Eyelash extension is becoming a popular beauty ritual, and we’re not surprised why. The beauty service helps us achieve beautifully curled and full lashes, accentuating our eyes even without having to pile on heaps of mascara that may smudge or put on falsies that may come off. But of course, while we all look forward to getting our eyelashes extended, most of us dread the eyelash extension removal process and may leave them on for longer than we should.
As such, we’ve decided to come up with a comprehensive guide regarding the eyelash extension removal process so that you can be better prepared for it when the time comes!
How long do eyelash extensions typically last?
Most places recommend you come back every two to three weeks for a touch up, but if you’re looking to save a bit of money, you can prolong their lifespan and make them last for up to five weeks. Just be careful not to get water on your lashes and don’t use oily products near your eyes!
Eyelash extension removal: Dos and don’ts
Don’ts
When it comes to eyelash extension removal, you might think that you can simply remove the extensions yourself. After all, what’s the worst that could happen, right? Well, a lot. Doing so can cause some serious damage to your natural eyelashes.
Eyelash extensions are bonded to your natural lashes using surgical-grade adhesive – it’s designed to withstand water, soap, and sweat, and requires a special type of remover to get them off. So, unless you’re trying to achieve a bald eye, don’t ever DIY the eyelash extension removal process!
Removing your extensions yourself can also cause contamination within the eye area with bacteria that can lead to an eye infection. We’re pretty sure you wouldn’t want to experience something like that, especially since your eyes are such an important feature.
Dos
The only way you should get rid of your eyelash extensions is to get them professionally removed at the salon, or have them fall out naturally.
Every salon that does eyelash extensions will have an eyelash extension removal service available, and the price range can be anywhere between SGD15 and SGD80, depending on the salon you opt for. Some salons offer removal services for free, but those aren’t very common.
However, if you’re not looking to spend any more money, you’ll probably be happy to know that the extensions do fall out with the natural shedding of your lashes. This is a much slower process, but it is free, so there’s that.
Eyelash extension removal: What’s the process like?
Because eyelash extensions are most often affixed with high-grade surgical glues (a.k.a superglue), the eyelash extension removal process is no easy feat. Usually, salons brush a special type of glue remover on the extensions, leaving it there for a a few minutes.
After which, they usually take off the lash extensions one by one by clamping them between two micro brushes and then gently pulling them out. The process is pretty quick and painless, especially if a trained technician does it for you!
Eyelash extension removal: Home remedies
If you really find yourself having no other option but to remove your eyelash extensions at home, here are some ways that you can do so safely (though our top recommendation is still to go to a professional no matter what).
Eyelash extension removal: Use an oil-based makeup remover
If you’re looking to do an eyelash extension removal at home by yourself, you can make use of an oil-based makeup remover. More specifically, use one with glycol because it is a solvent that can dissolve the adhesive bonds between the extensions and your natural lashes.
Apply the oil-based makeup remover onto your lashes daily with a cotton pad and patiently wait. Make sure you do this gently without any harsh rubbing motion too.
Once you do this everyday, it will eventually cause the adhesive bonds to weaken and cause the extensions to fall off on their own.
Eyelash extension removal: Use castor oil
Another method for eyelash extension removal at home is to use castor oil. This is a multipurpose vegetable oil that can help weaken the adhesive bonds and cause your eyelash extensions to fall off in due time.
You can use a cotton swab or a clean spoolie to apply the oil along the top of your lash line. Make sure you to pay extra attention to this step to prevent the oil from entering your eyes. If it does happen to enter, immediately rinse your eye with water.
Other oils that are known to help weaken adhesive bonds include mineral oil, coconut oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, and baby oil.
Eyelash extension removal: Take a hot, steamy shower
If you don’t happen to have any oil-based makeup remover or castor oil laying around, you can try to take a hot, steamy shower.
The heat and the moisture from the steam can help to dissolve the lash adhesive slowly, eventually causing the eyelash extensions to fall off. Do note, however, that this eyelash extension removal method is one that takes time, and you shouldn’t expect the removal to happen right away.
