How to Remove Individual False Eyelashes

Co-authored by Anjuli Yera, MD

Individual false eyelashes help to create a dramatic and voluminous look. If the lashes were applied in a salon, you can have them removed there, or you can remove them yourself if you prefer. If you want a natural option, use steam and oil to remove the lash glue. If you’re looking for a more traditional approach, use a lash removal gel to dissolve the glue and remove the lashes. Both processes are quick, easy, and won't damage your natural lashes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Removing the Lashes with Steam and Oil

1
Wash your face. Pull back your hair so that it is out of your way. Use a headband or towel wrap. Then wet your face with water and wash it with a mild cleanser. Rinse the soap off of your face, and then pat your face dry.
2
Boil 32 fl oz (0.95 L) of water in the kettle. Carefully pour the water into the kettle and leave it to boil. If you don’t have a kettle, pour the water into a pot and boil it on the stovetop instead.
- Always take caution when boiling water to avoid burns.
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3
Pour the hot water into a large glass bowl. Gently pour the boiling water into a bowl that is large enough to hold 32 fl oz (0.95 L) of water. If you need to move the bowl of hot water, use a pair of oven mitts and be extremely careful.
- If you don’t have a glass bowl, use a metal bowl instead. However, make sure not to touch the bowl once you have poured the water into as it will be extremely hot.
- Never use a plastic bowl as the heat of the water will melt the plastic.
4
Steam your face over the bowl for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen the lashes. Position your face about 30 centimetres (12 in) away from the bowl. Set a timer for 15 minutes and wait for the steam to rise up to your lashes and work its magic. If your face begins to get uncomfortably hot, move it slightly further away from the bowl.
- Steam is also wonderful for opening up the pores in your skin and will make your skin feel clean and glowing.
5
Pull the false lashes out, starting from the outer corners of your eyes. Gently tug on each individual lash with your fingers or a pair of tweezers to remove them. The steam should have loosened the glue, allowing the lashes to easily glide away from your eyes. You may feel a slight tugging but it shouldn’t hurt.
- If the lashes are painful to remove, steam your face for another 2 minutes and then try removing the lashes again. Don’t worry if not all the lashes are removed as the next step will help to remove the stragglers.
6
Wipe coconut or olive oil over the lash line to remove any stragglers. Dip a cotton pad into coconut oil and wipe it across the base of your lashes.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Anjuli Yera, MD
Certified Professional Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.} This will help to remove any remnants of glue. Keep wiping the oil over the area until all the remaining lashes are gone. Use a tissue to wipe off any grease remaining from the oil.
- If you don’t have any coconut oil at home, use almond oil or baby oil instead.
- Try to use cold-pressed organic oil where possible, as this is the least likely to cause irritation.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using False Lash Remover Solution

1
Dip a cotton bud in false lash remover gel. If you don’t have lash removal gel at home, ask your eyelash salon to recommend one. Alternatively, purchase a bottle of oil based eye make-up remover from a pharmacy. Dip the cotton bud into the gel so that it is liberally covered.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Anjuli Yera, MD
Certified Professional Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.}
- Remove the lashes from one eye at a time to make it easier to see what you are doing.
2
Smear the gel across the roots of your lashes. Lash removal gel helps to dissolve the glue that holds on the individual false eyelashes. Close your eyes and then gently rub the cotton bud across the base of your lashes where the lash glue is. The gel is incredibly strong so only a thin coating is needed.
- Don’t worry about coating your entire lashes with the gel, as only the base of the lashes will have glue on them.
- Look in a mirror to help you see what you are doing.
3
Leave the eyelash removal gel on for 3 minutes. Keeps your eyes closed and wait 3 minutes for the gel to dissolve the eyelash glue. Avoid rubbing your eyes as this can push the gel into your eyes and cause stinging.^{[3]
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Research source}
- Set a timer for 3 minutes to help you keep track of time.
4
Rinse the gel off with a wet face cloth. Saturate a face cloth in cold water and then wring it out to remove any excess water. Rub the cloth down over your lashes to remove the lash removal gel. This will prevent your eyes from stinging when you open them. As you rub the gel off you will notice the individual false lashes easily slipping off your eyes.
- Alternatively, use cotton pads and gently massage in circular motions downwards to remove any remaining gel.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Anjuli Yera, MD
  Certified Professional Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.}
- Avoid using a microfiber cloth as this can tug on your natural eyelashes. A regular cotton face cloth works well.

Warnings

If the lashes are sticking to your natural lashes and it is painful to remove them, then they may have been applied incorrectly. Go to a salon to have them professionally removed, but do not go to the salon that applied them incorrectly.

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