Are you considering going for a lash lift for the first time? How long does a lash lift take to do? You might want to know how long an appointment takes and plan your day around it.

A lash lift takes 45 to 60 minutes from the start to the end of the appointment. The time includes a consultation, prepping your lashes and cleaning them, applying the shields or rod, and applying the solution. The solution needs to stay on for 8 to 10 minutes to let it set.

Going for your first lash lift can be pretty exciting, but there are certain factors to consider to specify your appointment length better. 45-60 minutes is quite a difference. That 15-minute can make or break your schedule.

Why Does A Lash Lift Take So Long To Do?

After finding out what a lash lift is, most people wonder why it takes 45 to 60 minutes to do. Firstly, you wouldn’t want to rush it as there are ways to mess it up. Secondly, if you are going to an accredited lash lift technician, she will need to follow specific guidelines to ensure you are happy.

• Step 1: Consultation
• Step 2: Prepping the lashes
• Step 3: Applying the shields or a rod
• Step 4: Applying the solution and waiting for it to set
• Step 5: Use the conditioning product and finish up

Maybe you only have a specific time available for an appointment, or you see varying times from different salons and don’t know what the norm is.

Each step takes a certain amount of time to complete, and it is of utmost importance that neither you nor the beautician hastens them.

Let’s find out!

Step 1: Consultation Time Of A Lash Lift

When you go for your lash lift, especially the first time, the technician will consult you to find out what it is you want. Not knowing beforehand will extend your consultation time and ultimately influence your appointment’s length.

During the consultation, the technician wants to know what look you are going for regarding your lashes.

Would you like a cat-eye look, extra curvy lashes, or a fanned-out look. Establishing the look you want will help her know how to apply the next steps. The consultation can take between 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Time To Prep The Lashes For A Lash Lift

Preparing the lashes is a crucial step because if the lashes are not clean, you will not get your perfect result and might even have side effects. Here you can help to shorten the time of step 2 by coming to your appointment without any makeup or lotion on your face.

It could take the beautician 2 minutes if you are coming prepared or 5 to 8 minutes if she has to remove residue on and around your lashes first.

Step 3: Time To Apply The Lash Lift Shield Or Rod

The lash lift specialist can use two methods during a lash lift: applying shields on each eye and combing the hairs up and over to bring about the lift effect, or using rods to accentuate the curl. Most salons use both and personalize according to the client’s needs.

First, the technician will add thin cotton pads above the lashes and under the eye to make sure none of the perm-solution gets on the bottom lashes or the skin. Then they will measure all the shield or rod sizes against your eye and lash to find the right one for you.

The shield or rod is placed as close as possible to your lash, combing the lashes back. This step is time-consuming as the lashes should not overlap, and the way the technician curls them over should be precise to get your wished result.

Suppose it is your first time or you are trying out a new salon; this step might take a while because they don’t know your size yet. This step can take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4: Applying the Lash Lift Solution And Waiting

This step takes the longest because the beautician needs to make sure all the lashes are covered with the lift solution and be sure to comb it through nicely to achieve your curled and lifted look at the end. This solution softens your lashes to get them to adhere to the new shape.

The solution is left on the lashes for 6 to 12 minutes, depending on your lashes’ curling ability and the result you want. They will leave it more extended if you wish to get a super curled lash. In total, this step can take up to 20 minutes.

Step 5: Applying The Conditioning And Finishing Up

After the lift solution, the beautician adds a setting solution – this hardens the lashes to hold the new shape. She applies an oil treatment, removes all the cotton, gives you the aftercare instructions, and you are good to go. This step can take about 5 to 8 minutes.

And voila! You’ve got amazing lifted lashes 😉

Is There A Way The Lash Lift Can Take Longer?

If you want to add extras to your lash lift, your appointment will be longer. The extra time will depend on what you would like to add. Options of add-ons and the time it takes to apply:

Add-on Option	Time To Apply
Black or Brown Tint On Lashes	15 to 20 minutes, including the nourishing agent
Plumping Solution (eyelash Serum)	5 minutes
Glaze add-on to lashes	10 minutes
Tint on Brows	15 minutes

The Type Of Lash Lift Plays A Roll In Appointment Length

The appointment time might be shorter or longer depending on which type of lash lift you do. The typical, more popular one is the Keratin lash lift that was used as an example above. Salons, use shields or rods and apply a Keratin solution to your lashes.

Another option is a Length-Volume-Lift (LVL) type. This one uses a rod to apply a lifting balm, then a volumizer, and ends with a tint if you wish. The LVL takes a maximum of 45 minutes and doesn’t add any Keratin.

Some salons and companies sell at-home lash lift kits. These kits might save you time and money but can leave you with unwanted damage. Experts do not recommend at-home lash lifts, as ideally, your eyes need to be closed during the lash lift solution’s prepping, application, and development time.

All the ugly side-effects you might have heard of can happen either by doing an at-home lash lift or going to an uncertified technician.

Is There Any Additional Time You Need To Account For?

Suppose you have sensitive eyes, or you haven’t done a lash lift before and are a bit nervous about how your eyes might react, you will have to consider a patch test. This test will require you to go to the salon where you made your appointment and ask for a test.¹

An allergic reaction can result in redness, swelling, or blisters. That is why most technicians recommend you do a patch test 48 hours before your appointment. If you do the test, it will reassure you to know if you will be able to get the treatment or not.

Bottom Line

It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to get a lash lift done. The time depends on a few factors that might shorten or lengthen the appointment time.

If you are prepared for your appointment by coming with a clean face and no makeup, the time you will be at the salon could be less than expected.

Suppose you are going for a second or third time to the same technician; they will start to know your lashes and the shield or rod sizes you need, which will cut down on your appointment time.

If you decide to do add-ons with your lash lift, like tinting, plumping, or glazing, this will add to your appointment time.

You might have sensitive skin or eyes and are concerned about the chemicals’ unwanted reaction on your skin. A great option would be to go to your salon 48 hours in advance to get a patch test to ensure your eyes can handle the treatment.

– Asako

References

1. Chelsea Burns – Beauty Director for Women’s Health (2019). Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Lash Lifts. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19948019/lash-lift/ (20 June 2022)