For several years, and for excellent reasons, lash extensions have been popular. They are one of the beauty tools that shorten rather than lengthen the time needed for makeup. However, many salons had to close after the pandemic struck, leaving many more people who wear lash extensions in a difficult situation.
You should be aware of certain things before attempting to remove fake eyelashes at home if you recently had them applied. Eyelash extensions—can they be taken off at home? What are the hazards and safety measures? How to remove eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions can be taken off on your own at home. To remove eyelash extensions: Using coconut oil or olive oil to dissolve the lash adhesive is the most popular technique.
As a result, it is always best to have your eyelashes removed by a professional to prevent harm to your natural lashes. The adhesive bond is softened by the use of a specialized remover by experts.
For more information, keep reading.
Table of Contents
How To Remove Lash Extensions At Home?
First off, lash pros don’t recommend removing eyelash extensions at home. Even the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) advises leaving these procedures in the hands of certified aestheticians.
“Professionally trained lash techs have lash extension removers (cremes, gels, and liquids) from the companies they purchase from,” explains licensed esthetician Christina Clark, who also received instruction from NovaLash.
Follow Clark’s instructions for removing eyelash extensions at home if you’re determined to handle this task alone.
Resisting The Urge To Pluck
You invested in eyelash extensions because you adore the appearance of long, voluminous lashes, correct? Your natural fringe will suffer if you pluck or pull at the fake hair.
Bottom line: The motion of tugging can weaken the natural lash beneath, even if you are extremely careful to only tug at the extension.
Picking Up An Oil- Or Glycerin-based Product
Recall how your lash technician cautioned you against using oil-based cleansers to preserve the freshness of your extensions for as long as possible? According to Clark, this is the reason for your lashes falling out because glycerin, glycols, and oil break down the lash adhesive.
Some products that she says might work to your advantage:
- Johnson’s Baby Oil
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture
- Vaseline (petroleum jelly)
Using Your New Glue-dissolving Product Daily
“Nothing is going to work as quickly as a professional lash remover,” says Clark.
It might take a few days for a beauty product with ingredients that dissolve adhesive to adhere to the extension and natural lash. grasshopper, have patience.
A few suggestions:
- Baby oil, coconut oil, or an oil-based cleanser are good places to start when removing eye makeup.
- Would you rather avoid oils? Apply a moisturizer with glycerin to the skin around your eyes.
- Before going to bed, dab a cotton swab with Vaseline and lightly brush it along your lashes.
Babying Your Natural Lashes As The Extensions Fall Out
Your extensions likely won’t fall off for several days, even with the aid of ingredients that dissolve glue. Be patient and switch your attention from lash nourishment to extension removal.
With lash serums or moisturizing oils, Clark advises maintaining the health of your natural lashes. “Castor oil is known to help lash strength,” she says.
A word of caution: At this stage, your eyelashes may appear a little spidery or uneven. To maintain their fringe’s cool look during the transition, some people use mascara or magnetic false eyelashes.
Deciding What’s Next
Going au naturale after extensions can leave you feeling a little bare. There are alternatives if you miss the fluff.
- try DIY falsies
- nourish your lash hair with castor oil
- grow your lashes with serums
- contact a licensed aesthetician for another set of lash extensions
The Safest Way To Remove Eyelash Extensions At Home
Makeup Remover With An Oil Base Is Best
When it comes to removing eyelash extensions, most of the “don’ts” your lash technician shared with you after your application are now encouraged. This includes removing eye makeup with an oil-based product. Try the IPSY favorite SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. if you don’t have one on hand. The C + E Micro-Dissolve Cleansing Oil is strong enough to dissolve waterproof mascara in addition to providing a nourishing dose of vitamins C and E. Your lashes need it.
Marin advises concentrating on formulas that contain glycols when searching for an eye makeup remover. She explains: “Glycols are used in cosmetics as solvents and have been shown to dissolve adhesive bonds,” Applying an oil-based cleanser to your lashes on a daily basis will eventually weaken the bonds in the eyelash glue, allowing the lashes to fall out on their own.
