:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Stocksy_txp98d79435XDg200_Medium_2090841-8a13617258554840a938d0bd48d4e7fd.jpg "How to Remove Eyelash Extensions at Home (1)")
In This Article
Take a Hot ShowerUse an Oil-Based CleanserApply an Oil
Try a Professional-Grade Lash Glue DissolverSee a Professional
Eyelash extensions certainly seem to have become the beauty service du jour. Gone are the days of needing to apply a new set of false eyelashes every day, as lash extensions can give anyone the instant gratification of longer, fuller eyelashes (even if you weren't born with them). Long eyelashes are enough to have anyone convinced to shell out their hard-earned money on such a service. Yet, with busy schedules and an ever-growing list of responsibilities, we can't always take the time to get our lashes touched up (or removed). Hence the question: Can you remove your eyelash extensions at home?
While experts highly recommend having extensions professionally removed or waiting until they fall out on their own, there are a few methods for safely removing eyelash extensions at home to try. Keep reading to learn more, plus best practices for keeping eyelashes healthy.
Meet the Expert
- Sahara Lotti is a lash expert, as well as the CEO and founder of Lashify, a luxury at-home lash extensions system.
- Clementina Richardson is a celebrity lash and brow expert and the founder of Envious Lashes in New York City.
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist of Schweiger Dermatology Group.
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Take a Hot Shower
If you're trying to expedite the fall-out process, try taking a hot shower. Just like your lash artist should advise you not to get your lashes wet and to avoid steam in order to lengthen the life of your lashes, doing the opposite can help loosen any stragglers that are still hanging on to your lash line for dear life. Just remember to keep your hands off your lashes for optimum results. When done right, removing falsies should be a painless process. "Never cut your lashes or pick off your lash extensions.Picking at them will only cause damage to your natural lashes, and your extensions will eventually grow out and shed with your natural lash cycle," emphasizes Richardson.
A shortcut to the hot shower method, a steam facial can be effective in loosening lash glue—and improving your complexion. To try it, simply boil water and pour it into a bowl or pot. Place your face above the steaming water for five to 10 minutes, keeping your eyes closed.
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Use an Oil-Based Cleanser
Any experienced lash artist should tell you not to use oil-based cleansers after getting a fresh set, as this can compromise the integrity of the lash glue and cause your extensions to fall out sooner. However, if you're trying to remove any leftover lash extensions—typically two to three weeks after application—oil cleansers are your new best friend. Try incorporating oil as the first step in your double-cleanse to help loosen any leftover lashes:
- While cleansing your face, move the oil in gentle, circular motions to start to dissolve the lash glue.
- Repeat for a few nights to loosen your lash extensions; this isn't a one-night miracle.
- Once extensions are removed, Lotti recommends using Lashify The Control Kit ($145) to hold you over until your next appointment. "As a lash extension lover, I created the Lashify systemto mimic the exact look of extensions.You can use our Gossamer lashes to fill in gaps without needing a professional service to fill them in."
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Apply an Oil
While our lash experts do not recommend the use of the below oils to remove lash extensions as many companies create specific removers to safely dissolve the adhesive, Nazarian says that some oils can help loosen them.
"The application of lash-removers and the process of gently removing the faux lashes can be tricky as one must not traumatize the natural lashes and allow preservation of the hairs underneath," says Nazarian. "This is not only done by using appropriate gels and creams to dissolve the lash glue, but also by the correct maneuvers and techniques to physically pull the lashes off."
Coconut oil: Never underestimate the versatility of coconut oil. From removing makeup to promoting shiny hair to treating sunburns, this miracle oil does it all—including, lash extension removal.
Mineral oil and Olive oil: In addition to coconut oil, mineral oil and olive oil carry low risk of irritation and allergy. "They are often well-tolerated by most skin types and would be a suitable option for removing lash extensions," says Nazarian.
Castor oil: According to Nazarian, castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, and has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties, making it a safe, and somewhat useful, oil to use around the eyes.If you are pregnant and wearing lash extensions, do not use castor oil to remove them.
