Eyelash implants or extensions can make your eyes look beautiful, though not forever. The eyelash extensions are glued with very strong glue and are resistant to soap and water so they don't come off easily. To remove eyelash extensions without damaging your natural lashes, you must first dissolve the glue. Luckily, you can use a glue remover to remove eyelash extensions. After that, if some of your eyelash extensions start to fall off, you can continue this process using steam and oil. However, it's a good idea to visit a professional salon to help you remove your eyelash extensions.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Glue Cleaner at Home
Step 1. Purchase a professional eyelash extension glue remover product
Since the glue used to attach eyelash extensions is very strong, a regular glue remover may not be of much help. So, buy a glue remover product that is specifically intended for professional eyelash extensions.
- You can buy eyelash extension glue remover at a drugstore, beauty store, or online.
- If you're getting eyelash extensions at a salon, try asking what kind of solvent they use. After that, find out if you can buy it there.
Step 2. Remove eye makeup so that you can clearly see the initial tip of the eyelash extension
Pour eye makeup remover onto a facial cotton or cotton sheet then wipe it over the eye area. Make sure to remove all the mascara and eyeliner from the eyes. That way, you can see the end of the original eyelash and the beginning of the eyelash extension.
- You can use makeup remover as usual in this step.
- Do not use cotton balls or cotton balls that are uneven as this will leave cotton fibers in the eyelashes.
Step 3. Apply a bandage under the eye to protect the skin
This under eye patch is a thin, C-shaped sheet with adhesive. You can use this patch to protect the sensitive skin under the eyes. To attach this tape, pull the protective adhesive layer on the back then position it under the eye by adjusting the curved area towards the eye. Gently tap the plaster surface until it is glued.
- This step is not mandatory, but it will help protect your skin from splashing the glue remover. Your skin may feel itchy and irritated if it gets splashed with glue remover.
- You can buy a protective under eye patch at your local beauty store or online.
Step 4. Pour glue remover onto 2 eyelash brushes or spoolie
Use a disposable brush or spoolie to apply the glue remover to the lashes. Coat both ends of the brush or spoolie with glue remover. After that, set aside one of the brushes or spoolie for later use.
- Either a brush or a spoolie will be used to apply the glue remover. Meanwhile, another brush or spoolie will be used to remove the eyelash extensions.
- If you want, hold off on pouring the glue remover on the second brush until needed. However, you may find it difficult to see after using the glue remover because your eyes will be closed. So, it's best to do this step at once before.
- Keep a second brush or spoolie near you so it's easy to reach even when your eyes are closed.
Step 5. Close the eye that has been given glue cleaner so that the liquid does not enter
Glue removers will sting your eyes and may cause irritation. So, do not let this liquid into the eye. Close your eyes tightly before applying glue remover then don't open them until the eyelash extensions come off.
It's a good idea to get someone to apply glue remover and remove your eyelash extensions. In this way, glue remover can be applied to both eyes at the same time and you can remove the eyelash extensions more quickly. This method is generally used in professional salons. Even so, you can also do it yourself without the help of others
Tip:
if you are doing it yourself, remove the eyelash extensions one at a time. That way, you can still see with the other eye.
Step 6. Run the brush or spoolie from the middle of the lashes to the tips
Pull the brush or spoolie through the lash shaft as if using mascara, but only from the tip of the lash where the extension is attached. You don't need to apply glue remover to the natural lashes under the extensions.
You can open the other eye so you can still see. Just make sure to keep the eye closed when the extension is being removed
Step 7. Apply glue remover to the bottom of the lashes without touching the lash line
Apply a thin layer of glue remover just below the midpoint of your lashes to make sure all the glue is dissolved. However, do not apply eyelash glue remover to the roots or the lash line as this can cause skin irritation. Also, don't let this glue remover get into your eyes.
You can skip this step if you have already coated the area of the eyelash glue. You just need to apply glue remover to the glue layer
Warning:
Do not let the glue cleaner get into the eyes. If this happens, rinse your eyes thoroughly with cold water until the glue remover is gone.
Step 8. Leave the glue remover for about 3 minutes to dissolve the glue layer
Turn on the timer and wait 3 minutes for the cleaner to dissolve the glue. Keep your eyes closed while the glue remover is still on. Do not rinse your lashes immediately after 3 minutes as you will have to remove the extensions first.
Some glue removal products may need to be left on for up to 5 minutes. Read the user manual label on the packaging of the product you are using
Step 9. Pull the second brush or spoolie through the lashes to release the extensions
Take a second brush or spoolie that has been coated with glue remover. After that, gently pull through the lash rods, starting from the center point. The eyelash extensions should start to come off and stick to the brush. Use your fingers to pluck the eyelash extensions from the brush or spoolie, then continue until they are completely removed.
- You may need to pull the brush through your lashes several times to fully remove the extensions. This process will finish when you can only see the shorter, flatter natural lashes.
- Discard eyelash extensions once they are removed.
