Ceaseless fascination and experiments with beauty and cosmetics, along with different cultures, created various beauty styles over time. However, the idea- of attractive eyes composed of extraordinarily thick and long eyelashes is still thought-out to be the perfect union to make the eyes charming. That being so, people tend to opt for mascara, false eyelashes, extensions, topical eye drops, eyelash transplantations, etc.
But eyelash extensions are the ones that are most pursued to level up the game. Eyelash extensions have facilities like volume, lengthiness, additional brightness, and durability. But the hustle with them coming off and removing them is no joke, either!!
This article covers all the right ways of getting rid of stubborn eyelash extensions that work and are vetted by industry experts.
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REMOVING EYELASH EXTENSIONS AT HOME- IS IT A GOOD IDEA?
It’s not that difficult to remove eyelash extensions in the comfort of your own home, but the idea is discouraged, and here’s why-
Eyelash extensions are an investment. Never go cheap when getting eyelash extensions! The same applies to removal. Be it instant removal or taking a break from those extensions, pros are pros; nothing can beat them. Unfortunately, home removal often can’t eliminate professional-grade lash glue or properly build up dirt and makeup. The majority of individuals develop at least one eye symptom. The most common complications are:
- Redness.
- Pain.
- A sensation of heaviness in the eyelids.
- Eyelash fallout.
- Seeing shadows in sight.
- Tearing and burning sensation.
- Foreign body sensations.
- Boils on the eyelid (stye).
This writing is for you if you’re still up for taking risks and removing your extensions.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REMOVE EYELASH EXTENSIONS?
It depends on how long you’re okay with missing lash extension spots. Some people are doing fine with their six-week-old lashes, and on the other hand, there are also people who get new extensions after three to four weeks.
If you’re facing any side effects, as mentioned before, which is rare unless your beautician jacks up your lashes. In that case, that’s when you should get them removed by a well-reviewed professional. Other than that, it’s up to you.
Our lash growth cycle usually occurs every 60-90 days, so one can shed up to 5 lashes or in between every day. As the lash extensions are glued to your natural lashes and not on your follicles, the extensions will simply fall out along with the real ones. This continues until all hair cycles out. So now you can decide if you want new extensions or to give your natural lashes a break.
Some end up lasting around 2 weeks only! Nothing will make your lash extensions last longer if you don’t take care of them. Also, the more dramatic and thicker they are, the sooner the fallouts become noticeable. It would be ideal to test it.
Your preferred extension style and see how long it lasts for you rather than relying on standards.
DO YOU NEED A PROFESSIONAL EYELASH EXTENSION REMOVER?
Yes, but only if you’re a professional lash extension artist. However, It’s highly discouraged to use a professional remover on yourself. These removers are made to break down highly adhesive glues used for extensions.
You can’t mess around with it at all. If a professional accidentally gets extension removers on your eye, they can easily flush it out with saline water; that’s their expertise. But you may not handle this situation properly and become a hot mess.
One thing these professional removers assure is quick and clean removal. The eyelash extensions come off like cats and dogs soon after applying the remover. In addition, professional removers do not damage natural lashes at all, and you won’t shed your natural lashes while you’re in the process.
Now all the home remedies. It’s safer but takes time as well. You at least need to give them 15-20 minutes to break the adhesive and keep in mind that you might lose natural lashes in these processes. Take steam first, which helps with these processes.
HOW TO REMOVE EYELASH EXTENSIONS AT HOME
Secure and professional ways require products you might not have, which is a professional eyelash extension remover. So you have to choose between cream and gel removers.
You have to have a lot of guts to use a professional extension remover, to begin with. So I’d assume you have steady hands and sky-high patience because you CANNOT let this formula get in touch with your skin.
If these removers get in your skin, they will get to your inner and outer corners and cause stinging. So cream removers are preferred for sensitive eyes and DIYs as they have a thicker viscosity and less chance of seeping. That being said, here are two professional ways to remove eyelash extensions at home:
HOW TO REMOVE INGROWN EYELASH
THINGS YOU NEED –
- Eye patches.
