Eyelash extensions can give your eyes a sultry new look and make them appear more open. However, eyelash extensions start to lose their fullness and curled-up appearance over time, as they fall out with your natural lashes.
This can create unevenness in volume and length, which can become frustrating for some people. Thankfully, there is a way to remove eyelash extensions at home if you just can’t seem to wait it out or book an appointment with a professional.
Besides being great for your skin and lips, Vaseline can be a useful solution for removing eyelash extensions. Read this article to find out how to remove eyelash extensions with Vaseline and which products to use.
Can You Remove Lash Extensions at Home?
The short answer is yes, but you have to be extra careful when doing so.
Vaseline and natural oils like coconut and oil can be used to break up the lash adhesive bonds and gently remove lash extensions at home. However, there is a risk of damaging the natural lash, so going to a licensed lash technician is highly recommended.
When to Remove Eyelash Extensions?
The lifespan of freshly done lash extensions is anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks. However, keep in mind that the lash extensions are attached to your natural lashes and they start to fall out with them, following their natural growth cycle.
This means that by the time you reach 3 to 4 weeks after the initial appointment, you’ll probably lose about half of your extensions. This is the best time to either book an infill appointment or contemplate removing your lash extensions.
If you leave your lash appointment feeling weight on your eyes, this probably means that your lash tech misjudged the strength of your natural lashes. In this case, it is better to remove the extensions as soon as possible to prevent damage to natural lashes.
Image source: Freepik
Can You Use Vaseline to Remove Lash Extensions?
Yes. Vaseline does more than just protect and moisturize the skin.
You can use vaseline to remove eyelash extensions because it is powerful enough to dissolve the molecules in the semi-permanent lash glue, allowing for easy removal.
Also, it is safe to use around the skin of your eyes and on your eyelashes and according to research, allergic reactions to petroleum jelly are rare, making vaseline a good choice for people sensitive to other products.
Petroleum jelly is a by-product of oil refining, and it can be pretty potent. Some cheaper brands of petroleum jelly may not be triple refined, so make sure you use the brand name Vaseline in its original form since it contains the purest and safest formulation.
Remember, a little goes a long way when using vaseline, especially around your eyes. Vaseline is non-comedogenic (this means that it won’t block your pores) and is an affordable, easy way to remove lash extensions at home.
Which Products to Use When Removing Lash Extensions?
Before we take a step-by-step look at how to remove eyelash extensions with vaseline, here are some of our top product recommendations to prepare you for the procedure:
1. Vaseline® Blue Seal Original Petroleum Jelly
First things first, you’ll need high-quality petroleum jelly, and the original Blue Seal Vaseline® is just the best, purest formulation that you can find.
It is made with triple-purified petroleum jelly and it has a hypoallergenic formula that is eye safe.
It also has healing and nourishing properties, so it can be great at hydrating and protecting the eye area while removing lash extensions or even act as an eye makeup remover.
If you get some Vaseline in your eyes while removing your lash extensions, don’t worry. You can just gently wipe it off with a damp washcloth until it’s gone, and rinse if needed.
2. Q-tips® Cotton Swabs
To apply your Vaseline with precision, you’ll need quality cotton swabs. Q-tips® cotton swabs are made with 100% pure cotton and have a softer tip than any other cotton swab on the market, which makes them perfect for use on your eyelashes.
They are sturdy but flexible, unlike many cheaper cotton swab options which can be too flimsy. Knockoffs and cheaper cotton swabs often don’t have enough cotton on the ends and that can be really rough on your eyelids.
3. CHEFBEE 100PCS Disposable Eyelash Brush
In order to remove your lash extensions, you must gently comb them through once you’ve applied Vaseline. We recommend getting the CHEFBEE 100PCS disposable spoolie set to do so.
This set contains spoolies that have very soft bristles, making them perfect for separating eyelashes without pulling. They are very durable and can be washed repeatedly without losing bristles.
CHEFBEE 100PCS disposable eyelash brushes come in a transparent cylinder container that keeps them organized and easy to travel with. You can also use them for applying mascara and combing your eyebrows.
4. Cliganic Premium Cotton Rounds
The last step in your lash extension removal procedure is removing all traces of Vaseline that is left on your lash line. The Cliganic Premium Cotton Rounds are made with 100% pure natural cotton that is hypoallergenic.
They are ultra-soft, double-sided, and gentle enough to use on the eye area. The multi-layer design makes them strong, extra absorbent, and most importantly, lint-free.
They don’t leave bits of fluff behind that many other brands tend to do, so you don’t have to worry about pieces of cotton getting stuck in your eyelashes or eyes, and causing discomfort or irritation.
How to Remove Eyelash Extensions with Vaseline
Now that we’ve covered the best products to use when removing your lash extensions, let’s take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to remove eyelash extensions with vaseline:
Step 1
Start off by cleaning the eye area, riding it off makeup residue.
Then give your face a good steam for 10-15 minutes (alternatively have a hot shower or bath), as this will loosen any stragglers, denature the lash adhesive, and make the next step much easier.
Step 2
Use a Q-tip to apply a small amount of Vaseline (about the size of a grain of rice) to your lashes.
Put the Vaseline over the lash adhesive, making sure it doesn’t get into your eyes. Start at the root of your natural lashes and apply downwards in a swiping motion.
Step 3
Spread out the Vaseline evenly across your lashes using an eyelash brush or spoolie. Wait about 5-7 minutes for the Vaseline to loosen the extensions.
Brush your lashes with the spoolie at a downward angle, repeating strokes until all of the extensions are off.
Remember not to tug or pull on stuck lashes. If they’re resistant, wait longer for the jelly to dissolve the adhesive.
Step 4
If there are still some extensions left on your eyelashes, use a cotton swab to gently slide them down and off your eyelid.
After removing the extensions, use a damp cotton swab to remove the Vaseline and remaining lash adhesive. If there is still some residue left, use a mild cleanser or micellar water to gently take everything off.
Image source: Freepik
Are There Any Alternatives to Vaseline Lash Removal?
The safest option for removing eyelash extensions is to book an appointment with your lash tech. The average lash extension removal treatment costs around $20 and it involves using professional-grade removers that are the most efficient way of breaking down the lash adhesive.
Using professional lash extension removers at home by yourself is not recommended, as they contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin around your eyes.
If you’re looking for ways to remove your extensions at home other than using Vaseline, then natural oils like coconut oil and olive oil would be the best options.
The only thing to keep in mind is to use 100% organic essential oils and to be careful when applying them to your lashes since oils can cause irritation if they get into your eyes.
Final Note
Seeking help from professional lash technicians is the best and safest lash extension removal method.
If you can’t make it to a salon, the next best thing is to try at-home solutions like using vaseline and natural oils to remove your extensions if you can’t wait for them to naturally fall out.
Whatever you decide to do, be careful around your eyes and make sure not to pull on your lash extensions, since this can permanently damage your natural lashes. Good luck!
Learn more about lash extension styles, cost, and aftercare here.
Cover image source: Freepik
