How to remove eyelash extensions

Eyelash extensions are short to long length synthetic strands that are hand applied strand by strand to enhance your natural eyelashes to achieve a fuller, longer look. You can get luxury extensions which are a faux mink or silk fiber if the synthetic type irritates your eyes, which is the case for most people who have sensitive skin. Extensions last six to eight weeks and are shed with your natural lash cycle. To maintain your lashes it is advised that you get refills so that you can maintain your desired look for longer. Eyelash extensions are very popular, however, they can be expensive as you need to pay both to have them put on and taken off. It is best to go to a professional to get your eyelash extensions removed but in some cases, this might not be possible for you. Here we look at ways that you can safely remove your eyelash extensions without damaging your natural lashes or eyes. 

How to Remove Eyelash Extensions

Here are some of the most common ways of safely removing eyelash extensions at home. Before testing any of the below methods, there are two common preparation steps that should be taken. 

• Firstly remove any makeup that may be on your face and wash your face afterward.
• Secondly, steam your face. If you do not have a steamer you can easily replicate this process by filling a large bowl with boiling water, placing your face over it, and draping a large towel over your head – this helps to trap the steam. Keep your face over the steam for 10 to 15 minutes. Steam is a great way of loosening the bonds of the glue used to apply the eyelash extensions. 

Once you have both of these steps complete you can carry on to trying one of the below methods. 

Oil Removal

For this method, you can use olive oil, coconut oil, or baby oil, whatever you have in your home already. Coat the tip of a cotton bud in the oil and run this along your lashes. Be careful not to get any oil in your eyes. The oil will cause the lashes to slip. Brush your lashes with a spoolie and the lashes should fall out. Rinse the oil from your lashes once all the extensions are off. This method should remove each extension without damaging your natural lashes.

Vaseline

For this method, you will need vaseline, a spoolie, and a cotton pad. Apply vaseline to the lashes using the spoolie. Allow the vaseline to sit on the lashes for 5 to 10 minutes. The vaseline will melt the glue and similar to the oil method it will cause the lashes to slip. Using a cotton pad to drag the lashes, the eyelash extensions should come off during this step. Repeat until all of the extensions have come loose and are removed.

The oil removal method is the quickest of the above two methods but you will be able to successfully remove your extensions using either method.

Benefits of Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions have a number of benefits. 

1. They add both volume and length to thin, short eyelashes
2. They make your eyes look bigger
3. You do not need to wear mascara when you have eyelash extensions, helping you to save time on your makeup regime
4. They last well when maintained properly
5. They can make the wearer feel more confident

Cons of Eyelash Extensions

While eyelash extensions are great there are also a few cons that can be experienced when wearing eyelash extensions.

1. They can damage your natural eyelashes if they are not applied properly or if you do not take breaks after every 2 – 3 sets of extensions
2. They can cause eye infections if you do not keep them clean
3. They can be difficult to clean and as a result limit the eye makeup that you can wear to avoid dirtying them
4. They can be costly when maintained properly

Alternatives to eyelash extensions

As eyelash extensions require a lot of maintenance they aren’t suited to everyone’s budget. There are however a number of alternatives that you can buy that are cheaper, and in the long run better for your natural lashes. 

Strip Fake Eyelashes

Strip lashes can be purchased in most stores and are a cheaper alternative to eyelash extensions. Strip lashes can be bought in an array of styles and you can cut them to size so that they fit your eyes correctly. Fake eyelashes do not limit your choices with other eye makeup as they are applied after you have added eyeshadow, eyeliner, or a neutral base to your eyes. You can wear strip lashes during the day or for occasions.

Individual Fake Eyelashes

Individual lashes are brilliant as they give you the ability to add to your natural lashes. If you only want to fill out the ends of your lashes individual lashes are perfect for this. Individual fake eyelashes can be bought in sets with a range of sizes and also with a useful reference guide for where certain sizes should be placed along the eyelash line. If you don’t have any lashes, or visible lashes, on your lower lash line you can add individual lashes and eyeliner to create the illusion of full, thick lashes on both your upper and lower lash line. 

Lash Growth Serum

There are a number of lash growth serums with proven results that can help improve natural lashes and prevent the need for eyelash extensions. 

Makeup Tools

Having the right mascara can do wonders for your natural lashes. If you have lashes that stick out straight it is worth investing in an eyelash curler. Curling your lashes gives them an instant lift and creates a frame for your eyes. 

LVL Lash Lifts

LVL lash lifts are like a perm for your lashes. It is best to go to a professional as the lash lift is achieved using chemicals and so it is not safe for use at home. Lash lifts can last up to 6 weeks and give instant results. They are less damaging to your lashes than eyelash extensions.

Eyelash Tint

Tinting your eyelashes can make them look fuller as well as more noticeable. There are a number of kits that are safe to use at home making this a cheap and convenient method of giving your eyelashes some extra oomph. 

Final Thoughts

While there are a number of ways to remove eyelash extensions at home it is always safer to go to a professional to have them removed to avoid any damage to your eyes and eyelashes. If you do not have the budget to get eyelash extensions safely removed why not consider one of the alternatives from above? Whatever works best for you, we know you will be looking beautiful.