How to remove lash extensions at home (Without Messing Up Your Real Lashes)

hello012399
Oct 29
5 min read

So your lash extensions are falling out, they're looking patchy, or you just need a break from them. The question is: can you take them off yourself at home? The answer is yes, but you've gotta be really careful.

Here's the thing though. Removing extensions wrong can actually damage your natural lashes. We're talking permanent damage that takes weeks to recover from. So before you grab your tweezers, let's talk about the right way to do this.

The Truth About Oil and Lash Glue

You've probably heard that oil breaks down lash glue. That's partly true, but here's what most people don't know.

Professional lash adhesive is made from cyanoacrylate, which is basically super glue. It's not like waterproof mascara that oil can dissolve.

The real deal?

Some oils can help soften the glue over time, but they won't fully dissolve it. That's why people who only use oil often end up ripping out their natural lashes in frustration.

Vaseline?

Yeah, that doesn't work either. People keep trying this and it just wastes time.

Method 1: Oil-Based Remover (The Most Popular Option)

This is probably the easiest method if you're doing it at home. Oil-based removers actually work better than just regular oil because they have specific ingredients designed to break down the adhesive.

What you need:

Cotton pads
Oil-based remover or makeup remover
Tweezers (clean ones)
A mirror and good lighting

How to do it:

Start by soaking a cotton pad with your oil-based remover. Press it gently against your lash line and hold it there for a few minutes. You want to give it time to work its way into the glue. Don't rush this part.

After a few minutes, gently wipe the area. You might notice some lashes start to come loose. If they don't budge, soak the pad again and wait a bit longer.

Once the glue is soft enough, use clean tweezers to gently grab one lash at the base and pull it away from your natural lash. This is crucial. You're pulling away from your eye, not upward. The extension should slide off if the remover has done its job.

If it doesn't come off easily, stop. Go back and reapply the remover. Forcing it will damage your real lashes, and that's not worth it.

Repeat this process until all your extensions are gone. It usually takes a bit of time, but that's okay. Patience is literally your best friend here.

Method 2: Natural Oils You Probably Have at Home

Don't have a professional remover?

You can use what's already in your kitchen.

Coconut oil works pretty well for this. Warm up a small amount between your fingers and apply it directly to your lash line. Let it sit for several minutes to really soak in. Then gently wipe with a cotton pad. The bonus is that coconut oil is actually good for your skin and lashes, so you're not just removing them, you're also nourishing them.

Castor oil is another solid choice. It's a bit thicker than coconut oil, which some people find works better for breaking down the adhesive.

Baby oil is fine too, though it's not as nourishing as the others.

The downside? These natural oils take longer to work. Sometimes way longer. You might need to apply them multiple times over a few days before the extensions finally come off.

And honestly, if you use only natural oils and the glue is really strong, you might get frustrated and start tugging.

That's when damage happens.

Method 3: Steam (The Au Natural Approach)

Heat weakens lash glue. This is why lash techs tell you to avoid heat and steam when you have extensions on. So you can use this to your advantage.

A hot shower definitely helps, but direct facial steaming works better.

Here's how:

Fill a bowl with steaming hot water. Lean over it (keep your face about 12 inches away) and throw a towel over your head. Sit like that for 10 to 15 minutes. The steam will loosen the adhesive.

You can add some herbs to the water if you want. Chamomile, lavender, or peppermint are nice because they also soothe your skin.

The catch? Steam alone usually won't completely remove your extensions. You'll probably need to combine it with an oil-based method afterward. Apply remover after the steam and the extensions should come off much easier.

This method takes time. Sometimes a few days of steam treatments before everything comes off. But it's super gentle on your lashes.

Safe Lash Removal Process: Choose Your Method and Follow Steps

What NOT to Do (Because People Really Do This)

Don't pick at your lashes. Seriously.

This is the number one way people mess up their natural lashes.

You might see a loose extension and think you can just grab it with a tweezer.

Don't.

If you pull at the wrong angle, you pull out your natural lash with it.

And if that lash is still in its growing phase? You might not grow a lash there for up to 8 weeks!

Don't use harsh chemicals.

Bleach, rubbing alcohol, acetone, all that stuff.

Your eyes are delicate and you don't want harsh fumes that close to them.

Don't go to bed with remover on your lashes.

Sleeping on it can cause the remover to get into your eyes, which burns like crazy.

Don't rush it.

This is the biggest mistake.

People want their extensions off NOW, so they start tugging and pulling.

That's how damage happens.

The whole point of doing this carefully is to protect your natural lashes.

Take your time.

When You Should See a Professional Instead

Real talk? If you don't feel comfortable doing this, go to a salon. It costs £15 to £35, which is way cheaper than dealing with damaged lashes for 2 months.

Also go professional if:

Your extensions feel glued too close to your skin (that's a sign they were applied wrong)
Your eyes are irritated or itchy
You're too impatient to do this carefully (because forcing it will hurt your lashes)
The glue is super strong and nothing is working

There's no shame in this. Your lash tech can remove them in minutes with professional-grade remover and the right equipment.

After Your Extensions Come Off

Your natural lashes might feel weak or sparse. That's normal.

Here's what to do:

Use a lash serum.

This stuff actually works.

It nourishes your lashes and helps them grow back healthy.

Use it for a few weeks while your natural lashes recover.

Apply a bit of castor oil. Once a day, put a tiny amount on a clean spoolie brush and brush it through your lashes. Your lashes will thank you.

Don't rush into new extensions. Give your lashes at least a week or two to recover. Some people do a month. The longer you wait, the healthier your new lash set will be.

Avoid mascara for a bit. Your lashes need a break. If you need to, use a very light, easy-to-remove mascara for a few days. Then stop.

Be gentle when cleaning. Don't rub your eyes. Use a soft cotton pad with gentle makeup remover, not a rough washcloth.