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There's no shortage of lash-enhancing treatments available to make your eyelashes look darker, thicker, longer, and even more curled. And ever since semi-permanent eyelash lifts became a beauty treatment staple, people have been adding them to their regular schedule—and for good reason, too.
A lash lift, which is essentially a perm for your eyelashes, transforms straight, limp lashes into a perfectly arched curl sans using an eyelash curler, false eyelashes, and even—gasp!—mascara. This low-maintenance, high-impact treatment has its pros and cons, but it provides a significant boost. Ahead, learn everything you need to know about getting a lash lift (trust us, if you haven't had one prior to reading this article, you'll want one!)
Meet the expert
- Dionne Phillips is an eyelash expert and the owner of D’Lashes Lash & Wellness Spa in Beverly Hills. Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo is a board-certified ophthalmologist and the founder of twenty/twenty beauty. Clementina Richardson is a celebrity lash expert and the founder of Envious Lashes.
What Is an Eyelash Lift and How Does it Work?
An eyelash lift is a semi-permanent treatment that relies on small rods to curl the eyelashes up for added curl and lift. Phillips says that with a lash lift, the natural lashes are beautifully curled and lifted, making them appear longer and more defined. “It’s like a perm for your eyelashes and offers a natural look without needing extensions. My clients in between eyelash extensions sometimes opt for a lash lift because it offers a natural-looking look without needing mascara or eyelash extensions.”
As Dr. Hilal-Campo explains, a lash lift uses a chemical relaxer to break down the bonds in the lashes and reshape them, creating more of a curled and lifted look that can last for several weeks.
Perfect for pin-straight lashes, the main benefits of a lash lift include natural, enhanced-looking eyelashes, which Phillips says do not require an eyelash curler, mascara, or even eyelash extensions. “A lash lift is a low-maintenance treatment that offers results that last until your natural lashes grow out,” she adds. It’s also suitable for all lash types if you want a curled lash look for more of a wide-eyed, youthful appearance.” On average, the results of a lash lift last six to eight weeks, depending on how long your lashes can hold the curl.
Preparing for an Eyelash Lift
Little prep work goes into getting lashes primed for a lift. On the day of your lash lift appointment, you’ll want to come with bare lashes free of oil and residue (your lash technician will thoroughly clean off anything before the treatment starts). Phillips also has her clients avoid wearing waterproof mascara and using an eyelash curler for at least a few days before their appointment since both can interfere with the lash lift solution, penetrating the hair follicle properly and compromising the curl.
You won't be able to wash your eyes or the surrounding areas for at least 24 hours, and you'll also need to go eye makeup and skincare product-free (around the eye area), so Richardson says to make sure your face is clean. Also, schedule your lash lift appointment far in advance of any special events.
Before and After a Lash Lift: What to Expect
For starters, a pre-lash lift consultation is always recommended. Richardson says the eyelashes should be assessed during a consultation before choosing the size of the curling rods. It's also important to discuss the desired results with your lash specialist and any allergies you have that they should know about.
While lying on a reclined bed, the eyelashes are prepped for the treatment by cleaning them with a gentle cleanser to remove any lingering makeup, oil, or residue. From there, Dr. Hilal-Campo says a protective adhesive pad or shield is applied to the lower eyelids to protect the lower lashes and lash line from the perm solution. Small silicone rods, which vary in thickness to create the desired level of curl and lift, are then adhered to the eyelashes with a skin-safe adhesive to stay in place throughout the treatment.
Two solutions are used on the eyelashes during a lash lift: a lifting and setting solution. "The first solution straightens the lashes and curls them up," Richardson says. It stays on the upper eyelashes for six to 12 minutes before the setting solution is used. The setting solution stays on for about the same time "and sets the lashes into place," she explains. If you tint the eyelashes, too, that is done after the lashes are lifted and curled. Then, a nourishing oil is applied to the lashes to help hydrate them, and finally, the shields are removed, and the eye area is cleaned again.
Immediately after a lash lift, the eyelashes will look darker, more curled, and glossy. “They may also look a little clumped together because the treatment, at first, gives the appearance of mascara,” Richardson says. Richardson adds that the lashes may appear a little longer, too, because they are more visible from the front. It's normal for the eyes to appear slightly red or irritated since the formula can seep into them. “After cleaning your face, the hairs will open up and look fluffier,” she adds.
The newly lifted and curled eyelashes will last about six to eight weeks, depending on your natural lash growth cycle and aftercare, or until your eyelashes grow out. Dr. Hilal-Campo says that often, as the treated lashes naturally shed and new ones grow in, you'll notice less of a lift. However, you shouldn't worry about any lash damage from the treatment. Philips says that as long as a trained professional performs a lash lift correctly, it is safe and should not harm the lashes.
Choosing a Professional Lash Lift vs. a DIY One
Philips says that while minimal risks are associated with a professional lash lift, like irritation or an allergic reaction, a professional lash lift is always a better and safer way to enhance the eyelashes than doing the treatment yourself at home. "Even though there are DIY lash lift kits, this is a treatment that should always be left to the hands of an expert since you can overprocess the eyelashes or end up with an uneven curl," she says. "When a lash lift is done by a professional, they are more likely to ensure safety, precision, and high-quality results. DIY kits can be risky if not done correctly and might not deliver the same professional results."
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a lash lift cost?
The cost of a lash lift varies depending on your lash technician's location and expertise level. On average, it can cost $50 up to $250.
What is the upkeep and maintenance like with a lash lift?
It's a misconception that an eyelash lift is a high-maintenance treatment. It is not. Once your lashes are lifted, there's not much you need to do to maintain them. However, the curl will fade after six to eight weeks, so you will need to repeat the treatment. Phillips says some people also take supplements and vitamins to keep their lashes looking their best. You can also use a lash serum and conditioner, like D'Lashes Lash Serum and Conditioner or a lash wash, to keep your lashes healthy.
What type of eyelashes does a lash lift work best for?
According to Phillips, a lash lift is perfect for anyone who wants to enhance their natural lashes, especially those with straight or downward-facing lashes. “However, it’s not recommended for anyone with extremely short or sparse lashes or those who experience frequent eye allergies since the lifting solution can be bothersome to some.”
Is a lash lift compatible with mascara and eyelash extensions?
A lash lift works with mascara (wait until at least 24 hours after the treatment before wearing it), but pairing it with eyelash extensions is unnecessary. "I don't recommend a lash lift with eyelash extensions because it defeats the purpose," Phillips says. "Lash extensions can be applied after a lash lift if you really desire them, but it is unnecessary. You also won't need to curl the lashes as the lift provides a natural curl."
If someone has straight, downward-facing natural lashes, she will often tint them, lift them, and add a few classic eyelash extensions.
Will a lash lift damage my eyelashes?
If an eyelash lift is done correctly and by a trained professional, it won't damage your natural eyelashes. "Damage to the natural lashes can 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 you have, so always go to a licensed—not just certified—professional."
If the solution is left on the eyelashes for too long, it can make them look a little frizzy and even lead to breakage.
The Bottom Line
If you want wake-up-and-go, perfectly curled lashes, find an experienced lash technician to perform a lash lift. Anyone can benefit from a lash lift, and unlike lash extensions that require daily brushing and bi-weekly fills, a lash lift will give your lashes a natural curl that enhances the eyes and your makeup overall.