What is a lash lift and what results can you expect?
A lash lift is a treatment that perms your lashes and gives them a beautiful curl perfect if you want to skip lash extensions or mascara. The treatment opens up your eyes and creates a more wide-awake look, while giving the illusion of longer, fuller lashes.
With a lash lift, you can expect naturally curled lashes that make your eyes stand out and look more refreshed. You can even skip mascara entirely and still feel your best in the morning.
How a lash lift treatment works
Step by step during the treatment
A lash lift treatment typically takes between 45–75 minutes per client.
Here's how it usually goes:
- The eye area is cleansed to remove any make-up and impurities.
- The rod size and curl shape are chosen based on the client's lash length and preferences.
- The lashes are attached to the rod with adhesive to hold them in place.
- The perming solution is applied from the lash root to the middle of the lashes and left to process for approximately 10–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the lashes.
- The perming solution is carefully removed with a dry cotton bud.
- The neutralising solution is applied from the lash root to the middle of the lashes and left for ten minutes.
- The neutralising solution is carefully removed with a dry cotton bud.
- If the client wishes, the lashes can be tinted to achieve dark, defined lashes. This is also recommended for darker lashes to create a mascara effect, as lashes tend to be finer towards the tips.
- The treatment is finished with a nourishing keratin treatment to strengthen the lashes.
Different curl types - L, U and C
Clients can usually choose from three different curl shapes: L-curl, U-curl and C-curl.
- L-curl: Creates a straight lift and is ideal for short lashes that want a dramatic effect.
- U-curl: Creates a very natural curl and works beautifully for thick lashes.
- C-curl: Creates a strong curl and is perfect for long lashes.
What affects the curl of your lashes?
The curl is determined by how long the perming solution is left on, the size of the rod, and the shape of the rod.
Common questions about lash lift
Does a lash lift hurt?
Not at all. The treatment is completely painless and very relaxing.
How long does the result last?
A treatment typically lasts between six to eight weeks.
Who can get a lash lift?
Anyone can have a lash lift treatment. The result varies depending on your own lashes and natural conditions.
Short, sparse lashes, for example, won't achieve the same effect as a set of long lashes would.
Things to keep in mind before your lash lift
Preparing for the treatment
Before the treatment, it's a good idea to:
- arrive without any make-up on
- remove contact lenses beforehand
Aftercare - how to look after your lash lift
The first 24 hours after treatment
If you're not careful with your lashes during the first 24 hours, the perm can relax and give a weaker result.
The solution is still processing during the first day, so bear in mind that you should avoid:
- rubbing your eyes
- using mascara
- showering or using a sauna
- cleansing your eyes with make-up remover
Once the first 24 hours have passed, you can also focus on caring for the skin around your eyes with gentle products for example, hydrating eye gels from our Eye Gels collection, which refresh and revive the eye area.
Mascara and make-up after a lash lift
Yes, you can absolutely wear mascara with a lash lift.
Just avoid make-up for the first day after treatment to allow the perm to set properly. Once those 24 hours have passed, mascara is completely fine.
It's worth avoiding waterproof mascara, as it can compromise the result and longevity of your lash lift. The less you put your lashes through, the longer they'll last — opt for a nourishing mascara like Weightless Mascara, which is designed to add beautiful volume without weighing your lashes down.
How often can you have a lash lift?
After around six to ten weeks, it's fine to book your next lash lift. It's important not to have treatments too close together, as this can put strain on your lashes.
We each shed around three to five lashes per day. By waiting six to ten weeks between treatments, new and stronger lashes will have had time to grow in.
If you'd like to focus more on your natural lash health between treatments, have a read of our guide with more tips on how to achieve stronger, longer lashes in the article "The lash expert's guide to fuller and longer eyelashes".
Xlash Eyelash Serum and lash lift - how they work together
Prepare your lashes with Xlash before a lash lift
Using Xlash Eyelash Serum regularly will help your lashes become stronger while they grow longer, fuller and thicker.
Xlash Eyelash Serum is a great product to prepare your lashes with before a lash lift treatment. Many clients find that their lashes have grown longer since they started using Xlash serum, which has given them an even more beautiful result when they've had a new lash lift treatment.
Xlash Eyelash Serum is especially effective when used regularly in the lead-up to a lash lift. With Xlash, the quality of your lashes improves while they grow longer and fuller — which will contribute to an even better result at your appointment.
Strengthen and extend your results after treatment
You can also use the eyelash serum after treatment to boost your lashes with nourishing ingredients that may help extend the result. If you have sensitive eyes, Xlash Sensitive Eyelash Serum is a gentle option well worth considering.
