Properly done lash lifts zap the need for eyelash curlers. That’s what makes this procedure wildly popular: you have it done once and then wake up with gorgeously curled lashes (even better than what you get from your curler) for weeks! Although you shouldn’t need to use a lash curler after a lash lift, you might have your reasons for wondering: can I curl my lashes after a lash lift?
Avoid using mechanical and heated eyelash curlers on your lashes after having a lash lift, especially on the first day after your procedure. Curling your lashes with these tools after a lash lift can spoil the procedure’s results and may damage your lashes or make them fall out.
So many people have lash lifts because they want to drop lash-curling from their daily routine. Why spend time and effort using a curler when you can open your eyes daily to lashes that are already curled?
I’ll help you figure out why your lashes need more oomph after your lash lift and let you know what will happen if you use your eyelash curler to boost your curl after your procedure.
Can You Use a Curler After a Lash Lift?
It’s a bad idea to use an eyelash curler after a lash lift for two reasons:
- Reason #1: Using a curler after a lash lift can spoil your results
- Reason #2: Using a curler after a lash lift can damage your lashes
Let’s dig deeper into why eyelash curlers and lash lifts don’t mix.
Reason #1: Using a Curler After a Lash Lift Can Spoil Your Results
Using a curler on your lashes after a lash lift is a bit like having your nails painted at the nail bar and then adding a coat of your polish when you get home. You won’t get the pro job back after applying your layer, and you won’t get the lash lift’s smooth curve and lifted-from-the-root effect back after going at your lashes with a curler.
You’re especially likely to wreck your results if you curl your lashes within 24 hours of your lash lift. You must give the procedure a full day to set it properly. Messing with your lashes before this time’s up will stop the lash lift from working as it should.
Reason #2: Using a Curler After a Lash Lift Can Damage Your Lashes
Although lash lifts are lash-safe when done by a certified and licensed lash pro, lashes are processed with chemicals during the procedure and need time to recover afterward.
You must show your lashes some love after their lift by taking good care of them (um, on top of gazing at them adoringly in the mirror!).
Aftercare essentials for happy, healthy lashes include washing them gently with a mild, oil-free cleanser, applying nourishing oil daily, and not rubbing or squashing them when you sleep.
Clamping your curler on your lashes is the opposite of tender lash care.
Here’s a look at why using a curler after a lash lift can damage your lashes:
- Using your curler too zealously can break lashes or make them fall out (this risk applies whether or not you’ve had a lash lift, but your lashes are more vulnerable to damage after a lash lift).
- Heated curlers expose lashes to heat damage.
- Mechanical curlers can tug at lashes (and potentially yank them out).
- Using a dirty curler can trigger nasty eye conditions (which can make lashes fall out).
- Worn-out curlers up your risk of damaged lashes.
- Using a bad curling technique exposes your lashes to more harm.
Why You Would Want to Use a Curler After a Lash Lift
I don’t know anyone who would add a pointless step to their get-ready routine (the morning rush is hectic enough already, right?). So, I’m assuming you want to curl your lashes because you feel your lash lift didn’t deliver enough curls for your liking.
Expertly done lash lifts should create better results than even premium lash curlers. Only lash lifts can lift the lashes from their root to make them look longer and give them a flawless curl (no crimping here!).
Here are the differences between lash lifts and eyelash curlers:
Lash Lifts | Eyelash Curlers |
---|---|
Results last up to 2 months. | Results last a day. |
You have the procedure once every 6 to 8 weeks or so. | You need to curl your lashes daily. |
You aren’t responsible for successful results (relax as a lash pro takes care of your lashes). | The pressure of getting results right is on you (you must learn how to use your curler with skill). |
Your lash tech has everything needed for successful results. | You must find the right curler to deliver results (cheap curlers don’t work well without force). |
Lashes are lifted from the root to make them look longer. | Lashes aren’t lifted from the root. |
Lashes are curled to perfection. | It’s easy to crimp instead of curl lashes. |
As this table shows, the lash lift is a clear winner in the Lash Lift Vs Eyelash Curler Clash!
So if you want to use your curler after a lash lift, I’d say it’s likely because:
- Your lash lift didn’t work. Anything from poor technique, timing, and tools to working on dirty lashes can stop a lash lift from working. Superstar lash techs with tons of experience doing lash lifts won’t make any of these mistakes, so only go to a pro!
- Your lash lift didn’t create enough curls. Lash lifts can create loose, natural-looking curls or curls that are tighter and more striking. If your curl is underwhelming, ask your tech to use a smaller shield for a more dramatic curl next time.
- Your lash lift fell flat too soon. Your lashes can lose their lift and curl if you ignore aftercare instructions – especially during the 24 hours after your lift, including not using an eyelash curler!
If one of these reasons has left your lashes in need of a boost, you can have another lash lift. But wait at least a month for your lashes to regain full strength before you process them again.
Suppose you’re keen to get lash lifts regularly. In this case, I advise you to wait at least 8 weeks between lash lifts to keep your lashes healthy.
Remember to apply nourishing oil or lash serum daily for moisturized, glossy lashes!
When your lashes are ready for another lift, go to a trained, experienced lash tech with a portfolio full of results you love, and ask the tech for a tighter, look-at-me curl.
Final Thoughts
Eyelash curlers and lash lifts don’t go together. Combining the two is more likely to make your lashes snap than create a dreamy curl. Lashes need extra care after a lash lift, and curlers’ tugging, squeezing, and clamping can stress them out, cause breakage, and make them fall out. Using a curler after a lash lift can also undo the procedure’s results.
If you believe your curler could give you a more impressive curl than what you got from your lash lift, it’s probably because your lash lift didn’t work. You can have another procedure about a month later – and this time, choose the failsafe way to get long-lasting lifted lashes with an unbeatable curl: visit a lash pro with all the proper credentials.
– Asako