Full, fluttery eyelash extensions are a great way to add volume and length to your natural lashes for your wedding, from rehearsal dinner to honeymoon. But what happens when they start to look a little tired and need to be removed? Knowing how to remove lash extensions safely is essential if you're going down that road so that you don't damage your natural lashes.

It is safe to remove false lashes yourself when they start to fall out, and we have great advice here on the best at-home removal methods, as well as how to get your natural lashes back to full health afterwards.

What are Lash Extensions?

Lash extensions differ from the single-use strip lash or wispies, which sit on top of, or under, your natural lash line. Extensions can take up to three hours for proper application. Everything, from depth to length and the number of lashes used, is decided during the consultation.

Each false lash is attached to one of your own, and with your lashes naturally shedding every few weeks, the false one goes with it. This is why people have refill sessions every couple of weeks to bring back the full, fluttery look. But if your extensions are solely for your big day and honeymoon, you need to know how to remove false lashes to speed up the process.

Image by Peter Carvill via One Fab Day

1. Have a Hot Shower or Steam Facial

Your lash technician will tell you to avoid steaming or getting the lashes wet to keep them in place. To remove false lashes quickly, do the opposite - take a hot shower or create a simple steam facial. It's never good for your natural lashes to pick off the lashes, even if you're tempted. Take a nice, long, hot shower, and those stragglers will drop off faster.

Tip: Alternatively, get some hot water, put it in a bowl, and place your face over it for 5 to 10 minutes (with your eyes closed). The steam will help soften and dissolve the glue holding the lashes to your own.

Image by Katie Kav Photography via One Fab Day

2. Use an Oil-Based Cleanser

Another thing your lash technician will recommend to maintain your lashes is to use a water-based cleanser, such as micellar water, and to avoid products with an oil-based formula. This also dissolves the glue on a fresh set of lash extensions. However, when you need to remove false lashes quickly, it works perfectly. Try it as step one of double cleansing, keeping your micellar water for step two.

How To:

1. While cleansing your face with an oil-based cleansing balm, gently massage it over your lashes in a circular motion to loosen the glue.
2. Follow with micellar water on a cotton pad, again being ultra-gentle over the lash area.
3. Repeat this process for a few nights to remove any remaining stragglers.

Image by Mollie Higgins Photography via One Fab Day

3. Use an Oil Directly

If you need to remove false lashes quickly because you have a special occasion coming up, then using an oil will tidy up those last-remaining lashes. If you have never used an oil before, perform a patch test behind your ear 24 hours beforehand; most are fairly innocuous in terms of allergies. The type of oil you should use is as essential as the method. Here are a few pointers.

• Coconut Oil: This multi-tasking oil is used for a variety of purposes, from cuticle care to hair health. It also works to dissolve lash glue and is an inexpensive option.
• Mineral or Olive Oil: Again, these are inexpensive and readily available in most homes, making them well tolerated by most skin types.
• Castor Oil: Some people swear by castor oil for lengthening and strengthening their lashes and brows, and it works well for lash removal. The use of castor oil is not recommended during pregnancy.

How To:

1. Soak a cotton pad with your chosen oil.
2. Dab the pad on the lashes where the glue is and repeat for 30 seconds.
3. Remove the pad and leave the oil on the lashes for an hour, and then clean with micellar water

4. Use a Shop-Bought Lash Remover

If taking a hot shower, a steam facial, or anything else that involves oil isn't your thing, you can always opt for a lash-removing lotion. These are available from brands which sell lashes and tools. These have been formulated to do the least amount of damage to your natural lashes. If you are going to use a removal lotion to remove false lashes, follow the instructions as detailed on the bottle.

Shop:

• For easy lash removal and healthy, natural lashes, we recommend SOSU Comestics Hidden Agenda Undetectable Lash Adhesive Remover, €9.95/50ml for its cocktail of skin conditioning ingredients.
• We also like KISS Falscara Glue Remover, €12.95/91g, which has soothing rosewater inside.

Image by Anna G Photography via One Fab Day

5. Ask a Professional

Going the DIY route might not be suitable for dense or heavier-looking extensions. To avoid damaging your natural lashes, see a professional to remove your lash extensions. Salon technicians are well-trained in both application and removal, so if you are nervous, make an appointment.

Tip: If you are taking a gap between lash extensions or wearing strip lashes regularly, it's a good idea to get your lashes in good condition. Lash serums are helpful, used every night along the lash line. You can strengthen and condition your lashes to build them up until you're ready for extensions again. Most contain a blend of minerals and vitamins that help lash health.

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