Getting longer, thicker eyelashes doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re tired of hassling with false eyelashes, you can get a quick procedure that lasts for weeks at a time. It’s called a lash lift. A lash lift — which is basically a perm for your eyelashes — is a simple procedure that can make your lashes look longer and fuller.
In this blog, Karl Trippe, MD, of Waco Primary Care in Waco, Texas, explains what a lash lift is and how you can keep your results for as long as possible.
What is a lash lift?
Often described as a “perm for your eyelashes,” a lash lift gives your eyelashes an upward curl, similar to the effect of an eyelash curler. However, a lash lift delivers these results without the wear and tear that a curler can deliver to your eyelashes with regular use.
Everyone’s lashes grow in different directions. Some lashes grow straight out, and some grow down. A lash lift achieves longer-looking lashes by positioning the lashes so they stay in the same direction.
The results of your lash lift can be customized to deliver the degree of curl and lift you prefer.
What’s involved in a lash lift?
A lash lift is a quick and painless procedure. Here’s what you need to know:
Preparing for your lash lift
You should avoid curling your lashes for 24 hours before your treatment. To achieve the best results, you should come to your appointment without makeup and avoid using waterproof mascara for 48 hours before your lash lift.
To ensure that you’re not allergic to any of the chemicals in the perming solution, your aesthetician performs a patch test 24-48 hours before your treatment. This is done to prevent the possibility of itching, redness, or inflammation of the lid and eye area after your treatment.
Performing your lash lift
A lash lift takes about 45 minutes to perform. All you have to do is relax and close your eyes to prevent the solution from entering your eyes.
Before treating the lashes, your aesthetician begins with cleaning them and applying a silicone shield to your eyelids. A curved plastic rod is then glued to the eyelid. The lashes are separated and brushed individually upward onto the rod from the root.
Your lashes are held on the rod while a cream-based perming solution is applied. A volumizer and darker tint may also be used, depending on your preferences.
How you can keep your lashes looking great
After your lash lift, you will have to keep your lashes dry for 24-48 hours to achieve optimal results. This includes avoiding water, sweat from heavy exercise, or steam from a sauna.
In general, keeping the number of eye products you use to a minimum can protect the results of your lash lift. Your provider will give you specific guidance based on your eyelashes, but you may be able to use certain serums and conditions to keep your lashes moisturized and healthy between lash lifts.
Since your eyelashes fall out and regrow every 4-6 weeks, you can expect to enjoy the benefits of this treatment for up to 6 weeks, depending on how fast your eyelashes grow.
