Removing Eyelash Extensions at Home? How to Do It Without Lash Loss

Eyelash extensions give a majestic look to your eyes. If your eyelashes have less growth then you can use lash extensions. They reduce all the effort that it takes to get long beautiful eyelashes – and it only takes minutes to apply. Today, I will walk through removing eyelash extensions at home.

Extensions are light weighted and you can wear them for weeks. It takes zero effort to put an eyelash extension on, and it will result in an amazing look.

After some time extensions starts to fall out. Due to environmental pollution, they also get dirty. For this reason, you might face some struggles.

To remove your eyelash extensions you must make an appointment with a professional. But if you do not have time to make an appointment then you can try it yourself.

Removing eyelash extensions properly can be just as important as putting them on in the first place! Because the truth is, no matter how beautiful your lash extensions were at first they are not going to look that good for long.

For those not interested in reading the whole article and just want to know how to remove your eyelash extensions. Pick up a bottle of Blink Gel Remover and you will have your extensions off in no time.

Blink Gel Eyelash Extension Glue Remover:

The Best Eyelash Extension Remover

Because of COVID-19 more and more women are now having to remove their eyelash extensions at home.

This quick and easy guide will show you all the steps and options you have to remove your eyelash extensions even while being quarantined.

It is also important to note you don’t force your false lashes off as this can cause damage to your actual lash line. This will result in sparse lashes that make your natural lashes take a long time to grow back.

So let’s get to helping those last few persistent extensions ease gently off your lashes. Here’s how to remove eyelash extensions without damaging your natural eyelashes!

How to Remove Eyelash Extensions?

removing eyelash extensions

There are a number of tips and tricks to gently remove eyelash extensions. However, some can be costly and if done wrong can mess up your real eyelashes. I will walk you through all your options and let you decide which is best.

The following options are your best bet for removing eyelash extensions!

Option 1: Professional Eyelash Extension Removal:

Eyelash extensions are bonded tight to your lashes using a surgical-grade adhesive that’s designed to withstand water, soap, and sweat. The result is that it won’t come off easily.

So the easiest option, of course, is to go back to your lash technician. Whereas you can remove eyelash extensions by yourself, it’s simplest to have your lash technician do it. The process is no fuss, no muss, you just lie back and relax.

But it’s also the priciest.

Most lash extension salons will only remove eyelash extensions free of charge if you’re about to have another set put in. Otherwise, they’ll charge you around $20 just to have them removed.

It might be worth it to you, though, if you want to absolutely avoid the risk of losing some of your natural lashes in the eyelash extension removal process.

Option 2: Eyelash Extension Gel Remover:

eyelash extension remover

If you got your lashes done in another city or your lash technician insists on charging exorbitant fees for lash removal. A super easy option to remove eyelash extensions at home is to simply order a bottle of eyelash extension remover. This will also help save your lash line and keep it looking healthy.

Blink Gel Remover is hands down the most effective for the job – it’ll easily take professional eyelash extensions off in a matter of minutes without damaging your natural lashes.

Not to mention, there will probably be a time when you find yourself in this very situation again. And when that happens, you’ll know exactly how to remove eyelash extensions at home and have the tools to do it.

Plus, the process of using a remover is super simple. Here’s what you’ll need:


That’s it. And now the process. Here’s how to remove eyelash extensions with a remover gel:

  • To use this eyelash extension remover, do one eye at a time so you can see what you’re doing
  • Squeeze the paper towel in between your top and lower lashes before you squeeze your eye tightly to prevent the product from getting in your eye.
  • Dab a little remover gel onto the disposable mascara brush or Q-tip and apply the gel to your lashes, trying to target where the extension glue is.
  • Leave the gel on for around 3 minutes.
  • Run another disposable mascara brush through your lashes or a fresh Q-tip over your lashes. The extensions should come right off.


Rinse the solution off your eyes with cold water before opening your eyes to avoid any burning or stinging.

