
Eyelash extensions have become hugely popular in recent years due to the fact that they are an affordable way to improve your image without any unwanted lasting side effects. While more invasive procedures, such as cosmetic tattooing and other ‘tweakments’, are long-term commitments (not to mention costly), eyelash extensions generally last around 10-20 days after being applied (about the same time it takes for your natural lashes to shed). Therefore, it is necessary to return to your lash technician for regular infills or a full removal.
However, there may be times when you are tempted to remove your extensions yourself. Perhaps you are on holiday, unwell, and unable to get to the salon, or the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic means that you can’t see an eyelash technician as you would normally.
If you are in a pinch and have to remove your own eyelash extensions at home you should, at the very least, arm yourself with some tips and tricks to make your home eyelash removal as safe and painless as possible.
Be aware of the risks of home removal
Before you get removing, you should be fully in the know about the risks involved with home eyelash removal. While it is possible to remove lashes at home safely yourself you should remember that it is inevitable that there will be at least a small amount of lash damage. Therefore, it is best to only remove your lashes yourself if you are truly desperate and unable to see a professional lash technician, as the glue used to apply your lashes might be very difficult for you to break down at home. It may be especially challenging if you have had volume or hybrid lashes applied, as these types involve the false lashes being wrapped securely around each of your individual lashes- making them difficult to remove without causing damage.
Avoid picking at your lashes
Even if you are keen to remove your lashes at home yourself, it is vital that you refrain from pulling or picking your lashes wherever possible. This is simply because the process of picking at your lashes will undoubtedly lead to damage and loss of volume for your natural lashes. Missing patches will make it harder for lash professionals to cover in the future so it’s definitely best to avoid pulling at your lashes! In some cases, the damage may even be permanent so take great care.
Oil-based products are your friend
When you first have your lashes applied, any good lash technician will tell you to avoid oil-based products like the plague! This is because oil is lash glue’s worst enemy – with oil frequently causing lash glue to weaken and fail. If you are looking to remove your lash extensions at home, consider adding some oily products into your nightly skincare routine. Over time the process should weaken the hold of your lash glue, which can make removing your lashes a lot easier when the time comes.
Humidity can help
In the same way that lash technicians tell you to avoid oily products to make your lashes last longer, harnessing humidity can be a great way to weaken your lash glue and ease the process of removing your lashes. You could try using a facial steamer as part of your skin-care routine or simply take more hot baths and showers! It is a good idea to try to remove your lashes after good steam as this is when they will be at their most pliable.
Consider the lash curler method
If you are keen to avoid causing damage, try using a warm eyelash curler to gently remove your lash extensions. This may not be possible depending on how firmly-applied your extensions are so take great care! Remember that there is a risk you could pull out your natural lashes if you pull too hard so be very cautious and use gentle motions to remove only the lash extensions. You can try this a few times (as long as you are gentle) but remember not to pull too harshly.