Temporary strip-lash glue is removed by softening it first, while semi-permanent extensions should be removed by a professional. Use warm water or an eye-makeup or lash-adhesive remover for strip lashes. Never pull, scrape, cut or use acetone near the eyes. If glue gets in the eye, rinse with clean, lukewarm water for 15 minutes and do not force the eyelids apart.
The Right Removal Method Depends on the Lash Glue
| Type of lash glue | Safest approach |
|---|---|
| Temporary strip-lash adhesive | Use warm water, eye-makeup remover or lash adhesive remover |
| Glue stuck to natural lashes | Soften it repeatedly, then separate the lashes gently |
| Semi-permanent eyelash extensions | Have a licensed lash technician remove them |
| Glue in the eye or sealed eyelids | Rinse with water for 15 minutes and seek medical advice |
How to Remove Temporary Lash Glue From Lashes
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
- Close the affected eye.
- Hold a clean, warm, damp compress over the lashes for several seconds. Warm water can help loosen temporary lash adhesive.
- Apply a small amount of eye-makeup remover or lash adhesive remover along the lash line. Keep the product out of the eye.
- Wait briefly, then massage the lash band gently with clean fingertips.
- Once the adhesive softens, slide the false lash away from the outer corner. Do not pull it upward.
- Repeat the process if glue remains. Softening the adhesive again is safer than forcing it off.
Poison Control lists warm water, eyelash remover and eye-makeup remover as options for loosening temporary lash adhesive.
How to Remove Lash Glue Stuck to Natural Lashes
If a small amount of temporary glue is stuck to your natural eyelashes, use a warm compress and eye-makeup remover. Let the glue soften before separating the lashes with clean fingers.
Do not pull natural lashes with tweezers or scrape the adhesive with a fingernail. Pulling can break natural lashes and may damage the eyelash follicle, especially when extensions are involved.
If the glue does not loosen after several attempts, leave it in place and ask a professional lash technician or eye-care professional for help.
How to Remove Eyelash Extensions
Do not pull off semi-permanent eyelash extensions. Extension adhesive is typically a cyanoacrylate adhesive, which forms a stronger bond than temporary strip-lash glue. Removing extensions at home can pull out natural eyelashes or irritate the eye.
A licensed professional should remove eyelash extensions with the correct remover and technique.
If extensions cause swelling, itching, significant redness, pain or vision changes, do not try to remove them yourself. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends prompt assessment by an ophthalmologist because these symptoms can indicate an allergic reaction or eye injury.
What Not to Use on Lash Glue
Avoid these products and methods near the eye:
- Acetone or nail-polish remover
- Household glue remover
- Sharp tools, scissors or pins
- Forceful rubbing or pulling
- Undiluted oils placed directly into the eye
- Cotton or wool applied to wet cyanoacrylate glue
Acetone should not be used around the face, eyes or mucous membranes. Poison Control also warns that cotton or wool can react with cyanoacrylate adhesive and generate heat.
What to Do if Lash Glue Gets in Your Eye
- Rinse the eye immediately with clean, lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
- Remove contact lenses if they come out easily while you rinse.
- Do not rub the eye.
- Do not force sealed eyelids open.
- Contact a doctor, urgent-care service or Poison Control if pain, redness, blurred vision or irritation continues.
If the eyelids are glued shut, do not pull them apart. The adhesive will gradually release, but continuing symptoms require medical assessment. In the United States, Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.
When to Get Urgent Medical Help
Seek urgent eye care for:
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Severe or continuing eye pain
- Significant eyelid swelling
- Increasing redness
- Light sensitivity
- Discharge from the eye
- A chemical exposure that does not improve after rinsing
- Trouble breathing or swelling of the face
False-eyelash adhesives can cause irritation, allergic reactions, corneal injury and temporary or permanent lash loss when used or removed incorrectly.