How to Get Perm out of Eyelashes in 6 Simple Steps

A lash perm can beautifully enhance your natural lashes – until it doesn't. If it turned out too tight, uneven, or simply not what you envisioned, you might find yourself stuck with the results! 

Fortunately, there are still safe and effective options when it comes to how to get rid of eyelash perm, even from the comfort of your own home. Let's Napricot walk through the steps!

How to Get Rid of Eyelash Perm

Step 1. Clean the Eye Area

Before attempting to reverse your lash perm, thoroughly clean the eye area first. But how to soften the eyelash perm? 

Use a gentle, non-oily makeup remover and focus especially around the lash line where buildup tends to cling. It ensures that any solution you apply afterward can penetrate effectively. After the makeup is removed, rinse your face with a mild cleanser and gently pat it dry with a soft towel.

Step 2. Apply Dissolving Solution or Warm Compress/Oil

Once your lashes are clean, it's time to choose the method you'll use to relax the perm!

If you've opted for a lash perm dissolver, apply a small amount to a micro brush or cotton applicator. Be cautious and use only what's needed; this solution is powerful and should never get into your eyes.

For a gentler, DIY approach, consider using natural oils such as castor, coconut, or olive oil. These help break down the chemical structure left by the perm, although they work more slowly.

Alternatively, a warm compress placed gently over closed eyes can relax lashes and soften the curl with minimal effort. Whichever you choose, the goal here is to loosen the bonds safely without introducing unnecessary stress to the lashes.

Step 3. Brush Solution Onto Lashes

Now, with your chosen solution or oil ready, gently brush it onto your lashes.

Work from the base to the tip, carefully coating the hairs without letting the product seep into the eye or spread onto the eyelid skin. This step should feel controlled and delicate; the key is precision, not saturation.

Avoid rushing or overloading your lashes, as this could lead to clumping or irritation. From my experience, a light, even application gives the product the best chance to act on the perm without compromising lash health.

Step 4. Wait Recommended Time

Once applied, you'll need to give the product time to work its magic.

For lash perm dissolvers, follow the timing guidelines provided (usually between five and ten minutes).

Natural oil treatments, however, require more patience. Rather than minutes, they work for hours and are best left overnight. Make sure to keep your eyes still during this period to avoid any accidental contact or disruption.

Step 5. Rinse Thoroughly

After the wait, rinsing becomes the next crucial step.

Use lukewarm water to wash away every trace of the product, and take care not to rub or tug at the lashes. A clean cotton pad soaked in water can help with more precise removal, especially near the roots.

If you used oils, you might want to follow up with a gentle cleanser to remove any lingering residue entirely. That not only prevents irritation but also ensures your lashes are fresh and free of buildup before entering the recovery phase.

Step 6. Aftercare

Now that the perm is removed, aftercare is essential to support lash recovery.

All in all, you must avoid applying mascara, using lash curlers, or exposing your lashes to further chemicals for at least a few days. Your lashes need time to breathe and rebuild their strength.

To nourish them during this time, consider applying a lash serum, gently massaging your eyelashes, or using a touch of castor oil each night.

How to Reverse a Lash Lift

• Step 1: You’ll need warm water, cotton swabs or pads, an oil-free cleanser, and a nourishing oil like coconut or castor oil.
• Step 2: To gently undo the lift, start by softening the solution on your lashes. Soak a cotton pad in warm water, press it against your lash line, and hold it there for a few seconds. Then, using downward strokes, slowly wipe away the remaining lift product. Avoid rubbing harshly.
• Step 3: Once the lift solution is loosened, use an oil-free cleanser to remove any lingering chemicals or residue.
• Step 4: After cleansing, apply a small amount of coconut or castor oil to your lashes using a clean spoolie or applicator brush. Leave the oil on overnight and rinse it off gently in the morning as part of your skincare routine.
• Step 5: Finally, give your lashes time to heal. Avoid mascara, lash curlers, or any additional treatments for several days. This resting period allows your natural lash structure to bounce back and promotes healthier regrowth over time.

For at-home reversal, wait at least 24 to 48 hours after your initial appointment, as this gives your lashes time to settle and minimizes the risk of further irritation.  However, if more than four weeks have passed, a reversal may not be necessary. Your lashes naturally cycle out over time, and the lifted ones will eventually shed. 

How to Relax Eyelashes

One of the gentlest fixes is simply waiting it out. Eyelashes naturally shed and regrow in a cycle of about 4 to 8 weeks (according to research published in PMC), so over time, the overly lifted lashes will be replaced by new, uncurled ones. However, this solution does require patience, especially if the curl feels uncomfortably tight or unnatural.

For a faster approach, professionals sometimes use a diluted version of the original lifting solution. With great care, they apply it using a spoolie brush to relax the curl gently. This process should only take two to three minutes, followed by a shortened setting step to re-lock the lashes in a softer position.

FAQs

Do eyelash perms go away?

Yes, eyelash perms are not permanent. The effects gradually fade as your lashes go through their natural growth cycle, typically lasting around 6 to 8 weeks until new, unpermed lashes grow in.

How to flatten a lash lift at home?

To flatten a lash lift at home, you can apply natural oils like coconut or castor oil to the lashes daily. These oils help break down the perm’s chemical bonds and soften the curl over time.

How to fix an over-permed eyelash?

If your lashes are too tightly curled, you can use a spoolie to apply a lash lift solution for 2–3 minutes, followed by a shortened setting step. This method reprocesses the lashes just enough to relax the curl, but it’s best done by a trained professional.

How to get rid of eyelash perm naturally?

The most natural way to get rid of a lash perm is to let it fade with time, as lashes shed and regrow. Applying nourishing oils, such as olive or castor oil, can help gently and safely speed up this process.

How to relax lash lift naturally?

To naturally relax a lash lift, apply a warm compress to the eyes for a few minutes daily and follow up with a light coat of castor or coconut oil. The combination encourages the lashes to soften and return closer to their original shape.

Conclusion

Dealing with an eyelash perm that didn’t go as planned can be frustrating, but the good news is that you have options, both immediate and gradual! And if you’re still unsure how to get rid of eyelash perm, don’t hesitate to consult a professional.