Note: If your lash technician did a particularly sloppy glue job or used way too much glue, you might prefer to saturate a cotton pad with the remover and place it on your lashes with your eyes closed tight. Then, let it sit for a few minutes. Voila! Extensions removed!

Tips: Loosen the Eyelash Extension Glue:removing eyelash extensions

If you simply have a few stragglers you want to take care of and don’t want to get the eyelash extension remover, you can manually remove eyelash extensions at home without solvents or removers.

Just keep in mind that the below instructions work best for straggling or near-mature lash extensions that are already at the end of their life cycle and just need that little extra push to let go.

For newly-installed lash extensions, the above two options are the best ways to remove eyelash extensions.

Okay, let’s get started removing the last few stragglers!

This step is all about coaxing and not pulling. The worst thing you can do to remove lash extensions is to try to pluck the lash out by its root. This is painful and you can end up waiting a long time for those lashes to grow back in. Do not do this!

Start by cleaning your face of makeup so you can see exactly where the lash extensions begin on your lashes. Next, you’ll want to loosen the lash extensions with steam.

All this requires is that you fill a bowl with steaming hot water and place your face over it. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel so the steam can’t escape and stay like that for around 15 minutes.

Another more pleasurable option is to take a hot bath or shower. The steam will naturally loosen the bonds of the eyelash extension glue so the extensions are easier to remove and you get the double perk of opening up your pores as well!

Remove Eyelash Extensions with Coconut Oil or Olive Oil:

There’s a good reason why in order to make your lash extensions last, you want to avoid applying oil products around your lashes – oils weaken the glue that bonds lash extensions to your natural lashes.

The result? You can remove eyelash extensions at home simply using oils that you have at home. Not anything will do, of course, but any oil that you have that’s also good for lashes, like castor oil, coconut oil, or olive oil works great.

So how do you remove eyelash extensions with oil? Simply dip a cotton ball, cotton pad, or Q-tip in the oil of your choice and start very gently swiping at your lash line (where the glue is).

The oil will help loosen the glue, allowing the extensions to gradually fall off.

The only caveat is that the process can take a while, it’s definitely not going to be as quick as using a professional-grade eyelash extension remover. So expect to make several gentle swipes to get all your straggling lash extensions off.

Rinse the oil off your lash line and you’re all done!

Should You Remove Your Lash Extensions At Home?

It is better to take help from professionals because they know the tips and tricks that do not break your real lashes. Also, there is a chance that your eye might get infected with bacteria or other infections.

Moreover, you can break your real eyelashes that are in the growing stage. If the small eyelashes fall out then there becomes a space between your lashes. Because new eyelashes take time to grow properly and fill the blank space of the eye.

To avoid such situations it is better to consult a professional. Also, it is a very difficult task to remove it by yourself. You can remove the eyelash extension using a tweezer.

It might be a painful procedure because with tweezer some of your real lashes will also fall out. But do not need to worry there are many ways to remove the eyelash extension. These procedures might take some time to completely remove the extension.

But it assures you that, not a single real eyelash will fall out.

Is It Safe To Remove Eyelash Extensions At Home?

To remove eyelash extension it is safe and better to consult professionals. It will protect you from many unknown infections and save your precious time.

You might use glue of surgical-grade to fix eyelash extension. This is not a good option because it increases the chances of eye infection. Only a professional can remove eyelash with ease in such a situation.

Also, there is no chance of infection. Because they have good training time and know-how to perfectly use each equipment. But sometimes there is some situation when you can not go to the saloons or have an appointment issue.

To get tired of all this you might have a thought to do this yourself. You just to remove all the extensions so that your real eyelashes can breathe with ease. There are some ways that you can easily follow to get rid of extensions.

All the ways are safe and easy to follow. These methods give you the surety of 0% damage so that you can remove extension without any fear. But keep all safety measures in your mind.

How Do Eyelash Extensions Affect Your Natural Lash Line?

