Long, full eyelashes can make you feel like an entirely different person. They make your eyes look bigger and your eye color pop. They can make you feel as if you don’t need makeup at all. In short, they can make you feel beautiful. However, not everyone is born with these eyelashes. If you weren’t, what do you do? You can get eyelash extensions.
After you get the eyelash extension though, there are plenty of reasons you may want to remove them. Maybe they are irritating your eyes. Maybe the upkeep is too expensive. Maybe they just aren’t for you. Whatever it is, the time has come to remove those extensions. So, how do you go about it? Do you have to spend the money at a salon to get them removed professionally, or can you do it at home?
There are ways to remove your eye extensions from home, including Vaseline. It will take some time and patience. But if you are careful, your eyelashes can be back to normal without even leaving your house.
Does Vaseline remove eyelash extension glue?
The simple answer is yes. Vaseline can help break down the glue that is keeping your eyelash extensions attached to your natural lashes.
Vaseline is a brand of petroleum jelly, which is a mixture of waxes and mineral oils. It has many uses, such as moisturizing your skin, reducing hair breakage, and healing minor scrapes. Because of the oils used in it, it also helps in breaking down dirt as well as lash extension glue.
Still, there are some people who argue that you should not use Vaseline. Some salons state that you should have extensions removed professionally by a practiced technician. Other people will say Vaseline is not natural enough. They argue that you don’t want to risk irritating your eyes by getting petroleum jelly in them, so it is not worth the risk.
At the end of the day, Vaseline will remove the eyelash extension glue. It will be up to you to decide if Vaseline is the removal route you would like to take.
Is it painful and difficult to remove extensions?
Do not fear. If eyelash extensions are removed properly, none of the removal options should be painful. The key to removing them properly is to remove them carefully.
Unlike false lashes that you can buy at a pharmacy, each lash extension is individually attached to a natural eyelash. If you pull on the extensions, you risk pulling out your natural eyelashes too. To avoid this, you must use something to break down the eyelash extension glue.
Additionally, you must have patience. The adhesive used is very strong, so it could take time for all of the extensions to fall off.
The good news is that with the Vaseline and patience, they should slide off without pain.
How long does it take to remove eyelash extensions with Vaseline?
The process of removing eyelash extensions differs for everyone. Each person has different natural lashes and different extensions. There are even different types of extension glue. The removal will be just as different.
Some people’s extensions may come off easily while others may take time to break down the adhesive. The timing of it will vary person by person. On average, it should take you about an hour to remove your eyelash extensions with Vaseline. You will need to take a few steps beforehand to ensure that your extensions come off with ease.
What products do you need?
Before you slather Vaseline all over your eyelids, take a moment to be sure you have everything you need in arm’s reach. The process will go more smoothly if you have these things:
- Gentle cleanser: Your go-to face cleanser or any mild soap will help to wash away dirt and grime throughout the process.
- Steam: Steam will help loosen the bond of the adhesive. A bowl of heated water will work best but be careful. If the steam is too hot it can burn you. Alternatively, you can lay a soaked washcloth over your closed eyes or take a hot shower.
- Towel: A towel will prevent the steam from escaping as well as with clean up.
- Vaseline: This will act as the agent that will breakdown the eyelash extension glue. Have enough to apply liberally to both sets of eyelashes.
- Q-tips, lip wands, or cotton pads: These will help with the gentle application of Vaseline and removal of the extensions.
How do you do it?
Now that you have everything you need, it is time to begin.
- Start by cleaning your face with a gentle cleanser. This will keep any dirt or makeup from irritating your eyes.
- Next, steam your eyes with hot water for 10 minutes.
- If you are using a bowl of hot water, place your face above the bowl. Put the towel over your head and the bowl to keep the steam from escaping.
- If you are using a washcloth, soak it in water as warm as you can bear. Since you will need to steam for 10 minutes, it would be good to have a couple of washcloths to exchange as the first one cools down.
- If you are going to shower, just relax in the steam for the set time.
- Liberally apply Vaseline to your eyelashes. Try to cover the roots as much as possible as that is where the technician applied the adhesive.
Caution: Avoid getting the Vaseline in your eyes. If you do, rinse them and wait until your eyes are not irritated before you try again.
Note: Use a lip wand or Q-tip to be more precise and gentler as you apply the Vaseline. They will help you work the Vaseline into each individual eyelash and help avoid getting the Vaseline in your eye.
- Wait at least 15 minutes. The longer you let the Vaseline sit on your lashes, the more time it has to break down the adhesive.
- Place a cotton pad or tissue under your lashes. Using a lip wand, Q-tip, or cotton pad, begin to gently brush out your lashes. Be sure to not pull, or you risk pulling out your own eyelashes. If the Vaseline worked enough, the extensions should easily slide off with just a gentle brushing.
That’s it! It should be simple and pain-free, but it requires a lot of patience.
Other methods to remove eyelash extensions
In case Vaseline isn’t working as well as you hoped, rest assured. There are other options that you can use to remove your eyelash extensions. With any of the below at-home methods, follow the same steps as above, replacing Vaseline with the different oil or solution.
- Micellar water: Micellar water is the solution of micelles and soft water. The micelles attract dirt and oil, so it is great for facial cleansing. It also breaks down extension glue. Because of this, professionals warn against using micellar water if you have eyelash extensions. Therefore, it could help remove the extensions if micellar water is what you have on hand.
- Baby oil: In general, oils break down extension glue. If you have baby oil around, it will be just as good as any other oil to aid in the removal of your eyelash extensions. Avoid any scented baby oils, as fragrances are more likely to irritate your eyes.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is one of the most natural methods to use to remove your eyelash extensions. Coconut oil is a good moisturizer, so it won’t harm your lashes or skin. If you can, choose unrefined coconut oil because it will be gentler.
- Go to the salon: If none of the at-home treatments do the trick for you, there is always making an appointment with an experienced lash technician.
Sometimes the price is worth the expertise, quality, and peace of mind. Salons have specially created extension glue remover that will break down the adhesive. While the remover is quite strong and could irritate your eyes, the technician will know exactly what to do to remove your extensions without harming your natural eyelashes.
Conclusion
Whatever the reason may be for considering Vaseline as an eyelash extension remover, know that it could well be worth it. Removing eyelash extensions is a simple task that someone can easily attempt to do at home. As long as you don’t pull on the extensions and keep any remover solutions away out of your eyes, the process should be completely pain free. There is no harm in trying Vaseline, and if it does not work, there are other methods to try.
No matter what method you decide to use, remember that patience is key. If you become irritated, take a break, and keep in mind that the salon is always there to make the process a breeze.
