Lash Lift 101: Everything You Need to Know
Last updated on October 3rd, 2023 at 11:49 am
If you are into beauty in any way, you’ve probably noticed the lash lift is having a moment. They’re a low maintenance service and I personally love them. I have been getting them done for many years–for so long, in fact, that back then they were still referred to as a lash perm.
I’m a lash artist and when I still saw clients I focused on lash extensions. I never got into performing lifts so I don’t feel comfortable sharing only what I know about them. So, I interviewed licensed beauty pro, Ilene Avila of The Arch & Lash Room in Ventura, CA to get some more information for you.
Meet the Expert, Ilene Avila
Ilene has been a licensed cosmetologist here in California since 2009. She currently specializes in brow shaping and keratin lash lifts. She started doing lifts in 2016, and they are her absolute favorite service to perform.
I was tired of constantly reaching for my lash curler, so I found Ilene on Instagram a few years back and was impressed with her work. When I was ready to give a lash lift a try, I made an appointment. And I have to say everything about her impressed me.
Ilene was professional and answered all of my questions knowledgeably. She also did my service confidently–which might seem like an odd thing to say, but you can tell when someone knows what they’re doing by their confidence when performing your service.
Ilene was the first beauty pro who came to mind when I started thinking about this interview. Enjoy, and I hope you learn something helpful!
What Is a Lash Lift?
A lash lift is a chemical process that curls your eyelashes.
What’s the Difference Between a Keratin Lash Lift Treatment and Regular Lash Lift?
A keratin lash lift is a treatment that infuses keratin into the hair for strength. Keratin is a protein in hair, skin, and nails. Regular lifts do not contain keratin and usually don’t last as long; a keratin treatment typically lasts longer.
Will a Lash Lift Damage Your Natural Lashes?
If done correctly, and by a licensed professional, it will not damage your natural lashes.
Can You Get Lash Extensions Done After a Lash Lift?
Yes, you can. But in general, I prefer removing extensions, waiting 24 hours, then doing the lift. There is always the potential for reactions when you combine lash extension adhesive with lift products.
Can You Use a Lash Lift Kit to Do Your Own Lashes at Home?
You should never perform a lash lift (or any professional treatment) at home. At-home kits often contain cheap ingredients that can cause damage to lashes. You also run the risk of getting products in your eyes, as well as on the skin around your eye area (like your lash line). This can result in extreme irritation.
How Long Do Lash Lifts Last?
Six to eight weeks. Remember, as with lash extensions, a lift is a semi permanent treatment with results that require maintenance.
Are Lash Lifts Safe?
Yes, they are safe. Be sure you go to a licensed professional because they have been trained on the service, as well as standard protocols regarding cleaning and disinfecting.
How Long Does a Lash Lift Take?
The whole process takes an hour to an hour and a half to complete.
Can You Wear Mascara With a Lash Lift?
You can still wear mascara (and other eye makeup) after a lash lift. But be sure to avoid waterproof mascara because it can dry out your lashes and shorten the duration of your lift.
How Does a Lash Lift Work?
It’s a pretty straightforward process. To start I first choose a silicone curling rod or shield based on your eye shape and lash length. Next, I adhere your eyelashes to the shield or rod. Once I adhere them to the silicone rod or shield I apply a lifting solution (aka lifting lotion) to the full length of your lashes.
The lifting solution breaks down the bonds of your hair to make it more malleable, which allows me to reshape it. I then add a second solution to your lashes. The second solution neutralizes the first and locks the lash shape and curl into place.
Finally, I apply a third solution to your lashes for an extra boost of moisture and shine.
Do Lash Lifts Work on Straight Lashes?
Yes, but you should have realistic expectations about how much they will curl. Straight lashes tend to be more resistant to the treatment and are often more challenging to lift. While some straight lashes lift well, others may not. It doesn’t mean they won’t lift or curl. They just might not lift as much as other eyelash types.
What Should You Do After a Lash Lift?
Aftercare is the most important part. Be sure not to get your lashes wet for 24 hours following your treatment. Moisture is also extremely important–you should always use a hydrating lash serum afterward. A lash serum keeps your lashes looking healthy and hydrated until your next lift service.
Book a Service With Ilene at the Arch and Lash Room
Are you ready to throw out your eyelash curler for beautiful long lashes that curl with zero effort on your part? (Other than maybe a few swipes of mascara — no waterproof formulas, though). You need this treatment! It will give an extra lift to your natural lashes that will open and brighten your eyes.
If you’re interested in getting a lash lift with Ilene you can contact her via her website. You can also see more of her work and contact her on Instagram: @thearchandlashroom
Lash Tinting Services
I should say I didn’t mention anything about combining a lash tint and lift service in this article for two reasons: The first reason is that I wanted to focus on lifts. The second reason is that we (Ilene a I), are in California.
Up until 2022, estheticians in California could not perform lash tint services under the scope of their licenses. In fact, estheticians couldn’t perform lash lifts until 2022, either. Ilene has been doing them for years because she is a cosmetologist. Cosmetologists have always been able to do perms, including what we used to call a “lash perm.”
Yes, I know, so many estheticians in California have been performing tinting services forever. But the reality is that we could not do them legally.
Unfortunately, even though we are “allowed” under our esthetics scope of practice now to perform tints, there is one caveat: we can’t use products that are not FDA-approved. So far there is one brand that offers an FDA-approved lash tint, and that is RefectoCil.
Adriana Perez-Nakamura
Adriana Perez-Nakamura has been a CA-licensed esthetician since 2010. She owned a skincare studio in Ventura, CA for 9 years where she performed various treatments like facials, waxing, eyelash extensions, and spray tanning. Now, Adriana is a marketer within the beauty industry focusing on education and copywriting with a special interest in SEO writing.
