At Home Lash Extension Removal

First off it is always recommended that you go to a licensed professional to get your lashes removed! We are trained for this and we use a specific lash gel/ cream that will soak and break down the glue in about 10 minutes or so and it’ll help them slide right off very easily with no damage to the natural lashes.

But what if you cant get ahold of any lash techs or maybe we’re in a pandemic and no one is open for business?

Well, first off, here are the DONTS on doing a self lash removal.

DO NOT cut your lashes off with scissors .
-If you cut them off, they will grow back but they will look short and stubby for a while. If you plan on getting extensions again, applying extensions on very short stubby lashes may be challenging for the lash tech, there may not be enough room to attach the extensions on. They will also be too weak to hold a new extension.

DO NOT pull your lashes off
-This one is going to hurt. And if you pull them too much you risk causing bald patches over time. They may not even grow back. 


Here are some options you can try.

OILS
Lash adhesives biggest enemies are oils. You can try soaking it in coconut oil or olive oil with cotton pads and gently rubbing the lashes off. But, it may take a very long time, maybe even up to an hour or more. It can work but not guaranteed that it will 100% come off. 

STEAM
We tell you to avoid heat or got steam which includes hot showers, excessive sweating, saunas and even hot yoga. If you want a removal then bring on the steam! Once again, just like the oils it is not 100% guaranteed that they will come off but it can contribute. Note: One hot steamy shower will not help remove all of the lashes, it needs to be consistent.

LET YOUR NATURAL LASHES DO THE JOB
On average a person sheds 2-5 lashes per day which is why we require fills every 2-3 weeks for maintenance. Over time, your extensions will have all fallen off if not from outside factors then from shedding. 

PROMOTE GROWTH
The faster they grow the faster they will shed. Use lash growing serums or take vitamins that promote hair growth. While they may not come off all at once, this will speed up the natural process.

GET A REMOVER
If you can get your hands on a lash adhesive remover that would be great (please do your research first) . Note: This will ONLY work for eyelash extension adhesive. This remover may not work on other types of adhesives such as hair glue, nail glue or drug store bought glue. Note: There have been people who are unlicensed, and untrained who carelessly used non-eyelash extension glue and have used alternative such as hair glue or nail glue. Those are not safe for the eyes.
Follow these steps:
1) Cover your bottom lashes with tape/ gel pads like how lash techs prep you for your lash appointments.
2) Carefully apply the remover along the lash line with a cotton swab. Avoid the skin as it may cause skin irritation.
3)Do it one eye at a time. You must keep your eyes completely closed. It can burn very badly if it gets in your eye, you also need your eyes to see what your are doing.
4) Wait about 10-15 minutes to let it soak. Thicker sets such as MEGA volumes may take longer since they are much thicker vs classics. 
5) Using a tweezer or a cotton swab, gently swipe the extensions off from your lashes. If it is not coming off, let it soak for longer. 
6) Use a gentle foam cleanser (lash shampoo) and gently clean your eyes and remove the products. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: If you would like to DIY a lash removal then it is the best to go against all the aftercare rules for lash extension care.  While it may help, it doesn’t guarantee that they’ll all come off. If they are not coming off, please do not force them to come off, you risk damaging your natural lashes. Just repeat the processes, it may take longer. Once again, it is always recommended to go to a professional but in a situation where you cant reach one then you’ll have to take matters in to your own hands. At least do it safely!