Lash extensions are a great way to get full, fluttery eyelashes without mascara. It is an in-salon beauty treatment; lash extensions require a professional aesthetician to apply. Usually, experts recommend visiting a professional to have the extensions removed too. However, if that’s not possible, you can take them off yourself at home. Never rub or pull off your lash extensions – just follow one of the methods below, and your lashes will be back to their natural best in no time.
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When to Remove your Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions will usually begin to fall out on their own three or four weeks after being applied. However, some extensions will stay in place for six to eight weeks – the same length of time as one full cycle of natural lash growth. To avoid the uneven lash look, remove your extensions at any time after they begin to fall out.
How to Remove Eyelash Extensions with Removing Liquid
What You Need
The best way to take off your eyelash extensions – besides visiting a salon is by using a professional-grade removing liquid or gel. These products dissolve the strong glue that holds your extensions in place. You can order them online or ask your eyelash technician what they use. For the rest of the removal process, you’ll need under-eye pads, a micropore applicator brush, gentle eye makeup remover, cotton pads, and a clean mascara wand or spoolie.
Remove Makeup
Before you begin removing your extensions, cleanse your eye area of any makeup. This step ensures you can see the lashline clearly so that you can apply the remover in the correct place. It also protects your eyes from unnecessary irritation.
Place Under-Eye Pads
Open the under-eye pads and place them directly below your eyes, sticking them to your lower lash line. They are there to ‘catch’ the lash extensions as they fall and absorb any excess remover liquid. If you are removing your lash extensions yourself, do each eye individually rather than both at the same time.
Apply Removing Liquid on Micropore Brush
Saturate a micropore applicator brush with the removing liquid or gel. Always use disposable, single-use brushes to minimize risks of bacterial infections around your delicate eye area. Micropore brushes are small in size and have a flexible head, making them ideal for precise lash work.
Apply the Liquid to the Lashes and Leave for 3 Minutes
Starting in the middle of your lashes, apply the remover liquid with the micropore brush. Using a downward, sweeping motion, slowly work your way up to the root of the lash. Avoid rubbing the product into your skin as it can cause irritation. If any gets into your eyes, immediately flush it out with cold water. Leave the remover to work for three minutes per eye.
Brush Down
Once the three minutes have elapsed, apply the remover liquid to a fresh micropore applicator. Then, gently comb it down your lashes – again, using a sweeping, rather than rubbing, motion. This step will ensure all the extensions have been completely removed.
Apply Gentle Makeup Remover
Make sure your natural lashes are free of any residue by soaking a cotton pad with gentle eye makeup remover. Delicately wipe your lashes with the cotton pad, then brush them through with a clean spoolie or mascara wand.
How to Remove Eyelash Extensions with Steam and Oil
What You Need
If you are unable to buy professional-grade remover liquid or gel, you can try another at-home method that requires no special equipment or products. All you need are makeup remover, boiling water, a towel, olive oil, almond oil or melted coconut oil, cotton tips, and face cleanser.
Remove Makeup
As in other removal methods, you should clean your eye area thoroughly before beginning the process. Eyeliner and shadow can make it difficult to see your lash line clearly, making it harder to remove your extensions. At the same time, eye makeup could get in your eyes during the removal process, leading to irritation.
Steam Your Face
Steam helps loosen the strong lash glue that holds your extensions in place. To steam your face at home, fill a large heat-safe bowl with boiling water, and place it on a flat surface. Set a timer for 15 minutes, then lean over the bowl. However, ensure you aren’t too close to avoid steam burns. Place a towel over your head and the bowl to trap the steam and direct it to your face.
Dip Cotton Tip or Pad in Coconut, Olive or Almond Oil
Saturate a cotton tip or pad with melted (liquid) coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil. The cotton should be thoroughly soaked and slippery, as any dry patches could irritate your eyes. All three oils are considered safe to use on skin, but if you are worried about allergies, do a patch test a few hours before you want to remove your lash extensions.
Swipe Lash Line, Removing Eyelash Extensions
Swipe the oily cotton tip or pad along your lash line, starting at the inner corner and working your way outwards. Coat each lash thoroughly with the oil to completely dissolve the remaining glue. Your lash extensions should begin to fall out as you swipe on the oil. However, if they don’t, use a spoolie to comb the oil through, let it sink in for one minute, then comb through a second time.
Cleanse and Rinse Your Face
Natural oils are safe to use on your skin, but leaving them there can clog pores and cause breakouts. As a final step, use a face cleanser to wash away any oil on your skin. Then, rinse your face with cold water and pat dry. Your face will be left refreshed and your lashes free of extensions.
Arabella Roden is a skilled writer and sub-editor with over ten years of experience across print, digital, and B2B. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and specializes in beauty, hairstyles, fashion, tattoos, and lifestyle topics. Arabella is currently the Chief Sub Editor at Mecca Brands and has been writing for The Trend Spotter since 2019.
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