Have you heard the term lash lift? Surprisingly it's not a surgical procedure (sounds like one) but an essential part of any beauty routine. Lash lifts are a safe, painless way to give your natural lashes an instant lift, volume and curl.
We’ve asked a professional lash technician lots of questions about eyelash lifts and other related false eyelash topics, and these are her answers.
What is a lash lift?
A lash lift is a process that involves using special products and tools to enhance the look of your natural eyelashes. It's like getting an eyelash perm without the harsh chemicals in traditional perming solutions.
The process uses silicone pads or rods to shape the eyelashes into the desired style before applying a special setting lotion which sets them into place. This gives you instantly lifted, longer-looking lashes that will last for weeks.
Here's the procedure you will likely go through at the salon:
- Your technician will clean your natural lashes to remove any makeup or dirt.
- Next, your technician will place a silicon shield over your eyelids, and the technician will then apply a setting lotion to your natural lashes. This lotion helps give them more curl and lift.
- The shield is then removed, followed by the application of an additional product that nourishes and protects the lashes from damage caused by heat-styling tools or makeup products.
- Finally, a special transparent sealer is applied for extra protection and to ensure that your lash lift lasts longer.
How does eyelash tinting compare to a lash lift?
Eyelash tinting is a service that can be done simultaneously as a lash lift. Tinting will darken the lashes, giving them an even more defined look. It's important to note that eyelash tinting should only be used on healthy lashes, not damaged or broken ones.
It's perfectly safe to combine the treatments, and some beauty therapists recommend doing this at the same time for the following reasons:
- It's more cost-efficient.
- The tint will darken the natural eyelashes, making them look fuller and more defined.
- Combining treatments can help to keep your lashes looking healthy.
- Using the dye simultaneously as a lash lift helps prevent breakage.
Is a quality mascara as good as a lash lift?
While mascara is excellent for an instant boost of volume, length and curls for your eyelashes, it gives you different long-lasting results than a lash lift.
Mascara can be removed with makeup remover or just water, whereas the effects of a lash lift last much longer - usually between 6-8 weeks. If the lash lift technician has done the lash lift correctly, you should not need much mascara. Click the link and read about mascara dos and don’ts.
A lash lift means less time spent applying makeup and more time enjoying beautiful lashes.
Can you curl your natural lashes after a lash lift?
Yes, you can curl your natural lashes after a lash lift. However, it's important to remember that shaping and enhancing the lashes is part of what makes a lash lift so effective - so curling them afterwards might give you different results than when they're freshly lifted.
We recommend using good quality mascara to help maintain the shape and fullness of your lashes after the treatment.
Can you do a lash lift at home?
A lash lift should only be carried out by a trained professional, and you should not attempt the procedure at home. The process involves using specially formulated products and tools that could potentially cause damage to your natural lashes if misused.
It's crucial to find a qualified lash lift technician who has been trained specifically in the procedure so that you can get the best results safely. While you might consider perming the hair on your head, messing around with your eyelashes if you're unqualified is a terrible idea - so don't do it.
How long do lash lifts really last?
Usually, lash lifts last 6-8 weeks on average, but this can vary depending on several factors, including how well you look after them. It's important to use an oil-free makeup remover and avoid rubbing or sleeping with your face against a pillow when sleeping.
These simple techniques will help keep the lashes healthy for longer - read on for more.
How can I extend the life of my lash lift?
There are many effective ways to help prolong the effects of your lash lift.
- Using an oil-free makeup remover would be best, and you should remove any residue after each use.
- Sleeping on your back can help prevent damaging the lashes from rubbing against a pillow.
- Using an eyelash serum to keep them healthy and nourished.
- Cleaning your eyelashes properly will extend the life of your lift.
How can I reverse the effects of my lash lift?
Unfortunately, once the lash lift is applied, there is no way to reverse the effects. If you want to get your natural lashes back, you'll need to wait until the treatment has worn off or go for a professional eyelash extension or lash tinting service to change the appearance.
If you do nothing, you must wait 6-8 weeks for the lash lift to wear off, and you will notice less of a curl as the weeks go by.
How does a lash lift compare to false eyelashes?
A lash lift is an alternative to using false eyelashes or extensions. False eyelashes and extensions are glued onto your natural lashes, while a lash lift requires no such glue - it simply uses eyelash perming products and tools to shape the hairs into the desired style.
The result of a lash lift will last for weeks without any need for additional maintenance, whereas false eyelash extensions need to be infilled after 2-3 weeks.
It's important to mention that a lash lift will only work if your natural eyelashes are in good condition.
What if your natural lashes are in poor condition or you have lost them due to illness or injury?
A lash lift will not be suitable if you have lost some of your natural eyelashes due to illness or injury. You must have plenty of natural lashes in good condition to make a lash lift worthwhile.
If you don't have healthy natural lashes, getting professional eyelash extensions tailored to suit your specific lashes' needs is the best option.
Your therapist or technician will help you choose the best lash extensions for your eyes and advise on a suitable care regime so that they last as long as possible.
What else can I do to enhance my lashes if I don't want a lash lift?
If you don't want to get a lash lift, there are other ways to boost the appearance of your lashes.
Eyelash tinting is an effective way to darken and lengthen your lashes without using extensions. It works by staining the hair with semi-permanent dye for a fuller, more prolonged effect that lasts up to 4-6 weeks.
You can also use good quality mascara to make your lashes look thicker and bigger without needing additional treatment or tools. The only downside is that it will need regular daily reapplication if you want long-lasting results.
Finally, curling your natural lashes with a manual or electric eyelash curler can help give them extra oomph.
Here are our favourite eyelash tints:
- Eylure Lash Tint Black
- Sassi Tinted Lash Enhancer
- Eco Lashes Lash Tint
- Beauty Pro Eyelash Tint
These are our favourite mascaras you can use with or without your lash lift:
- Rimmel Wonder Full Mascara 001 Black
- L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Waterproof Mascara
- CoverGirl Intensify Me Lash Blast Mascara
- Benefit They're Real! Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara
These eyelash curlers are great. Here are our favs...
- Dose of Lashes Pro Eyelash Curlers
- Groovy Curls Eyelash Curlers
- Ardell Precision Lash Curlers
- Lilly Lashes Matt Black Curlers
Conclusion
A lash lift is essentially a natural eyelash perm to lift and curl them long-term. It's a relatively low-maintenance process that can shave a little time off your morning routine.
The lash lift process usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour. First, your lash technician will clean and prep your lashes.
Then, they will apply a silicone rod to your lash line and the lash lift solution. After a few minutes, they will neutralise the solution and remove the rod.
Once that's all done, they will apply a lash serum to help nourish and protect your lashes.
The cost of a lash lift varies depending on the salon you go to, but it typically ranges from £50 to £100. But you should research and find a salon with good reviews and charges the right amount - not too much and definitely not too little.
Once you've had your lash lift, you will know that a lash lift is an effective and safe way to enhance your natural lashes without using harsh chemicals or permanent treatments.
Finally, once the lift wears off, you can do it all again (not too often, or it will damage your lashes) or use a professional eyelash extension service.
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