Baby oil: This oil option is not recommended for lash removal
- Saturate a cotton pad with oil.
- Gently dab and massage onto lashes where the adhesive is applied.
- Remove after 30 seconds, but remain patient as the oil travels to the lashes, and slowly releases them from the adhesive. Gentle pressure will reveal if the lashes are loosened, or if they require additional oil and time.
According to Nazarian, if you've never used any of the oils before, apply a small amount behind your ears and monitor for itching or irritation, which is a quick way to assess potential allergy.
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Try a Professional-Grade Lash Glue Dissolver
Since your eyelashes are delicate and the skin around your eyes is also sensitive, it's imperative to know everything on how to remove eyelash extensions at home before attempting to do this on a whim with little to no guidance.
"The glue used to apply typical lash extensions cures or hardens once it hits the air. This means it has hardened onto the natural lash. Once the extension grows out it may break off and may take your natural lash with it," says Jill Medicis, Lashify Pro and Pro Educator Team Senior Manager. "By attempting to remove your lash extensions at home you may cause excessive damage to the natural lashes or may even lose the natural lash."
Lotti emphasizes, "You can definitely loosen extensions by taking hot showers and drenching them in oils, but to remove safely, with as little damage as possible, you'll need to purchase a remover to dissolve them."
- Soak a cotton pad with a remover.
- Gently apply this to the lashes to ensure that the remover starts to loosen the glue of the extensions for safe at-home removal.
- Lotti adds, "When applying a professional glue-dissolving remover to the extensions, be sure to keep it out of your eyes. Keeping your eyes free of any irritants is the most important thing to do when attempting to remove your extensions at home."
If you want to take a break from lashes altogether, try using a lash serum to jumpstart your natural lashes into growing longer, thicker, and fuller. Eyelash and eyebrow serums both contain ingredients such as peptides meant to help the natural growth process of lashes and brows.
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See a Professional
The safest way (both for your natural lashes and your eyes themselves) to remove your eyelash extensions is to have them removed by a professional. In most cases, extensions are adhered to using surgical-grade glue, which isn't something a novice should mess around with. You definitely don't want to damage your natural lashes, which can occur when long, heavy extensions are applied and/or removed incorrectly. So if they're not coming off, see a pro. Plus, it's also very easy to spread bacteria into the eye area, which a lash artist can fairly easily avoid (they have hundreds of hours of training, not to mention the proper equipment). So if you can wait to see a professional, you should.
But with that being said, there are inevitably circumstances where you can't get into the salon to have your lashes removed, and may want to take matters into your own hands. Whether you're in-between appointments or giving up on extensions for a while to give your natural lashes a breather, luckily there are a few damage-free, expert-approved ways to remove eyelash extensions at home. Just heed our warnings about the sanitary and safety risks of doing it yourself.
FAQ
Why won't my eyelash extensions come off?
Since eyelash extensions are applied with glue that is virtually waterproof, you'll have to dissolve the glue to remove them. You can do this through steam, an oil-based cleanser, or a product specifically designed to dissolve lash glue. Whatever you use, be sure not to pull or tug at your lash extensions—you could risk damaging your natural lashes.
Why are my eyelashes short after I removed my extensions?
Lash extensions weigh down your natural lashes, and as your natural lashes grow, they might not be able to support the weight. This can cause them to break. Rubbing your lashes can also cause damage and breakage.
Do eyelashes grow back after extensions?
Much like the hair on your head, the hair of your eyelashes should grow back after breakage. In the case of eyelashes, that typically takes about one to three months.
Ask an MUA: How to Clean False Eyelashes
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Aumond S, Bitton E.The eyelash follicle features and anomalies: a review.J Optom. 2018;11(4):211-222. doi:10.1016/j.optom.2018.05.003
FAQs
How to Remove Eyelash Extensions at Home? ›
Start by soaking the eyelash extension in warm water (to soften the glue holding the extension) Gently use a pair of tweezers to remove. Use a cotton swab to gently clean off any glue residue. If you feel that your eyelash extensions are not being removed properly, it is best to get professional help.
