Home / Blog · · By Olivia Berry
At some point, almost everyone who gets extensions needs them removed, whether for a break or a fresh start. Removal is quick, but there is a right way to do it. Here is what to expect.
Why removal should happen at the studio
Extensions are bonded to your natural lashes with adhesive. If you pull, pick or rub them off at home, you pull on your natural lashes too. That is why I ask clients not to remove extensions on their own. A quick visit to the studio does it properly.
What gel removal is
I use a gel remover that softens the adhesive so the extensions can release. The gel is applied carefully around the lashes while you lie back with your eyes closed. My Lash Removal is $30 and takes about 15 minutes.
Before your visit
- Come with clean skin and no eye makeup.
- Let me know if you have any sensitivities. If you are new to the removal products, a patch test is a good idea. Talk to a medical professional if you have allergies.
- Wear comfortable clothes. You will be lying back for a short while.
During the visit
You lie back and close your eyes. The gel is applied and the extensions release. You should keep your eyes closed the whole time. If anything feels uncomfortable, tell me and I will stop and adjust.
The whole thing is quiet and calm. Most of the time is spent making sure the gel sits where it should and that nothing touches your eyes. Plan on about 15 minutes, and a little more if your set is large.
Right after
Once the extensions are off, your lashes are cleaned and you can see your natural lashes. They may look shorter and lighter than you remember, because the extensions were doing a lot of the work. That is normal. Avoid oils and heavy products around your eyes for the rest of the day, and follow any instructions I give you.
Starting over with a new set
Many clients book a new set right after removal. A Classic Full Set is $235 and a Mixed Full Set is $260. You can also take a break and come back later. Removal is also needed when you have extensions done by another artist and want fills with me: those lashes must be removed and replaced with a new full set.
If it has been a long time
If your last fill was more than 4 weeks ago, or fewer than half of your extensions remain, removal and a new set is usually the cleaner option, instead of a fill. Read about timing in how often to get lash fills.
If you want to give your natural lashes some attention during a break from extensions, a lash lift is an option. See lash lift vs lash extensions for the comparison. You can book removal online through Square, or add it when you book a new set. I am in Bothell, by appointment only.
One more thing: if you are taking a break from extensions, give your natural lashes some simple care. Keep them clean, avoid rubbing your eyes, and skip heavy waterproof mascara if you can. Lashes go through their own growth cycle, and many clients like to use the pause to see how their natural lashes look and feel. When you decide you are ready to return, a new full set is a fresh start, and we can pick a different style, length or curl if you want a change.
People sometimes ask whether removal is uncomfortable. It should not be. You are lying back with your eyes closed, and the main thing you will notice is a cool, slightly gel-like feel around the lash line. If you feel any stinging or irritation, speak up right away so I can stop and adjust. For anyone with sensitive eyes or skin, a medical professional is the right person to ask about products, and a patch test beforehand is an easy extra step. I would always rather slow down than rush a removal.
If you have questions about what will happen, ask them before we begin. Knowing the steps makes the visit easier.