What is an eyelash lift?

Meet our experts: Clementina Richardson, founder of Envious Lashes in New York, Jacqueline R. CarrascoMD, an ophthalmic plastic surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Audrey KooninMD, Board Certified Dermatologist

What happens during an eyelash lift?

The whole process takes about an hour, so I laid back in the chair and got comfortable as the technician began by brushing my lashes into a silicone wand (there are different sizes for every lash length and curl preference). She then applied an eye-safe perm solution to the base of my lashes. “This helps break up the bond in your hair so it can form curls,” Richardson said. This was followed by a coagulation solution to help rebuild the hair in place. The final step was tinting, a blue-black dye that runs from root to tip.

Lash lift step two.

After that, your consultant will send you on your way with some important tips: Don’t get your lashes wet for 24 hours. Although eyelash lift and tinting are not as high maintenance as extensions (you can never get them wet and you can’t sleep directly on them, for one thing), you should try to avoid getting them wet for the first 24 hours after your appointment your. that the bond has time to settle—just like in a real perm.

Does eyelash lift hurt?

I realize that these images may look a little scary, but I assure you that the process is not painful. You have to keep your eyes closed the whole time, which can be uncomfortable for some—especially if you have sensitive eyes, but my technician told me that most of her clients end up sleeping because it’s so relaxing.

How long does an eyelash lift last?

A lash lift lasts about four to six weeks, but the tint only lasts for about four. My technician also told me that the duration varies depending on your skin type. If you have oily skin or use a lot of oils on your face, it can break down the keratin treatment faster.

My lashes immediately after tinting and lifting.

Are eyelash curlers damaging your lashes?

You may be wondering: Sounds great, but is it really safe? Most people’s lashes can tolerate a lash lift, but over-treating with these types of treatments can weaken lashes over time, Kunin says.

Plus, any time you use chemicals near your eyes, there’s a risk of an allergic reaction, Carrasco says. You could also be at risk for dermatitis, a skin condition that causes redness, swelling, and even blisters, especially if the lifting solution gets into your eye or the surrounding skin.

To make sure you’re in good hands, look for a technician who also specializes in treatments around the eyes (like eyelash extensions, tinting, or eyebrow shaping). And if you’re prone to allergic reactions from beauty products or have a sensitivity to certain ingredients, it’s always a good idea to ask for a patch test.

So, are they worth the lash lift?

Overall, I think this treatment is a win-win. I still don’t need to add a mascara step to my morning makeup routine, but I have the benefit of looking like I did. Although I like the natural look, if you prefer more volume, you can also add a coat of mascara. A lot of people I’ve talked to who do it just do it for the extra lift so they don’t have to use a lash curler. It also doesn’t take as many swipes of mascara once it’s lifted and tinted.

Chelsea Burns is the Beauty Director for Women’s Health and has been writing in the beauty and wellness space for over six years with her work appearing in Real Simple, Health, Fitness and Byrdie.com. He is an expert in product testing and is always on the hunt for the best tinted moisturizer.