Lash Care + Safe At-Home Eyelash Extension Removal

woman with full set lash extensions from The Lash Lounge

Maintaining your lashes after a salon visit is just as important as your initial appointment. But what happens when you don’t have access to your fairy lash godmothers for a little while? Here are some steps to take to nurture your eyelash extensions and natural lashes during this time.

Protect Your Investment

You may have recently enjoyed a lash refill (or what we like to call a “lash therapy” session!) If so, your lashes are still on the fuller side. You will want to be sure to protect your lashes by avoiding:

  • Oil/alcohol/glycerin-based products (cleanser, moisturizers, makeup removers, etc.)
  • Waterproof mascara/liner
  • Heavy eye makeup (Eye shadow, concealer, etc.)
  • Excessive moisture exposure in the first 8 hours after your appointment

Remember, clean lashes are happy lashes! Be sure to clean your lashes to avoid natural buildup that could affect retention.

Give Your Natural Eyelashes a Boost With Lash Serum!

Did you know your lashes can enjoy extensions AND a growth or fortification serum at the same time? Yep! You can show your lashes even more love by introducing them to the neuLASH PROFESSIONAL™ serum, available at our salons.

This serum works to create longer, stronger and healthier lashes. You may use this product while you’re sporting lash extensions and also when you’re going au naturale. Imagine how happy your lash artist will be to see you with even more lashes to lash!

Understand Your Natural Lash Shedding + Growth Cycle

What happens when it’s been a couple of weeks since your last visit? You will notice your lashes are going through their natural cycle of shedding and growth. This cycle requires your natural eyelashes to release to make room for new little baby lashes!

Removing Your Lash Extensions at Home: It’s Only Goodbye for a Little While!

As your lashes shed, your look will not appear as full as you are used to. If you are unable to make it to the salon for your regular biweekly refills for a while, you may consider the possibility of removal. We offer that service at our salons and encourage you to come in if possible. But here are a few steps to follow if you wish to remove them at home.

STEP #1: Evaluate Your Lashes

To begin removal, evaluate your lashes. Do they appear moderately full? If so, hold out a little longer. All eyelashes go through a cycle that naturally releases them. If your set appears less than 30% of the original set as in the picture above, you are a better candidate for manual removal.

STEP #2: Choose a Natural Oil for Lash Extension Removal

There is reason that we warn against using oil/alcohol/glycerin-based products around lash extensions. They affect the bonds of the adhesive, resulting in premature shedding. While there are products that will do this unintentionally, natural oils are the best and safest for a home eyelash extension removal. Natural oils to consider for removal are:

  • Coconut Oil
  • Sunflower Seed Oil
  • Avocado Oil
  • Shea Butter
  • Jojoba Oil

STEP #3: Removing Your Eyelash Extensions at Home

Apply the oil to your fingertips and apply to the lash line with a gentle massage in a circular motion. You may also apply to a mascara wand and comb through your lashes for deeper saturation.

Let the oil sit for 3 to 5 minutes before gently sliding them off. Depending on a few factors, this process may need to be repeated until all the lash extensions are removed.

While removing, do not yank or force the extension off of the natural lash. This could damage the natural integrity of your lash or remove your lash completely, prematurely.

Complete this process by using our Lash Detox foaming lash cleanser to cleanse the area, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Keep Your Lashes Happy!

After your at-home eyelash extension removal, you will want to keep your lashes clean and healthy. Your natural lashes will miss their best friends. Continue to use neuLASH PROFESSIONAL™ serum every night (on clean eyes) to help strengthen, revitalize and condition your lashes until they’re reunited with their better halves! A few things to consider when keeping your lashes happy are:

  • Avoid excessive pulling, tugging and/or rubbing in the eye area.
  • When wearing cosmetics, be sure to clean your face every night before bed.
  • If you are considering strip lashes, NEVER sleep in them. Remove them each night before bed.

The extra TLC you show your natural lashes will benefit you when you are able to get back in the salon. In the meantime, if you’re ever unsure about products you’re using or something you’re doing that you may be afraid could harm your lashes, please let us know! Send us a message on Facebook or Instagram and we will work with our training team to get expert advice for you!