash Extensions At Home

Before anyone jumps straight into the removal process, it's best to prepare the necessary tools and products beforehand. For an easy and seamless process that can be done at home, we highly recommend using castor oil and oil-based makeup removers. Along with these products, having cotton pads and washcloths on standby is a great idea. 

 

And while we are here, let's also mention that being gentle is the key to successfully removing those lash extensions. So, don't rush the process, and have faith in your skills. Now that everything's prepared, let's look at the steps for removing lash extensions by yourself. 

 

Step 1: Shower & Hot Water

The first thing you can do is take a hot shower or apply a damp, warm washcloth to your face. The water and the moisture will slowly break down the eyelash glue and make the lashes more susceptible to fall out. Because of this chemical process, lash enthusiasts are advised not to get any moisture in the first 24 hours of getting their lash extensions. Even you may have heard this rule a couple of times in the past. 

 

Step 2: Makeup Remover

Now that the lash extensions are somewhat wonky and looser than before, it's time for the second step - using makeup removers. For this step, it's important to grab those removers that are heavy in oils. These types of products are known as oil-based makeup removers. But, why is the oil part necessary for this step? Well, just like moisture, oils can help dissolve the tight attachments between the synthetic lash and the natural lash hair. 

 

For step #2, you can dip a couple of cotton pads or balls into the makeup remover and gently wipe them across the eyes. If you don't like to use cotton pads, simply dip your fingertips into the oil-based products, and perform the same swipe motions. Repeat this step for a minute or two until you see the extensions slowly become more flail and flimsy. 

 

Step 3: Removing Lash Extensions With Castor Oil

For the grand finale, we can use castor oil to break the bond between the lashes and the extensions. Just like in step #2, cotton pads can be dipped in the thick castor oil and applied to the upper lash line. It's important not to get any castor oil in the eyes, as this product can cause irritation. After a couple of minutes, the lash extensions will begin to fall out and detach from the natural eyelashes. For a quick clean-up process, you can use dry washcloths or towels to wipe off the loosened lashes. And voila! 

 

Using Coconut Oil & Vaseline To Remove Lash Extensions

If castor oil isn't accessible to you, we recommend using coconut oil and Vaseline as their substitutes. The key is to use heavy oil-based products that will break down the chemical composition of the cyanoacrylate glue. That's why coconut oil and Vaseline can perform the same tasks and functions. But remember to steer clear of the eye area and keep those hands clean!

 

Professional Eyelash Glue Remover

If you are confident enough in your lash removal skills, then we suggest going straight to the eyelash glue removers. As these products are widely used in beauty salons and lash technicians alike, you can't go wrong with glue removers. 

 

For an extra-delicate removal process, apply a few drops of the remover onto a Q-tip. Slide the product across your lash line and wait 3 to 5 minutes. Thanks to the remover, the eyelash glue will begin to break down, and that bond between the natural lashes and extensions will disappear. 

 

How To Protect Your Natural Lashes

Once you have successfully gone extension-free, it's also important to be careful with your natural lashes. A great tip for not irritating your natural lashes is saying goodbye to mechanical curlers. These metal tools cause damage to the lashes as they tug at the roots of the hair and lead to breakage. 

 

 

What Not To Do When You Have Lash Extensions

Along with these steps, let's also mention what not to do. As we've mentioned, the first instinct to many is to pull out a flail eyelash. While this may seem like a good idea to some, the reality is, pulling and tugging at your eyelashes can lead to natural lash damage and eye irritation. Not to mention the lash gaps! 

 

A great way you can cover up these unflattering gaps is to apply a few coats of black mascara and eyeliner. So, if you notice a few loose lashes, there's no need to tug at them instinctively. Instead, we recommend grabbing oil-based makeup removers or simply going to the salon to get the extensions professionally removed by your lash technician.  

 

We have just covered the proper ways and safe ways to remove eyelash extensions at home without causing any irritation or unnecessary damage. In just a few quick and simple steps, you have learned how to perform this process seamlessly and painlessly. The main tips to remember - are to keep your hands sanitized, prepare your tools beforehand, and to not rush the process.

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