Thanks to eyelash extensions you can have a sensual look without the need to use make-up, but unfortunately you can't wear them forever. The extensions attach themselves to the lashes with a powerful adhesive that resists water and soap, so they cannot be removed easily. Before removing the extensions you need to dissolve the glue, otherwise you risk damaging your natural lashes. You can remove the extensions yourself using a special product, generally in cream or gel, called "remover". Alternatively, you can simply use steam and oil. However, as a precaution, it is best for an experienced person to remove the extensions.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using the Remover
Step 1. Purchase a professional remover
Since the glue that was used to attach the extensions to your natural lashes is very powerful, the removers you can find in perfumery may not be effective enough. It is best to purchase a false eyelash remover intended for professional use.
- You can purchase the false eyelash remover at hairdressing and beautician supply stores or online.
- If you have approached a beauty center for the application of extensions, ask what is the most suitable solvent to remove them and if it is on sale at their salon.
Step 2. Remove makeup from the lashes to clearly distinguish where the extensions start
Wet a cotton pad with the makeup remover and wipe it over your eyes. Make sure you have removed all traces of eyeliner and mascara. This way you can clearly identify where real lashes end and fake lashes start.
- You can use your usual makeup remover.
- It is better to use a pad rather than a cotton swab to prevent fibers or lint from sticking to the lashes.
Step 3. Use cosmetic adhesive patches to protect the skin under the eyes
These very thin patches were created to avoid staining the skin under the eyes with mascara or powder eyeshadows while you do your makeup. In this case they will allow you to protect the delicate skin around the eyes from the remover. Remove the paper that protects the sticky side of the patches and stick them under the eyes with the concave side facing up. Press them gently on your face to make them adhere well to the skin.
- This step is optional, but it is preferable to protect the skin from the remover. Being a powerful solvent it could cause itching or irritation.
- You can buy cosmetic adhesive plasters in perfumery or online.
Step 4. Apply the remover to two mascara applicators or brushes
These disposable tools will allow you to apply the remover on the lashes with ease. Apply the remover to the tip of the applicators, then set one aside for later use.
- You will need the first applicator or brush to apply the remover, while with the second you will have to remove the extensions.
- If you prefer, you can wait and apply the remover on the second applicator when it's time to use it. However, keep in mind that you will have a hard time seeing after applying the eyelash remover as your eyes will be closed. That is why it is best to prepare it in advance.
- Place the second applicator on a nearby surface so you can easily find it even with your eyes closed.
Step 5. Keep your eyes closed while applying the remover
Protect your eyes by keeping them closed; if they come in contact with the remover they could get irritated and burn, so try to be careful. Close them before you start applying the product and do not open them until you have finished removing the extensions.
The ideal is to be able to count on someone's help to apply the remover and remove the false eyelashes. This way you will have the option to apply the remover on both eyes and the process will be shorter and more professional. But if you can't count on anyone's help, you can proceed independently
Suggestion:
if there is no one to help you, remove the extensions first from one eye and then the other. This way you will have the opportunity to keep an eye open to check your work.
Step 6. Run the applicator or brush from the middle of the natural lashes to the tips
Run the applicator through your lashes as you do when applying mascara, but in this case focus on the tips, which is where the extensions are attached. There is no need to apply the remover on the natural lashes beyond the point where the extensions are attached.
You can keep your other eye open to see what you're doing, but make sure the one you're working on stays closed
Step 7. Apply the remover to the underside of your natural lashes, away from the hairline
Apply a thin layer of product from the middle of the lashes to the tips. By applying the remover also on the underside of the lashes you will be sure that all the glue will melt. Keep the applicator away from the root of the lashes and the inner rim. The remover can irritate the skin, so don't risk it coming into contact with your eyes.
You can skip this step if you are sure that you have already covered the area where the glue is with the remover. The remover should only be applied to the adhesive
Warning:
keep the remover out of sight. In case of accidental contact, rinse them thoroughly with cold water until you have removed all traces of the product.
Step 8. Leave the remover on for 3 minutes to give it time to dissolve the glue
Start the timer and let the remover work for as long as necessary. Keep your eyes closed while the product is on the lashes. Do not rinse your eyes after the 3 minutes have elapsed as you still have to remove the extensions.
Some removers may require a 4 or 5 minute processing time. Read the product instructions before you begin
Step 9. Slide the second applicator or brush between the lashes to detach the extensions
Retrieve the second tool on which you applied the remover. Insert the bristles between the lashes and slide them towards the tips starting from the middle of the natural lashes. The extensions should come off and become trapped between the bristles, remove them from the applicator with your fingers and repeat until all of them are detached.
- You may have to go through numerous steps to remove all extensions. Continue until you only see your natural lashes, you can distinguish them by the fact that they are shorter and of uniform length.
- Throw away the extensions after removing them.
