Can I remove lash extensions at home? It’s faster and safer to have your eyelash extensions removed by a professional. However, it is possible to remove them at home.
At first, your eyelash extensions were lush, but now they look like spider legs hanging from your eyes. Yikes. You might wonder if it’s OK to remove them yourself if you don’t want to pay for a fill.
In this blog, we asked our licensed technicians and lash specialists for their advice.
Risks of Removing Lashes at Home
While it is possible to remove eyelash extensions at home, it carries several risks:
- Damage to Natural Lashes: Pulling or plucking at the extensions can damage your natural lashes, making them thin and weak.
- Eye Injury: Using lash removal chemicals incorrectly can cause serious eye injury or irritation.
- Incomplete Removal: DIY methods may not fully remove the adhesive, leaving residue that can cause discomfort or infection.
For the safest and most effective removal, consider visiting a professional lash technician.
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How to Remove Eyelash Extensions at Home
Lash professionals do not advise removing eyelash extensions at home. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends leaving this to licensed professionals.
Ideally, the lash technician who applied your extensions should also remove them.
If you are determined to remove your eyelash extensions yourself, follow the instructions below.
1. Refuse to Pluck
You chose to get eyelash extensions because you like the look of voluminous, fluffy lashes. Pulling or plucking at the false lashes can damage your natural lashes. Be very careful not to pull at the extensions, as this can weaken the lashes below.
2. Choose a Product Containing Glycerin or Oil
Remember when your lash technician told you to avoid oil-based cleaners to keep your extensions fresh? Oils and glycols break down lash glue, causing your lashes to fall off. Here are some products that might be beneficial:
- Johnson’s Baby Oil
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture
- Vaseline (petroleum jelly)
3. Use Your New Adhesive-Dissolving Products Daily
Nothing works as fast as a professional eyelash remover. It may take several days for a beauty product with adhesive-dissolving ingredients to slide between the extension and natural eyelash. Patience is key.
Some Suggestions:
- Start by removing your makeup using baby oil, coconut oil, or an oil-based cleanser.
- If you prefer to avoid oils, apply a glycerin moisturizer to the area around your eye.
- Before bed, dip a cotton swab into Vaseline and lightly brush your eyelashes with it.
4. As the Extensions Fall Off, Focus on Your Natural Lashes
Even with the help of ingredients that dissolve glue, your extensions may last several days. Instead of forcing them off, focus on nourishing your natural lashes.
Use lash serums and moisturizing oils to keep your lashes in good condition. Castor oil can help strengthen lashes. During this stage, your eyelashes might look spidery.
Some people use false eyelashes or magnetic mascara to maintain their look during the transition.
5. Decide on What to Do Next
You may feel a bit bare after removing extensions and going natural. If you miss the fluffy look, you have options:
- Try DIY falsies
- Use castor oil to nourish your lash hair
- Use serums to help grow your lashes
- Contact a licensed esthetician for another set
Or, you can embrace your natural lashes. You might even fall in love with your natural look again.
Book Now!
or Call Us for More Tips!
Can I Safely Remove Eyelash Extensions from My Own Lashes?
Keep in mind: It is best to leave the removal of eyelash extensions to a professional. DIY removal carries two major risks:
- Damage to Your Lashes: Pulling on the extensions while removing them can result in thin or spidery lashes. It’s not a good look.
- Eye Injury: Using lash removal chemicals incorrectly can cause serious eye injury.
It is safer to have your eyelash extensions removed by a professional. Lash technicians are trained to protect your eyes and skin while dissolving the glue. After carefully removing your extensions, they will wash and dry your natural eyelashes to ensure any chemical remover is safely removed.
FAQs About Eyelash Extensions Removal
Does removing eyelash extensions hurt?
Removing eyelash extensions shouldn’t hurt. Proper removal involves dissolving the lash adhesive, not painful eyelash plucking.
Can you remove eyelash extensions quickly?
The average eyelash removal appointment lasts 30+ minutes. The length of time depends on the type and number of extensions.
When should eyelash extensions be removed?
You don’t have to remove extensions unless you experience an allergic reaction, applied them incorrectly, or decide you don’t want them anymore. Your lash professional may recommend a “fill,” which refreshes new growth or extensions that have overgrown, instead of removing them all and starting over.
Do eyelash extensions damage your eyelashes?
A small study from 2013 found that eyelash extensions can cause redness of the eye or swelling of the eyelid. If you are not allergic to the glue or lashes, extensions applied by professionals shouldn’t be harmful. The most common causes of damage are improperly trained technicians using too much adhesive or applying extensions that are too long or heavy for your natural lashes.
What happens if the eyelash extensions don’t come off?
Call your local lash professional. They can use their products to dissolve the extension adhesive gently without damaging the skin around your eyes or your natural lashes.
Bottom Line – Can I Remove Lash Extensions at Home?
You can remove eyelash extensions yourself, but it’s not recommended. Booking an appointment with a lash technician can give you better results faster.
If you want to DIY your eyelash removal, you’ll need to be patient. Use skincare products that contain oil and glycerin. Steamy showers can also help loosen the adhesive.
Seek the help of a licensed lash tech if you experience redness in your eyes, swelling on your lids, or painful clumping of lashes before or during the removal process. You should also consider calling an eye doctor.
For the best results and the safest experience, consider visiting Lash Addict Studio in Clearwater, FL. Their experienced lash technicians can professionally and safely remove your extensions, ensuring the health and beauty of your natural lashes.
