Cleaning glue from temporary strip lashes is safest when you soften the adhesive before removing it. Hold a clean pad dampened with warm water or eye makeup remover over the lash band for about 30 seconds. Reviewed: ****
For semi-permanent lash extensions, arrange professional removal. Do not pull bonded lashes or use acetone near your eyes.
The Safest Method for Removing Glue From False Strip Lashes
- Wash your hands and remove contact lenses.
- Close your eye. Hold a clean pad dampened with warm water or eye makeup remover over the lash band for about 30 seconds.
- Use clean fingertips to loosen the adhesive. Start at the outer corner and gently roll the glue away from the band.
- Repeat the softening step if the glue remains. Pulling can distort the lash band or remove lash fibers.
- For stubborn residue, apply a small amount of lash-safe eye makeup remover to the band. Keep it out of the eye.
- Let the false lashes dry completely before storing them.
How to Remove Glue From Your Natural Eyelashes
If temporary lash glue has transferred to your natural eyelashes, keep the eye closed and apply eye makeup remover gently along the lashes. Let the adhesive soften, then wipe downward.
Do not pick, tug or cut lashes that are stuck together. Keep sharp tweezers, scissors, nail-polish remover, acetone, rubbing alcohol and household glue removers away from the eye area. Acetone can seriously injure the eye, and household solvents are not made for eyelid skin or eyelashes.
What to Do With Semi-Permanent Lash Extensions
Do not remove semi-permanent eyelash extensions at home. A professional lash technician should use the correct extension remover.
Oil-based eye makeup remover may loosen extension adhesive, but that does not make home removal safe. Removing extensions yourself can pull out natural eyelashes or damage the follicles.
If your eyelids become red, swollen, itchy or painful after an extension application, leave the extensions in place and seek advice from an ophthalmologist. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says these symptoms may point to an allergic reaction or eye injury that needs medical treatment.
If Lash Glue Gets Into Your Eye
Glue in the eye requires a different response from glue on the lashes:
- Rinse the eye immediately with clean, lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
- Do not force the eyelids apart if they are stuck together.
- Do not put acetone, oil, tweezers or cotton swabs in the eye.
- Seek urgent medical care for continuing pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, significant redness or difficulty opening the eye.
- In the United States, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for product-specific advice.
Cyanoacrylate-based adhesives can bond the eyelids and scratch the eye as the glue hardens. Poison Control advises rinsing the eye and avoiding any attempt to force the eyelids open.
Quick Guide
| Where the glue is | Safest approach |
|---|---|
| False strip lash band | Soften with warm water or eye makeup remover, then roll the glue away gently |
| Natural lashes with temporary glue | Keep the eye closed, soften the adhesive with eye makeup remover and wipe gently |
| Semi-permanent lash extensions | Arrange professional removal |
| Eyelid skin | Use warm water and mild soap around the area without rubbing the eye |
| Inside the eye | Rinse for 15 minutes and contact Poison Control or seek urgent eye care |