If you recently had eyelash extensions done but now want to remove them at home, there are a few things you should know before attempting to do so. Can you safely remove eyelash extensions yourself? What are the risks involved? How can you do it properly? As an experienced lash artist, I’ve seen the consequences when things go wrong during a DIY removal, so I always recommend professional removal. However, if you’re determined to remove your lash extensions at home, here’s what you need to know to avoid any disastrous mishaps. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Eyelash Extensions at Home
To successfully remove eyelash extensions at home, you’ll need to go against some of the advice your lash stylist gave you. For example, they probably told you to avoid using oil-based makeup removers. However, oils are actually notorious for breaking down the adhesive used in eyelash extensions and can cause poor retention. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely removing your eyelash extensions at home:
Step 1: Wash Your Face
Start by washing your face as you normally would, but be gentle around the eye area to avoid pulling on your lashes. This step is important to remove any mascara or eye makeup that may have settled on the extensions.
Step 2: Use Steam
Fill a large bowl with steaming-hot water. Lean your face over the bowl and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam. Allow the steam to work its magic for a few minutes, loosening the adhesive bond of the lash extensions. Steaming for around 15 minutes usually does the trick.
Step 3: Warm the Oil
Take a small bowl and fill it with oil. While coconut oil works best, you can also use vegetable oil, olive oil, or castor oil. Warm up the oil slightly, making sure it’s not too hot, as the eye area is sensitive. Test the temperature with your clean pinky finger—mild warmth is all you need.
Step 4: Soak the Pads
Soak one or two cotton pads in warm oil. Place the oiled pad on one eye, directly over the lashes. Let it sit for five to ten minutes, allowing the oil to break down the lash adhesive. Be careful not to pull on the extensions or your natural lashes while doing this. You can also use a lint-free applicator to apply the oil to the lashes.
Pro Tip: Take extra care during this step to prevent damage. Gentle is the key!
Step 5: Remove the Extensions
Using the same cotton pad, gently swipe your lash line again. You should start to see a few lash extensions falling off onto the pad. Remember to be extremely careful and avoid pulling on the extensions. If they don’t come off easily, it’s best to seek professional help rather than risk damaging your natural lashes.
What to Use for Eyelash Extension Removal
When it comes to DIY eyelash extension removal, some common products you can use include coconut oil, olive oil, mineral oil, castor oil, Vaseline, and baby oil. But does each one really work? Let’s take a closer look:
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is the safest and most effective option for removing eyelash extensions at home. It breaks down the adhesive bond gently and efficiently, without causing any irritation or damage to your natural lashes. It’s also great for nourishing your lashes, even if you don’t wear extensions.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is another popular choice for removing lash extensions. While it can effectively break down the adhesive, it may take longer compared to coconut oil. Expect to spend more time soaking and gently rolling a cotton swab over your lashes when using olive oil.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is often used as a natural alternative for lash extension removal. It has moisturizing properties that can help prevent hair breakage, but it may not be as effective as coconut or olive oil in breaking down the lash adhesive.
Castor Oil
Castor oil can be used to remove eyelash extensions, but it works more slowly compared to other oils. You’ll need to apply it multiple times or leave it on for longer periods to see results. However, castor oil is known for enhancing the luster of eyelashes and making them appear thicker and glossier.
Vaseline and Baby Oil
Neither Vaseline nor baby oil is recommended for eyelash extension removal. Vaseline’s greasy texture can be uncomfortable, and it doesn’t effectively break down the adhesive. Stick to oil-based solutions for safer and more effective removal.
Professional Eyelash Extension Removers
It’s important to note that professional eyelash extension removers should only be used by licensed and certified lash stylists. These removers are formulated with strong glue-dissolving materials and can be dangerous if they come into contact with your eyes. Gel remover and cream remover are the two common types used by professionals for spot removal or complete removal of extensions.
Potential Risks of DIY Lash Removal
Before attempting to remove your eyelash extensions at home, it’s essential to understand the risks involved:
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Damaging Natural Lashes: DIY removal can lead to damage or loss of your natural lashes if done incorrectly. Pulling or rubbing harshly can break both the extensions and your natural lashes. It may take several months for damaged lashes to regrow, so investing in a lash serum to promote growth might be necessary.
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Lengthy Removal Process: Most natural oils take time to break down the lash adhesive, which means you’ll likely need multiple sessions to completely remove the extensions. Prolonged removal attempts can cause frustration and potential damage to your natural lashes.
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Excess Oil and Skin Issues: Applying excessive amounts of oil to your lash line can clog pores and result in blackheads, pimples, or breakouts around the eyes.
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Risk of Infection or Irritation: Removing lashes at home requires keeping your eyes closed and having a steady hand. If you’re not careful, you could accidentally drip products into your eyes, potentially leading to infection or irritation.
Professional Eyelash Extension Removal
For a safe and effective removal, it’s recommended to visit a professional lash artist. They use specialized gel or cream-based removers designed for this purpose. If you’re curious about the professional removal process, I’ve recorded a video explaining it step by step. While the cost of professional removal is relatively low compared to the price of a new lash set, the expertise and skill of a lash stylist ensure the complete removal of the lash glue.
Conclusion
Removing eyelash extensions at home can be done, but it comes with risks. If you decide to go the DIY route, use oils like coconut or olive oil to break down the adhesive gently. However, professional removal is always the safest option. Remember, the health and appearance of your natural lashes should always be a priority. For more lash-related tips and information, check out Ekilove. Stay safe and enjoy your lash journey!
