With the right upkeep, a lash lift can remain effective for more than a month. For optimal results, have the service performed by a skilled aesthetician.
Do you ever imagine waking up with lush, long lashes without piling on mascara?
If so, you’re far from the only one. A 2018 piece in the Business of Fashion reports that lash lifts have officially become more sought-after than mascara.
What is a lash lift?
A lash lift is a natural, semi-permanent treatment that creates the look of fuller, thicker eyelashes without using strip falsies or heavy leave-on chemicals. The service lifts your natural lashes at the root, producing a lengthened, elevated appearance.
With a lash lift, you can skip clumpy mascara and bothersome false lashes. You’ll also enjoy naturally enhanced lashes first thing in the morning.
Many opt to pair the lift with a tint to deepen the lash color and intensify the effect. Think of it as a perm for your eyelashes.
The procedure is meant to be brief and comfortable, leaving you with lashes you can flutter confidently.
As Lucy Roberts, an aesthetician at False Eyelashes, says, “It will be just like you’ve woken up with your favorite mascara already applied.”
How long does a lash lift last?
A lash lift is not permanent. The results fade over time, and after several weeks you might reach for mascara again.
Typically, a lash lift lasts about 4 to 6 weeks, though this depends on your individual lashes and the type of lift performed. With careful maintenance, you may extend your lash lift up to around 6 weeks.
But lash lifts aren’t identical.
“How long your lash lift endures depends entirely on how well you handle preparation and aftercare, plus your natural lash growth cycle,” Roberts explains.
Curious how long your lash lift will hold up? Several factors affect the duration of your lifted lashes.
- immediate aftercare
- ongoing lash maintenance
- your natural lash growth pace
- the specific type of lash lift you choose
You may notice your lift doesn’t last as long as someone else’s despite good care. Often, that’s simply due to a faster natural lash growth rate.
Immediate aftercare
What you do right after your lash lift plays a large role in its longevity. The treatment can take up to 48 hours to set, so adhering to your aesthetician’s instructions is crucial.
“Avoid cleansing around the eyes or applying make-up for 48 hours so the lift can properly set,” advises Alexis Parcells, plastic surgeon and SUNNIE founder. “Also, ask for a cleansing brush to keep the area free from irritants and dust.”
Long-term lash care
Once the first 48 hours have passed, there are additional measures to help your lash lift last as long as possible.
Your aesthetician should give you detailed aftercare directions, but here are some general tips:
- Avoid waterproof mascara. Parcells notes that regular mascara is acceptable sparingly.
- Steer clear of oils and multiple skincare products near the eye area.
- Skip eye masks and mechanical eyelash curlers.
- Limit rubbing your eyes; try not to rub them at all if you can.
Types of lash lift
Different lash lift techniques exist, and each may have a slightly different lifespan.
A keratin-based lash lift can often last six weeks or more, while an LVL (length-volume-lift) treatment tends to return to baseline around six weeks.
Yumi or keratin lash lift
A Yumi lash lift incorporates keratin, a protein naturally present in hair and nails that helps add strength and smoothness.
“Keratin lash lifts use a semi-permanent curling solution to lift the lash from root to tip,” Parcells explains. “Instead of a wand, a silicone rod coated in keratin is used to create the effect.”
Typically, the rod stays in place for about eight minutes before a serum is applied to set the keratin.
The whole appointment usually takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes.
Length-volume-lift (LVL) lash lift
“An LVL, or length-volume-lift, curls and adds volume to lashes from the follicle out to the tip,” Parcells says.
This method doesn’t use keratin. A wand applies a lifting balm, a volumizing product, and then a tint. The process typically takes around 45 minutes.
Parcells mentions that some clients combine keratin treatments with an LVL for a softer, wispy finish.
“Often these treatments are paired to produce a natural, feathered lash appearance,” she notes.
At-home lash lift
There are at-home lash lift kits available, but most experts advise seeing a salon professional.
Because your eyes must remain closed during the procedure, performing a lift on yourself can be difficult and risky.
If you leave solutions on too long, you might damage your lashes.
How to prepare for a lash lift
Lash lifts are typically quick and comfortable, so little preparation is needed.
Helpful tips include:
- Choose a reputable salon and experienced aesthetician.
- Request a patch test before the full treatment.
- Skip makeup on the day of your appointment.
- Remove contact lenses beforehand for comfort, if necessary.
- Don’t curl your lashes for 24 hours prior to the appointment.
- Avoid waterproof mascara for 48 hours before the service.
Begin by finding an experienced aesthetician at a certified salon with strong reviews, or ask friends and family for recommendations.
Parcells also advises finding an aesthetician who will carry out a patch test: “A patch test before the procedure is important to rule out allergies or adverse reactions.”
What to expect during the procedure
A lash lift should be painless with minimal discomfort.
During the treatment:
- The aesthetician will secure your lower lashes to separate them from the upper lashes.
- They’ll apply the lifting solution, painting the lashes upward from the root onto a silicone rod to create a lifted, lengthened look.
- They may follow with a volumizer and a tint.
- Finally, the aesthetician will clean and brush your lashes.
The session generally lasts about 45 minutes — all you need to do is relax with your eyes closed.
Before and after photos
After your appointment, you can expect results similar to these lash lift before-and-after shots from Jovita Lashes in London.
The lashes are expected to look fuller, thicker, and longer.
Aftercare
To ensure your lash lift sets and lasts, keep your lashes dry for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
Also avoid applying too many products around the eyes after a lift, since excessive products can diminish the results.
Your aesthetician may recommend serums or conditioners to maintain lash moisture and health until your next appointment.
Lash lift side effects
While generally safe, lash lifts should be done by trained professionals.
If the solution is left on too long or applied incorrectly, you could end up with an over-processed, uneven result.
Reddit user datcomplex received a lift that left their lashes bent and disheveled after the solution was applied twice, causing overprocessing.
Another Reddit poster, rowdybeanjuice, ended up with lashes that were “over curled, going in different directions” after the aesthetician used the wrong rod size and left the product on too long.
In short, pick a professional and experienced aesthetician to avoid undesirable outcomes, since the result will stick around for at least a month.
Frequently asked questions
Have more questions? See the FAQs below.
Do lash lifts ruin your eyelashes?
No — lash lifts shouldn’t permanently harm your lashes. Even if a lift doesn’t turn out perfectly, the effects are only semi-permanent.
Eyelashes naturally shed and regrow every 4 to 6 weeks, so long-term damage is unlikely.
How long does a lash lift and tint last?
Depending on the lift type and care, a lash lift typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks. In some instances, results can persist a bit beyond six weeks.
How much is a lash lift?
Costs vary by location and salon. At the time of writing, lash lifts generally range from about $75 to $200.
What’s the best type of lash lift?
It depends on your desired outcome.
A keratin lift delivers a more natural, lifted look, while an LVL lift tends to give a fuller, more dramatic effect.
Takeaway
Lash lifts are an easy way to give your natural lashes a semi-permanent enhancement.
If you’re tired of daily mascara application, a lash lift can provide a reprieve for up to around six weeks.
Be sure to choose a qualified, reputable professional to perform the treatment to minimize the risk of unwanted results.
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