So, you’ve lived the glamorous life of having luscious lash extensions and, for whatever reason, you’re needing them off ASAP. Maybe they’ve reached their 4-6 week life span and they’re shedding naturally with your own lash growth and looking pretty ratty. Or, maybe you’re getting a bit over them irritating your eyes and giant lash extensions keep falling off and getting stuck in your eye every now and then (not a fun time). We’ve collated the quickest and easiest ways to get those extensions off your lashes to get you back to your natural-lash self in no time.
- Leave it to the professionals
Okay, so this might not be the most simple way to get your lash extensions off, and it is going to cost you around $25-$40, but it’s by far the safest way to get them removed. Lash technicians are trained for this kind of thing, they have the right products and the right techniques to get those lash extensions off safely and gently.
Getting them removed by your lash tech will prevent possible damage to your natural lash line, which is quite common with those who try to remove their eyelash extensions at home. So, if you have a spare hour and the cash, please consider popping down to wherever you got them applied and asking them to remove your lash extensions for you.
2. Eyelash extension removal product
If you’re stuck at home and not able to get to a professional lash technician to have your eyelashes removed, then using a professional-grade eyelash extension removal product will be your best bet. They will usually come in a gel or liquid form. The instructions on the bottle of remover will indicate the best ways to get rid of those eyelash extensions so make sure you follow them as closely as possible for the best results.
3. Oil-based makeup remover
Purchasing a professional-grade eyelash removing product may not always be an option, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, DIY option then this is the next best thing. Oil will actually loosen the bonds of the lash glue binding your natural lashes and your lash extensions together, that’s why you’re told to keep away from all oil-based products whilst your lashes are on. Any good quality, gentle, oil-based, eye makeup remover should do the trick with a bit of patience. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Make sure your face and eyes are completely free of makeup.
- Fill a bowl with hot water and place your face over it so the steam can begin to break down the lash glue. Place a towel over the back of your head to keep the steam from escaping.
- Soak a cotton pad with the oil-based makeup remover.
- Slowly and gently wipe the cotton pad over your lashes in a downward motion, don’t rub and don’t wipe from side to side as the friction can damage your natural lashes.
- Your false lashes should start coming off, but if you have any stubborn ones you’ll need to take a break after a few wipes and come back in about an hour so the delicate skin around your eyes doesn’t get irritated. The oil in the makeup remover should still be working to break down the lash glue during that time so you shouldn’t have any issues getting the last few false lashes off easily.
If, at anytime, you feel a pulling or tugging on your eyelashes make sure to be gentler as you don’t want to pull out any natural lashes - the false lashes should come off without you feeling it.
4. Coconut oil
Wanting to take a more natural route and avoid possible chemicals included in some makeup and eyelash extension removers? Coconut oil is back again with another of its many amazing uses. Not only will it be gentle on your eyes and skin but it’s got antibacterial properties to keep nasty germs from getting near your sensitive eyes.
As coconut oil is a whole lot more gentle than any makeup remover, the method to use it correctly is a little different to the one above. Still follow the first two steps by cleansing your face of makeup and then putting it over some steam to loosen the glue, then follow it up with these steps:
- Soak a cotton pad with the coconut oil.
- Hold the soaked cotton pad over your closed eye for a minute or so, pressing gently. Do this process to one eye at a time so you can see what you’re doing.
- After the minute is up, gently wipe the cotton pad over your lashes in a downward motion. As with the makeup remover steps above, don’t rub your lashes and don’t pull at them as you don’t want to cause damage to your natural lash line.
- Gently massage the rest of the coconut oil into your skin for some extra moisturisation.
5. Olive oil
Another great oil for removing lash extensions, and definitely one that everyone will have in their pantry, is the humble olive oil. As an added bonus it’s non-comedogenic, meaning that it won’t clog your pores if you happen to get it on the rest of your face (which you most likely will). Olive oil also contains polyphenols which are shown to have antimicrobial effects, ensuring it’s a hygienic option for removing your lash extensions. Always go for a virgin olive oil if you can, as this will be higher in polyphenols than refined and highly processed olive oils.
You can use exactly the same method as we described above for coconut oil due to their similar gentleness and level of effectiveness. Make sure to wipe the majority of the olive oil away once you’ve finished. Don’t worry if there’s a bit left behind, though, as olive oil has some excellent antioxidant properties that will help to fight free radicals trying to damage your skin!
Conclusion
When it comes to removing your eyelash extensions, it’s always best to leave it to the experts. But, if you don’t have the time or spare cash to get yourself to a salon to have them removed, you can try our solutions above for the simplest, easiest ways to remove your lash extensions quickly and gently.
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