Whether you’re an up-and-coming lash artist looking for pro secrets or a beauty lover keen to go behind the scenes of one of the hottest lash procedures right now, this post will answer the burning question on your mind: how do you do a lash lift?

Start by adhering the upper lashes to a silicone shield, and brush them upward to straighten and separate them. Then apply a softening solution to reshape the lashes into a lifted curl. Next, apply a setting solution to fix the lashes’ new shape. End by applying a nourishing oil to the lashes.

Sounds simple, right? Nope! There’s so much more to a successful, safe lash lift than this summary reveals. Join me as I go over the detailed steps for creating lash lifts that make lashes (and hearts) flutter!

How to do a Lash Lift? (Your Step-by-Step Guide)

There are different types of lash lifts, from ones you do at home to those with lash-thickening benefits. I’ll be explaining one of the most popular ways to lift lashes, the keratin lash lift.

I’ll break up a lash lift into 3 parts:

• Part #1: What to do before a lash lift.
• Part #2: What to do during a lash lift.
• Part #3: What to do after a lash lift.

Plus, I’ll share plenty of pro tips for every procedure stage. Here’s what the end result should look like.

Part #1: What to do Before a Lash Lift

You might be so excited to do a lash lift that you jump right into the action. Hold on, tiger! Your lash lift could fall flat (literally and figuratively) if you skip a pre-procedure step: the client consultation.

During the consultation, you have a chance to find out your client’s expectations and suitability for the procedure.

Here’s your cheat sheet for acing the client consultation.

Do Ask	Why?
Do you want a natural-looking or more dramatic curl?	So you’ll know what shield size to use – a bigger shield for a looser curl and a smaller shield for a tighter curl.
Do you have sensitive skin or eyes; allergies; chronic watery or dry eyes; skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis; or an eye condition like ocular rosacea?	So you’ll know whether the client is at higher risk for side effects. Only proceed with the procedure after a patch test shows the client tolerates the lash lift solutions.
Are you pregnant, do you have an eye condition like glaucoma or cataracts, or have you recently had eye surgery?	Before performing a lash lift on a pregnant lady, ask the client to get clearance from their doctor before you go ahead with the lash lift. Additionally, make sure they are pasted the 12 weeks period.

Things to Look For	Why?
Is there an eye condition like pinkeye or a stye?	Advise the client to wait until their eye condition has been treated before having a lash lift done.
Are the lashes fragile, sparse, or shorter than 4mm?	Advise the client they’re not a good candidate for a successful lash lift.
Are the lashes damaged?	Advise the client to apply castor or coconut oil or a strengthening lash serum daily and return for a lash lift once their lashes are in a better condition.
How long are the lashes?	The lash length determines the shield size you should use (more on this later.)
Are the lashes thick or super straight?	These lash types need more time for the softening solution to work.

The consultation also allows your client to ask questions, so find out if there’s anything they’re dying to know. You’ll ease their mind, helping them let go and relax.

Another 2 pre-lash lift essentials:

• Clean up! Thoroughly remove all makeup, oil, and dirt from the client’s lashes, as lash lifts only work on squeaky clean lashes.
• Snap away! Take a “before” photo of the client’s lashes.

Pro tip: Go all out to make your client enjoy their lash lift experience. Being professional, personalizing the procedure, and regularly checking how your client feels will create trust, and a relaxing environment makes the lash lift feel like a pamper sesh!

Part #2: What to do During a Lash Lift

The actual lash lift procedure has 4 basic steps:

• Step #1: Prep the lashes.
• Step #2: Apply a softening solution to the lashes.
• Step #3: Apply a setting solution to the lashes.
• Step #4: Add the finishing touches.

Step #1: Prep the Lashes

Cover the client’s bottom lashes with eye patches, then select the right shield size for their top lashes.

Pro tip: To find the shield size that will work best, place the shield right on the lash line and comb the lashes up against it. If the lash tips extend to the end of the shield without going over the edge, you’ve found the right shield! However, if the lashes extend past the shield’s edge, use a larger size. And if the lashes only make it halfway across the shield, go down a size.

Once you’ve found a spot-on shield size, position it snuggly on your client’s lash line. Next, apply glue to the shield and brush the lashes against it, ensuring every lash is straight, separated, and stuck in place.

Step #2: Apply Softening Solution to the Lashes

Apply a softening solution to the lashes to break up the substances (scientific name: disulfide bonds) that create their natural shape.¹ The result: Lashes become flexible to take on a new lifted, curled shape.

Allow the solution 6 to 12 minutes to work. Thicker, straighter lashes and more dramatic curling need longer durations in this time range.

Pro tip: Apply just a little solution at a time with a steady hand. Get the solution as close to your client’s lash line as possible without letting it touch their skin.

Step #3: Apply Setting Solution to the Lashes

After lashes have been reshaped from straight to curled, apply a setting solution to ensure the lashes keep their new shape.

Leave this solution on for 8 to 10 minutes.

Step #4: Add the Finishing Touches

You’re almost done! Just these few more tasks now: Remove the solution residue, shields from the upper lashes, and gel pads from the lower ones; apply a nourishing oil to put back whatever moisture the procedure stripped… and hand your excited client a mirror!

Good to know: Many clients choose to follow up a lash lift with a tint. This involves darkening the lashes to get that defined mascara look.

Read more about tinting lashes after a lash lift and the lash-lift-and-tint combo.

After the procedure

After your client has checked out their new lashes, take an “after” pic. This is my favorite bit of the procedure: seeing the difference the lash makeover makes to my client’s appearance – and how it boosts their confidence!

The last thing on your lash lift to-do list is to give your client an aftercare instruction card and explain how they can make their results last longer. The biggies are keeping lashes away from water, steam, heat, makeup, and products for 24 hours after the lash lift.

A few other lifestyle tweaks can also lengthen a lash lift’s life. Get extra tips for making lash lifts last.

Pro tip: Give your client a lash-conditioning goodie like castor or coconut oil to take home.

How to do a Lash Lift? – Key Takeaways

Successful lash lifts need full focus before, during, and after the procedure. Before the procedure, determine whether a lash lift is right for your client and what results they’re after.

During the procedure, follow the steps carefully, customizing them to suit your client’s specific lashes. And after the procedure, share guidelines with your client for maintaining their results.

Try out all the tips, guidelines, and advice in this post. Your client will likely be so delighted by their new lashes (and your professionalism) that they book their next session on the spot!

Still curious? Read my ultimate guide to lash lifts.

References 

1. Kristeen Cherney – Medically reviewed by Catherine Hannan, MD (2018). Lash Lifts And Your Skin. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/lash-lift-side-effects (Accessed on 27 June 2022)