- Cotton Pad
- A cream remover.
- Clear plastic/medical tape.
- Lip wands.
- Lash brush.
- Lash bath.
- Any type of squeezy bottle with water.
STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –
1st STEP – First, put the eye patches as you normally would on your lower lashes as close as possible to that lash line. You can fold a cotton pad and use that instead, too.
2nd STEP – Take that medical tape, tape the eye patch, and ensure all the bottom lashes are tucked in. And then adjust the eye pad.
EXPERT TIPS: You can’t use paper tapes here cause the gel or cream remover would eat them away.
3rd STEP – Now take one lip wand, scoop up a little bit of remover, and apply that gently on the base of the lashes. Avoid getting any product on the skin.
EXPERT TIPS: If you don’t want to double-dip the same lip wand, use a fresh one every time. If your remover comes in a tube, then it’s okay.
4th STEP – Properly coat all the lash bases and work the lip wand back and forth so that there is good enough product to dissolve the lash glue and let it sit for 5 minutes.
5th STEP – This is an extra step to ease any irritation in the eye. You can go in with a mini fan while waiting. And if you have a severe stinging sensation, flush your eye quickly.
6th STEP – After 5 minutes, take new lip wands, and you just want to slide the extensions downwards. They should come off easily, or you may have to exert some effort. Don’t pull or irritate the lash line too much. Apply another coat of remover if you have to.
7th STEP – After removing all the extensions, you can remove the eye pad. But first, wipe away any extra product with a clean lip wand. And DON’T open your eyes yet.
8th STEP – Now time for a lash bath. Use a fluffy brush or your hands to apply foaming cleanser to your lashes. Repeat a couple of times.
9th STEP – Now rinse everything with the water, and it’s safe to open your eyes.
HOW TO REMOVE OUTGROWN EYELASH
This method is more straightforward but works for outgrown lashes best.
1st STEP – This time you need a long piece of micropore paper tape and loop it so the sticky side is on the outer side, and place it on the upper lid.
2nd STEP – Now place all the grown-out lashes against the sticky side; it’s better to space them out.
3rd STEP – Once you have secured the lash extensions, apply the remover directly on the lashes correctly. The extensions will come off easily after a while.
4th STEP – Remove the tape and rinse afterward.
HOW TO REMOVE EYELASH EXTENSIONS WITH VASELINE?
Not the best or most preferred home remedy for removing lash extensions, but it does the work. Adds extra moisture. You can do both eyes simultaneously. With its thick consistency, there’s barely any chance this product can seep in.
THINGS YOU NEED –
- Vaseline
- Cotton buds/lip wands
- Spoolie/Eyebrow brush
- Microfiber cloth.
STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –
1st STEP – Take Vaseline on a spoolie or eyebrow brush and apply a thick coat to your eyelash base.
2nd STEP – Let it sit for a minimum of 20 minutes to 1 hour.
3rd STEP – Now, Manage two lip wands and glide them down on your lashes. Many of them will fall off immediately. Gently continue to repeat this process.
HOW TO REMOVE EYELASH EXTENSIONS WITH BABY OIL
Baby oil is used widely for its capability of holding moisture in. However, it may be hazardous to the eyes. Baby oil causes eye irritation. As the extension removal is a long process, it’ll keep getting in your eye; thus, your eyes will be irritated. Baby shampoo is the best way to get rid of baby oil around the eyes. Note that baby oil can also eliminate extensions like any other oil.
THINGS YOU NEED –
- Baby oil.
- Cotton balls.
- Flock tips/lip wands.
- Baby shampoo.
STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –
1st STEP – When using baby oil to remove lash extensions, it’s best to take a steam or a steamy bath beforehand. You can’t apply baby oil and wait an hour or so to let it sit. So this step is a must.
