Eyelash extensions are a heaven-sent salon service for those of us too lazy (or simply unable) to apply a pair of false lashes on a daily basis. In fact, it’s the perfect life hack if you want to skip the make-up altogether! One to two hours in the salon is all it takes, and you’ll leave looking naturally dolled up everyday without effort. But like all things in life, there is an end to every season. And in the case of eyelash extensions, it’s falling falsies and uneven patches of lashes. Definitely a far cry from those full and fluffy fringes!
While you should be able to enjoy them for at least a month, they can start falling off within a few weeks if you don’t properly follow the do’s and don’t of eyelash extensions. Ideally, the best remedy would be to have them retouched by your salon, or – if you want to give your eyes a breather – to have them removed all at once . Whatever the case may be, lash specialists are best equipped to handle your sensitive eye area with care. However, in light of the pandemic and many other reasons a trip to the salon would not be possible, some people have resorted to DIY lash removal. Although it is possible, there have been horror stories, and let’s just say they end up with fewer lashes than ever before.
If you’re one of the many itching to have your lashes removed but don’t know where to start, this guide is for you! From practical at-home tips to seeking help from an eyelash technician, we’re answering the net’s most asked questions and discussing the best ways to safely remove your eyelash extensions.
Is it better to get eyelash extensions removed or let them fall out?
Before anything else, let’s address a question that many fail to ask: Should I have my eyelash extensions removed or should I just let them fall off naturally? First off, it is important to know that lash fallout is completely normal. Even the most careful and obedient person will experience it. Eyelash extensions are attached to our natural eyelashes, which go through regular shedding and growing just like much of our body hair. For that reason, there is no way to avoid your extensions eventually falling off.
Once that happens, so does the urge to start removing them on your own. Nothing is worse than uneven eyelashes! But according to lash experts, it is best to leave your eyelash extensions alone until your next appointment with your lash artist. We know, it sounds unbearable, but it’s better than picking on your lashes and not knowing the damage you’re causing – which brings us to our next question.
Is it safe to remove eyelash extensions at home?
Yes and no, depending on how you go about removing them. While it is technically possible to pluck them out (we’re looking at you, tweezer fanatics), it will definitely affect your natural lashes in the process. As you know by now, the two go hand-in-hand.
Another common mistake is to purchase a professional lash extension remover and attempt an at-home removal yourself. This might save you some bucks spent on a salon service, but it could cause serious damage to your eyes. Many of these products contain propylene glycol, which if not used properly, can cause eye infections, skin allergies, and other toxic effects on your body. While some brands have launched safer versions, it is still best not to play professional. There’s a reason these products were made for trained technicians.
That being said, there are safer ways to do them at home, although nowhere near as quick and effective as a professional service. But once you accept that your next best bet is a slow but safe fallout, then these DIY tips may help – just be careful!
How can I safely remove eyelash extensions at home without damage?
You need not look far for DIY ways to remove eyelash extensions from home. In fact, you probably already have most of the resources laying around. Lash experts have identified specific skincare products and daily activities that help loosen the lash adhesive keeping your eyelash extensions in place. However, keep in mind that you are dealing with surgical grade glue, so don’t expect an instant fix. You may have to do these steps more than once, just make sure to space them out to avoid irritating your sensitive eye area.
So, forget all the no-no’s advised when you first got your eyelash extensions in. They’re now your top to-do’s when removing those stubborn lash strands! Here’s what you need to know.
Best ways to remove eyelash extensions at home
Now, before we get into some at-home tips and tricks on how to take off lash extensions without damage, keep in mind: As lash experts, we still recommend professional eyelash extension removal as the safest route.
On that note, please take these tips with caution. If you really want to protect your natural lashes, give us a call at the salon and we can definitely help you out!
Steaming hot water
Hot showers are one of the best ways to unwind after a long and tiring day. Not only do they dissolve tension in the body, but they also dissolve the bonds held together by eyelash extension glue. Pretty cheesy analogy, but hey, it totally works!
Heat and moisture are lash glue’s biggest enemies. For that reason, basking in a hot shower will hasten the natural fallout of eyelash extensions. The same goes with hitting the sauna or using a facial steamer. An even quicker and cheaper tip: Prepare a bowl of hot water, hover your face over it, and cover your head with a towel.
Oil-based face products
Oil-based face products are among the things you are discouraged from using upon getting your eyelash extensions in. But now that you want them removed, you have the go signal to use them as you please! An oil based makeup remover or facial wash are two things you can easily incorporate into your daily skincare routine. These will definitely speed up the process of loosening the lash glue.
