A big reason people’s lashes fall flat too soon after a lash lift is a lack of aftercare. A professional lash tech will make sure you leave the salon with lashes lifted and curled to perfection – but then it’s up to you to maintain the results. 

After years of researching how to get flawless lash lift results that last (and then testing what I’ve learned), I’ve collected essential lash care tips and guidelines. 

I want to share what I know about getting the most from lash lifts, so I’ve put my top advice together into a complete guide to lash lift aftercare. And here it is!

What is Lash Lift Aftercare?

Keep your lashes beautifully lifted and curled until your next lash lift appointment with these 9 simple rules:

• Rule #1: Take extra care during the first 24 hours
• Rule #2: Don’t use an eyelash curler
• Rule #3: Skip eye products containing oil
• Rule #4: Don’t wear waterproof mascara 
• Rule #5: Groom your lashes daily 
• Rule #6: Condition your lashes 
• Rule #7: Treat your lashes gently
• Rule #8: Wait long enough between appointments 
• Rule #9: Avoid extreme heat

Let’s dive into each one!

Rule #1: Take Extra Care During the First 24 Hours

Your lash lift needs two days to properly set so you can enjoy its results for up to two months.

Help lock in the lift and curl by protecting your lashes from moisture and makeup for the first 24 hours after your lift:

• Avoid getting moisture near your lashes. You won’t splash water directly onto your lashes if you’re trying to stop them from getting wet. But also protect your newly curled lashes from less obvious sources of moisture like steamy or sweaty environments (for example, saunas and spin classes), or even crying!. 
• Avoid applying eye makeup and products. Go barefaced and product-free for two days to give your lash lift a longer life. 

Rule #2: Don’t Use an Eyelash Curler 

Using an eyelash curler can sabotage your lash lift by making your lashes return to normal. You could also damage your lashes by clamping a curler down on them too soon after you’ve had a lash lift. 

You’ve already got gorgeous curl, girl – so keep your hands off that curler!

Pro Tip: Read more about why you should avoid eyelash curlers after a lash lift here.

Rule #3: Skip Eye Products Containing Oil 

Scrutinize labels and choose only oil-free products for your eye area. Nothing you apply on or around your eyes (think: makeup, cleansers, makeup removers, moisturizers) should contain oils, as oils act against the solution that creates the lasting curl.

Oily products can also coat your lashes in tricky-to-remove residue that further cuts your lash lift’s lifespan. 

Also, limit the number of products you use near your eyes. 

Heads-up: You must keep oil-based products away from your eyes in the first few days after your lash lift. 

Rule #4: Don’t Wear Waterproof Mascara

You can wear mascara and other (oil-free) eye makeup 24 hours after your lash lift. But be picky about the mascara you apply. 

Lash lifts and waterproof mascara don’t mix. These formulations usually need scrubbing to remove thoroughly and can make lash lifts lose some of their oomph. So, choose water-based or mineral mascara instead. 

Water-based and mineral mascaras are easier to remove with the delicate touch your lashes need.

Soak a cotton pad with a water-based cleanser, lightly press the pad against your lashes, and gently move it from the lash base to tip repeatedly until you’ve removed all the mascara. 

Rule #5: Groom Your Lashes Daily

Gently clean your lashes and lash line every day. Use a lash brush or cotton swab and an oil-free cleanser or micellar water to wash away the oil, dirt, dead skin, and eye makeup before it has a chance to build up on your lashes.  

Finish up your lash grooming by sweeping a clean spoolie brush thorough them (but wait till they’re dry before you do). 

Skimping on eye hygiene (mmm, eye-giene?) can trigger eye infections, block your lash follicles, and make your lash line inviting to pesky lash mites – all factors that can make your lashes fall out. So, protect your lashes by keeping them clean.

Rule #6: Condition Your Lashes 

Healthy, strong lashes stay curled for longer and look luscious. Condition your lashes every day to keep them in top shape. 

