IMHO, one of the best things about eyelash extensions (open in new tab) is that they are not permanent. (Irreversible cosmetic procedures (open in new tab)-like brow tattoos, face lifts, and implants-require more commitment than I have recently.) The non-melting glue used to bond artificial eyelashes to your own hairs is so effective that, generally, false eyelashes only fall off when real eyelashes naturally fall off. According to Chanel Hillman (opens in new tab), eyelash specialist at Revive Salon & Spa (opens in new tab), the best-case scenario is to return to the lash specialist for a touch-up or complete removal. The technician then gently slides in the old lashes with a microfiber swab and repeats the process until all synthetic fibers (and residual adhesive) are removed.

But let's say you are on vacation, temporarily relocating, or in the middle of a pandemic (hypothetically, of course) and cannot return to the lash spot to properly remove the stubbornly remaining lashes. We are Hillman and Rochelle-R. E., members of Magno VaultBeauty (opens in new tab) and owners of The Lash Gallery (opens in new tab)

Safe at-home removal is possible, but with a caveat There is a caveat. All companies offer lash glue removers that are specially formulated to break the bonds in the lash glue," she says. Professional glues contain compounds that make it nearly impossible to remove at home without damaging the lashes.

She adds that the success of your at-home application depends on the type of lash extensions you receive: volume lashes, hybrid lashes, and mega lashes are created by fanning multiple small lash fibers around a single natural lash. This wrapping technique, she says, "makes them harder to remove without causing damage."

In other words, as noted above, the best way to remove lashes is to enlist the help of the person who first applied them. However, there are effective ways to treat lashes at home." I tell my clients to do the very things we tell them not to do to keep their lashes," says Magno.

It can be tempting to pluck or pull at the lash fibers, but that is actually the worst thing to do. Synthetic fibers are glued directly to the natural lashes, so plucking them means removing them as well. If you disturb the growing follicle, you risk permanent damage, i.e., no regrowth. So don't do that. Instead, wash your hands and prepare to endure.

"It may not come off all at once, but you can work to get it all off eventually," Magno assures.

Start by incorporating an oil-based makeup remover into your nightly routine. With daily use, the oil will begin to gently weaken the adhesion of the extensions. There are also several home-use eyelash removal oils that work in a similar fashion. Coconut oil, castor oil, or olive oil can be swept with a clean mascara wand along the base of the lashes and extensions, being careful to avoid the eye area, and left overnight while you sleep, Magno suggests. None of the oils are deeply reactive, but those with sensitive eyes or skin may want to try a small area first.

Steam can also help loosen adhesions. If you do not have a facial steamer (open in new tab), try covering your head with a towel over a bowl of hot water or a humidifier. Repeat this for a few minutes, then gently rinse your face. A hot shower has the same effect.

"Try using a mechanical curler (opens in new tab) to bend the attachment in the area where the extensions are applied," Magno suggests. 'This method can be used either before oiling or additionally after steaming.' Even if it doesn't work the first time, try it again and again. If you are doing it right, you will need to repeat these steps many times to get safe results.