Everything You Need to Know Before Getting a Lash Lift

The Pros of Getting a Lash Lift

It’s a (Relatively) Easy Procedure

Lash lifts generally take 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish and are painless. One look doesn’t fit all, though, so prior to application your technician should customize your lash look based on your natural lash length, how you like to style them and your curl preference. Then, your tech will choose a specific silicone pad (which comes in multiple sizes) to achieve the look. 

As for what happens during a lash lift, according to Starr: “The technician will clean your lashes, glue down a silicone shield onto your upper lid, apply adhesive to that shield, lift your lashes up onto the silicone shield, and then apply the odorless, non-damaging lash lift product to your lashes.” This is a chemical product that works to curl your lashes — just like a perm. 

Often, says Law, the lash perming process is followed by a lash tint to darken your lashes and add depth to your new look. Then, to nourish your lashes and safely remove them from the silicone shield, a moisturizing serum may be used.  

There Is Minimal After-Care

According to Starr, you should avoid wearing eye makeup, getting your lashes wet or using oil-based products for 24 hours after the procedure. But beyond that, there’s not much you need to do to take care of your newly lifted lashes. As Law explained, you can use a cleanser and serum to care for your lifted lashes, but otherwise, just plan on coming back for another treatment about six to eight weeks later, when your lashes will start to revert to their natural curl. To prevent lash fallout, avoid aggressively rubbing your lashes when removing your eye makeup or mascara.

Lash Lifts Pair Well With Lash Tints

Lash tinting consists of using a special dye to darken your lashes, offering weeks of ultra-black lashes without the help of mascara. This goes particularly well with a lash lift and gives lashes a natural, full look. Many places can perform the treatments in tandem.

Lash Lifts Enhance Your Natural Lashes

If you tend to prefer a natural beauty look over dramatic volumizing mascaras and false lashes, this may be the lash lengthening solution for you. “Lash lifts are a great alternative to lash extensions and the perfect way to enhance what you already have, whether your lashes are long, short, thick or stubborn,” says Law. Basically, lash lifts are all about flaunting what you’ve already got. 

Things to Keep in Mind With Lash Lifts

Research Your Lash Technician

When looking for a lash technician, make sure you choose someone who specializes in lash services and is certified to provide the treatment. Starr recommends researching your tech before your visit and looking at customer photos and reviews. It’s also a good idea to get a consultation prior to booking an appointment as well. 

Avoid Waterproof Mascara

While skincare and eye products are fine to use with a lash lift, Starr says, “waterproof or smudge-proof mascara strips the treatment and will affect its longevity.” That means you’ll have to avoid waterproof mascara formulas if you’re looking for your curl to last the full six to eight weeks.

Lash Lifts Aren’t for Everyone

“Those who have naturally curly lashes or lashes with a natural ‘criss cross’ pattern won’t benefit from a lash lift,” says Starr. This also applies to anyone with “really coarse lashes [because] the solution might not take.”

Whatever You Do, Don’t DIY

Although the lash lift procedure looks fairly simple on Instagram, Starr insists that they should only be done by a professional due to the amount of chemicals being applied so close to the eye area.

Still not sold on the idea of getting a lash lift? Of course, you can always curl and define your eyelashes using an eyelash curler, like the Le Curler from Lancôme, and a mascara, like the YSL Beauty Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara. You can also opt for mascaras that offer a lifting effect in addition to volumizing and lengthening, like the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Lift Mascara, which delivers up to five extra millimeters in length.