It’ll give you the curled lashes of your dreams.
Beauty treatments of the 21st century are largely aiming for an “I-woke-up-like-this” look. For instance,
lip blushing
is meant to give your lips a bit of color so they don’t look dry or pale—hence the name. Or think of lip filler, which is injected to enhance and enlarge your pout. Another beauty treatment in that category? Lash lifts. In short, think of a lash lift as a
Brazilian blowout
for your lashes. It makes your lashes appear longer and curled, and the effects last even after you get them wet.
Lash lifts can cost less than $100, and almost anyone with healthy lashes is a candidate for the treatment. Due to its accessibility and dramatic results, lash experts love this treatment. Celebrity lash and brow expert Clementina Richardson, Sugarlash Pro global education director Tammy Phan, and London-based lash expert Laura Brown recommend lash lifts—but they also offer some cautionary tips.
Meet Our Expert
-
Clementina Richardson
is a celebrity lash and brow expert and the founder of Envious Lashes. -
Tammy Phan is the global educational director at
Sugarlash Pro
. -
Laura Brown is a lash expert and content executive at
London Lash
.
Below, learn what a lash lift is, what happens during an appointment for one, and so much more.
What Is a Lash Lift?
A lash lift is an in-salon procedure designed to add structure to the natural lashes. It’s “a cosmetic treatment that enhances the look of natural lashes by lifting and curling them into shape on a silicone shield,” explains Phan.
According to Phan, a lash lift works by relaxing your natural lashes to make them more malleable. “Using ingredients like cysteamine, the disulfide bonds of your lashes are broken down to make them flexible so they’ll sit where we want them,” she explains.
“Next, a neutralizing solution—also called a setting solution—re-strengthens the lash so it holds the perfect curl,” Phan continues. “This process is what gives you flawless lashes…and [adds] protein back to your freshly processed lashes and can even help further secure the curl.”
Overall, the benefit of lash lifts is that they shape your natural lashes so that you can forgo daily curling.
Who It’s For
According to the experts, lash lifts are for anyone and everyone. “Whether you are male or female, anyone can benefit from a lash lift,” Richardson says. “You will just need to have natural lashes that are at least four millimeters or longer.”
Also, keep in mind that some medications can cause brittle lashes, as can some pre-existing conditions. “If you’re ever curious, reach out to your local lash artist and they’ll be able to conduct a full consultation with you before the service,” Phan says.
How to Prepare for a Lash Lift
Show Up With Clean Lashes
Lash lifts don’t require much prep. Richardson says to simply show up to your appointment with clean, makeup-free lashes. Don’t worry about any remnants, though, as cleansing the lashes is part of the initial in-office prep step.
Don’t Wear Your Contacts
Meanwhile, if you wear contacts, Phan says to remove them prior to the appointment. “Either opt out of wearing contacts or bring a case to remove them before your appointment,” she says. “This is to keep your eyes safe from the solutions being applied to your lashes.”
Limit Caffeine Intake
Additionally, if you drink a lot of caffeine, Phan suggests limiting your intake or skipping it altogether. “It can make your eyes jittery—and don’t worry you can always take a nap during your appointment if you need a midday pick-me-up,” she says.
Avoid Getting Lashes Wet
Lastly, Richardson and Phan say to think ahead. Post-lift, you can’t get your lashes wet for 24 hours, so you’ll want to refrain from scheduling any activities that could interfere. “[Lash lifts] need a full 24 hours to lock in their new shape, meaning it’ll be best to shower ahead of time and skip pools, saunas, and high-intensity workouts until your lashes set,” Phan says.
The Lash Lift Process
Consultation
As with any cosmetic treatment, a lash lift begins with a consultation. “It’s crucial to consult with the client before proceeding with the lash lift,” says Brown. “Since everyone’s lashes are unique, this step helps to understand the client’s lash length, strength, and desired curl level. It ensures that the lash technician can deliver the exact look the client wants.”
Clean and Prep
Once the client’s goals are discussed and agreed upon, it’s time to begin the lash lift process. The first step is prep. “Start by cleansing the lashes with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup before the service,” Phan says. “You’ll also want to make sure the delicate skin around the under-eye and the lower lashes are protected with under-eye pads or tape.”
Lift Lashes
After the eye area is prepped, silicone rods are put in place. The rods come in various sizes, and your tech will choose the one that best matches your natural lashes. “The shield size determines the overall look of the lash lift,” Phan says. “Artists will opt for a size up for more curl and a size down for a tighter lift.”
Then, the lashes are affixed to the rods. “The natural lashes are carefully adhered to the silicone shield using a water-soluble adhesive,” Phan says. “This way we keep them exactly where we want them during the lifting process.”
