Eyelash extensions are great for enlarging the eyes, but don't last forever. They attach with a very strong glue that is resistant to water and soap, which means they don't come off easily. You will need to dissolve the glue to be able to remove the extensions without damaging your real eyelashes. You can easily remove them using a product made specifically to dissolve this glue. If they start to peel off, you can finish loosening them with oil and steam. However, it is advisable to have them removed by a professional.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Apply special nail polish remover
Step 1. Buy nail polish remover
Buy professional grade eyelash extension glue remover. Since the adhesive used to attach the extensions is very strong, the glue remover for simple false eyelashes may not be effective. Look for a product that is listed as being formulated for eyelash extensions and is professional grade.
- You can buy them at a beauty store or online.
- If you've had the extensions installed by a professional, ask them what nail polish remover they use and if you can buy them.
Step 2. Remove eye makeup
This way you will easily see the base of the extensions. Pour some eye makeup remover on a cotton ball or swab and run the item over your lids. Be sure to remove all traces of mascara and eyeliner. This way, you will be able to distinguish your real eyelashes from fake ones easily.
- You can use your usual makeup remover.
- Do not use a cotton ball or fluffy disc, as they may leave lint or fibers on your eyelashes.
Step 3. Protect your skin
Put eye contour patches under your eyes. These are small, thin C-shaped compresses with an adhesive product on the back. You can use it to protect the thin, fragile skin under your eyes. Remove the film that protects the glue from the back of each patch and position it under your eye with the curve facing down. Gently pat the surface of the compress so that it adheres well.
- This step is optional, but helps to avoid getting nail polish remover on your skin. Otherwise, the product may irritate or itch you.
- You can buy these patches at a beauty store or online.
Step 4. Prepare tools
Apply eyelash extension glue remover to two eyelash brushes or mascara applicators. Use brushes or disposable applicators to apply the remover to your lashes easily. Dip the brush of each tool into the product. Set one aside while you use the other.
- The first applicator will be used to apply the remover. The second will be used to remove eyelash extensions.
- If you prefer, you can wait until you need the second tool before dipping it into the nail polish remover. However, you will have a hard time seeing after applying the product to your lashes, as your eyes will be closed. It is therefore advisable to prepare both brushes before starting.
- Place the second tool next to you so you can easily find it with your eyes closed.
Step 5. Close one eye
Close the one you are going to work on to avoid putting nail polish on it. It is very important not to get it in your eyes, as it can sting and irritate them. Close each eye well before applying the product. Keep your eyes closed until you are done removing the extensions.
If someone can help you apply the remover and remove the extensions, it will be much easier because they can apply the product to the lashes on both eyes at the same time and the process will be faster. In general, this is how professionals do. However, if you are alone, you can do the job without help
Trick: If you are removing extensions without assistance, work on one eye at a time. This way you can keep the other open to watch what you are doing.
Step 6. Apply the nail polish remover
Slide the brush from the middle of your lashes to the tips. Slide it on as if you were putting on mascara. Insist on the tips of your lashes, where the extensions are stuck. There is no need to put any remover on your natural eyelashes below the point where there is glue.
You can open the eye you are not working on to see what you are doing. Just make sure that the one you are working on stays securely closed
Step 7. Go under the glue
Slide the applicator onto the lower part of your lashes, avoiding the roots. The goal is to apply a thin layer of remover just below the middle of your lashes to make sure all of the glue is dissolved. Be careful not to go low enough to get the product on your roots, as it can irritate your skin and get it in your eyes.
If you know you have completely covered the glue with remover, this step is not necessary. You only need to put the product on the glue itself
Warning: do not get nail polish remover in your eye! If this happens, rinse your eye thoroughly with cold water until all of the product has been removed.
Step 8. Let the product act
Leave it on your lashes for 3 minutes so that it has time to dissolve the glue. Set a timer and wait 3 min for the glue to dissolve properly. Keep your eye closed during this time. After 3 min, do not rinse your eyelashes to remove the remover, as you will need it to remove the extensions.
Some solvents may need to sit for 5 min. Consult the instructions for use of your product for the recommended time
Step 9. Remove the extensions
Slide the clean applicator into your lashes. Take the second brush that you have dipped in the nail polish remover. Slowly slide it through your lashes, starting below the middle of your lashes and working your way to the tips. The extensions will come off and stick to the bristles of the tool. Remove them from the brush with your fingers then repeat the process until you have peeled off all the extensions.
- You may need to wipe your lashes several times to remove all of the extensions. When they are all gone, you will only see your natural lashes, which will be shorter and of uniform length.
- Discard the extensions after removing them.
