3 Eyelash Extension Removal Methods to Try

Hello, Lash Kings and Lash Queens! Today we are talking about eyelash extension removals. Unfortunately, all good things (aka lash extensions, obvi) must come to an end. If your client is needing a removal, or a new client comes in for a removal and fresh set with you, there are important steps to take! As there are several eyelash extension removal methods, we are going to go over three methods today that you can do with PLA Cream Remover and provide #PLAQuickTips on how to safely and successfully remove eyelash extensions.

Here are the top three we suggest:

Eyelash Extension Removal Method #1 - Cream Remover & Lip Wands

The first removal method is a method using disposable lip wands/applicators. 

Step One: First, grab several clean disposable lip applicators and your cream remover.

Step Two: Set up your client just as you would when applying extensions. Place the eye pad along the lower lash line to protect the skin from getting any remover residue on it.

Step Three: Apply a layer of remover along the adhesive joint, which is the base of the applied eyelash extension.

Step Four: After you have let your remover set for the required time, most commonly 8-10 minutes) you can use your lip wands, or even some microfiber brushes, to gently lift the extensions and see if they are ready to be removed. It is best practice to check first before ‘tugging’ on the lashes.

#PLAQuickTip: If the extensions lift easily, you will know the lashes are ready to swipe off. If there’s any difficulty, you can let the remover sit for a couple of extra minutes. If there are any further difficulties, you might have to manually remove a couple of extensions that are being stubborn. It happens to the best of us!

Step Five: Taking two clean lip wands, place one under the lashes and one on top and gently begin pressing them together to ‘grab’ the extension and begin swiping the extensions off. You can also start from the top with one lip wand, and again gently start removing the extensions in a sweeping motion. 

Step Six: After all eyelash extensions are removed, you can then take a pair of tweezers and gently ‘scrape’ off any remaining remover residue. You can then proceed with a lash bath and deeply cleansing the area.

Eyelash Extension Removal Method #2 - Removal with Tweezers

The second removal method is similar to Method #1, but this time you’ll be using tweezers instead.

Step One: Grab your cream remover, or gel remover, and two pairs of tweezers. 

Step Two: Place eye pads on the client just as you would for applying extensions, along the waterline by the bottom lashes. This will help keep the remover off of the client’s skin.

Step Three: Apply a layer of remover along the adhesive joint, which is the base of the applied eyelash extension. Use clean lip wands/applicators to do this. Do not double-dip into your remover jar!

Step Four: After you have let your remover set for the required time, you can take your tweezers, and begin gently lifting the extensions and see if they are ready to be removed.

Step Five: Now you can begin removing the lashes with your tweezers. Grab the extension at the base and gently slide the extension on the natural lash. Be sure you are only pulling the extensions off and not tugging on the client’s natural lashes.

Step Six: After all extensions are removed, take your tweezers and gently swipe off any remaining remover residue. 

Step Seven: Then proceed with a standard lash bath and deeply cleanse the area.

Bonus Step: After the removal is complete, you’ll need to give your tweezers a deep clean so no remover substance is leftover and transferred to the new lash fans. Check out our Tweezer Cleaner here.

#PLAQuickTip: No matter which method you use, be sure to never work in an upward motion causing the client’s eye to open.

Eyelash Extension Removal Method #3: Sandwich Lashes with Eye Pads

The third removal method is a unique method and should only be done with cream remover. 

Step One: Place eye pads on the client just as you would for applying extensions, along the waterline by the bottom lashes. This will help keep the cream remover off of the client’s skin.

Step Two: Be sure the client’s eyes are completely closed and start applying a layer of cream remover to the base of the extensions, also known as the adhesive joint. 

#PLAQuickTip: Ensure that you are using a clean lip applicator each time you dip into your adhesive jar. Also, use a different applicator for each eye so that you do not cross-contaminate anything.

Step Three: Once you have finished applying the remover, take another pair of eye pads and place one eye pad over the top of the extensions, leaving about 1-2mm of space away from the eyelid -- “sandwiching” the lashes between the two eye pads. This helps trap a little bit of heat and speed up the process. After waiting the allotted time, you will keep the eye pads where they are (sandwiching in the lashes).

Step Four: Use your tweezers, or a microfiber brush, to gently check that the adhesive has been broken down and the extensions are ready to swipe off. You can gently lift them and you will be able to tell if they are ready.

Step Five: Then, you will grab ahold of the top and bottom eye pad, and very gently pull the eye pads away from the eye, being sure you do not lift and open the client's eye. You do not want to pull in an upward motion. The extensions will stay in between the two eye pads and swipe right off! Like magic! As you do this, be sure you remind your client to keep her eye closed, because once you do this you still have to clean the eye area and remove any remover residue. 

#PLAQuickTip: Our cream remover should sit for approximately 8-10 minutes. If you are using a different brand, please follow their allotted time for the adhesive to set and dissolve the bond. 

Step Six: Cream remover is thick and more than likely there will be a thin layer left on the client’s natural lashes. Before you perform a lash bath, take your tweezers and from the base of her natural lash to the top, swipe upward to gently remove any residue. For a full step-by-step video, watch this video.

Step Seven: Lash bath time! Give your client a deep cleanse to ensure all remover residue is off of the natural lashes.

#PLAQuickTip: This particular removal method must be done only with a cream remover. Due to its consistency, the cream remover is less likely to seep into the eyes and is safer to use for this method. A gel remover tends to be at a thinner viscosity and is not recommended for this style of removals.

Removing Lashes at Home

We highly recommend clients do not remove their own lashes and see a professional for a removal. It’s important to stress to your clients that using eyelash extension removal methods at home can cause damage to their natural lashes.

We hope these methods and tips help you safely and successfully perform removals on your clients. As always, reach out to us with any questions as we are here to help! Happy Lashing, Kings and Queens!