Take A Steamy Shower
When a fresh set of lashes is applied, is there another big no-no? A long, steamy shower can help loosen the eyelash extension glue, even though it might not be as effective as it would be when the lash adhesive is still setting.
“Two known enemies of lash adhesives are heat and moisture,” Marin says. “When used in sufficient and concentrated amounts, these elements—alone and especially when combined—can dissolve cyanoacrylate, the adhesive used to hold eyelashes in place.”
You shouldn’t expect to lose all of your eyelashes after taking one hot shower, just like when using an oil-based cleanser. “If a good quality adhesive is used, it will take a lot of steam and hot water to affect the lifespan of the eyelash extensions,” says For the sake of the health of your lashes, Marin, you must be patient in this situation.
Try Using Castor Oil
You can use castor oil as a nightly treatment to break the bonds holding your eyelashes in place if you’re desperate to get rid of them. “Oils that have been shown to weaken extension adhesives are mineral oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, canola oil, and castor oil,” Marin tells us.
During your evening skincare routine, coat a cotton swab or spoolie in castor oil (Gomila prefers coconut oil), then brush it on your eyelashes after removing all of your eye makeup. “Rub the swab or spoolie along the top of your lash line where the extensions are bonded, taking great care to not allow any of the oil into your eye,” If oil does get in the eye, Marin advises immediately flushing it out with water.
Given that baby oil is made of mineral oil, it may be a good alternative if you have any on hand. You could also continue using SHEAMOISTURE 100% Pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil, which dissolves glue. Castor oil has the added benefit of possibly promoting longer natural eyelashes.
Avoid Picking Or Pulling At Your Eyelashes
Refrain from reaching for the tweezers even if you’ve tried the aforementioned methods and are still stuck with a single random lash because doing so could severely harm your natural lashes, especially if the lashes you pull are still in the early stages of development.
“Do not pull lashes out, cut them off or use a hot compress,” Gomila says. “Limit rubbing and other activities that might irritate the eyelashes by keeping them clean.” In addition to leaving you with sparse lashes, pulling and picking can be very harmful if done frequently. “Constantly pulling off your eyelashes could result in extreme follicle damage, which could result in irreversible damage,” Marin adds.
Put On More Mascara After Skipping The Removal
You could try to hide the remaining lash extensions with lengthening mascara and eyeliner as opposed to picking or pulling.
“Using a good black liner on your upper lid will mask those stragglers right up,” According to Marin, using mascara every day can also help weaken the adhesive holding the extensions to your natural lashes. Mascara can help blend stubborn extensions that seem to be hanging on for dear life. It’s basically a two-for-one deal.
“My tip would be to put mascara on every day,” Marin continues. “The majority of mascaras are laden with waxes and oils, so any lingering extensions should disappear after using them for about a week.” Use a mascara like the drugstore favorite NEUTROGENA Healthy Volume Mascara during the day to help the process along. Both sweet almond oil and olive oil are used in abundance in this recipe. Then, use a cotton ball and an oil-based makeup remover to remove the mascara at night. Two significant lash extension mistakes can be corrected in this case.
Be Patient And Kind
When your eyelash extensions finally fall out, treat your natural lashes gently, especially when putting on or taking off makeup. “Try not to put too much pressure on the lashes or eye area and avoid vigorously rubbing,” Instead, nourish and fortify those delicate hairs with an eyelash conditioner or lash serum to help them grow long and extremely strong, advises Marin.
Although there isn’t a magic at-home lash remover for extensions, you can use these professional tips to help those fake lashes fall out more quickly on their own while also maintaining the health and safety of your natural lashes.
Should I Use A Specialist To Remove My Eyelash Extensions?
Absolutely not!
Professionals use eyelash extension remover that has been specially formulated with very potent glue-dissolving ingredients.
If it comes in contact with your eyes, a lash extension remover is harmful. Only trained and certified lash stylists should use them.
Professional lash extension removers come in two different varieties: gel removers and cream removers.
Usually clear and highly viscous, gel removers are opaque. The gel remover is typically used by lash artists to remove specific spots of extensions. On the other hand, the cream remover is used to completely remove extensions and is typically more viscous compared to the gel type.
