How to Remove Eyelash Extensions with Petroleum Jelly: A Step-By-Step Guide

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If some of your eyelash extensions have started to fall out, you’re probably wondering how to remove the rest of them so your lashes look even. While it’s always best to have a professional lash tech do this for you, removing them at home is pretty safe when you pay extra attention to cleanliness. That’s why we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to removing eyelash extensions safely with petroleum jelly. Read on to have those extensions gone in the blink of an eye!

1

Wash your hands thoroughly.

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  1. Scrub your hands with antibacterial soap and hot water to remove dirt and germs. Dry your hands with a clean towel or cloth. [1]
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2

Dip a cotton swab in petroleum jelly.

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  1. Put a small dot of petroleum jelly—about the size of a grain of rice—onto the tip of your swab. Remember that you can always add more if you need, but you risk accidentally getting jelly in your eye if you use too much at once. [2]
    • Use a new, clean cotton swab to avoid spreading bacteria to your eyes.
    • Use a name brand petroleum jelly like Vaseline . Vaseline is a pure form of petroleum jelly with added minerals that is safer for your skin. [3]
3

Apply the petroleum jelly to your lash line.

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  1. Close your eyes and use the cotton swab to wipe the petroleum jelly over the lash adhesive. Start at the root of your natural lashes and apply downwards in a swiping motion. Make sure all of the lash glue is covered. [4]
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4

Let the jelly sit for a few minutes.

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  1. After you’ve massaged it into the lash glue, allow it to sit while it absorbs into the extensions and softens the adhesive. Wait 3 to 5 minutes before gently wiping your lashes to see if they’re loose enough to come off. [5]
    • If you feel resistance when you test a lash, wait a few more minutes or add a tiny bit more petroleum jelly to fully dissolve the glue.
5

Wipe the lashes off with an eyebrow brush.

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  1. Use a small brush, like an eyebrow brush or a mascara wand, to gently wipe the lashes away. [6] Brush across your lashes at a downward angle, repeating strokes until all of the extensions are off. [7]
    • Alternatively, use your cotton swab to gently slide the extensions down and off your eyelid. The extensions might even start to come off as soon as you apply the jelly.
    • Try not to tug or pull on stuck lashes. If they’re resistant, wait longer for the jelly to dissolve the adhesive.
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6

Wipe away the excess petroleum jelly.

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  1. Use warm water and a clean washcloth to gently rub your lashes and eyelids. This will remove any sticky globs of jelly, which can trap dirt, dust, and germs in your eyes. [8]
7

Wash your face again with a mild cleanser.

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  1. Use a mild cleaner, like micellar water , to get rid of any remaining lash adhesive, petroleum jelly, or even eye makeup you may have missed earlier. Gently cleanse around your eyes in circular motions, then rinse and pat dry. Now your extensions are off and your lashes are squeaky clean!
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8

Throw away your used eyelash extensions.

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  1. It’s unhygienic (think of all the glue and makeup that gets on them) and they’ve experienced typical wear and tear while in your eye. They’re also very difficult to individually collect and clean. After they’re out, just throw them away. [9]

Join the Discussion...

Best tips removing my lash extensions at home?
WikiDesertWatcher959
WikiDesertWatcher959
I don't really want to wear my eyelash extensions anymore, but I'm not sure how to remove them. First off, is it even safe to remove eyelash extensions at home or should I see a professional? If you can remove extensions at home, can someone walk me through what to do so I don't damage my natural lashes? Please and thanks!
Erica Coates
Professional Makeup Artist
Eyelash extensions are actually rather easy to take off on your own. Start by putting an oil-based solution on them, like baby oil. Then, just let it sit on top of the eyelashes for a few minutes and slowly peel off the extensions so you don't damage your eyelashes underneath.

If your eyelash extensions are stuck in and you can't get them off, I would definitely recommend going back to the place where you got them done and let them professionally take them off. I wouldn't recommend pulling because you can run the risk of pulling out your real eyelashes in the process.
Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
If it's within the first 48 hours of applying the lash extensions, getting them wet or washing your face might be enough to remove them. The soap and water will make the bond of the glue weak because it hasn't had time to fully set yet.
See all 3 Replies and
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      Tips

      • Use an oil-based makeup remover to take off any eye makeup and wash your face before you apply any petroleum jelly. This will make sure your lashes are clean, and the oil will help soften the adhesive holding them on. [10]
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      • Try steaming your face for about 10 minutes beforehand (a hot shower works too). The steam will help cleanse the skin around your eyes and hydrate your skin. [11]
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      • Remove your extensions in front of a well-lit mirror, especially if you’re removing them for the first time.
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      Warnings

      • Never pull, tug, or tweeze eyelash extensions out. If you do, you risk damaging your natural lashes (maybe even permanently). If they’re not loose, leave them in.
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      • If you get petroleum jelly in your eyes, you might experience temporary irritation or blurred vision. Use artificial tears to flush it out and see a doctor if any irritation or impairment persists. [12]
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about eyelash care, check out our in-depth interview with Alicia Ramos .

      References

      1. ↑ https://healthandbeautystuff.com/how-to-remove-fake-eyelashes-with-vaseline/
      2. ↑ https://greatist.com/health/vaseline-on-eyelashes#directions
      3. ↑ https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-vaseline-and-petroleum-jelly/#Summary
      4. ↑ https://healthandbeautystuff.com/how-to-remove-fake-eyelashes-with-vaseline/
      5. ↑ https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/how-to-remove-eyelash-extensions-with-vaseline#ixzz7TlgNsLuE
      6. ↑ https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/how-to-remove-eyelash-extensions-with-vaseline
      7. ↑ https://www.foundationfairy.com/remove-eyelash-extensions/
      8. ↑ https://greatist.com/health/vaseline-on-eyelashes#shortcomings
      9. ↑ https://divinelashes.ca/blog/are-eyelash-extensions-reusable/
      1. ↑ https://www.oprahdaily.com/beauty/skin-makeup/a32236632/how-to-remove-eyelash-extensions/
      2. ↑ https://healthandbeautystuff.com/how-to-remove-fake-eyelashes-with-vaseline/
      3. ↑ https://greatist.com/health/vaseline-on-eyelashes

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