Castor oil is a super lash nourisher. Simply glide the oil on top of your lashes using a cotton swab just before jumping into bed each night and wash it off with warm water and a clean towel when you wake. 

Rule #7: Treat Your Lashes Gently 

Your new lashes might remind you of doll lashes, but they’re not toys – so try not to pull, stroke, and play with them. 

Be kind to your lashes by sleeping on your back or side, not squashing your face into your pillow! (Swapping your cotton pillowcase for one made of silk or satin will help, too.)

And try not to rub your eyes, as this poses a triple lash threat: it can break your lashes, spoil your curl, and get the lifting solution into your eyes (if you rub your eyes hard in the first two days after your procedure). 

Rule #8: Wait Long Enough Between Lash Lifts

Your lashes need time to rest and recover between lash lifts to stop them from getting overprocessed and damaged. 

Wait at least 4 weeks between lash lifts to let your lashes return to their natural state before you lift them again. 

If you can’t imagine your life without lash lifts and see yourself having regular procedures for the rest of your days, wait at least 8 weeks between sessions. Then your lashes will have plenty of time to recover, so they don’t get frazzled.  

Good to know: You can have lash lifts as often as you wish, provided you space them a minimum of a month apart. So, you won’t ever have to go without your go-to lash enhancer!  

Rule #9: Avoid Extreme Heat

Protect your lashes from sources of intense heat, such as kitchen appliances and beauty tools. 

So, no peeking into the oven to check if the cupcakes are done, and definitely no drying your lashes with your hairdryer!

Lash Lift “Beforecare”

This is a common question I get.

Can I do anything before my lash lift appointment to Boost results?

The answer is yes. Stretching your lash lift’s lifespan starts before you’ve even had the procedure. Here’s everything you were wondering about beforecare for longer-lasting lash lifts. 

You can do lots in the weeks, days, and hours before your lash lift to get the best results. 

Here are 4 bonus lash care rules – what to do before your lash lift.

#1: Find a Lash Pro 

Pick a certified, experienced lash tech at a reputable salon to do your lash lift. This way, you can know your lashes will be expertly lifted using top-notch products for lasting results you can’t wait to show off. 

Ask to see the lash tech’s credentials and examples of their work before you book. 

#2: Pick a Lash Lift With A Protein Boost 

Lash lifts aren’t all the same. Look into your options and consider a keratin lash lift to fortify your lashes with the same tough protein that makes up the hair on your head. 

Keratin can promote hair follicle growth and give your lash lift extra life.¹ 

#3: Get Your Lashes Healthy

A few weeks before your lash lift, start applying a nourishing oil like castor oil to your lashes on the reg. 

Or try a good lash serum if you like the idea of a multipurpose lash nourisher. They can work wonders to repair and strengthen your lashes and get them ready for their lash lift. Plus, lash growth serums promise to make your lashes thicker and longer. 

#4: Stop Wearing Makeup and Using Your Lash Curler 

Here’s how to prep your lashes in the countdown to your lash lift:

• 3 days before: Stop wearing waterproof mascara to ensure there’s no residue on the day of your procedure.
• 2 days before: Stop wearing regular mascara.
• 1 day before: Stop using your eyelash curler.
• On the big day: Wash off all your makeup and thoroughly cleanse your lashes before your session. 

Final Thoughts

Many things you do can either protect or spoil your lash lift or lash lift and tint results. So, it’s a good thing you now know the top 13 simple lash care rules for before and after your procedure.

With these simple tips, you can rock your lifted lashes like this beautiful lady!

Want to recap the basics? Sure! Have your lash lift applied by a pro; keep your lashes away from water, products, and makeup 24 hours after your procedure; don’t use lash curlers, waterproof mascara, or oil-based products; and clean and condition your lashes every day. Sorted.

– Asako

Reference

1. Hermann H Bragulla and Dominique G Homberger (2009). Structure and functions of keratin proteins in simple, stratified, keratinized and cornified epithelia. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2736122/ (1 June 2022)