These products, which are very efficient, are available online and in specialized beauty supply stores. They make certain the lash glue is completely removed.
The market is filled with different types of lash adhesives, each with unique properties like the strength of the bond.
Danger Of Removing Eyelash Extensions At Home
If you adhere to the instructions above for removing eyelash extensions, you should be alright. But I think you should be cautious and wait before starting the process.
The common risks include:
- Damaging your natural lashes by pulling or rubbing too vigorously
- Risk of eye infections like blepharitis or trichiasis
- Use of poor-quality removal products
- Applying too much oil to your skin could clog your pores
Getting your eyelash extensions professionally removed is advised if you’re worried in order to be on the safe side.
Do My Natural Lashes Suffer If I Remove My Extensions?
When removing lash extensions, you shouldn’t be concerned about harming your natural lashes. The only exceptions to this rule are when you use abrasive products, pick at your lashes, or attempt to remove a completely new set of extensions.
PRO TIP: It is not advised because it could pull out your natural lashes to remove a fresh set of lash extensions. If you need assistance removing a set of recently applied extensions, seek out a qualified lash technician.
Additionally, if the extensions are glued together, your natural lashes may fall out with them. For this reason, I advise having lash extensions professionally applied to prevent issues like this.
When Removing Eyelash Extensions At Home, Is It Secure?
The simplest method for removing eyelash extensions at home is to wait until the majority of the lashes have already fallen out and you’ve been wearing them for about 2-3 weeks, when you’d normally go in for a fill. The extensions will now easily come off at home because the glue will have already started to degrade.
It is best to let your lash technician handle the removal of a full set of freshly applied lash extensions for you. High-quality lash removal products will be available to a competent lash technician.
Surgical-grade glue is used to attach eyelash extensions. Cyanoacrylate is the name of the active component in eyelash glue. The Krazy Glue active ingredient is the same as this one! This glue is very strong so if you can book a removal appointment with a professional, the better.
- Can You Reuse False Eyelashes?
- Can You Curl Eyelash Extensions Without Damage
- Who Invented Fake Eyelashes
- How To Remove Eyelash Glue Safely
Should You Take Out Your Own Lash Extensions?
You may be feeling confident enough to attempt the eyelash removal procedure yourself now that you know how to cut your own hair and how to perform a DIY pedicure. But because it involves removing lash glue of a high caliber, it is best to leave the removal of eyelash extensions instantly to the professionals. Not only do you require the tools a lash specialist uses, but removing eyelashes at home is also likely to contaminate the area around the eyes with bacteria that could cause an infection. Eek!
“For the safety of your eyes and the health of your natural lashes, you should always wait for an expert to remove your eyelash extensions,” says The artistic director and eyelash extension specialist at Courtney Akai Lash Boutique in NYC is Andra Ciulei Marin. Ashley Gomila, a makeup artist in Los Angeles, concurs.
“For the easiest and safest removal, I would advise going to the expert who applied the lashes. Not all lash bonding agents are the same and could cause permanent damage,” she explains. “In addition to potential damage, removing them at home would require some trial and error.”
The last thing you should do is pull out the tweezers, despite your desperation to quickly remove all of the remaining eyelashes. “Picking at your lashes would be the worst possible thing you can do,” says Clementina Richardson, owner of Envious Lashes in NYC and a celebrity lash expert. “This will cause bald patches to appear along the entire lash line. Since the extensions are affixed to the natural lashes, removing the extensions will also remove the natural lashes.”
The good news is that although you can’t perform a professional-style removal in the comfort of your own home, there are things you can do and products you can use to hasten the removal process; just be prepared for it to take a few days or even a little longer for them all to finally come off. Patience is key here.
Why You Shouldn’t Remove Eyelash Extensions At Home?
We have talked about how to take off eyelash extensions at home in detail. But before starting the procedure, I believe you should be aware of the risks.
Normally, I strongly advise against removing eyelash extensions on your own at home. I suggest having them professionally removed whenever it is possible.
In actuality, the cost of a new set or a refill is much higher than the cost of professionally removing eyelash extensions.