Eyelash extension does not affect natural lashes. If you use an extension of proper length and thickness. Also, if you remove the eyelash with the help of a professional then your lashes will not get damaged. 

You do not need to remove the eyelash extension. Because after some time eyelash extension will start to fall. You can wait for some time until the eyelash is completely removed. In this way, you do not need any professional. 

Also, eyelash extension has very lightweight that you can carry it for weeks until its time limit is not over. Due to its lightweight, you do not feel any burden and can carry it with ease. The extension takes zero effort to get attached to your eyes.

You can take care of your eyelash extension to increase their lifetime. With a little care, you can keep your lash extension healthy. Only a conditioner is enough to take care of your eyelash extension. It gives a shiny look to the extension so that it looks like a real eyelash. 

Your lashes will look the same as they look before the treatment. If in case your original lashes get affected. Then there is a serum that can help you to increase the growth rate of eyelashes. 

Eyelash Extension Removal Aftercare:eyelash growth diy serums

Congrats! Your eyelash extensions are off and your natural lashes are ready to start from a clean slate. But is the slate as good as it can be?

Your lashes have been through a lot – weeks of having glue attached to them plus the trauma of pinched and pulled lashes if you got a bad lash extension job. So why not show them some TLC after removing the eyelash extensions?

The easiest way to do it is with an eyelash conditioner that contains nutrients, amino acids, peptides, and extracts to nourish and moisturize as well as strengthen and fortify lashes against thinning and breakage.

You can choose from one of the best eyelash conditioners or simply make your own DIY lash serum! Either way, it’ll help repair your eyelashes so they thrive after eyelash extensions. They deserve it, after all.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2017 and has been completely revamped and updated in 2022.

17 thoughts on “Removing Eyelash Extensions at Home? How to Do It Without Lash Loss”

  1. Glad I found your website. I removed nine after wearing my lashes for a month and now my eyes look horrible.

    Won’t fix for a long time cos I want my natural lashes to grow back.

    I’ll keep these tips in mind for when next I fix.

  2. I wore lashes for a 3 week period. Looked great!
    Needed to have removed and re-done.
    The lash remover burned my eyes like H***!
    My technician said “THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED!” REALLY? I DOUBT THAT!

  3. I had extension put on three weeks. Look good for the first week but I already had long lashes and the ones put on were of equal length, maybe a little longer. Well, they started hitting my glasses and very bothersome. So I tried taking them off with coconut oil. I’m so upset. I don’t think there are many of my own lashes left and I CANNOT get the last few off. I’m going to try the steam but I’ve been trying to oil them off for three days now. Why wont these come off??? I look ridiculous.

  4. It’s absolutely necessary to condition the eyelashes. And I wish I knew that before! My choice number one is Cherish Lash serum now and I won’t replace it with anything else. It made my eyelashes so well-groomed and simply gorgeous. Thanks for a great article))

  5. Ginny McCloskey

    Had my first eyelash extensions put on today to look nice for our daughter’s wedding in 2 weeks. Oh my! I look like a clown. The lashes are stiff and swoop up almost touching my eyebrow. They also itch and feel like flappers when I blink. The girl said I could get fuller lashes at my first fill-in appointment. These are thin and not at all lush. I can see gaps between my lashes. My natural lashes are fuller. Your article is great. At least I know these “little brooms” can be removed professionally. So disappointed. Also, 2 hours were allotted for my appointment. The girl was done in 45 minutes!! Also, was not given an choice with any variety of lashes. Paid $100.

    1. I got some today and feel the same! I look ridiculous. I told her I wanted a more natural look and got this. I’m going tomorrow to get them taken off. What a waste of money!

  6. I hate my extensions – much more maintenance than I expected, and they were uneven to begin with. They started to fall off on their own on one eye, and still thick on the other, so I decided to remove what’s left on my own. (It’s been only 1 week since they were applied.). I followed the steps on this site, and others – steam for 10 minutes, and apply olive oil with cotton. They didn’t budge. So now I’m going back to do the whole process again.
    By the way, I steamed using a clothing steamer which should be better than any other method – the steamer produces steady steam and I can easily control the amount of steam by moving it closer or further from my face. Ugg! Never again. I’ll just live with my regular lashes and use Latisse, which WORKS!

