Forget the Tweezers: Here's How To Remove Eyelash Extensions
But these lashes can’t stay on forever, and removing them is often intimidating. Before you start plucking them off, remember it's not as simple as removing an at-home lash strip. Professional lash technicians usually apply and remove extensions. While we don’t recommend applying extensions yourself, if you can’t make it to the salon for removal, here’s how to remove eyelash extensions at home.
Be careful with DIY methods
Before we dive in, it’s worth addressing whether it’s safe to remove eyelash extensions yourself. Because professional technicians apply eyelash extensions and intend the extensions last weeks, they’re not easy to remove. Plus, trained professionals have plenty of practice removing lashes without harm or causing infections.
That said, there are safe methods for removing them yourself if you don’t have time to visit your favorite technician. Just make sure you read through the instructions for any DIY methods carefully and go slowly to ensure you don’t hurt yourself.
How to remove eyelash extensions at home
Remember: When trying this method, go slowly, and don’t force anything. If you feel any irritation or discomfort, stop right away and make an appointment with your lash technician.
Here’s how to safely remove eyelash extensions at home:
- Start with an oil-based makeup remover or cleanser. Rub it gently around your eyes and lashes. The makeup remover will loosen the eyelash extension glue and remove any leftover eye makeup like mascara. Don’t expect your lashes to suddenly come off — cleansing is just the first step. We recommend Yensa’s CBD Superfood Dual Cleansing Oil because it’s gentle and ultra-nourishing.
- Add warm water. Wash your face in warm water, take a shower, or use steam to help loosen the glue. For this last option, pour hot water into a bowl. Then place your face in the rising steam and put a towel over your head to trap the moisture. Wait 10 minutes.
- Apply coconut oil. Take a cotton swab or ball and dip it in warm coconut oil. Then, gently massage the oil into your lashes and lash line to loosen the adhesive. Wash away the coconut oil carefully without letting it enter your eyes. If you don’t have coconut oil, olive oil works, but it has a stronger scent and is more likely to irritate skin. Do a small patch test on your skin to check if the oil irritates you before applying it to your lashes.
- Wipe away lashes. Take a cotton pad and gently swipe your lashes to remove loose extensions. Don’t scrub — you don’t want to lose any natural eyelashes.
- Repeat. Repeat this process until all extensions are removed. If you’d rather wait it out, your lashes will likely come out slowly throughout the day.
- See a professional. If repetition still doesn’t get all of your lash extensions out, make an appointment with a lash artist to get them removed with professional-grade products.
Hot tip: Be gentle and don’t pick
It might be tempting to just start plucking at your fake lashes with your trusty tweezers, but this could damage your eyelid and your natural lashes. Always use a gentle approach to remove lash extensions at home. Eyelash extension removal takes patience, and it may be worth seeing a lash technician if you have tough stragglers.
People also ask
What’s the fastest way to remove eyelash extensions at home?
At-home eyelash removal takes patience. Though it takes some time, the method described above is likely your safest bet for at-home removal. To speed up the process, take a long shower with lots of steam before applying coconut oil.
What should I do when eyelash extensions won’t come off?
If DIY eyelash removal doesn’t work for you, your extensions will fall out over time, so if you’re willing to wait it out, skip the trip to the salon. Otherwise, book an appointment with a professional.
If you want to know how to remove an individual eyelash extension that’s being extra stubborn, try repeating the removal process outlined earlier until you weaken the adhesive. Don’t scrub or pull if it’s still not coming out — a trip to the salon is always better than a trip to the doctor.
Can Vaseline remove eyelash extensions?
Vaseline is a must-have beauty product for your skincare cabinet, but it’s not the ideal product to use to remove your lashes. While Vaseline provides moisture, it also creates a pretty robust barrier which can trap bacteria — something you do not want surrounding your eye. Instead, we recommend coconut oil to break down the lash adhesive. The great thing about coconut oil is you probably already have some in your kitchen. Remember to not put it on the rest of your face — it’s very comedogenic and may clog your pores.
Professionals know best
Your eye area is very delicate, and the last thing you want is irritation, infection, or damage when removing your eyelash extensions. We recommend only trying to remove your lashes at home if you can’t see a professional.
If eyelash extensions are too high-maintenance or expensive for you, false lash sets are cheaper and offer easy at-home application. Not sure which falsies to try first? Check out product reviews from the Flip community. You’ll find creators obsessed with all things fake eyelashes that are ranting and raving about their favorite sets. Plus, they’re likely sharing how-to tips, so you’ll feel well equipped to take on that first application.
