How to Remove Eyelash Extensions Safely and Professionally

When it’s time for your grown out lashes to go, you may be tempted to remove eyelash extensions at home…

Save yourself the tears: go straight to a professional lash tech!

The pro’s can remove eyelash extensions safely, avoiding eye irritation and damage to your natural lashes.

In this guide we’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to remove lash extensions, explain the difference between a professional and DIY removal process, and teach you how to avoid common (and painful) mistakes.

Why is Proper Eyelash Extension Removal Important?

Removing the adhesive bond – without damaging your natural lashes – is delicate work.

Lash glue removal products can seriously irritate your eyes; you should never apply these products on your eyes yourself!

Not only that, professionals can safely remove eyelash extensions in 20 minutes.

The key to envious lashes is proper care; ensuring that lash adhesive is completely cleared to give your eyelashes time to strengthen without the risk of clogged pores and infection.

Professional Vs. DIY Eyelash Extension Removal

A professional lash technician will use professional lash remover products. It’s recommended that you return to the same lash tech who applied your eyelash extensions; they know exactly what kind of lash extension glue and process was used, therefore they’ll know the best way to remove eyelash extensions and maintain healthy natural lashes.

DIY lash removal may involve a steamy shower and using a natural product such as olive oil, castor oil or coconut oil; problem is, these sometimes fail to strip all of the adhesive off the lashes, leaving behind residue or causing you to pull at your lashes, damaging your natural eyelashes.

These heavy oils can also block the pores along your lash line, slowing down new growth or leading to infection, YIKES!

Tools and Materials Needed for Safe Removal

• Under eye pads
• Long tip micro brush applicators
• Cotton pads
• Professional glue dissolving remover

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Eyelash Extensions

We’re not here to tell you to take a hot shower and pluck the life out of your lashes; here’s a professional guide on how to remove eyelash extensions:

Step 1: Preparing the Client’s Lashes

Cleanse the eye area and remove any eye makeup. Place under eye pads on the client

Step 2: Applying the Remover

Apply a high-grade cream remover to the lash line using a micro swab, ensuring to apply only to the lashes and not onto the surrounding skin.

Set a timer, depending on the type of product you’re using.

Begin to remove the extensions before the product changes in consistency and becomes watery, which could irritate the eye.

Step 3: Gently Removing the Extensions

Use a cotton swab or lip gloss applicator to gently swipe the lash extensions downward, away from the eye.

Use another swab to carefully remove any remaining residue.

Thoroughly rinse the lashes using a cotton pad and water, and use a lash cleanser before your client opens their eyes.

Step 4: Post Removal Care

A soothing lotion or lash serum can be applied to help nourish the lash hairs. Clients should be instructed not to pull at lashes and to avoid using harsh, alcohol-based products around the eye area, which could irritate the skin or weaken natural lashes.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes During Removal

• Only use professional grade removers, not ‘home remedy’ solutions
• Take care applying the under eye pad correctly to avoid eye irritation
• Use a wiping motion to remove lashes from the lash line, do not pluck or pull!

Aftercare Tips for Clients

1. Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser to keep your face clean. Avoid rubbing your eyes to remove makeup, using a patting motion instead
2. Avoid using harsh products around the eye area that contain alcohol, parabens or sulfates. These chemicals can dry out the skin around the eye and weaken your lashes
3. Nourish your lashes with a serum or conditioner to help encourage new growth
4. Give your lashes a break from mascara for a few days
5. Avoid lash curlers to give your lashes time to recover
6. Speak to your lash tech about future lash applications; they will monitor the health of your lashes to ensure that they don’t become stressed or damaged from repeated applications.

When to Consult a Professional for Lash Removal

The short answer: every time!

As tempting as at-home lash extension removal may be, get a certified professional to remove eyelash extensions to avoid eye irritation and keep your natural lashes protected.

Bela Beauty provides professional lash technician courses for beginners to help you kick start your career in the beauty industry. A Classic Lash Course will teach you everything you need to know to launch your own business, providing safe and alluring lash services to clients including professional eyelash extension removal.

For those already in the lash game, stay on top of a competitive industry by advancing your skills with a Mega Volume Lash Course for professionals. By growing on your skills you can learn how to create a brand identity and keep your clients coming back. Level up your beauty business with an advanced Lash course at Bela Beauty!

Summary

Eyelash extensions are a near effortless way to enhance your features, but proper application and removal is essential to protect your natural lashes underneath.

A professional lash expert is your best bet to a pain free removal process, ensuring that the eyelash extension glue is safely cleared from the eye using high quality products that won’t clog pores and will allow for new lash growth.