How to Remove Individual Lashes Safely at Home

Stop. Put the tweezers down. I know the lash is lifting at the corner, and one quick yank feels easier than another bottle of remover. But that one yank can set your natural lashes back months. Here is the safe way to remove individual lashes at home, step by step.

BEFORE YOU START: WHAT NOT TO DO

Never pull a dry lash off. Dry adhesive creates a bond stronger than your hair follicle.
Never use tweezers near your lash line unless you are absolutely steady.
Never scrub the lash line with a cotton pad. Rubbing twists the lash and tugs your natural lashes.
Never use petroleum jelly near your eyes. It is hard to remove and can irritate the surface of the eye.

STEP-BY-STEP SAFE REMOVAL AT HOME

Wash your hands for 20 seconds. You are about to touch the most sensitive part of your face.
Saturate a cotton pad with an oil-based eye makeup remover.
Press the pad against your closed lash line for 60 seconds. Do not rub.
When the band softens, use a fresh cotton swab dipped in remover to glide down each lash from base to tip.
The lash should slide off almost by itself. If it does not, let the remover sit for another 30 seconds.
Use a clean spoolie to brush your natural lashes upward.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR LASHES WON'T BUDGE

Some adhesives are stubborn, especially if they were made for long wear. Soak again for 2 to 3 minutes, using fresh remover. You can repeat this up to three times. If the lash still refuses to release, stop. Pulling is not the answer. It may be glued to the skin, which needs a professional, not more force.

AFTERCARE THAT SAVES YOUR NATURAL LASHES

Rinse your eye with cool water for 30 seconds.
Gently pat dry. Do not rub.
Brush your lashes with a clean spoolie.
Give your lash line 24 to 48 hours before applying false lashes again.

REMOVAL QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

How long should removing individual lashes take?

Most lashes release within 1 to 3 minutes of soaking. If you are still working after 10 minutes, you are doing it wrong.

Can I reuse individual lashes after removing them?

Sometimes. If the lash is not bent, tangled, or covered in old adhesive, you can carefully peel the glue off and reuse it once or twice. But if it lost its curl, let it go.

Will oil break down my lash glue?

Yes, that is why oil-based removers work. But oil will also break down any new lash glue, so wash your lash line with water-based cleanser after removal if you plan to reapply.