She Strengthens

The Ultimate Guide to Removing Eyelash Extensions at Home

When It’s Time to Say Goodbye

Those luscious, fluttering lashes that once made your eyes sparkle now resemble droopy spider legs. If you’re ready to ditch the whole look instead of paying for a fill, you might be wondering: Can I remove my eyelash extensions myself?

The Experts Weigh In

While it’s possible to remove eyelash extensions at home, licensed esthetician Christina Clark advises against it. Even the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends leaving it to the pros. However, if you’re determined to DIY, Clark shares her expert tips to help you remove your eyelash extensions safely.

Tip 1: Don’t Pluck!

Remember why you got eyelash extensions in the first place? To achieve that luscious, voluminous look! Plucking or pulling at the falsies can weaken your natural lashes. Instead, focus on gentle removal methods.

Tip 2: Choose the Right Product

Clark recommends using oil- or glycerin-based products to break down the lash adhesive. Some effective options include Johnson’s Baby Oil, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture, and Vaseline. These products can help dissolve the glue, making removal easier.

Tip 3: Be Patient

Removing eyelash extensions takes time, especially when doing it yourself. Use your chosen product daily to help loosen the adhesive. Start by removing your eye makeup with baby oil or coconut oil, or dab the skin around your eyes with a glycerin-rich moisturizer.

Tip 4: Nourish Your Natural Lashes

As the extensions fall out, focus on keeping your natural lashes healthy. Clark suggests using lash serums or moisturizing oils, like castor oil, to promote lash strength.

Tip 5: Decide What’s Next

Once you’ve removed your eyelash extensions, you might feel a little bare. Consider trying DIY falsies, nourishing your lash hair with castor oil, or growing your lashes with serums. You could also contact a licensed aesthetician for another set of lash extensions.

The Risks of DIY Removal

While it’s possible to remove eyelash extensions at home, there are two major risks to consider: lash damage and eye damage. Using lash removal chemicals at home can result in serious eye damage, and tugging at your extensions can weaken your natural lashes.

Why Salon Removal is Safer

Having your eyelash extensions removed in a salon is a more controlled process. Lash technicians are trained to keep your eyes and skin protected while glue-dissolving chemicals do their work. They’ll also shampoo and dry your natural lashes to ensure the chemical remover has been safely cleared away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will removing my eyelash extensions hurt? No, proper removal involves dissolving lash adhesive, not painfully plucking eyelashes.

Can I remove eyelash extensions quickly? Most removal appointments last 30+ minutes, depending on the number of lashes and type of extensions.

When should eyelash extensions be removed? You don’t need to remove them unless you experience an allergic reaction, realize your extensions were improperly applied, or decide you no longer want them.

Do eyelash extensions damage your eyelashes? If applied by a professional, eyelash extensions shouldn’t cause damage. However, improper application or allergies can lead to eye redness and eyelid swelling.

What if my eyelash extensions won’t come off? Contact your local lash pro for help. They have the expertise to gently dissolve extension adhesive without damaging your natural lashes or skin.