False eyelashes do a great job of giving your clients that fresh-faced, doe-eyed look. The type of false eyelashes they have determines the length of time they have to enjoy this look. Whether your client has temporary eyelashes or semi-permanent eyelash extensions, knowing proper removal techniques is just as important as understanding proper application. There are times when your client may seek advice on how to remove their eyelashes on their own. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove false eyelashes at home.
Assess When To Remove Fake Eyelashes
The type of false eyelashes used affects the length of time they can be worn. Generally, temporary eyelash strips can hold up for 12 hours; however, if a stronger adhesive is used, they can last for several days. Eyelash extensions can last throughout a full hair growth cycle, which can last up to 60 days. By the end of this cycle, most or all of the eyelash extensions should have fallen off naturally. If your client's lash line is beginning to look patchy, or their eyelash extensions are irritating them, they can be counseled on how to remove false eyelashes early.
How To Remove False Eyelashes: The Quick Method
This method is generally reserved for temporary eyelashes since the glue used does not form super strong adhesive bonds.
1. Remove Any Makeup
Prepare your eyelids and remove any excess makeup on and around your eyes. Feel free to use an oil-based makeup remover as this will help to break down the adhesive.
2. Take a Hot Shower
Steam from the shower can help to further soften and break down eyelash glue for an easier removal process.
3. Soak Eyelid With an Oil-Based Product
Several types of oil-based options can be used, including:
- Coconut oil
- Baby oil
- Makeup remover
The type of product used depends on the client's skin sensitivity or allergies. Direct your client to soak a cotton pad with their preferred oil-based product and hold it to the eyelid for several minutes. Soaking time is shorter for lash strips, individual lashes, and cluster lashes. Eyelash extensions will require a longer soaking time since the adhesive for these fake eyelashes has very strong bonds. Professional adhesive removers should only be used by trained lash experts, as they are meant to dissolve the adhesive and can easily irritate or damage the skin around the eyes.
4. Remove Eyelashes Gently
Using tweezers is recommended for temporary lashes, especially if your clients plan on reusing their strip lashes. After proper soaking, the glue is mostly broken down for temporary lashes, and they should easily slide off the eyelid. If the eyelid skin is stretching as you start to detach the eyelashes, repeat step 3. For eyelash extensions, gently stroke lashes with an eyelash brush to detach the individual lash extensions. Clients may have to repeat steps 3 and 4 repeatedly for eyelash extensions.
5. Remove Residual Adhesive
Soak a cotton pad with makeup remover or natural oil and remove excess adhesive from the eyelid. Gently rinse with warm water and a washcloth.
6. Inspect Eyelids for Damage
Examine the eyelids for areas of thinning or bald spots. This could be a sign of "waxing." This occurs when fake eyelashes are abruptly removed, taking natural lashes off as well or damaging them. Thinning or bald spots are signs that natural lashes are not healthy. Recommend growth serum and hair supplements containing folate and biotin to aid in hair regrowth. Full regrowth may take anywhere between 6 to 12 months to occur, depending on the damage severity.
7. Clean False Eyelashes for Future Use
This step can be ignored if the client is removing eyelash extensions. Fill a small dish with water and soap or just makeup remover and allow lashes to soak for 5 to 15 minutes. Rinse eyelashes with a very light stream of warm water. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing since this can damage the eyelashes. Allow lashes to completely dry on a paper towel before storing them in either the container they were originally stocked or a small plastic bag. Store in a location where they will not be jostled.
How To Remove False Eyelashes: The Slow Method
This method is highly recommended for clients with eyelash extensions since the adhesives used are very strong and take a while to break down. If your clients have temporary eyelash strips, this method is not necessary.
Eyelash extensions should be removed over a period of several days rather than in one session. Each night, direct your client to remove makeup and take a hot shower, as noted in the quick method. Soak the lash line with an oil-based product and carefully spool away at lashes to encourage lash extensions to slowly fall off. Since the lash line can begin to look sparse or patchy, your client can apply mascara every day to encourage quicker adhesive breakdown and to help keep eyelashes looking more uniform and voluminous.
The amount of time needed to slowly remove eyelash extensions depends on how long your client has had their extensions. If they were recently applied, the removal process will take a longer time. To prevent unnecessary damage to natural lashes, using a spool to gently remove lash extensions is preferred over using a tweezer. Educating clients on how to remove false eyelashes properly, especially with eyelash extensions, is important for maintaining the health of their natural lashes.
How To Remove False Eyelashes: The Professional Way
When it comes to removing eyelash extensions, a lash technician is always preferred. Professional adhesive removers break down eyelash adhesive effectively and quickly but should only be used by trained lash experts since these removers can damage both skin and natural lashes if used improperly.
While counseling your clients on how to remove false eyelashes at home is doable, it is not always the preferred way. At Lash Stuff, we provide you with all the professional supplies needed for the proper removal of false eyelashes. From initial application to final removal, we understand the importance of delivering a full cycle of eyelash services. Contact us today. We would love to hear from you.
Sources:
https://www.ipsy.com/blog/how-to-remove-eyelash-extensions
https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-remove-individual-eyelashes-with-baby-oil/
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-off-False-Eyelashes
https://www.elle.com.au/beauty/how-to-remove-eyelash-extensions-24948