Damaging Natural Lashes
I’ve heard a lot of terrifying tales about clients hurting their natural lashes during the lash removal procedure.
Fun Fact: The natural lashes can also be harmed by improperly applied extensions. For more information on typical lash extension mistakes that can harm your natural lashes, read my in-depth article.
When removing extensions, it’s a common error to pull or rub them firmly. It may also break the natural lashes because this forcibly separates the lash extensions. After having their natural lashes removed at home, I have also witnessed girls completely lose those lashes.
Once your natural eyelashes are harmed, it might take several months for them to regrow to their prior length and thickness.
Natural Oils Not Strong Enough
While oils do help to break down the lash adhesive, most natural oils aren’t potent enough to remove all of the lashes at once. For the complete removal of your extensions, plan on a few sessions.
You risk pulling on your lashes and breaking them if you try to remove your own eyelashes at home because it takes so long.
Frequently, when removing eyelash extensions on your own at home, you will lose a lot of your natural lashes or grow tired from the laborious procedure.
Excess Oil On Skin
Your pores may become clogged if you apply too much oil to your lash line. Additionally, it may cause breakouts around the eyes, blackheads, and pimples.
Risk Of Infection Or Irritation
It can be difficult to maintain eye closure while taking out your eyelash extensions on your own. You risk getting products in your eye during the removal process if you don’t have a steady hand.
Coconut Oil Vs Castor Oil Vs Olive Oil Vs Baby Oil Vs Mineral Oil
The natural removal techniques are quite simple once you are aware of the issues and dangers associated with doing it yourself.
You will eventually need to decide which oil to apply to your eyelash extensions in order to loosen the bond. Let’s examine the oils that are most widely used and readily available to finish the task.
Is Olive Oil Effective For Removing Lash Extensions?
Olive oil is the best oil for removing lash extensions, so using it to remove these false lashes safely is a good choice. Get some warm extra virgin olive oil and use it to remove the object.
Your eyes should receive one or two cotton pads each. Then, proceed as directed in the step-by-step instructions. Olive oil will maintain the health of your natural lashes while dissolving the adhesive and securing the extensions to it.
But as a lash adhesive remover, olive oil is slow to act. So, envision applying the q-tip to your eyelashes several times after soaking it.
Can Coconut Oil Remove Eyelash Extensions?
Even if you don’t wear lash extensions, coconut oil is excellent for nourishing the hair. However, it works especially well when cotton pads are used to remove eyelash extensions.
It may take you less than an hour to remove extensions on your own because coconut oil works even more quickly than olive oil.
Coconut oil and baking soda are used as a common household remedy, even to remove leftover super glue from fingers.
You can omit the baking soda and work solely with the cyanoacrylate, which is used in both types of glue, by avoiding it around the eyes.
Mineral Oil Is A Possible Removal Method For Eyelash Extensions.
Mineral oils are frequently employed as a safe, all-natural way to remove eyelash extensions.
Even the Revlon eyelash adhesive remover contains mineral oil. Due to its lubricant properties, mineral oil typically moisturizes skin and guards against hair breakage.
Is Castor Oil Effective For Eyelash Extension Removal?
Castor oil doesn’t quickly dissolve the bond created by the lash adhesive, in contrast to other kinds of oils. You must dab it on your extensions and wait a while before removing. If you’d rather get rid of extensions naturally, you could reapply it over a few days.
Castor oil, however, is one of the few oils that is well known for enhancing the luster of eyelashes, making them seem thicker and glossier.[1]
Is Baby Oil Effective For Eyelash Extension Removal?
Mineral and vegetable oils may be combined in baby oils. The latter could include a blend of shea butter, jojoba oil, palm oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, almond oil, soy oil, coconut oil, and olive oil.[2]
Before beginning to remove eyelash extensions, you don’t need to leave baby oil on the cotton pad on the eyes for longer than three minutes. Be careful not to get this oil in your eyes.
Tips For Removing Eyelash Extensions By Yourself
It’s crucial to exercise gentleness throughout the removal process when attempting to do it yourself with lash extensions.
