Why You Should Never Remove Your Lash Extensions At Home
Unless you were lucky enough to coincidentally have a lash extension appointment just before spas and salons started closing down, you’re probably getting close to the point where you’re noticing some sparseness—and wanting to take matters into your own hands. So let’s add this to the very long list of things we never thought we’d have to wonder about: Since you can’t get them filled, is there a way to remove your own lash extensions while stuck at home?
The short answer: No. Please don't. Clementina Richardson, celebrity eyelash expert and founder of Envious Lashes in New York City, explains that unfortunately, there are no over-the-counter products or DIY hacks that can safely break down the adhesive to remove your own lash extensions. Attempting to remove them yourself can pull-out your actual lashes (since the extensions are attached strand by strand), damage the follicle, and can lead to bald spots that may never grow back.
So what can you do? Well for starters, have a little patience. Your extensions will eventually shed with your natural lash cycle (which shouldn’t be more than a few weeks), notes Richardson. Second, you can make sure to really nourish and strengthen your natural lashes, so that they’re as long, lush, and healthy as possible once the extensions have all shed away. This will also give you a strong foundation to apply new lash extensions onto in the future.
Here’s how Richardson recommends caring for your natural lashes:
Keep Your Lashes Conditioned
Add a lash serum to your nighttime skincare routine. Evening is best so that you aren’t layering it under mascara and the hair-strengthening ingredients can penetrate while you sleep. Try Envious Lashes Luxuriating Lash Conditioning.
Avoid Eyelash Curlers
Richardson advises against mechanical eyelash curlers because they can damage your natural lashes by pulling the lashes out at the root or breaking them in half. If you prefer a lifted look, try a washable mascara with a curling formula and rounded bristles like Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara.
Never Sleep in Makeup
This is especially important to remember when you’re wearing less makeup than usual. If you only applied a touch of mascara and concealer, it can be tempting to skip your typical nighttime cleansing routine. But aside from it damaging your skin, eye makeup build-up can weaken your natural lashes. To keep them healthy and clean: Use an eye makeup remover (Glossier Milky Oil sweeps away even waterproof with no rubbing or tugging), then gently cleanse the rest of your face.
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