Removing strip fake eyelashes is safest when you soften the glue with eye makeup remover and lift the lash band from the outer corner toward the inner corner. Never pull, pick or tug at individual hairs.
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Quick Guide
| Type of Fake Lash | Safest Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Strip lashes | Apply eye makeup remover, then lift the lash band slowly |
| Magnetic lashes | Separate the magnetic bands without pulling natural lashes |
| Lash clusters or underlash segments | Use the remover recommended for that adhesive |
| Eyelash extensions | Have them removed by a qualified professional |
How Do You Remove Strip Fake Lashes?
To remove strip lashes, soften the adhesive first and lift the lash band instead of pulling the natural lashes.
- Wash your hands. Remove contact lenses before using makeup remover near your eyes.
- Close one eye and soften the glue. Press a cotton pad or cotton swab with eye makeup remover along the lash band. Use a product intended for the eye area and follow the label.
- Start at the outer corner. Use clean fingertips or tweezers to lift the lash band. Do not grip your natural eyelashes.
- Peel toward the inner corner. Move slowly along the lash line. If the lash resists, apply more remover and wait. Do not pull.
- Remove leftover glue. Wipe the eyelid with eye makeup remover. Avoid rubbing your eye or scraping the adhesive.
- Clean reusable lashes. Remove glue from the lash band, let the lashes dry and store them in their original case.
The FDA advises using eye cosmetics according to their directions and taking care not to scratch the eyeball or other sensitive areas.
What Should You Do If the Lash Will Not Come Off?
Do not force a lash that will not come off. Apply more eye makeup remover to the lash band, keep your eye closed and wait for the adhesive to loosen.
Pulling can remove natural lashes or irritate the eyelid. False lashes can also contribute to eyelash loss when they place traction on natural lashes.
Avoid using:
- Scissors near the eye
- Nail polish remover or acetone
- Alcohol-based products not made for the eye area
- Tweezers to pull individual natural lashes
- Excessive steam or hot water
- Fingernails to scrape off glue
How Do You Remove Magnetic Lashes?
To remove magnetic strip lashes, separate the magnetic bands at the outer corner and slide them away from the natural lashes. Do not yank the lashes upward.
If the product uses magnetic eyeliner, remove the eyeliner with an eye makeup remover suitable for that product.
How Should You Remove Lash Extensions?
You should not remove semi-permanent eyelash extensions yourself. Lash extensions use stronger adhesive than temporary strip lashes. Pulling, oiling or picking at them can damage natural lashes and irritate the eyelid.
Book removal with the lash technician or another qualified professional. If the extensions cause swelling, serious redness, pain, itching or vision changes, contact an eye-care professional promptly.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns against attempting self-removal during an allergic reaction because it can further damage the eyes.
What Should You Do If Glue Gets in Your Eye?
If glue gets in your eye, rinse it with clean lukewarm water or sterile saline. Do not scrape the eye or try to pull adhesive from the eyeball.
Seek urgent medical care if you develop:
- Eye pain
- Persistent redness or swelling
- Blurred vision
- Strong light sensitivity
- Discharge
- A sensation that something is stuck in the eye
Stop using the lash adhesive if it causes irritation. The FDA recommends contacting a healthcare provider when an eye cosmetic causes a persistent bad reaction.