2nd STEP – Saturate a cotton ball properly and put it on your eyelash for about 2-3 minutes. Do one eye at a time.
3rd STEP – Try lightly slipping off the extensions using the same cotton ball. Then take two lip wands and work them both on your lashes. Add a little pressure if needed. Keep your eyes tight shut to avoid stinging.
4th STEP – It’s highly possible that the oil has slipped, and now your eyes are burning. You can use baby shampoo to get rid of the oil right away.
HOW TO REMOVE EYELASH EXTENSIONS WITH COCONUT OIL
Unrefined virgin coconut oil is most preferred and suggested by eye professionals as it’s safer and healthier because of the long chain of fatty acids. Coconut oil has excellent properties for the hair on your head but is not proven yet for the lashes. However, it at least penetrates the hair shaft and is not hazardous for lash health.
THINGS YOU NEED –
- Coconut oil.
- Flock tip/lip wand
- Cotton balls.
STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –
1st STEP – Take a flocked tip and dip it in the coconut oil. Then saturate the lash area.
2nd STEP – Wait an hour for the Oil to work best. The Oil creates slippage of the lash extensions.
3rd STEP – Take a cotton ball and make sure to saturate it with coconut oil properly, move it down over the lashes, and then side to side. The cotton ball can snag and tug on the lashes if it is not saturated.
CAUTION: You must clean the lashes thoroughly after using coconut oil. Otherwise, it can cause inflammation of the eyelids, called Blepharitis. This happens when there’s a blockage of the eyelid’s meibomian glands. This can happen if you use something like coconut oil.
Foaming cleanser/salt water solution/hypochlorous acid solution/baby shampoo can remove the oil build-up.
HOW TO REMOVE EYELASH EXTENSIONS WITH MINERAL OIL
First, you have to choose cosmetic-grade Mineral oils. Mineral oils have solvent cleansing, which can dissolve sebum and cosmetic residues. Your lashes need this type of solvent agent after getting extensions. Mineral oil is basically like baby oil, just without the fragrance. Its use is often claimed to be evil in a bottle for skincare which is misinformation.
Mineral oil doesn’t give you pimples or blackheads. Its giant molecules cannot even enter pores. So if you don’t want to use coconut oil for its comedogenic effects, you can opt for mineral oils.
THINGS YOU NEED –
- Mineral oil.
- Lip wands or flock tips
- Cotton balls
- Soft wash cloth
STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –
1st STEP – Take steam for up to 15-20 minutes. Dip a lip wand in mineral oil and apply it to the lash base.
2nd STEP – Try to not get the Oil on your eyes. For that, focus on the upper side of the lashes mainly. Keep your eye wide open while applying on the bottom. Lightly keep smudging on the lashes with the wands
3rd STEP – If you see the extensions coming out, take a soft wet washcloth and gently start wiping over them. Otherwise, place an oil-saturated cotton ball on the remaining extensions.
HOW TO REMOVE EYELASH EXTENSIONS WITH OLIVE OIL
Olive Oil contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, making it popular in the cosmetic industry. Though it doesn’t penetrate the lash shaft, still it’s not harmful to use. Olive Oil contains bioactive compounds, which makes it a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant medium. Out of all variants, extra virgin olive oil is best to use. Virgin olive oil can be used instead, too.
THINGS YOU NEED –
- Olive Oil.
- LIp wands/ flock tips
- Washcloth/cotton pads
STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –
1st STEP – Take steam for up to 15-20 minutes. And apply an adequate amount of olive Oil.
2nd STEP – Give a subtle tug on your lashes to see if the glue softened; if so, grab two flock tips or lip wands and gently run them over your lashes. The lash extensions would start coming off right away.
3rd STEP – After getting done with the lashes, wet the washcloth with warm water and wipe off the excess Oil. You are free to choose to leave it overnight if you wish.
CAUTIONS: Olive Oil has oleic acid, which can be a threat if you have dermatitis. It can trigger skin-like- acne-prone, or congested skin. So be careful to not use excess olive Oil.
