How can I remove my lash extensions at home!?

Another insanely popular topic. While I’m all about teaching clients the skills they need to care for their beauty procedures in the interim between visits with their professional, this is a practice I would have to strongly advise against. 

What are some reasons to get your lashes removed? Sometimes 

Let’s start with a little bit of Lash Extension Adhesive Chemistry 101. The adhesives used in the lash industry are all made of the same basic ingredients: cyanoacrylate, ethyl, and carbon (for your black adhesives). These two ingredients create a compound that is effectively a plastic. Or more accurately, acrylic. This material bonds the natural lash and extension together, encasing the two with a bond that is as strong as superglue - which shares nearly identical properties. Fun fact: lash extension adhesive and liquid stitches are the same chemical compound… 

So in a salon setting, how do we remove lash extensions? Think about how acrylic bonds to your nails and how you need to either soak it to reliquify it or crack it off into pieces that peel off the nails (ouch, but been there). The same is true for lash extensions. A professional removal requires a very strong solution to break the adhesive back down into a liquid form, or a manual removal where the adhesive is physically broken to release the extension from the natural lash. 

This is ultimately why so many at-home attempts are unsuccessful in removing lash extensions, specifically those with products like different oils. Most importantly, this can also cause extensive damage to the follicle through excessive pulling, not to mention other chemicals placed near the eyes that I won’t even mention used in a desperate attempt to remove lash extensions at home. 

To conclude, I unfortunately cannot recommend a safe way to recreate the delicate and intricate process of lash extension removal at home. Your best option is to locate a reputable lash studio near you and book an appointment for removal. There are even places that will remove the removal fee if you plan on booking a full set. Even so, the health of your natural lashes is invaluable.