How do I remove eyelash extensions at home ASAP? ›Start by soaking the eyelash extension in warm water (to soften the glue holding the extension) Gently use a pair of tweezers to remove. Use a cotton swab to gently clean off any glue residue. If you feel that your eyelash extensions are not being removed properly, it is best to get professional help.
Can you safely remove eyelash extensions at home? ›But removing eyelash extensions instantly is best left to the pros, as it involves stripping away professional-grade lash glue. Not only do you need the tools a lash expert uses, but home removal could easily result in contaminating the eye area with bacteria that may lead to an infection.
How do you remove a full set of eyelash extensions? ›Using a cream remover is the safest way to remove lash extensions. The cream-type lash glue remover is used to remove the entire set of eyelash extensions. This thick cream-like consistency remover is easy to apply and sits on the lashes very well without running into eyes or skin.
How do you dissolve eyelash extension glue? ›- Take a Hot Shower. A hot shower works wonders for loosening eyelash extensions. ...
- Steam Your Face. This is the shortened technique of the hot shower method. ...
- Use a Lash Glue Dissolver. ...
- Use an Oil-Based Cleanser. ...
- Create Your Own Cleaning Solution. ...
- Use Oil. ...
- Apply Eye Cream.
No, it cannot. When removing eyelash extensions, you must use the right safe and effective products. "You cannot remove eyelash extensions with Vaseline because all eyelash extension adhesive is made of some form of cyanoacrylate, which won't break down with Vaseline at all," says Pham.
What is the fastest way to remove eyelash extensions? ›Fill a mixing bowl with steaming-hot water, place your face over it, and drape a large towel over your head. Remain this way for 10 to 15 minutes. This steam treatment will help loosen the bonds of the eyelash extension glue.
Does removing eyelash extensions ruin your lashes? ›If you attempt to remove your lash extension at home, you risk damage to your eyes, natural lashes, and skin. Also, it's easy to spread bacteria into the eye area. All of that can be avoided when left to the professionals.
How long does it take to soak off lashes? ›APPLY LASH REMOVER TO EXTENSION
Then, allow about five to ten minutes to let the product activate and start to break down the adhesive. As long as the lashes were applied correctly, they should easily slide right off! When you are removing a poorly applied set allow yourself at least 45 minutes to take the lashes off.
Soak a cotton ball in acetone, or acetone-based nail polish remover, then hold it onto the affected area. After a few minutes, it should break the glue bonds and allow you to comb through your strands.
How do you remove eyelash extensions that are too thick? ›
Soak a cotton pad with a remover. Gently apply this to the lashes to ensure that the remover starts to loosen the glue of the extensions for safe at-home removal. Lotti adds, "When applying a professional glue-dissolving remover to the extensions, be sure to keep it out of your eyes.
What removes strong eyelash glue? ›- Solvent Remover: Imagine nail polish remover, but for lash adhesive. ...
- Cream Remover: This remover looks like lotion and has a creamy consistency. ...
- Gel Remover: Like cream remover, gel remover is thicker than a solvent. ...
- Oil-Based Remover: ...
- Olive Oil or Coconut Oil:
Eyelash Extensions + High Heat Sources Don't Mix!
For example, direct, high heat from things like a blow dryer, ovens, stoves, grills or anything with an open flame can cause synthetic lash extensions to singe or melt.
Use olive or coconut oil as a natural glue remover on your eyelash extensions. If you're able to dig into your pantry to use olive or coconut oil, do it. You can use either one in combination with steam, or on its own, to remove your eyelash extensions. Soak a cotton ball in the oil and gently run it over your lashes.
Will baby oil remove eyelash extensions? ›Nouveau Lashes did tell us that you can try DIY methods such as baby oil, coconut oil or Vaseline by applying to cotton wool and wiping across your eyelashes to gently loosen your lash extensions, but to keep in mind that they're not specifically formulated for the delicate eye area.