HOW TO REMOVE EYELASH EXTENSIONS WITH CASTOR OIL
Castor oils are generally known to stimulate hair growth. But lack of evidence makes all the claims anecdotal. Its thick consistency helps remove extensions, but as it contains Ricinoleic acid, your eyes will have a mild burning sensation.
A fact about castor oil is that it can work against bacteria and fungi. So using this to remove extensions is a great idea.
THINGS YOU NEED –
- Castor oil
- Lash spoolie
STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –
1st STEP – Dip a spoolie in castor oil and brush it through the lashes. Give it time properly.
2nd STEP – Continue brushing gently; the extensions will come off.
3rd STEP – If you’re left with the stubborn ones, take some oil in your fingers and work gently on those.
AFTERCARE FOR EYELID HYGIENE
Home remedies are all petroleum and oil-based. After weeks of wearing eyelash extensions, your lash has enough build-up dirt already. Adding more oil to them leads to eye problems, as mentioned before. So you need to maintain proper hygiene.
- EYELID AND EYELASH CLEANSER – This step should already be in your skincare routine, especially if you use makeup or eye care products.
- BABY SHAMPOO FOR EYES – As mentioned before, baby shampoo can easily eliminate the after-effects caused by baby shampoo. But considering the ingredients, you may want to opt for safer products.
- EYELID CLEANING WIPES – Another great option. These are identical to other eyelid cleaning solutions but are integrated into a wet towelette.
- USING DRY EYE DEVICES – This tool looks like an electronic toothbrush. It has an oscillating head that cleans, massages and stimulates the meibomian glands with sound waves.
- HYPOCHLOROUS ACID – This is something most eye doctors recommend frequently. It’s a safe antiseptic spray for the skin. Very useful to clean eyelids. Just spray it directly or in a cotton ball and wipe the eyelids.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DOES REMOVING EYELASH EXTENSIONS HURT?
ANSWER: No! It is similar to any other relaxed beauty visit in which you allow the specialists to perform their work. A certified expert can be done in 10 minutes with your lashes and will make sure your eyes are not irritated. No pain is involved.
But doing it yourself doesn’t guarantee a painless removal. Using oil products to eliminate these stubborn extensions is difficult and time-consuming. And you might run out of patience and end up tugging on them, which can cause pain.
CAN REMOVING EYELASH EXTENSIONS DAMAGE NATURAL LASHES?
ANSWER: If you approach the correct person, your natural lashes will never be harmed. In addition, proper removal will never make your natural lashes shed in the process.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR EYELASH EXTENSIONS ARE HARD TO REMOVE?
ANSWER: Be patient, and don’t succumb to your feminine urge to reap or tug at them. If you’re using a remover, apply a little more and let them sit again on the stubborn extensions.
If you choose oil products, give them as much time as possible. The glue will break eventually.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF PULLING EYELASH EXTENSIONS OUT?
ANSWER: Excess pulling or tugging exacerbates wrinkle problems around the skin and damages your natural lashes as the orbital area is very thin. And in the worst scenario- you may pull out some skin of the eyelid, which would require surgery.
IS OIL SAFE FOR THE EYE AREA?
ANSWER: Oil DOES NOT have a pH. It needs to have an aqueous solution to have a pH. Both acids and bases eat away ocular tissues worse than acids. So oil is safe.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Now, as you read, every at-home extension removal method includes oils. These oils can loosen the glue bit by bit, but it will take several sessions. To not cause any damage to your lash and eye, you have to do these DIY removal sessions every other day for a week. You cannot expect these oil removal methods to magically remove all the extensions in one go without any damage.
Also, if your lashes are newly done and say you don’t like how they look on you, you don’t want to remove them on your own. The glue used can be like cement for the first couple of weeks. Instead, professional removal is safer, faster, and less messy. However, a professional beautician should perform the procedure.
