If you’re itching for glamorous eyelashes like beauty mogul Kim K or queen B Beyonce, there’s no better option than eyelash extensions. Eyelash extensions are the gateway to Red Carpet-worthy lashes – you know, the kind that makes all your gal pals jealous.
But all good things must come to an end – including your mile-long lash extensions. If you think it’s time to say “See-ya” to your glamazon elongations, you need to know how to remove them.
Whether you prefer the professional route or are more of a DIY kind of person, you’ll find important info and step-by-step guides for eyelash extension removal below.
How Do You Know When it is Time to Remove Your Extensions?
Before we start talking about how to remove eyelash extensions, it’s essential to know when the right time to remove them is.
There are a couple of different situations that would call for your eyelash extensions to be removed, such as:
- They’re looking sparse. If you have had your eyelash extensions for a few weeks (5-6), and they’re starting to look a little sparse, you might consider removing them.
- You don’t like them. Not everyone is a fan of eyelash extensions. If you’re not a fan of how they look on your face, feel free to remove them.
- They’re uncomfortable. Eyelash extensions should not be uncomfortable unless they were misapplied. If you’re struggling with pain or discomfort, it’s recommended to see the lash tech right away. This is especially true as removal may hurt more if the extensions were applied incorrectly.
- You’re allergic to the glue. If you’re struggling with itchiness, red and watery eyes, flaking, burning, or have a gritty sensation, you may have an allergy to the glue used during application, in which case you would want to remove them immediately.
How Long Do Extensions Typically Last?
Eyelash extensions typically last six to eight weeks. However, it is essential to note that the lash extensions won’t fall out in bulk. Since eyelash extensions are applied to each individual lash, they will fall out when your natural eyelash sheds. Depending on your eyelash growth cycle, you can see a bit of shedding in as little as two weeks.
How you care for your eyelash extensions will also determine longevity. For example, avoiding water – hot and cold – for at least 48 hours after getting your eyelash extensions applied will help them last longer. Avoiding specific eyelash treatments, such as perms or curlers, will also ensure they are prolonged.
Remove Eyelash Extensions at Home vs. Professional?
On the fence about how you’ll have your eyelash extensions removed? Below, you will find important information about how professionals remove eyelash extensions and how you can be successful in removing them from home.
Professional
Below you will find all the facts regarding the professional removal of eyelash extensions.
How do they remove them?
Professional lash technicians will use professional creams or gels to remove eyelash extensions. The mixture will sit on the eyelashes for a few minutes, and then specialty tools and procedures – such as the banana method – to remove the extensions safely and effectively.
Cost?
The cost for professional eyelash removal is much cheaper than the application. In most cases, you can expect to pay anywhere between $25 and $35. (Keep in mind that every salon is distinct and may have different pricing.)
How long does it take?
Professional eyelash removal is relatively quick and should take no longer than 20 minutes.
Is it better to have a professional remove them? Why?
It is recommended to have a professional remove eyelash extensions. Lash techs have been trained in applying and removing eyelash extensions, which means there are few risks involved. It’s relatively quick and painless, which may not be the case when removing eyelash extensions from home.
Lash techs also have access to tools and products that most people do not have access to, including eyelash extension remover. Needless to say, the professional product will be far more successful than DIY or store-bought options.
DIY
Curious about the DIY removal of eyelash extensions? This section discusses all of the must-know info.
Is it safe to remove eyelash extensions at home?
It is far safer to have your eyelash extensions removed professionally. But, I completely understand that there are circumstances and instances where this simply is not possible.
That said, removing eyelash extensions at home can be safe, too. The most important thing to do is make sure you’re not skipping any essential steps. There should be no issues as long as you follow the “how-to” guide efficiently.
Besides that, make sure you do not pick, pluck, rub, or pull the extensions. Even if they’re being stubborn, the last thing you want to do is resort to yanking them off. This will undoubtedly cause natural lash damage and likely cause a good amount of pain.
How long does it take?
Removing eyelash extensions at home can be a relatively time-consuming process. While initial application and removal attempts can take as little as 10 to 20 minutes, most people will need to perform multiple sessions. This can leave you spending upwards of an hour (or more) to eradicate eyelash extensions.
What’s the risk of DIY?
There are many risks involved in DIY eyelash extension removal.
- You can hurt yourself. Eyelash extension removal can be tricky, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. You can accidentally hurt yourself along the way, whether it’s a pain caused by removal or getting the product in your eye.
- You can damage your natural lashes. Again, the removal of eyelash extensions is somewhat finicky and tricky. There is a high chance you will damage or break your natural lashes during the process.
- You may end up with clogged pores. Since many DIY removal methods require oil, you may accidentally clog your pores. This can lead to undesirable side effects such as blackheads and pimples.
- There is a risk of infection and/or irritation. If you knick your natural eyelashes or use a product that your body is unhappy with, you can end up with irritation and infection in and around the eyes.
How Do You Remove Eyelash Extensions at Home? (Step by Step)
There are many reasons why someone may decide to remove their eyelash extensions at home. Perhaps they’re unsatisfied with how they look, they’re sick and don’t want to go to a salon, or they simply don’t want the fuss of scheduling an appointment.
Regardless of the reason, removing eyelash extensions at home can be done. Ensure that you follow all of the steps to a tee for the best (and safest) results.
Baby oil
The easiest way to remove eyelash extensions at home is to do the exact opposite of what your lash tech told you to do. Essentially, you’ll want to use water and steam to get rid of those leftover lashes – with a little bit of baby oil.
