How to Remove Eyelash Extensions: Step by Step

How to Remove Eyelash Extensions

When we consider the work that lash technicians do, our minds might jump straight to the process of applying eyelash extensions. After all, this is what we're primarily here for: creating beautiful, fuller looking lashes for our clients. 

However, the process of removing eyelash extensions is equally as important - this is something all lash artists must know how to do safely and effectively. 

It would be amazing if lash extensions lasted forever, but sadly we all know this isn't realistic. After several weeks of your clients maintaining their voluminous lashes, it is unfortunately inevitable that these will begin to shed - it's simply part of the natural lash cycle. 

When this happens, clients can be left with those last few scattered extensions clinging on for dear life, resulting in a patchy and sparse appearance. As much as we try to encourage clients to return for an infill before their lashes reach this sorry state, this isn't always the reality.

For those who simply prefer to have eyelash extensions applied for special occasions, regular infills are out of the equation. Instead, lash technicians must focus their efforts on trying to get these clients to return to the salon to have their lashes removed professionally once the shedding has begun. 

Despite the number of articles we see spreading like wildfire across the internet, guiding people on 'how to remove eyelash extensions at home', it’s much better for clients to have their extensions removed by a qualified lash technician with professional removal products. Home remedies such as olive oil just don't cut it - they don’t work to break down the lash glue and, while it may be gentle, it can do more damage than good due to being ineffective. 

Why Should Lash Techs Know How to Remove Eyelash Extensions?

Additionally, there are other scenarios which may arise that will require a lash tech to know how to remove a full set of lashes. For example, if a client is unhappy with the lash set (they might not necessarily have been applied by you) or the dreaded moment when a client has an allergic reaction to the lash glue and asks for the lashes to be removed as a result.

These situations will all require you to know how to remove the lashes safely, ensuring you are causing no damage to the natural lashes in the process.

Lash Removal Products

So now that we know when and why a client might want their lashes to be removed, it's time to discuss what a lash tech requires to remove the extensions and how this should be done.

There are some key products that make lash removal a breeze, including:

• A high quality cream or gel remover
• Micro brushes / Micro swabs
• Under-eye pads
• Lash tweezers

Let’s look at the two main types of lash removers...

CREAM REMOVER

The London Lash Cream Eyelash Extensions Remover is a best-seller and for good reason! This high quality product soaks the eyelash extensions without leaking into the eyes, making it one of the safest ways to remove lash extensions. It’s perfect for clients with sensitive eyes and for beginner lash technicians. We’d also recommend this if a client is suffering an allergic reaction.

To make the process as straightforward as possible, the product is bright pink in colour to help you with precise application. 

Removal time will vary depending on the amount of extensions you are removing, how recent the lash set is and the amount of lash glue that was used during application. On average, it will take around 20 minutes for this removal product to work its magic.

GEL REMOVER

Our Gel Eyelash Extensions Remover is just as popular and effective but is most suited to advanced lash artists. The reason for this is that the gel remover is far runnier than the cream remover so may run into the eyes if not applied correctly. This is one of the quickest ways to remove eyelash extensions.

It's the perfect product for removing single volume fans and classic extensions that you might struggle to remove with tweezers alone during an infill.

HOW TO REMOVE EYELASH EXTENSIONS

The moment you've all been waiting for. Here's our guide to removing lash extensions with either a cream or gel remover:

• Step 1: Apply eye pads beneath the client’s eyes, making sure the sensitive skin surrounding the eye area is protected at all times.

• Step 2: If you are using the cream remover, use a micro brush to apply a generous amount of the product to the glue bonds. If you have opted for the gel remover, gently squeeze a small amount of product to a micro fibre brush and apply it to the glue bonds, making sure that you avoid the skin.

• Step 3: With the cream remover, leave the product on the extensions for 15-30 minutes, depending on the amount of extensions, how fresh the set is and the amount of glue used. With the gel remover, the product only needs to be on the extensions for 5-10 minutes.

• Step 4: After waiting for the relevant amount of time, begin to remove the extensions by either swiping off with a dry micro brush or using tweezers to gently grip and pull the extensions.

• Step 5: After removing the lashes and remover, ensure all glue residue is completely gone before cleansing the lashes with Protein Remover Pads.

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It's as simple as that! We hope you found our five key steps to removing eyelash extensions helpful. For more lash removal tips and tricks, check out our top tips for eyelash removal.