You had a lash lift, and now it’s the end of the world (or at least it feels like it is). Your lashes are comically lifted (think: Minnie Mouse). You feel ridiculous. The only thing that can stop your heart from racing is knowing how to undo a lash lift.

You can undo a lash lift by brushing a solution downward onto the lashes to relax the curl and return the lashes to their natural shape. If the lashes are too damaged to be processed again, you can wait for the results to grow out with the natural lash growth cycle.

There are fixes for bad lash lifts. So, don’t panic; we’ll get your lashes looking better!

Let’s get stuck into looking at options for undoing a lash lift that makes you want to hide your lashes instead of flaunting them.

Why You Might Need to Undo a Lash Lift

The fix for a bad lash lift depends on what went wrong. So, before we get to the solution, we must zero in on the problem.

These are the 2 most common unwanted lash lift results:

• Unwanted result #1: Lashes are too curly
• Unwanted result #2: Lashes are overly lifted

Not sure which result you’re dealing with?

Suppose your lashes are so curly they’re poking into your eyelids or coiling up. In this case, they’re too curly. If your lashes look unnaturally lifted or point straight up (the Minnie Mouse look), they’re overly lifted.

How to Undo a Lash Lift (3 Methods)

Now that you know what’s wrong with your lashes, we can find the right fix. Check this troubleshooting guide for your next step:

If…	and…	then…
…your lashes are too curly after your lash lift…	…your lashes are healthy and undamaged…	…ask the lash tech to reverse the procedure (or find another tech to help).
…your lashes are too curly after your lash lift…	…your lashes are damaged after your lash lift…	…apply castor or coconut oil to your lashes twice a day and wait for the lash lift to grow out.
…your lashes are overly lifted after your lash lift…	…your lashes are healthy and undamaged…	…ask the lash tech (or another tech) to redo the procedure with a bigger shield or to undo the procedure.
…your lashes are overly lifted after your lash lift…	…your lashes are damaged after your lash lift…	…apply castor or coconut oil to your lashes twice a day and wait for the lash lift to grow out.

So, depending on your type of result and lash health, you have 3 options:

• Option #1: Reverse the lash lift
• Option #2: Redo the lash lift
• Option #3: Wait for the lash lift to grow out

Let’s explore your 3 options in more detail.

Option #1: Reverse The Lash Lift

This is your fast fix for lashes that are too curly. But it’s only advisable if your lashes are in good condition.

Chemicals are applied to reverse the lift, so your lashes must be strong enough to take more processing. If you expose damaged lashes to chemicals, they’ll likely become messy, frizzy, and broken (super-curled lashes don’t sound so bad anymore, right?).

Healthy lashes can have a procedure to reverse the lash lift involving these 4 basic steps:

• Step #1: Clean the eye area and lashes and position a protective pad under the eye.
• Step #2: Apply the solution to the lashes, brushing downward from root to tip (the opposite of how you swipe on mascara).
• Step #3: Let the solution work for up to a minute (leave it on for less time to undo subtler results).
• Step #4: Apply a conditioning oil to lashes.

Lash care essential: Apply a moisturizing oil or serum to your lashes every day to keep them in tip-top shape.

Option #2: Redo The Lash Lift

This is your speedy solution for overly lifted lashes. Again, this option is only for healthy lashes.

Lashes usually get lifted to the extreme because they’re applied to a shield that’s too small. Another lift (using the right shield size!) can improve the overly lifted effect.

Need to know: Wait for a day or 2 after your unsuccessful lift before having another. Results take about 24 hours to fully set, and your lift may improve within this time.

If you still don’t like the look of your lashes 24 to 48 hours later, these 5 basic steps can create just the right amount of lift:

• Step #1: Clean the eye area and lashes.
• Step #2: Find the right shield size for the lashes. When you comb the lashes over the shield, they should almost reach (but not go over) the edge. If lashes go beyond the edge, get a bigger size. If lashes reach only halfway across the shield, you need a smaller size.
• Step #3: Place the shield snugly against the lash line and adhere the lashes to the shield.
• Step #4: Apply the solution to the lashes, and leave it on for 4 to 5 minutes max.
• Step #5: Coat the lashes in conditioning oil (repeat this daily for strong, shiny lashes).

Option #3: Wait For The lash lift to Grow Out

This is your go-to option for damaged lashes. It’s not quick, but it’s the safe fix for stressed-out lashes.

With this option, you simply wait for your natural lash growth cycle to complete, and – voila! – the exaggerated curl or extreme lift will vanish.

This method for undoing a bad lash lift doesn’t involve additional procedures, but it does need patience. Try yoga to boost your zen energy while you wait for your lashes to go back to normal!

Wait – how long does it take to grow out a lash lift?

It takes 6 weeks on average. Though your lash growth rate depends on your body – yours might grow quicker or more slowly. Build that strong, calm mind!

Why not see the grow-out as an opportunity to get your lashes into their best condition? Give them TLC by oiling them twice a day. Coconut and castor oils are the top picks for a moisture boost and lash repair. And I’ve got a brilliant hack for applying the oil – it’s a breeze!

After 6 weeks, your lashes should be good as new and ready for a proper lash lift.

How to Undo a Lash Lift – Key Takeaways

There are various ways to undo a lash lift, from almost instant to slower-working solutions. If your lashes are healthy after their lash lift has gone wrong, you can fix them in a snap by reversing or redoing the procedure. As for damaged lashes, the only safe way to undo their lift is by letting them grow it out.

After you’ve undone the bad results, don’t put your lashes (and nerves!) through that experience again. Only let a licensed, certified lash pro (with a portfolio full of stunning results) near your lashes to up the chance you’ll always leave the salon feeling lash-fabulous!

– Asako