It’s widely recommended by lash professionals and organizations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) that eyelash extension removal should ideally be performed by licensed aestheticians. These trained experts utilize professional-grade lash extension removers—creams, gels, and liquids specifically designed for this purpose, often sourced from reputable companies. As explained by licensed esthetician Christina Clark, trained with NovaLash, these professionals have access to products and techniques that minimize risk to your natural lashes.
However, if you find yourself needing to remove your eyelash extensions at home, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. While it’s not the preferred method, there are steps you can take to minimize damage. Below are tips adapted from professionals like Christina Clark to guide you through at-home eyelash extension removal as safely as possible.
1. Avoid the Temptation to Pull or Pluck
The allure of eyelash extensions is undeniably their ability to create a full, voluminous lash line. However, succumbing to the urge to pluck or pull at the extensions is a significant mistake. This action can be incredibly damaging to your natural eyelashes.
Even with the utmost care to only tug at the extension itself, the pulling motion can weaken and potentially break the delicate natural lash underneath. This can lead to premature lash loss, thinning, and overall damage to your natural lash health. Patience is key, and forceful removal is never advisable.
2. Select an Oil-Based or Glycerin-Based Product for Dissolving Adhesive
Recall the advice from your lash technician about avoiding oil-based cleansers while you have extensions? This is because oil, along with ingredients like glycols and glycerin, are known to break down the adhesive used to bond the extensions to your natural lashes. This property, normally a disadvantage for extension longevity, becomes beneficial when you want to remove them.
Christina Clark suggests utilizing this to your advantage by incorporating oil or glycerin-based products into your removal process. These ingredients work to gently loosen the bond of the adhesive over time, allowing the extensions to detach more naturally and with less force.
Here are some product categories that may be helpful:
3. Apply Your Chosen Dissolving Product Consistently
It’s important to understand that at-home methods will not replicate the speed and efficiency of a professional lash extension remover. As Clark points out, professional removers are formulated for rapid action. Over-the-counter beauty products that contain adhesive-dissolving ingredients will require more time and consistent application to work effectively.
The process relies on the product gradually seeping between the extension and your natural lash, weakening the adhesive bond. This is not an instant fix and requires patience and repeated applications over a few days to see results.
Consider incorporating these application tips:
4. Nurture Your Natural Lashes During and After Removal
Even with the aid of glue-dissolving products, eyelash extensions are designed to be durable, and their removal process will likely take several days. During this period, and especially after the extensions are removed, shifting your focus to the health and nourishment of your natural lashes is crucial.
Clark recommends prioritizing lash health by using lash serums or moisturizing oils. “Castor oil is well-regarded for its potential to enhance lash strength,” she notes. These types of products can help to condition and strengthen your natural lashes, which may have experienced some stress from the extensions and the removal process.
Be prepared for a transitional phase where your lashes might appear somewhat sparse or uneven as extensions fall out at different rates. Some individuals choose to use mascara or even magnetic false lashes temporarily to maintain a fuller lash look during this period.
5. Plan Your Next Steps for Your Lashes
The feeling of going back to your natural lashes after having extensions can sometimes feel like a significant change. If you miss the enhanced volume and look of extensions, you have several options moving forward.
- Explore DIY False Lashes: Consider using strip lashes or individual false lashes for a temporary boost when desired.
- Continue Lash Nourishment: Maintain a routine of using castor oil or lash serums to support the health and growth of your natural lashes.
- Lash Growth Serums: Investigate over-the-counter lash growth serums that can help enhance the length and thickness of your natural lashes over time.
- Professional Reapplication: If you loved the look and experience of extensions, schedule an appointment with a licensed aesthetician for a new set of professionally applied eyelash extensions.
Alternatively, this can also be a perfect opportunity to embrace your natural beauty. Give yourself time to adjust, and you might rediscover and appreciate the beauty of your own natural eyelashes.
