The eyelash extensions trend is huge! Women around the globe embraced it and whoever tries it says it’s hard to quit it. Once you get used to the awesome look of your lashes, you just want to prolong the effect and get the treatment over and over again.
But sometimes, your lashes just need a break, so you need to remove your lash extensions. However, this is something you shouldn’t take too lightly. Removing lash extensions should be done carefully and by following certain steps.
When Should I Remove Lash Extensions?
The lifespan of lash extensions is 6-8 weeks. Since they are attached to the natural lashes, they follow the growth cycle of your lashes and fall off with them. You can expect to lose half of your extensions within 3-4 weeks. Some people book an infill appointment to add more extensions, while others decide to remove them because having very few lash extensions remaining looks messy.
You can remove lash extensions when you feel you need a break from them. Another reason is when they feel too heavy to the eye. A lash technician may have misjudged the strength of your natural lashes and it turned out they cannot hold lash extensions. It’s much better to remove them as soon as possible before they damage your natural lashes.
Image source: Instagram @noelleb_studio
So, Can I Remove Lash Extensions at Home?
Yes, you can. But bear in mind that a much safer option is to get them removed by a lash technician. Most eyelash extensions technicians offer a removal service. They usually charge $15-$30 for removing lash extensions.
We have to warn you that, if you decide to remove eyelash extensions at home, you risk damaging your natural lashes.
Even if you use a professional remover, you need to be very careful and use eye pads because most of them burn if they get into your eyes, or they can burn the skin around the eyes. Therefore, the safest option is to get a professional removal.
What Can I Use to Remove Lash Extensions?
If you still decide to remove them on your own or for some reason, you can’t get to your lash technician for a removal, it is advisable to use natural products for removing lash extensions at home.
However, the process of removing eyelash extensions with natural oils can be slow and tiring.
Castor oil is one of the favorites because it stimulates hair growth, so it will help your natural lashes recover.
Here are our recommendation when it comes to the best oil and the best professional lash extension remover:
NOTE
Eyelash extension removers are chemicals which are meant for professional use. If you decide to use them at home, be very careful. You’re using them at your own responsibility.
Steps to Removing Lash Extensions At Home
We will again advise you to get your lash extensions removed by a professional, especially if you are afraid the remover will burn. But if you do decide to go through with it at home, here’s how:
Step 1
Clean your face and eyes and remove all traces of makeup thoroughly.
Step 2
Use steam to loosen the lash extensions. Boil some water and put it in a bowl, then place your face over it. Cover your head with a towel to make the best of the steam. Stay like that for 10 minutes. The lash glue will loosen.
Step 3
Use a cotton swab or a cotton pad dipped in oil and gently go over your lashes, from the root to the tip. Some people dip a clean spoolie in oil and run it gently through the lashes.
You will notice some of the lashes are already coming off. You can leave the oil on for a couple of minutes to dissolve the glue. Use a clean cotton swab and go over your lashes again. Slide the lash extensions down.
You may not be able to remove all the extensions in the first pass, so repeat the process. It is important to do everything slowly and be patient. Don’t forget to be gentle – rubbing and pulling can break your natural lashes.
Step 4
Remove the oil with micellar water. Brush your lashes, and wash your face as usual.
Step 5
If the eyelash extensions were applied properly and you removed them safely, there should be no major damage to your natural lashes. However, they will need recovery. You can use a lash serum that will nourish them and make them thick and strong. Applying a little bit of castor oil and leaving it on overnight is said to be very beneficial to the health of natural eyelashes.
Image source: Instagram @beautyby_lucycx
Things You Should Never Do
If you have naturally weak lashes and you are afraid something will go wrong while removing lash extensions, it’s a better idea to visit a lash technician for removal.
But if you decide to remove the eyelash extensions at home, here are the things you should never do:
- Pick and pull – be gentle and patient
- Get the oil in the eyes – they can get irritated
- Reuse old lash extensions
Bonus Tips: How to Make the Best of Your Eyelash Extensions?
In the end, we give you some tips on how to keep great eyelash extensions as long as possible.
- Get lash extension infills regularly
- Brush your lashes every day
- Avoid oil-based products
- Avoid mascara, especially with Russian and Hybrid lashes
- Wash your eyelash extensions regularly – read this article to learn how to do that properly: Cleaning Eyelash Extensions: Step by Step.
Read more about eyelash extensions aftercare and maintenance here.
Conclusion
Eyelash extensions are great, but removing them takes time and patience if you want to do that at home with natural ingredients. It’s much safer to get removal at a salon, but if you want to save some money or you can’t get to the appointment for some reason, this option is also possible.
If you want to find out more about eyelash extensions, read our comprehensive guides
Eyelash Extensions: The Ultimate Guide
Classic Lashes
Russian Lashes
Hybrid Lashes
Cover image source: Pexels