Next, the actual lifting solution is applied. “This is what softens the lashes so they can take on the shape of the shield,” Phan says. “The amount of time it takes to process depends on your hair density—it may be as low as six minutes for fine hair or double that for coarse hair. Once it’s done, all the solution will be wiped away to prepare for the next step—no water necessary.”
Set Lashes
“We apply a setting solution to the same area we just had the lifting solution,” Phan says. “This will lock your lashes back in place so their new shape holds once the shield is removed.” At this point, clients can decide if they want just a lift or a tint too.
Once the setting solution (and tint) has processed, it gets wiped away and a conditioning serum is applied to hydrate and strengthen the lashes.
Tips
Some lash studios offer additional steps to further tailor the lash lift experience, like applying a serum. If you want these add-ons, ask your tech if this is something they offer and what each serum’s benefit is.
Results and Maintenance
Lash lifts offer instant results. “Immediately after a lash lift treatment, your lashes will appear more lifted, voluminous, and defined,” Phan says. “Your lashes may have a slightly wet or glossy appearance due to the nourishing solution and or noosters applied at the end of your treatment—this is totally normal.”
After you rinse your lashes 24 hours post-treatment, your lashes will look natural, long, and fluffy. “At this point, you can wear mascara, or an aftercare treatment like Sugarlash Society’s Glaze to enhance your new lift,” Phan adds.
In case you’re wondering, lash lifts last for a few weeks, meaning you can get a new one every month or so. “Lash lifts can be done every three and a half to six weeks because this is the growth cycle of the natural lash,” Richardson says. It’s also important to note that your lifestyle may play a role in how long your lift lasts—like if you wear heavy makeup, visit saunas, or work out often and intensely. “In order to combat that, we recommend using hydration and protein treatments to reduce the potential of any lifestyle factors impacting your lift,” says Phan.
Risks and Side Effects
The eye and under-eye area is home to some of the most sensitive skin on your body. It makes sense, then, that there are some potential side effects to having chemicals in such close proximity to it. Namely, these chemicals may cause mild, temporary eye irritation, allergic reactions, or slight lash damage. If these symptoms continue for more than a week or worsen, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Aftercare
Lash lifts are super low maintenance. Simply don’t get them wet for the first 24 hours, then you can follow your normal beauty routine—minus
lash curlers
. “It’s important that you avoid using any heated or traditional lash curlers between appointments to reduce the risk of damaging your natural lashes,” Phan says.
The Cost
The cost of a lash lift will vary based on the salon. Generally speaking, lash lifts in metropolitan areas cost more than in suburban areas. “Lash lifts can cost $75 to $250, depending on location and, of course, the expertise of the lash stylist,” Richardson says.
Lash Lift vs. Lash Extensions
Lash lifts and
lash extensions
are two totally different cosmetic treatments. “Lash extensions will add both length and [shape], if needed, along with density,” says Richardson. “A lash lift will only enhance what you naturally have, adding a curl. [Though] the natural lashes may appear a little longer because they are visible from the front.”
The Bottom Line
There isn’t a single beauty treatment—permanent or otherwise—that’s necessary. Your face and skin are both perfect the way they are. But if you have a bit of money and would like to enhance the look you were born with, lash lifts are a low-stakes way to do so. Of course, you’ll want to research the tech you book with to ensure that you’ll like their work (and that you’re safe in their trained hands). The whole process will take about an hour, and you need to keep your lashes dry for 24 hours after. It’s possible that you’ll experience some mild side effects, like eye irritation, but you should be okay as long as you prep and follow proper aftercare. The best part is that the results are not permanent; if you don’t like it, you just have to wait a few weeks for it to go away.
Frequently asked Questions
Are lash lifts damaging to the lashes?
If done correctly, no. “Damage to natural lashes can only occur if they are over-processed,” Richardson says. “The technician must be aware of how much time is needed for a lash lift based on the type of hair follicle the client has. Always go to a licensed tech not just a certified professional.”
How do you find a good lash lift professional?
It’s important to check out the tech’s portfolio, reviews, and social media accounts (if they have any) to get an idea of the type of work they do. Additionally, Richardson advises seeing a licensed professional instead of someone who may just be certified. That’s because techs who are licensed have legal permission to perform these services, meaning they undergo training and education. Certification standards are less robust.
Can you use mascara with a lash lift?
24 hours post-treatment, yes. “Just make sure you’re being gentle with your freshly processed lashes and skip the lash curler,” Phan says.
What’s the difference between a lash lift and a lash perm?
Though both
lash lifts and lash perms
use the same chemicals to achieve similar goals, they are not the same. Lash lifts are meant to make your lashes look longer, while lash perms are designed to make them look more curled.
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