Oils (vegetable oils, coconut oil, mineral oil, or baby oil)
A similar concept is to apply pure oil directly to your lash line. Commonly used ones are castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and mineral oil. You may also use baby oil, as long as it’s free from fragrance and other extremely irritating ingredients.
Whatever you decide to use, we recommend doing a patch test first. Place a small amount of oil on a clean spot in your inner arm, leave it for the entire day, and watch out for any skin reactions. Once you’re on the clear, you can proceed with the removal process.
How to remove eyelash extensions with baby oil, coconut oil or other oils
- Start by placing an eye mask or a tissue underneath your lower lashes. This will prevent the oil from seeping into your eyes.
- Next, get a Q-tip and dip it into your oil of choice.
- Close one eye, and gently swipe the Q-tip over your entire lash line.
- As an added measure, you may also use a spoolie to coat the actual lashes with oil. We recommend doing this before bed time to allow the oil to sit overnight.
- Wash your face the next morning, and you should see some of the extensions slide off.
Another effective way is to use warm oil on eyelash extensions. Start by applying warm oil on a cotton pad. Check the temperature by dipping your finger into the oil. It shouldn’t be too hot for your eyes to handle. Soak a cotton pad into the warm oil, and place it on top of your closed eye. Leave it for five to ten minutes, then gently swipe the pad over your lash extensions.
Vaseline
Apart from oils, Vaseline also helps in removing eyelash extensions.
How to remove eyelash extensions with vaseline
- In the same manner, apply it on a Q-tip or spoolie and gently coat your lashes.
- Leave it for a few minutes.
- Then wash it off with an oil-based facial wash.
Mascara
If all else fails: Makeup! Applying mascara or eyeliner is a great tip for concealing those sparse spots. It gives off the illusion of full eyelashes while waiting for your eyelash extensions to take its natural course. Plus, this will remind you to use an oil based makeup remover at the end of the day.
Professional services for removing eyelash extensions: The safest way!
While these easy at-home tips will help you cut down on expenses and time spent at the salon, they are not a one-done deal and will definitely need to be approached with caution. For one, there is always a risk of damaging your sensitive eye area. And if you do manage to survive unscathed, there is still a possibility of accidentally removing your natural eyelashes at the same time. That being said, we still want to stress that the best way to remove eyelash extensions is to have it done by a trained technician or lash expert.
Most salons offering eyelash extension services also provide an option for retouch and removal. For you to better appreciate the care and effort that goes into the process, here is a quick rundown of everything you need to know.
Gel remover vs. Cream remover
A strong lash glue is important in keeping your eyelash extensions in tact. But when it comes to removing them, that strong adhesive bond is the biggest hurdle. Professional salons use a gel remover or a cream remover to help loosen the lash glue and safely pluck off the remaining extensions.
A cream remover is ideal for removing several lash extensions at once. It has a thick consistency that makes it easy to lather over a large area of lashes. Plus, it lessens the chances of seeping into the corners of the eyes, which makes it the go-to product for treating customers with a more sensitive eye area. In that regard, it is the quickest and safest way of removing eyelash extensions.
A gel remover, on the other hand, is recommended for removing a few lashes at a time. Because of its runny texture, it is prone to falling into the eyes while targeting the base of each lash extension. This is why a trained eyelash technician is needed. They are able to carefully separate lashes and apply the gel remover in specific areas of the lash line.
Safety of eyelash extension removers
A question we often get from our customers is if a professional lash extension remover will damage your natural eyelashes. The answer is no, especially if done by a trained technician. It will only break off the lash glue and allow the eyelash extensions to easily come off.
Eyelash extensions removal process
- Our trained eyelash technician will start by putting gel eye pads beneath your lower lash line, setting them in place with a medical tape. This will catch any excess oil or product that could irritate your skin.
- Using a Q-tip or an applicator, we will then apply the cream or gel remover in a downward motion, starting from the base of your lashes all the way to the tip. To further dissolve the lash glue, we may add a heavier coat where needed.
- After 5 to 10 minutes, we will slowly and gently swipe off the eyelash extensions.
- Most salons offer a lash bath to end the session. Using a safe and mild cleanser, we gently rub the eyes and lashes with a cleansing brush.
Where to get my eyelash extensions removed by a professional
Now that you’ve learned the different ways of removing eyelash extensions, be sure to keep these two tips in mind:
- If you’re doing an at-home removal, practice our tips slowly and surely, and more than anything, be gentle with your lashes.
- If you want the safest route, seek the services of a professional lash expert.
Lovoir Skin Body & Beauty offers an assortment of eye enhancement treatments, including eyelash extensions, eyelash tinting, and lash lifts. If you need help with the removal process, feel free to contact us and we’ll let you know how we can help!
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