You know a lash lift will keep your lashes lifted and curled much longer than eyelash curlers do, yet the results don’t last forever (aw, if only!). But how long exactly can you expect to flaunt your new oh-la-la lashes – how long does a lash lift last? 

Lash lifts last from 4 to 8 weeks. How long the results last depends on how fast your natural eyelashes grow, how you prepare for your lash lift, and how you look after your lashes straight after your procedure and in the following weeks. 

Hmm, 4 to 8 weeks – that’s quite a difference, you might be thinking. If it was love at first sight after you opened your eyes and saw your new lashes, I’m sure you’re wondering how you can keep your curl for those extra four weeks.

The factors influencing your lash lift’s lifespan aren’t all in your control, so I can’t promise your results will last the full two months. Though, I can give you insider tips for keeping your lashes lifted for longer. 

Coming up: My top advice and pointers for giving your lash lift staying power. 

How Long Does A Lash Lift Last?

I’ll break down the specific factors that influence how long lash lifts last to give you an idea of how long you can expect to wake up with your natural lashes looking their best. 

The 4 factors are:

• Factor #1: How fast your natural lashes grow.
• Factor #2: What you do before your lash lift.
• Factor #3: What you do straight after your lash lift.
• Factor #4: What you do in the weeks after your lash lift. 

#1: How Fast Your Natural Lashes Grow

Eyelashes generally grow about 0.15 mm a day¹ and can take two months to grow from start to finish._² Though, not everyone’s eyelashes grow at this rate. Some grow faster, and some grow slower. 

Fast-growing eyelashes are a good thing… except when it comes to giving lash lifts a longer life. The quicker your lashes grow, the shorter your lash lift lasts.

Something else that cuts down the time your lash lift lasts is lashes that fall out too soon. 

Here are some of the things that can trigger eyelash loss:

• Stress – physical (injury to the eye area) or emotional stress.
• Medical conditions like thyroid problems and lupus (an autoimmune disease).
• Medications like antiseizure drugs and Botox injections. 
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Allergies to eye makeup. 
• Eyelid inflammation. 

#2: What You Do Before Your Lash Lift

How you prep for your lash lift can give you longer-lasting results. 

Having your lash lift done by someone who knows what they’re doing is essential for results that stick. So, finding a certified, experienced lash tech should be the first task on your lash-lift to-do list. 

Here are more things to add to your lash-lift prep list: 

• Don’t wear waterproof mascara during the 48 hours before your procedure.
• Don’t curl your lashes within 24 hours of your procedure.
• Don’t wear makeup on the day of your procedure. 

#3: What You Do Straight After Your Lash Lift

The top thing you can do to give your results the best chance of staying put is to avoid getting water, steam, heat, eye products, makeup, and cleansers near your eye area for the first 24 hours after you have a lash lift done. 

Staying away from these things for a day after your procedure will let the results set so they last longer and look good. 

#4: What You Do In The Weeks After Your Lash Lift 

How you look after your lashes in the weeks after your procedure plays a big part in how long your lashes stay lifted and curled. Luckily post-lift lash care is low-maintenance. 

Take good care of your lashes by following these guidelines:

• Condition your lashes daily to keep them glossy and strong. 
• Avoid sleeping with your face pressed against your pillow. And swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk or satin one. 
• Try not to rub your eyes. 
• Don’t use eyelash curlers.
• Don’t apply eye masks or too many eye products. Now’s not the time for a 16-step eye product routine. 
• Stay away from waterproof mascara. Though, go ahead and swipe on regular mascara if you want to.
• Gently remove your eye makeup. And never sleep in your makeup!

Follow the golden skincare rule of always gently removing your eye makeup before bed, whether or not you’ve had a lash lift. Your eye area is super-delicate, so you need to treat it with TLC. 

Check out beauty, fashion, fitness, & lifestyle blogger Lola Ashley’s tips for gently removing eye makeup to protect your eye area – and lovely lashes, of course.

How To Condition Your Lashes

A lash care step you shouldn’t skip is conditioning your lashes. Lash lifts can dry out your lashes, so you need to replenish the moisture to keep them lifted and not frizzy. 

You don’t need to use a fancy serum to make your lashes strong and healthy – castor oil should do the trick. Before applying castor oil to your lashes, test it on your arm to see how your body responds. If you don’t have a bad reaction within the next 48 hours, it should be safe to use on your lashes. 

Condition your lashes with castor oil in 2 simple steps:³ 

• Step #1: Remove all traces of dirt and makeup from your lashes.
• Step #2: Put a little castor oil on a cotton swab and glide it on top of your lashes. Be careful not to get oil into your eyes.

It’s usually best to apply the oil at night before bed and wash it off in the morning (you can remove it with warm water and a towel). 

How to Make My Lash Lift Last Longer

You can make your lash lift last longer with some easy tweaks to your skincare and makeup routine. The simplest things can make the biggest difference when it comes to making your lash lift look good for weeks on end.

It is imperative to follow the aftercare recommendations of your lash technician to the letter. After all, they are the experts and know exactly what you need to do to make your lash lift last.

However, there are some things out of your control.

Your Natural Lash Growth Cycle

Everyone’s lashes grow at different rates, so how long your lash lift lasts also depends on your individual lash growth cycle. If you have a fast lash growth cycle, your lash lift might not last as long.

The Quality of the Products Used

The better the quality of the products used during your lash lift, the longer your lashes will stay lifted. That’s why it’s important to find a reputable lash technician who uses good quality products.

The Skill of Your Lash Technician

The skills of your lash technician also play a role in how long your lash lift lasts. A good lash technician will be able to give you a lift that lasts.

If My Lash Lift Didn’t Work Can I Do It Again?

If you’re not happy with your lash lift, you can always get it redone. Just wait until your lashes have returned to their natural state before getting a new lift.

This process generally takes about one month, so be patient! Waiting that period of time insure no damage will be done to your natural lashes.

How Long Does A Lash Lift Last – Key Takeaways

Lash lifts generally last from 4 to 8 weeks. How long your lift lasts depends on how quickly your lashes grow and how you look after them before and after your procedure.

You’ll get the most from your lash lift by doing simple prep before you have it done, sticking to a few guidelines straight after, and practicing low-maintenance lash care during the following weeks. 

References

1. Jennifer Larson – medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, OD (2020). How Fast Do Eyelashes Grow? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-it-take-for-eyelashes-to-grow-back (25 May 2022)
2. Meg Walters – medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP (2022). How Long Does a Lash Lift Last? Plus, What to Expect from Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-a-lash-lift-last (25 May 2022)
3. Beth Sissons – medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT (2019). What To Know About Castor Oil For Eyelashes. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325541#types (25 May 2022)