Eyelash extensions can transform your look, adding drama and length to your natural lashes. But what happens when you’re ready to remove them? Should you return to the salon or try removing your eyelash extensions at home?
There’s plenty of advice out there online about how to remove eyelash extensions at home. And I’m here to tell you, it’s mostly garbage.
Tips like steaming your face, having a hot shower, or using coconut oil are just fallacies. You might eventually remove your eyelash extensions, but you’re also likely to damage lash follicles and pull out your natural lashes at the same time.
So, before you try to remove eyelash extensions yourself, please read the following professional advice and understand your risk.
Before You Remove Your Eyelash Extensions, Understand What’s in the Glue
Understanding the chemical composition of lash glue can help you appreciate why a trained lash technician is the best person for lash extension removal. Whatever you do, DO NOT pick or pull at your lashes. Here’s why:
Lash extension glue primarily comprises cyanoacrylate, a powerful chemical compound designed to create an incredibly strong, water-resistant bond between your natural eyelash and the extension. Think of it like a microscopic, ultra-strong superglue specifically engineered for eyelashes.
This adhesive is intentionally formulated to resist water and normal daily activities, which is why simply washing your face (and the hot steam and shower method) won’t remove the extensions. The molecular structure of cyanoacrylate creates tight, interlocking bonds that are extremely difficult to break.
Now that you understand what’s in eyelash glue, let’s discuss oil-based products and the reality of using oil to break the bonds of eyelash extension glue.
Using Oil to Remove Lash Extensions
Many online blogs, forums, and DIY advice recommend using oil-based makeup removers or coconut oil to remove lash extensions at home.
Oil molecules have a unique chemical property that can penetrate and break down the molecular structure of the adhesive. When applying an oil-based product, the oil molecules wedge between the adhesive bonds, gradually weakening the connection between the extension and your natural eyelash.
The process is gentle and scientific. The oil doesn’t just sit on top of the glue but actively disrupts its chemical structure. This method allows the extension to gradually release from your eyelash without aggressive pulling or potential damage.
Here’s the kicker. Can you see how I’ve underlined the gradual release above? Lash extensions applied by an experienced lash artist won’t easily be removed with oil. And it’s worse if you’ve had an inexperienced technician who has used more glue than needed.
Removing extensions at home without damaging your natural lashes can take days if not weeks. It’s a slow process, and during this time, you could have made an appointment with your lash technician and had them professionally removed.
Pro tip: If you remove them at home, which I do not recommend, pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil can help dissolve lash glue without irritation. I prefer castor oil, which comes from the plant, rather than a petroleum industry by-product.
Risks of Removing Lash Extensions at Home
The biggest risk of DIY eyelash extension removal is damage to the lash follicle. This is why it’s important to protect the health of your natural lashes and book an appointment with a professional lash artist trained in lash removal.
They can:
- Assess the condition of your current extensions
- Determine the natural growth in your lash cycle
- Identify any potential complications
- Remove remaining lash extensions without causing damage to your natural lashes
Risks of At-Home Removal:
- Lash follicle damage
- Premature natural lash breakage
- Incomplete extension removal
- Potential eye and skin irritation
Do Not Try to Remove Lash Extension at home if:
- You notice significant natural lash damage
- You have sensitive skin or eye conditions
- You’re unsure about the removal process
- You’ve experienced allergic reactions to lash adhesives
After Your Eyelash Extensions Are Removed
Keep your lash line clean and gently moisturised – castor oil can help. If you’ve had lash breakage or been too rough to get your lashes off, it can take up to 8 weeks for your lashes to grow back out.
Some lash technicians recommend lash serums – but I don’t. Many lash serums contain hormones that can cause terrible side effects. I talk about what is in lash serum in another article.
Another way you can promote lash growth is through diet. Some ideas include:
- increase biotin intake
- eat a protein-rich diet
- don’t forget to hydrate regularly
- consider collagen supplements
Of course, I am not a dietician or health practitioner, so please seek medical advice specific to your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Will It Take to Remove Lash Extensions at Home?
It can take days, up to a few weeks, to safely remove lash extensions at home using oil-based methods. There is no miracle at-home lash extension remover, and while you can buy glue debonder, it requires an expert to safely use. You must also follow up with lash shampoo to ensure no residue is left, which could damage your eyes.
What Should I Do If Home Removal Isn’t Working?
If you’ve tried to remove your lashes without success, book with your local lash tech for professional removal. Please do not continue to try to remove them or force the extensions off by pulling at them.
What Are the Risks of Improper Removal?
Attempting to remove your lashes at home can damage the follicles and lash line, cause uneven lash line, cause pain, cause loss of natural lashes, and cause eye infections.
When can I get lash extensions again?
It depends on the condition of your eyelashes. Professionally removed extensions can be reapplied straight away. If you’ve damaged lash follicles and pulled out your lashes, wait a few weeks between sets to give your natural lashes time to recover.
Hello Beautiful is Your Local Melbourne Lash Expert
I wish there was a miracle product that could break down lash adhesive and loosen the extensions without damaging the natural lashes, which I could recommend you use at home.
Unfortunately, there isn’t, and no professional lash artist will likely recommend you try it, no matter how desperate you are to get your lashes off. Please book an appointment with me or any other lash technician near you to remove your extensions professionally.
Using my lash extension remover, I will safely and effectively remove your lash extensions. Ultimately, having your extensions removed professionally is the only safe way.