Removing your eyelash extensions incorrectly risks tearing out your remaining eyelashes that your extensions cling to. Not only can this be painful, it can also be extremely disheartening. Eyelashes will grow back (assuming no significant trauma occurred) but it can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks.

Additionally, repeated incorrect removal can cause premature aging of the eyes. You should always handle your eyelids and eye area with extremely gentle hands to avoid this.

Wash your hands thoroughly before getting them anywhere near your eyes. Use an antibacterial soap and warm water. If your hands are too wet, either air dry or use a disposable paper towel. Bath towels harbor bacteria that you want to keep as far from your eyes as possible.

*Remove all makeup (including eye makeup) before starting.

2 Safe Methods of Removing Eyelash Extensions at Home

Method 1: Makeup Remover and Oil

Start by soaking a cotton ball or pad with a non-oil makeup remover meant for your eyes. Press the soaked cotton to your entire eye, covering as much surface area as possible.
Hold this to your eye for one full minute.
Sweep the cotton across your eye very gently. This should loosen the glue on your eyelashes significantly.
Assuming that your eyelash extensions are still intact, get a cotton swab or ball and dip it in a natural oil. We recommend coconut oil, mineral oil, or olive oil. Swipe this across your lash line back and forth repeatedly.
Take a tissue or the pads of your fingers and pull the eyelash extensions from your natural eyelashes. Make sure to be gentle!
Make sure that you’ve gotten all traces of glue off your eyelashes. Repeat steps 4-5 if necessary.
Wash your face to get rid of oil residue.
Moisturize to replenish your skin.

Method 2: Steam and oil

Get a bowl of heated water. Just hot enough to let off a little steam.
Drape a towel over your head and hair and hover over the bowl, creating a mini sauna.
Steam your face for 5 minutes or as long as you’re comfortable doing so. This will loosen the glue on your eyelash extensions.
Remove your face from the bowl.
Apply a natural oil such as coconut oil, mineral oil, or olive oil to a cotton ball. Sweep this gently across your eyelashes. Repeat this step as many times as necessary until your eyelash extensions slip off.
Make sure that all of your eyelash extensions are removed, gently pull any remaining off with the pads of your fingers. There should be no glue residue thanks to the steam!
Wash your face to get rid of oil residue.
Moisturize to replenish your skin.

Conclusion

Remember that if you remove your eyelash extensions by yourself you have to be very careful and aware of what you’re doing. Following the steps in this article ensures healthy, long lives for your natural lashes.

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