Full, fluttery eyelash extensions are a great way to add volume and length to your natural lashes for your wedding from rehearsal dinner to honeymoon. But what happens when they start to look a little tired and need to be removed? Knowing how to remove lash extensions safely is essential if you're going down that road, so that you don't damage your own natural lashes. It is safe to remove false lashes yourself when they start to fall out, and we haveh great advice here on the best at-home removal methods, as well as how to get your natural lashes back to full health afterwards.

What are Lash Extensions?

Lash extensions differ from the single-use strip lash or wispies which sit on top of, or under, your natural lash line. Extensions can take up to three hours for proper application - everything from depth to length and how many lashes are used is decided during consultation. Each false lash is attached to one of your own and with your lashes naturally shedding every few weeks, the false one goes with it. This is why people have refill sessions every couple of weeks to bring back the full, fluttery look. But, if your extensions are solely for your big day and honeymoon, you need to know how to remove false lashes to speed up the process.

1. Have a Hot Shower or Steam Facial

Your lash technician will tell you to avoid steaming or getting the lashes wet to keep them in place. So, to remove false lashes quickly do the reverse - take a hot shower or create a simple steam facial. It's never good for your natural lashes to pick off the lashes, even if you're tempted. Simply take a nice long hot shower and those stragglers will drop off faster.

Tip: Alternatively, get some hot water, put it in a bowl and place your face over it for five to 10 minutes (with your eyes shut). The steam will help soften and dissolve the glue holding the lashes to your own.

2. Use an Oil-Based Cleanser

Another thing your lash technician will recommend to maintain your lashes is to use a water-based cleanser like micellar water, and to avoid anything with an oil base. This too dissolves the glue on a fresh set of lash extensions. But when you want to remove false lashes faster, it works perfectly. Try it as step one of double cleansing, keeping your micellar water for step two.

How To:

1. While cleansing your face with an oil-based cleansing balm, gently massage over the lashes in a circular fashion to loosen the glue.
2. Follow with micellar water on a cotton pad, again being ultra-gentle over the lash area.
3. Repeat for a few nights to remove any stragglers.

3. Use an Oil Directly

If you need to remove false lashes quickly because you have a special occasion coming up then using an oil will tidy up those last-remaining lashes. If you have never used an oil before patch test behind your ear 24 hours beforehand, but most are fairly innocuous in terms of allergies. The type of oil you should use is as important as the method, here are a few pointers.

• Coconut Oil: The multi-tasking coconut oil is used for so many things - from cuticle care to hair health. It also works to dissolve lash glue and is an inexpensive option.
• Mineral or Olive Oil: Again, cheap and in most homes, these oils are well tolerated by most skin types.
• Castor Oil: Some people swear by castor oil for lengthening and strengthening their lashes and brows, and it works well for lash removal. Castor oil use is not recommended during pregnancy.

How To:

1. Soak a cotton pad with your chosen oil.
2. Dab the pad on the lashes where the glue is and repeat for 30 seconds.
3. Remove the pad and leave the oil on the lashes for an hour and then clean with micellar water.

4. Use a Shop-Bought Lash Remover

If taking a hot shower, steam facial or anything else that involves oil isn't your cup of tea, you can always go with a lash-removing lotion. These are available from brands which sell lashes and tools. These have been formulated to do the least amount of damage to your natural lashes. If you are going to use a removal lotion to remove false lashes follow the instructions as detailed on the bottle.

Shop:

• For easy lash removal and healthy natural lashes we like SoSu Cosmetics Lash Adhesive Remover, €10.95/201ml for its cocktail of nourishing ingredients like seaweed extract and vitamin E.
• We also like KISS Falscara Glue Remover, €11.95/91g, which has soothing rosewater inside.

5. Ask a Professional

Going the DIY route might not be suitable for dense or heavier-looking extensions. To avoid damaging your natural lashes do see a professional to remove your lash extensions. Salon technicians are well-trained in both application and removal, so if you are nervous make an appointment.

Tip: If you are taking a gap between lash extensions or wearing strip lashes regularly, it's a good idea to get your lashes in good condition. Lash serums are helpful, used every night along the lash line you can strengthen and condition your lashes to build them up until you get extensions once more. Most contain a blend of minerals and vitamins that help lash health.

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