If you’ve tried too many hacks that promised a wow-new look but didn’t deliver, I understand why you’d be skeptical about popular beauty trends. The lash lift is a social media sensation, with some beauty bloggers swearing it’s “life-changing”. That’s quite a claim!
Is it all just hype, or does a lash lift have the power to elevate your look? Do lash lifts work?
Lash lifts do work and effectively curl the lashes for an eye-opening effect. Lashes are lifted at the root to show their full length, making them appear longer. The lift and curl also neaten unruly lashes. This procedure enhances lashes for noticeable yet natural-looking results.
I’ve been in the lash game (as a tech and trainer) for so long that I can’t remember life before lashing. I’ve done (and seen) thousands of lash lifts during this time. So I know what results are possible. I’ll expose the exaggerations and give you the lowdown on whether lash lifts work and their real results.
Ready for a no-nonsense look at what a lift can do for your lashes? Yes?
Let’s do this!
Do Lash Lifts Really Work?
The short answer is Yes. Lash lifts do work at lifting and curling your natural lashes. The result is the appearance of longer lashes which opens up the eye for that beautiful look. It brings attention to the eyes in a way that is both noticeable and natural.
If you’re wondering if what you see in lash lift pics online is what you get.
Well, it depends on what you see! Here is a lash lift before and after picture of one of my clients.
I’ve seen before-and-after pics capturing lash lift results realistically. But I’ve also seen photos of models with lashes so long and luscious they’d make the most lash-tastic diva jealous.
Here’s how I’ll unpack the burning question on our minds (do lash lifts work?):
- How lash lifts work
- What lash lifts can’t do
- What stops lash lifts from working
- How long lash lifts work
First up: A glance at just how transformative lash lifts can be.
How Lash Lifts Work
If “work” means “have an effect,” then lash lifts work. Legit. But what work do they do?
Here are 4 jobs lash lifts excel at:
- #1: Lifting lashes
- #2: Curling lashes
- #3: Taming lashes
- #4: Defining lashes
#1: Lash Lifts Lift Lashes
Lash lifts raise lashes right from the root.
Transformative power: Lashes look longer.
#2: Lash Lifts Curl Lashes
Lash lifts create a dreamy curl no eyelash curler can beat. You can even choose how tight to make your curl, from looser (for a subtle effect) to tighter (for something more striking).
Transformative power: Eyes look bigger and brighter. It’s extra effective on lashes that grow downwards or straight out.
#3: Lash Lifts Tame Lashes
Lash lifts make unruly lashes behave.
Transformative power: Lashes look neat and well-groomed. Say bye-bye to individual lashes pointing in different directions!
#4: Lash Lifts Define Lashes
Make your procedure a lash-lift-and-tint combo, and you’ll maximize your results. You’ll get triple benefits: lift, curl, and color (a tint darkens your lashes).
Transformative power: Lashes create an effortlessly polished look and attract attention to the eyes. It’s extra effective on blonde or light-colored lashes.
What Lash Lifts Can’t do
We’ve looked at what makes lash lifts shine. Now let’s see what results are beyond their scope.
Here are 2 jobs lash lifts can’t do:
- #1: Lengthen lashes
- #2: Add extra lashes
#1: Lash Lifts Don’t Lengthen Lashes
Lash lifts don’t add anything to your natural lashes, so your starting length is the length you’ll have when the procedure is done. Lashes only look longer after a lash lift (it’s the magical effect of lifting them at the root!).
Lashes longer than about 20mm weren’t created by a lash lift. Natural lashes grow to be between 3 to 18mm long – unless you’re You Jianxia, the record-holder for the world’s longest lashes (measuring an astounding 8 inches in May 2021)1. Most of our lashes are 10mm or so. So, all those XXL lashes you see probably got some help from extensions or falsies!
#2: Lash Lifts Don’t Add Extra Lashes
Lash lifts can make lashes look thicker (especially if you have a thickening treatment and a tint), but the procedure works with what you’ve got. So, you won’t leave the salon with more lashes than you had when you arrived.
Suppose you have sparse lashes and hope a lash lift will fill in the gaps in your lash line. Unfortunately, lash lifts don’t work like that.
Expecting a lash lift to make lashes longer and thicker and then feeling let down when it doesn’t is like asking a hairstylist for a celeb’s super-straight, waist-length tresses when you’ve got a voluminous, wavy bob. It won’t happen without extensions (and lots of styling)!
If you want a lash-enhancing procedure to add length and thickness to your lashes, go for extensions. Discover more differences between lash lifts and extensions.
What Stops Lash Lifts From Working
Not all lash lifts work. There are many reasons these procedures flop – from tools that are too small to the wrong timing.
On the upside, lash pros know how to prevent every problem. Be picky and choose a licensed, certified tech who will make a lash lift work for you!
How Long Lash Lifts Work
Lash lifts can successfully lift, curl, tame, and define lashes. But they don’t work forever (aww!).
The results are long-lasting (you’ll enjoy your new lashes for 4 to 8 weeks depending on how you look after them and how fast they grow), but they’re not permanent. Luckily you can have another lash lift when your lashes need a boost! (Though, wait about a month between lash lifts.)
Do Lash Lifts Work? – Key Takeaways
Lash lifts do what they’re supposed to – with style! They work by lifting your natural eyelashes and opening up the eye.
Adding length and fullness isn’t on lash lifts’ to-do list (that’s extensions and falsies’ job). But nothing works as effectively as a lash lift to flawlessly lift and curl your natural lashes for up to 2 months.
– Asako
References
- Connie Suggitt (2021). Woman with the world’s longest eyelash breaks own record. Retrieved from https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2021/6/woman-with-the-worlds-longest-eyelash-breaks-own-record-663474 (Accessed on 26 July 2022)