Pulling should be avoided, regardless of the oil you’re using. Instead, soak your eyes with cotton pads soaked in oil, then slide your fake lashes down with Q tips.
Additionally, remember to use a lint-free cotton pad or a mascara wand to aid in the process.
When you’ve finished the laborious process of removing it on your own, always remember to rinse your eyes with fresh water and a gentle cleanser to get rid of any leftover oil or trapped eyelashes.
FAQs
How Come My Eyelash Extensions Won’t Fall Off?
You must dissolve the glue used to attach the eyelash extensions because the glue is practically waterproof when applied. Steam, a cleanser with oil in it, or a product made especially to dissolve lash glue can all be used to accomplish this. Whatever method you choose, avoid pulling or tugging on your lash extensions because you run the risk of damaging your natural lashes.
Why Are My Eyelashes Short Now That My Extensions Are Gone?
Your natural lashes may not be able to support the weight of the lash extensions as they grow longer. Lash extensions weigh down your natural lashes. They might crack as a result of this. Rubbing your eyelashes can harm and break them as well.
Do Eyelashes Regrow After Being Extended?
Your eyelash hair, like the hair on your head, should regrow after breaking. That typically takes one to three months for eyelashes.
Do Eyelash Extensions Come Off With Vaseline?
Vaseline is surprisingly more than just a skin moisturizer. The product has sufficient strength to break up and dislodge the molecules of lash glue.
Although it has the ability to remove eyelash extensions thanks to this feature, I wouldn’t personally recommend it because petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, is a by-product of the oil refining process. When used improperly, the product can harm your eyes and eyelashes because it is powerful.
I would suggest that if you decide to try Vaseline, you buy only pure Vaseline from a reputable supplier. Some companies sell imitations, which can be dangerous because they often contain cancer-causing substances.
Is It Painful To Get Eyelash Extensions Off?
No, if you use the removal methods and products advised, you won’t notice the lash extensions removing themselves.
PRO TIP: Never, ever use tweezers on your eyelashes. All in all, this is a bad idea. Plucking your eyelash extensions can cause bacterial infections like blepharitis or trichiasis, which are both painful eye infections that require a visit to an ophthalmologist for treatment.
The only times you experience pain are when the extensions were applied incorrectly or when you are experiencing an allergic reaction. Please refrain from pulling or picking at your eyelashes because it can be painful.
When Should Eyelash Extensions Be Removed?
The best time to remove eyelash extensions depends on the motivation for doing so.
Get your eyelashes professionally removed right away if you are experiencing an allergic reaction to the eyelash glue. If your extensions were done incorrectly, the same holds true.
Remove your extensions 2-3 weeks after the initial application if you do not intend to get a refill. The eyelash extensions will be entirely exhausted by the ninth week.
If you do need a refill, schedule a visit with your nail technician for the same day that you have your initial set applied.
Do Artificial Eyelashes Damage Your Natural Lashes?
It’s unlikely that your extensions will damage your natural lashes unless they are applied incorrectly.
For your lash extensions, select a suitable length and thickness. Additionally, hire a qualified lash technician to complete your application. If you’ve never made a reservation with them before, look at their Instagram for reviews.
Lashes extensions are expensive, as we all know. Don’t cut corners here because extensions are an investment in which you’ll want the best outcomes. (You won’t regret it, I promise.
For a deep dive, read our article on “Do Lash Extensions Ruin Your Eyelashes.”
When Eyelash Extensions Won’t Remove Themselves, What Should You Do?
Make an appointment with your lash technician or try the suggested removers.
If the eyelash extensions don’t remove, your remover isn’t powerful enough to break up the glue molecules. The potent adhesive that holds the eyelashes in place is too strong to be removed with just soap and water.
The Bottom Line
If you put in the time and effort to learn how to safely remove eyelash extensions at home, you’ll be able to avoid making as many trips to the salon in the future. You’ll also learn a lot about how to take care of your extensions, which is a lesson that is, in my opinion, priceless.
The right tools and some practice are needed to remove lash extensions safely. Most importantly, if you have any questions, visit your lash technician!
I appreciate you reading, a lot.