Step 10. Use a mild makeup remover to clean your lashes
Soak a cotton pad or Q-tip and wipe your lashes to get rid of any residual glue and remover. Go over the lashes several times to make sure they are perfectly clean.
If you prefer, you can wash your face with a cleanser
Method 2 of 3: Using Steam and Oil
Step 1. Remove makeup to be able to identify where your natural lashes end
Use a mild eye makeup remover to remove mascara or eyeliner. This way you will be able to clearly distinguish where your natural lashes end and the extensions begin.
You can use your usual makeup remover to remove make-up from the eyes
Step 2. Fill a bowl with boiling water
Boil water in a saucepan or microwave, then carefully pour it into a heat-resistant bowl. Place the bowl on a table or stable work surface. You must be able to lean your face out into the water.
If you want, you can add 2-3 drops of essential oil to the water for a relaxing effect. The most suitable oils include that of lavender, tea tree, peppermint and eucalyptus
Step 3. Cover your head and shoulders with a towel, then hold your face over the bowl for 15 minutes
Set the timer and lean forward to steam your face. Be careful not to get too close to the water as you could burn yourself. Position the towel so that it falls over the bowl and traps the steam. Expose your lashes to hot steam for 15 minutes.
The steam will dissolve the glue that holds the extensions together and you will be able to remove them more easily later on
Step 4. Soak a cotton pad in olive or coconut oil
Pour the oil onto the disc until the cotton is completely saturated. Make sure there are no dry pieces of cotton left or they could scratch or irritate the skin.
- If you intend to use coconut oil, you may need to heat it for a few seconds in the microwave to get it to liquid state.
- You will likely need more than one disk to remove all of your extensions, so keep them handy.
Warning:
keep the oil out of sight. In case of accidental contact, rinse them thoroughly with cold water until you have completely removed it.
Step 5. Rub the oil on your lashes until all extensions have come off
Start from the inner corner of your eye and gently swipe the pad across your lashes horizontally. Perform several steps to coat the extensions with oil. Once covered in a layer of oil, they should begin to peel off. Go over the lash pad until you have removed all the extensions.
- If you notice that your skin starts to get irritated, stop immediately. Wash your face and go to a beauty center to remove any remaining extensions.
- If necessary, pour more oil on the disc or use another one.
- Do not try to pull the extensions to detach them as you may damage the natural lashes.
- If the extensions do not come off on their own, comb them with an oil-coated brush and wait a minute. After the exposure time, pass the brush between the lashes; at this point the extensions should come off easily.
Step 6. Use a mild cleanser to remove excess oil from the lashes
When all the extensions have been removed, wash your face with a mild cleanser. Massage it into your skin to remove the oil before rinsing your face with cold water. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
You can use your usual cleanser to remove the oil from the skin
Method 3 of 3: Contact a Professional
Step 1. Go back to the beauty center where your extensions were applied
Generally a very powerful glue made for surgical use is used to attach them to the lashes. This type of glue is very difficult to remove if you don't have the necessary chemical solutions and tools, so your best bet is to seek professional help. Call the beauty center and make a new appointment to have your extensions removed.
If the extensions have been applied to you for less than a week, it is essential to have them removed by a professional. Removing a full set of recently applied false lashes is extremely complicated
Suggestion:
generally the removal of extensions has a very low cost (about € 15). Some beauty salons offer this service for free, especially if the glue has caused unwanted symptoms.
Step 2. Change beauty center if you are not satisfied with the false eyelash application
Generally, eyelash extensions have no contraindications, but sometimes people make mistakes, especially if they are just starting out or if they don't have the right preparation. If you have any doubts about how the extensions were applied, do not return to the same beauty center to have them removed. For example, consider looking for another beauty center if:
- The extensions are of poor quality or have been applied crooked or unevenly;
- You feel pain around your eyes
- You feel itching or burning around your eyes
- You have red eyes.
Step 3. See your doctor if you have any pain, irritation, swelling or redness of the skin
Sometimes extensions can cause an allergic reaction or an infection. In addition, if applied poorly, they can cause pain, irritation and damage to the skin or eyes. If false eyelashes have caused unwanted symptoms, you should see your doctor for proper treatment.
Although in rare cases, infections can lead to serious medical complications, so don't hesitate to visit. If he deems it necessary, your doctor will prescribe an ophthalmological examination to check the health of your eyes
Advice
- Instead of olive or coconut oil, you can use baby oil or oil-based makeup remover. Distribute it well where the glue is before trying to peel off the extensions.
- If the methods described don't work, go to a beauty center to have your extensions removed by a professional.
Warnings
- Do not pull the extensions, otherwise you will pull out the natural lashes as well as the false ones.
- If they are applied or removed inappropriately, extensions can damage natural lashes permanently, so it is best to consult a professional.
- Extensions can cause pain and infection, especially if the person applying them is not sufficiently prepared. If you experience pain, irritation, redness or vision problems, see your doctor immediately.