  7. Well I had first time lashes and lasted3 days!! I looked ridiculous ? and couldn’t stand the feeling of them, and they hit my reading glasses. It was such an extravagant waste of money ? So last night after everyone went to bed, I sat up and set to with this advice. It worked, however it took a long time to do it. I didn’t time it but it was well over an hour. I think the steaming helped in the end.
    thank goodness I don’t look like a freak any more. Give me mascara any day.

  8. After getting my lash extensions removed, my lashes became shorter, thin, and straight. I did some research on various lash serums and found dermalmd eyelashes serum to be the best review! I gave it a try and OH MY GOD! My lashes have grown so much! I have more lashes, they are longer, and it’s not thin anymore! I got a lot of people asking me if my lashes were fake and what I did to my lashes. I recommend these to anyone especially anyone out there with Asian lashes. As an Asian myself, I suffer from short thin lashes, so dermalmd serum will definitely help!

  9. I love my extensions and have been going every three weeks for about a year, but am checking out this site, since I am considering going back to my real lashes. And glad I did will be making sure I get them removed by the technician.

  10. I had them done yesterday and hate them. I feel ridiculous and looks horrid. Going to try to get them off.

  11. Omg I just had my lashes put on yesterday for the first time and I’m allergic to them! I’ve spent the better part of the day steaming and using oil but it’s so hard to get them off. I wish there was an allergy test first to see how they would react for me 🙁 This is really painful

    1. You can have the technician apply just one lash that is the same length as your other lashes…just to test if you’re allergic

  12. I have had my extensions for one week. Going tomorrow to have them removed. Have had swollen eyes since I got them. Hoping the swelling would go away. Should not cost more than 30 dollars. Heading to europe the next day, hopefully my eyes will look normal after all the swelling. Hopefully I won’t have any reactions after removing them.

  13. Anyone knows if makeup remover works to take them off? Most of them are full of oil, right?
    I got my eyelashes done yesterday. They gave me dead black eyelashes and mine are blonde. They told me they had my eyelashes color, that’s why I was disappointed about this. But that’s not everything! It was all wrong when I, already laying there, found out the “technician” that was doing my eyelash extensions was a student of said process. Student? Okay, no problem, but in the end both my cousin and I found out they were given a 1 day course and their teacher find people to pay to be “models” for their practical procedures. I say I was more like a guinea pig. I don’t blame the student, I blame the owner of the place I went. Unfortunately I can’t simply go back there to take those off because I’m afraid of what they’ll do to me, there were no cameras there except for their phones and they kinda take pictures of everything, but don’t share 98% with us. I woke up with one of my eyes irritated as h***, it’s red and I don’t know what to do. Will wait a bit longer to see if the glue weakens on its own a tiny bit and try to take them off at home.

    1. Oh no! Sorry to hear about your experience – getting bad eyelash extensions is a terrible disappointment. I can understand why you don’t want to go back there – they sound extremely shady – but some sort of review should be in order, so at the very least they don’t keep doing this to other customers! As for makeup remover – most aren’t quite oily enough to do the job. Even with oils, it takes quite a few swipes to get the extensions off (and that’s for extensions that have been on a couple weeks) so makeup remover is going to be a harder battle. The best bet is to get the remover gel as it’s the easiest way to take off new extensions where the glue is still strongly bonded on. Good luck!

    2. Wow… That is absolutely horrible! I can’t believe they gave not only subpar customer service, but they also didn’t give you what you wanted! The worst part too is you can’t really monitor the procedure and see what’s happening until after the eyelashes have already been applied with glue.

      Have you tried any of the tips posted on this article?

      PS. Great article on removal! This can save you not only time from going back to the studio but also money by doing it yourself!!

      Thanks, Amelia

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