How To Remove Eyelash Extensions At Home: 3 Expert Steps

If you got a fresh pair of fluttering lashes installed at a salon just before lockdown started, you've probably been wondering how to remove eyelash extensions at home for a few weeks now. While letting those that remain slowly fall out all on their own doesn't do any harm – beyond leaving you with a slightly haphazard look – there is something satisfying about getting the last few lashes that remain cleared up.

So. How to make sure that your removal process doesn't damage your natural lashes? Here's what the experts have to say.

Is it safe to remove eyelash extensions at home?

'The safest way to remove your eyelash extensions is by having a professional remove them' says brow technician Sarah Menther. 'Of course, this hasn’t been possible recently — with salons and mobile services being unable to carry out business — so people are having to resort to at home methods.'

So what should people know? 'Eyelash extensions use an adhesive that’s much stronger than your average ‘glue on’ lashes — so it’s important to treat your lashes with care, use a product specially formulated to break down this adhesive and to not tug on your own lashes.'

'Always, always, always make sure your eye is completely free from makeup and your hands are super clean — if not, you could easily get dirt or bacteria into the eye area, causing an infection.'

Can Vaseline remove eyelash extensions?

A quick scour of the internet and you’ll find a lot of DIY removal remedies and at-home hacks. But do they really work?

'I can confidentially say, "no" — and please don’t try to cocktail an eyelash extension remover from your kitchen cupboard. Using Vaseline, baby oil or coconut oil might create slip between the adhesive and your lash, but it could also lead to infections and damage to the natural lash.'

How do I remove eyelash extensions at home?

So – how do you remove eyelash extensions at home then? Below are three simple steps to follow. Remember: don’t pull, tug or tweeze (ouch!) any lashes out. If they’re not loose, leave them.

1/ Steam

First things first, cleanse the eye area and give your face a good steam for 10 minutes or so (alternatively have a hot shower or bath.) This will loosen any stragglers and make the next step much easier.

2/ Cleanse

When you had your lashes put on, your lash therapist probably warned you away from using any oil-based cleansers. Right? This is because oil-based products break down the adhesive that holds the lashes in place. Therefore, when it comes to removing your lash extensions, oil-based cleansers are your new best friend.

After steaming your face, cleanse the eye area again — using an oil-based cleanser. Work it gently around the eye area in circular motions being careful not to pull at any lashes. Don’t expect all your lashes to just fall out during this step, (there’s more work to be done!) but this should help further loosen the bonds.

3/ Soak

Next up: the important bit. Use a professional lash adhesive remover. The only safe way to fully remove lashes at home is to purchase a proper remover. Soak a cotton pad with the solution and apply this to the eye area. After 30-seconds or so, sweep the cotton pad away from your eyelashes and you’ll notice them come away with the pad. You might have to repeat this process a few times to get all the lashes off.

What is the best eyelash extension remover?

Salon System Individual Lash Remover works well for removing eyelashes at home.

Salon System Individual Lash Remover (50ml)

$7 at falseeyelashes.co.uk

It's also a idea to try a lash remover wand, that helps to loosen false lashes.

Lash Extension Remover

£15 at nouveaulashes.com

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