Does anyone else feel like when the clocks went back we ended up back in March? We’re going into lockdown, again. Salons are closing, again. And we’re sat here wondering how to get our lash extensions off without pulling out all of our eyelashes. Here’s a reminder of the DIY-guides that got us through the first lockdown.
WRITTEN BY Beth Ludolf
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1 Removing your gel manicure at home
Before you even think about picking it off, this step-by-step guide on removing gel nails at home is so easy to follow. It's simple – just grab some nail varnish remover that contains acetone, cotton pads, some tin foil and a nail file. File off the top, shiny layer of the polish, soak the cotton pads in remover and secure them against each nail with tin foil. Scrape the gel away after ten minutes (repeat that bit if you need to) and voila.
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2 Removing lash extensions at home
This one is so quick and simple (and using stuff from the kitchen cupboard). Steam your face over a bowl of hot water to help loosen the glue, then hold a cotton pad soaked in oil – coconut or olive are fine – over each eye and they’ll slip right off.
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3 Maintaining eyebrows at home
Shavata gave us advice for this one, so you’re in safe hands. Her number one tip is to pluck a few hairs every day, instead of leaving them to grow out fully and trying to pluck them back into shape. You can use the shape from your last brow appointment as a guide. There are more pointers in the full article too.
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4 Waxing your bikini line at home
This one takes courage. The key things you need to know are as follows: warm wax and muslin cloth strips are your best bet – not those pre-waxed strips, you should heat the wax to the consistency of honey (and you might need to reheat it throughout), your hair length should be about a quarter of an inch and, when you’re pulling, always go in the opposite direction to hair growth. Oh, and don’t hesitate. This step-by-step guide will help.
FAQs
How do you remove gel manicure at home safely?
You can remove a gel manicure at home by using acetone nail varnish remover, cotton pads, tin foil and a nail file. File off the top shiny layer, soak cotton pads in remover, secure them with tin foil on each nail and scrape the gel away after ten minutes. Repeat if needed for stubborn polish.
What’s the easiest way to take off lash extensions at home?
The simplest way is to steam your face over hot water, then hold a cotton pad soaked in coconut or olive oil over each eye. The steam helps loosen the glue and the oil makes extensions slip off easily. Everyday kitchen ingredients make the process gentle for your natural lashes.
How can you maintain your eyebrows without going to a salon?
Pluck a few hairs every day instead of letting them fully grow out. Use the shape from your last brow appointment as a guide for maintaining a tidy appearance at home. Regular small touch-ups help keep your brows looking neat.
What should you know before waxing your bikini line at home?
Always use warm wax and muslin cloth strips rather than pre-waxed strips for best results. Heat the wax to the consistency of honey, ensure your hair is about a quarter of an inch long and pull wax off in the opposite direction to hair growth. Quick, confident pulls and proper wax texture are key.