Step 10. Remove remnants of solvent
Use a gentle makeup remover. Soak a cotton ball or swab in makeup remover and run the item over your eyes to remove any glue or nail polish remover. Pass several times to make sure you cleanse your skin completely.
If you want to clean your entire face, you can do that too
Method 2 of 3: Using steam and oil
Step 1. Remove makeup
This will allow you to spot the tips of your real eyelashes. Use gentle eye makeup remover to remove all of your mascara and eyeliner. This way you will see how easily the extensions attach to your natural lashes.
Use your usual makeup remover
Step 2. Prepare hot water
Boil water on the stove or in the microwave. When it boils, carefully pour it into a heat-resistant bowl. Place the container on a table or counter where you can lean over it.
If you want, you can add essential oil to help you relax. For example, you can put two or three drops of lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, or peppermint essential oil in the water
Step 3. Put the face in the steam
Set a timer for 15 min. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl. Be careful not to get too close to the water to avoid burning your face. Position the towel so that it surrounds the container and locks in the steam. Keep your head above the water for 15 min.
The steam will soften the glue on the extensions so that it comes off more easily
Step 4. Soak a cotton ball in oil
Soak a cotton swab in coconut or olive oil. Pour the product on the item and make sure the cotton is completely saturated, because if it is dry it may irritate or scratch the fragile skin under your eyes.
- If you are using coconut oil, it may need to be melted in the microwave for a few seconds to make it runny.
- You may need to use several cotton swabs to remove all of the eyelash extensions. Keep several on hand.
Warning: do not get oil in your eyes. If this happens, rinse your eye thoroughly with cold water.
Step 5. Remove the extensions
Slide the cotton swab over your lashes until all of the extensions are gone. Start at the inner corner of your eye and slide the tool over your lashes to coat all extensions with oil. When they are coated, they will start to come off. Continue until they are all gone.
- If you start to have itchy skin, stop immediately. Wash your face and have the extensions removed by a professional.
- If necessary, put more oil on the cotton swab or take a new one.
- Do not pull on the extensions to remove them, as you may damage your real lashes.
- If the extensions don't come off easily, apply some oil using an eyelash brush or mascara applicator and let it sit for a minute. When it has had time to penetrate, slide the tool through your lashes to remove the extensions.
Step 6. Remove the oil
Use a mild cleanser. Once you have removed all of the extensions, apply a drop of gentle facial cleanser to your skin. Distribute it all over your face to remove any remaining oil. Then rinse your skin with cold water and pat it dry by dabbing it with a dry towel.
You can use your regular face wash for this step
Method 3 of 3: Have the extensions removed by a professional
Step 1. Return to the beautician
Go to the beauty salon where you had the eyelash extensions applied. Usually, they attach with surgical glue, which is a very strong glue like SuperGlue. This type of adhesive is very difficult to remove without the right tools and chemicals and it is recommended that the person who applied the extensions do it. Make an appointment to have them removed.
If it has been less than a week since you had the extensions applied, it is particularly recommended that you go to the esthetician who applied them to you. It is very difficult to remove extensions that have been applied recently
advice: the price for withdrawing extensions varies according to each salon. It can range from 10 to 50 € approximately. In some institutes, the removal (called "removal") can be free, especially if you react badly to the glue.
Step 2. Change institute
If you think the app was done wrong, go somewhere else. In general, it is safe to apply eyelash extensions, but sometimes people can make mistakes, especially if they are just starting out or have not been trained properly. If you think your extensions have been put on incorrectly, go to another beauty salon to have them removed. If you have any of the following problems, it is advisable to look for another institute:
- ugly, askew or irregular looking extensions;
- pain around the eyes;
- irritation or a stinging sensation around the eyes;
- red eyes.
Step 3. See a doctor
If pain, irritation, redness, or swelling occurs, consult a healthcare practitioner. In some cases, eyelash extensions can cause allergic reactions or infections. If improperly installed, they can also cause pain, irritation or damage. If you have them removed because they cause an unpleasant or painful sensation, it is advisable to see a doctor to have the problem treated properly.
In rare cases, an infection can lead to serious complications. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Your doctor will probably recommend an ophthalmologist to make sure your eyes are healthy
Advice
- You can use baby oil or oil-based makeup remover for the steam and oil method. Work the product into your lashes before trying to remove the extensions.
- If the method you are trying does not work, have the extensions removed by a professional.
Warnings
- Do not pull on the extensions to remove them, as you will tear out your real eyelashes.
- If the extensions are improperly applied or removed, they can permanently damage your natural lashes. It is advisable to use a person with professional training.
- Extensions can cause pain or infection, especially if the person putting them on is not trained properly. If you experience pain, irritation, redness, swelling, or vision problems, consult your doctor immediately.
