The days of needing a new set of false eyelashes every day are long gone! With the availability of lash extensions, anyone can have longer, fuller, more beautiful eyelashes anytime they desire.
But like all good things, lash extensions also come to an end at some point. In most cases, surgical-grade eyelash glue is used to adhere to the lashes, making it tricky to remove the extensions by yourself. This is why it is usually recommended that you seek out a professional for their removal.
That being said, situations in which you can’t reach a professional are common. We are here to help you figure out the safest way to remove your eyelash extensions if you need to take matters into your own hands.
- Use an Oil-Based Cleanser
You must have noticed that your lash artist tells you to stay away from oil-based cleansers after you get a fresh set of lashes. The reason for this is that oil can compromise the adhesiveness of the lash glue. This is why if you want to REMOVE lash extensions, you should use an oil-based cleanser.
While washing your face, rub gently in circular motions to dissolve the lash glue. You can also soak a cotton pad in the cleanser and apply it to your lashes. Remember to not be too harsh, or pluck your lashes.
However, this isn’t a one-and-done deal. It will take you several nights of using an oil-based cleanser to remove lash extensions. Any cleanser that has Glycol in it is a good idea, as it is often used as a solvent to dissolve adhesive.
2. Take a hot shower
A long, hot, and steamy shower, although not the ultimate solution, can help loosen the eyelash extension glue. Moisture and heat are two well-known foes of eyelash glue combined with the Oil Based cleanser, it could speed up your removal process, although you shouldn’t expect to see results right away.
“Two known enemies of lash adhesives are heat and moisture,” says Marin. “Alone, and especially together, these elements can dissolve cyanoacrylate [the lash adhesive] when applied in large enough and intense enough quantities.”
Just like using an oil-based cleanser, you shouldn’t expect to see an immediate result.
3. Castor oil
In a pinch, castor oil can work to dissolve your eyelash extension glue. After you remove all your makeup, soak a Q-tip or a cotton pad in castor oil, and brush it on your lashes and along the lash line where the adhesive is. This will help weaken the bond. You can try this as a nightly treatment in combination with the other methods listed above for the best results.
Other oils good for dissolving lash extension glue are mineral oil (such as baby oil) coconut oil, canola oil, etc.
It’s important to remember that none of these methods promise immediate results, it all depends on the glue used. However, try to be as gentle as you can with your eyelashes, and refrain from plucking, tweezing, or pulling the extensions out, no matter how desperate you are to avoid causing damage to your eyelashes.