A lash artist is not the one who creates a fabulous lash extension set, and that’s done! False lashes can’t sit perfectly still on your clients’ lashes forever, and that’s when you have to put your hand in again. Knowing how to remove eyelash extensions properly is an essential skill if you want to keep your clients satisfied and returning to you days later.
So, let’s dive into this riveting step by step eyelash extension removal process!
1. Remove eyelash extensions for fills
Why are lash fills necessary?
All good things must come to an end. So is every beautiful lash extension you’ve brought to your clients.
After applying false lashes, over time, the lash line won’t stay nice and neat any more due to some outgrown lashes. Outgrown lash extensions refer to the stage when the natural growth cycle of the eyelashes causes the lash extensions to become visibly grown out from the lash line. This happens when the natural lash sheds and a new one grows in its place, causing the extension attached to the old lash to move away from the lash line.
The outgrown extensions can create a gap between the natural lashes and the extensions, making them look uneven and unkempt. Outgrown lashes that weigh heavy on the tips of the natural lash and put strain on the follicle will negatively affect your lash health.
Therefore, it’s advisable that you remind your clients to have refill appointments every two to three weeks. And as a lash artist, depending on each lash set, you can flexibly use the following methods to remove eyelash extensions:
Snap off:
Snap off is a technique that gets only one extension off at a time. This method requires two tweezers to grip the lash and gently snap the extensions off to safely break the bond between them.
Step 1: Spotting the lash extensions that are outgrown. Then, because this technique works on one-by-one lash at a time, you need to isolate the other lashes from which you are removing extensions so that your tweezer won’t damage them.
Step 2: Using one tweezer to grip the natural lash to stabilize it, the other tweezer applies a gentle snapping motion to break the adhesive bond. The extension might not be removed the first time you wiggle it off, but eventually you will get it.
Step 3: Repeat the process with the rest of the outgrown lashes until they are all successfully removed.
*Note: This method is recommended for advanced or experienced lash artists only, as it involves lots of skillful hand movements.
Banana peel:
No need a single banana, but this technique is much like how you peel one. It’s quite the same as the snap off method, and the difference is the way you use the tweezer force.
Step 1: Separate the lash which you are removing extensions from the others.
Step 2: Position one tweezer on the natural lash and one on the lash extensions, and then peel them apart from each other. It is recommended that you pull the extensions toward your side, and the natural lash toward the opposite side.
Step 3: Repeat the process until you finish the whole lash set
Remove eyelash extensions using gel remover with a microswab:
For lash extension sets where there is too much adhesive, or the natural lash is too thin and is too stubborn to use the snap off or banana peel method, using gel remover with a microswab is a good way to go.
Step 1: Separate the lash which you are removing extensions from the others
Step 2: Apply a small amount of gel remover to the attachment point, then wait until the glue is dissolved completely, or you can keep swiping the extensions off.
Step 3: Remove the excess remover from the natural lash so that it won’t loosen the glue on the other lashes.
Step 4: Repeat the process until you finish the whole lash set
Remove eyelash extensions using tape and gel remover:
Step 1: Take a long piece of paper and place it on the eyelid
Step 2: Attach all the outgrown lashes to the tape and apply the gel remover to them. The outstanding advantage of this method is that you don’t need to worry about outgrown lashes sticking to other ones.
Step 3: Keep swiping off the extensions until they are all sliding off. Whichever method you use, make sure your hands and tools are all clean and hygienic to avoid infection or irritation.
You can watch 4 Ways to Remove Eyelash Extensions (For Fills!) to have a better visualization of the 4 methods.
2. Removing the whole extension set for new one
Unlike how you remove eyelash extensions for fills, when you remove them to apply a new lash set, you can work on the whole extension at a time. Here are two tips to remove the whole lash set:
Using lash patch:
Step 1: Apply the lash patch and make sure it covers the lower lashes and does not touch the upper eyelid. Then gently press down on the edges to ensure that it adheres firmly to your skin.
Step 2: Apply the remover and spread it evenly all over the whole extension set. Be careful so that the remover won’t get into your client’s eyes.
Step 3: Wait for the remover to kick in and break the adhesive bond. Now it’s time to get all the lash extensions off.
Step 4: Peel off the lash patch and use lash cleanser to clean the lashes.
Using food wrap:
Step 1: Place a piece of food wrap on the eyelid.
Step 2: Put a small amount of remover on the food wrap. Use the microswab to spread the cream over the lash set and make sure they all stick to the food wrap surface.
Step 3: Fold that plastic wrap over toward the base and then let the remover stay for one minute.
Step 4: Grab the food wrap and pull up towards the brow, and the extensions should literally slip right off.
Step 5: Clean lashes with lash cleansing products.
The remover used in eyelash extension removal is all up to your preference and the condition of your client’s natural lashes. However, for whole lash set removal, we recommend you choose cream remover instead of gel remover.
With its thick consistency, it tends to stay still on the lashes and be easier to control instead of running into the eyes. This is especially suitable for beginners as it works slower than gel, which gives you more time to work and ensure that the extensions are removed safely and without causing damage to the natural lashes.
On the wholesale market, cream removers are produced in various scents so that your clients can have the most comfortable experience. You can check out CharmLash for our scented cream remover collection!
Of course, lash extension wearers can do at home eyelash extension removal. However, it could be a challenging process if you do it on your own. Lash artists, or lash pros, are always ready to help you, so why don’t you seek them out for your safety?Hope this blog helps you find your best way to remove eyelash extensions. Follow our Instagram for more!
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