Step 10. Use a gentle eye makeup remover to remove any remaining glue remover
Wet a facial cotton or cotton sheet with makeup remover, then wipe it over the surface of the eye to remove any excess glue or glue remover. Wipe this cotton several times to make sure the area is completely clean.
If you want to clean your face, you can do that too
Method 2 of 3: Using Steam and Oil
Step 1. Remove eye makeup so that you can see the tips of your natural lashes
Use a gentle eye makeup remover to remove mascara and eyeliner. That way, you can easily see the end of the original eyelash and the beginning of the extension.
Use the product you normally use to remove eye makeup
Step 2. Fill the bowl with hot and steaming water
Boil water on the stove or microwave. After that, pour the water into a heatproof bowl. Place this bowl on a table or kitchen counter where you can bend over it.
If you want, you can add a little essential oil to the bowl for a relaxing effect. For example, add 2-3 drops of lavender, tea tree, peppermint, or eucalyptus oil to the water
Step 3. Place a towel over your head, then crouch over the steaming bowl for 15 minutes
Be careful not to get too close to the water or your face may scald. Place a towel over the bowl to trap steam. Place your head over this steamy bowl for 15 minutes.
The steam will loosen the glue on the eyelash extensions, making them easier to remove
Step 4. Wet a cotton ball with olive oil or coconut oil
Pour olive oil or coconut oil onto the surface of the cotton ball. Make sure the cotton is completely saturated with oil because dry cotton can scratch or even irritate the skin around the eyes.
- If you're using coconut oil, you may need to preheat it for a few seconds in the microwave until it melts.
- You may need to use a few cotton swabs to remove all the eyelash extensions. So, prepare some cotton pens to spare.
Warning:
Do not let this oil get into the eyes. If this happens, rinse your eyes with cold water.
Step 5. Rub the oil on the eyelashes until the extensions come off
Start wiping from the inner corner of the eye to the lash line. Apply the oil several times so that the eyelash extensions are coated in oil. Once the oil coats the lashes, the extensions should start to come off. Continue rubbing the oil until all the eyelash extensions are removed.
- If your skin feels irritated, stop rubbing the oil immediately. Wash your face, then visit a professional salon to remove any remaining eyelash extensions.
- If necessary, add more oil to the cotton swab or prepare a new cotton swab.
- Do not immediately pull the eyelash extensions because it can damage the natural lashes.
- If the eyelash extensions don't come off easily, brush the oil into the lashes with a spoolie, then let it sit for a minute. Once the oil has soaked in, brush the spoolie over your lashes again to lift the extensions.
Step 6. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any excess oil
After removing all eyelash extensions, rub a small amount of a gentle facial cleanser onto the skin's surface. Spread this cleanser all over your face to remove excess oil. Rinse your face with cold water then pat dry with a clean towel.
You can use a regular facial cleanser to remove any excess oil
Method 3 of 3: Finding a Professional Salon
Step 1. Go back to the salon where you put your eyelash extensions on
Eyelash extensions are often glued together with high-quality glue, a type of superglue. Glue like this is very difficult to remove without the right tools and chemicals. So, it's best to visit the salon where you put your eyelash extensions on. Make a treatment appointment with them to remove the eyelash extensions.
If your eyelash extensions have been in place for less than a week, you will need to return to the previous salon. Eyelash extensions that have just been put on will be very difficult to remove
Tip:
The cost required to remove eyelash extensions at a professional salon is at least around IDR 300,000-IDR 400,000. However, some salons may offer free eyelash extension removal services, especially if you react negatively to the glue they use.
Step 2. Visit a different salon if you have any doubts about the technique of applying eyelash extensions
While eyelash extensions are generally safe, some people may make mistakes, especially if they are new to the job or inexperienced. If you have doubts about the technique of applying eyelashes at a previous salon, visit a different salon to have them removed. For example, you may want to visit another salon if you experience any of the following problems:
- Eyelashes that look crooked, messy, unattractive or unprofessional
- Pain around the eyes
- Itching or stinging around the eyes
- Redness of the eyes.
Step 3. See a doctor if you experience pain, irritation, redness, or swelling
In some cases, eyelash extensions can cause an allergic reaction or trigger an infection. Similarly, wearing the wrong eyelash extensions can cause pain, irritation, and other problems. If you want to remove your eyelash extensions because they are bothering you, it's a good idea to see a doctor for proper treatment.
Although rare, infection can also cause serious complications. So, don't hesitate to visit a doctor. Most likely, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist who can make sure your eyes are okay
Tips
- You can also use baby oil or an oil-based makeup remover to remove the eyelash extensions. However, make sure to spread the oil across your lash line before trying to remove the extensions.
- If none of the home remedies work to remove your eyelash extensions, visit a professional salon.
Warning
- Do not pull the eyelash extensions. Your natural eyelashes can also be pulled out.
- Eyelash extensions can permanently damage natural eyelashes if they are applied or removed incorrectly. We recommend asking for help from professional salon staff.
- Eyelash extensions can cause pain or infection, especially if the salon staff who apply them are not properly trained. If you experience pain, irritation, swelling, or vision problems, see a doctor immediately.