Can I use aquaphor to remove eyelash extensions? ›Of course, if you're wearing artificial lash extensions, you're left out here – the Aquaphor will dissolve your adhesive, so skip this trick if you're doing the lash extension thing.
How long does it take to remove lashes with Vaseline? ›The petroleum jelly needs time to fully dissolve the lash adhesive. After you've massaged it into the lash glue, allow it to sit while it absorbs into the extensions and softens the adhesive. Wait 3 to 5 minutes before gently wiping your lashes to see if they're loose enough to come off.
Does rubbing alcohol remove eyelash extensions? ›Oil, alcohol and lash extensions do not get along, so make sure to steer clear of beauty products that have oil or alcohol as an ingredient, even lotions you use on your face. Using products with them in it can cause your lashes to come off earlier than they should.
Can I soak my fake eyelashes in water? ›Caption Options. By filling a small bowl with micellar water and leaving your lashes to soak for 15 minutes, you can wash away all traces of mascara, glue and grime from a day's wear.
Will my lashes grow back to normal after lash extensions? ›Once you stop wearing your extensions, it takes 9 to 12 weeks for new natural lashes to grow back to their original state. The period represents the time needed for eyelashes to complete the growth cycle. So, the good news is that your natural lashes will eventually grow back.
Will eyelashes grow back after extensions? ›
Lash extensions are fibers that are glued onto the natural eyelashes to create a thicker, longer eyelash. However, lash extensions can damage or rip the natural lashes. If natural eyelashes are lost due to lash extensions, they typically grow back in a few months.
Do eyelash extensions rip out your real lashes? ›Lash extensions absolutely should not ruin your natural lashes. Actually, natural lashes only become damaged from extensions if they are applied incorrectly! There are also a couple of practices to keep in mind so that your natural lashes stay nice and healthy: Don't rub or tug at your lash extensions.
Why wont my eyelash extensions come off? ›If the extensions don't wipe away easily, comb the oil through them with a spoolie, then let it sit for a minute. Once it's had a chance to soak in, run the spoolie through your lashes again to comb out the extensions.
How long does it take for eyelashes to heal after extensions? ›However, if there's no permanent damage, any lashes that fall out when you remove the extensions should grow back eventually, perhaps around 6 weeks or so. A caveat: If you're a big fan of eyelash extensions, you may want to occasionally take a break to give your natural eyelashes a break.
Does micellar water remove eyelash glue? ›No, oil-free micellar water does not remove eyelash glue. It doesn't have the strength to dissolve the adhesive used to bond the extension to the natural lash.
Can I thin out my eyelash extensions? ›The only way to have the lashes thin out is if you physical pull or rub them out.
Does acetone dissolve eyelash glue? ›Acetone is another effective way to remove eyelash extension glue. Simply wet a microfiber brush, lip wand, or Q-tip in the acetone and gently scrub off the adhesive. Acetone is a strong chemical; this is only recommended to get lash glue off your hand, never near the eyes.
Does hot water ruin eyelash extensions? ›Avoid Taking Hot, Steamy Showers
Heat and humidity can ruin the integrity of your eyelash extensions; this is because the heat will weaken the bond between your natural lashes and your extensions.
Many of the semi-permanent eyelash adhesives use chemicals found in Super Glue like cyanoacrylate. Adhesives can pull out your natural lashes or cause them to fall out. If this happens, it can take up to eight weeks for your natural eyelashes to grow back.
What chemical removes eyelash extensions? ›Pick up an oil- or glycerin-based product
Clark says that's because oil, glycols, and glycerin break down lash adhesive, causing your lashes to fall off. Some products that she says might work to your advantage: Johnson's Baby Oil.
What solvent removes eyelash extensions? ›
Coconut oil will give the best results in removing lash extensions but vegetable oil, olive oil, and castor oil can also be used. The next step is to warm up the oil slightly. Make sure that the oil isn't too hot because you're going to deal with a highly sensitive eye area.