Here’s how to do it:
- Wash your face. The first step is to wash your face. While the goal is to remove any debris or makeup around the eyes, you do not want to scrub too roughly. You don’t want to pull or damage the area accidentally. Wash your hands while you’re at it, too.
- Steam your face. Give your face the spa treatment! Fill a bowl with piping hot water. Then, place your bare face over the bowl with a towel covering your head to lock the steam inside. Enjoy the steamy facial for around five minutes.
- Rub baby oil onto your eyelashes. Be careful not to get the baby oil in your eye, as this can cause discomfort. Use a cotton swab for specific applications.
- Let the baby oil sit on the lashes for about five minutes.
- Use a cotton pad to swipe eyelash extensions off. You may want to dab the cotton pad in some more baby oil.
- Wash your face (again). Don’t leave baby oil all over your face, especially near the eyes. Give your face a nice wash before enjoying your natural lashes once more.
- Repeat steps 2-6 if necessary. Eyelash extensions can be stubborn. If they’re still holding on for dear life, you will need to perform this method again.
Vaseline
You can successfully remove eyelash extensions by using Vaseline and a cotton swab. (Is there anything that vaseline can’t do?) This method is surprisingly easy and budget-friendly. You can start by giving your face a steamy facial (like the method mentioned above). It’s not necessary. However, it helps to loosen up the eyelash extension glue, so it is recommended.
- Wash your face. Remove any makeup buildup on your face, especially in the eye area. But be gentle while washing!
- Steam your face (if desired).
- Dip a cotton swab in Vaseline.
- Apply the Vaseline to your eyelashes in a downward motion. Be incredibly careful while doing this! Vaseline should not make contact with your eyeball. If so, you will need to rinse with cool water immediately.
- Let the Vaseline sit for five minutes.
- Use a soft brush or cotton pad to remove the eyelash extensions. Don’t pull or tug on the extensions.
- Wipe Vaseline off with a clean towel. Don’t let it sit on your eyes if you’re satisfied with the removal. If not, you may need to re-apply Vaseline for a few more minutes and try again.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another versatile ingredient used in many beauty treatments from head to toe. That said, it’s no wonder why coconut oil can also be an excellent remedy for removing eyelash extensions. Here’s how to do it.
- Start with a clean face. As always, you won’t want to try to remove eyelash extensions with a dirty face. Remove dirt, grime, and makeup, especially around the eyes.
- Give your face a steamy facial, or take a hot shower. Steam will loosen up the bond used for eyelash extensions, so it’s a convenient step you won’t want to skip over.
- Heat the oil. The coconut oil should be warm but not so scalding that you hurt yourself.
- Soak a cotton pad in the oil. It should be completely drenched in coconut oil.
- Place a cotton pad over the eyes for around ten minutes. You can opt to do one eye at a time or go right into both.
- Swipe the cotton pad over your eyelashes to remove extensions. Do this gently.
- Repeat these steps if necessary. Coconut oil is a rockstar at removing eyelash extensions. It shouldn’t need to be repeated, but it may be required for stubborn attachments.
Micellar Water
Micellar water can be an effective tool for removing eyelash extensions. You will want to follow the steps used in the “Baby Oil” removal method. Essentially, you will:
- Clean your face and hands.
- Take a hot shower or create a steamy facial.
- Rub micellar water on your lash line using a cotton swab.
- Let it sit for around five minutes.
- Gently remove the lashes, and repeat, if necessary.
Acetone
Do not use acetone to remove eyelash extensions at home. Acetone is a harsh chemical that can cause damage if it makes contact with your eye.
Lash Remover
Using a lash remover is another sure-fire way to ensure you remove your eyelash extensions without the hassle. To use a lash remover like this one, simply do the following:
- Begin by washing your hands and face thoroughly.
- Apply a dollop of the lash remover to two cotton swabs.
- Use the two swabs to massage the lash line simultaneously.
- Leave the gel on the eyelashes for around two to three minutes.
- Use the cotton swabs to remove the eyelash extensions gently.
FAQ
Does it hurt when removing eyelash extensions?
It should not hurt when removing eyelash extensions, whether you have them professionally removed or do it yourself from home. The only reason it would cause pain is if they are not ready to be removed, i.e., you need to repeat the steps in your DIY removal to loosen them up a bit more.
Will my natural lashes look thin?
After removing your eyelash extensions, your natural lashes should not look “thin,” necessarily. They should appear as they did before. If you had thin eyelashes before your extensions, they would appear thin afterward.
The only reason your natural lashes would appear thin after removal is if you removed some of your natural eyelashes. That is why it is crucial to be extra careful when removing eyelash extensions at home.
How long will it take for my natural lashes to grow back?
If you removed some of your eyelashes during the removal process, don’t panic. Eyelashes will grow back in approximately six weeks, although this timeframe can change depending on your growth cycle.
Taking biotin and Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help encourage eyelash growth. You can also apply Vitamin E, olive oil, castor oil, or professional growth serum to the eyelashes.
How often should you take a break from lash extensions?
Everyone is different. However, it is recommended to take at least two months off in-between eyelash extension treatments. This will give your eyelashes a “break” so they can heal and regrow.
Even with proper application and removal, it is still fairly dramatic for your natural lashes to have extensions attached to them. So, taking a break will ensure your eyelashes stay in tip-top condition.
