After seeing before and after pics of what a lash lift and tint can do, you’re convinced that what your lashes have been missing your whole life is a slight curl and color. Now you want these procedures to enhance your own lashes. And you want the lash-flattering, eye-opening effects right now. 

Hold on – you need to do some prep before you make an appointment for a lash lift and tint if you want results worth batting your lashes for! 

I’ll simplify things by filling you in on all the must-know details before you book. I’ve performed countless lash lifts and tints and have trained fellow lash techs in how to get the best and safest results, so you’re in good hands! 

Coming up: The ultimate guide to getting you ready to book for your lash lift and tint.

What Is A Lash Lift And Tint?

These procedures curl and darken your lashes with effects lasting for several weeks. You have the procedures done once and then wake up with enhanced lashes day after day till it’s time for your next session. No daily eyelash curling or swipes of mascara are needed. 

Although a lash lift and a lash tint are two separate procedures that can be performed on their own, combining them will double your beauty benefits: your lashes will first be curled by the lash lift and then colored by the tint. 

Watch this to get an idea of the difference a lift and tint can make to your lashes.

What Does A Lash Lift And Tint Involve? 

Here’s a peek into what happens during a lash lift and tint and how it’s done: 

• Your lashes are curled over and attached to a silicone pad called a rod. This rod is shaped like a half-moon, and it helps give your lashes the flirty curve you’re after. 
• Once your lashes are positioned just right over the rod, a softening solution is applied to allow them to be reshaped into an upward curl. 
• Then a different solution is applied to your lashes to set their new shape.
• Next, your lashes are colored with a special lash-friendly dye to make them look darker and thicker. 

The result: Your natural lashes look longer, fuller, and more defined, making your eyes even prettier than usual!

Procedures that make your own lashes look longer, darker, and more polished for several weeks? Yes, yes, yes! 

Now that I’ve got your attention, here are a few more details to help you decide if a lash lift and tint are beauty boosts you want: 

	Lash Lift	Lash Tint
How long does the procedure take?	About an hour	About 30 minutes
How much does it cost?	From about $100 to $200 per session, depending on the salon and location	From about $30 to $75 per session, depending on the salon and location
How long do results last?	From 4 to 8 weeks	From 3 to 6 weeks

Does all sound good? Alright, let’s move on to all you need to know and do before you book for your lash lift and tint.

What to Know Before Booking a Lash Lift and Tint?

Once you’ve decided to have a lash lift and tint, your next move is to find a certified lash tech. Then get clued up on what results are possible, figure out what you want, get sussed on aftercare essentials, and make sure the procedure is right for you. 

Here are 5 things to know before booking:

#1: Know How To Find A Professional Lash Tech

For safety and results, have your lash lift and tint done by a certified lash tech experienced in these procedures. 

It takes skill to get lash lifts and tints right, so find someone trained in the most effective (and safest) techniques for these procedures. 

These tips can help you find the best person for the job:¹

• Ask to see your lash tech’s credentials. Check that your lash tech is certified. Many US states, such as California, require that lash techs also have licenses to perform lash lifts, so look into this too. 
• Find out about your lash tech’s experience. Take a look-see at before-and-after photos of their work or even chat with past clients. Plus, look for reviews online. 
• Make sure your lash tech is concerned about your safety. Your tech should ask if you have eye or skin allergies or sensitivities. Play it safe by having a patch test at least two days before your procedure. A small amount of the lash-lifting solution and eyelash dye is applied to a little area on your arm to check whether your body tolerates the products. 

#2: Know What Results Are Possible

A lash lift and tint subtly enhance your lashes. These procedures don’t fill out or lengthen your lashes; they work with the lashes you’ve got. So, the results are noticeable yet understated. 

The lash transformation you experience depends on what your natural lashes look like. Lashes that lie almost flat or grow downwards will look strikingly different when lifted and curled, and blonde or light-colored lashes show the most dramatic results after being tinted. Still, no results will drastically change how you look. 

If you’re after the wow effect of voluminous, extra-long lashes, lash extensions are a better choice for you. 

#3: Know What You Want 

You can customize the curl you get from your lash lift, from soft and natural to doll-like. Looser curls give a more natural look, and tighter curls up the drama. 

Your lash tech will guide you in finding the curl that will work best with your lashes and eye shape. 

#4: Know How To Look After Your New Lashes 

Lash lifts and tints are relatively low-maintenance, but there are a few lash-care essentials you must stick to after your procedure, especially during the first 24 hours. 

Factor in the following guidelines when you’re thinking of the best time to schedule your session:

• You should avoid getting moisture near your lashes for 24 hours after your procedure. So, don’t book your appointment for just before a pool party or SoulCycle class. 
• You shouldn’t apply eye products or makeup within the first 24 hours of your procedure. So, booking a lash lift and tint for the morning and a facial for the afternoon is a lash-care no-no. 

Other lash-care must-dos for after your procedure include applying castor oil to your lashes every day, being gentle on your lashes (sleep on your back or side on a satin or silk pillowcase and don’t rub your eyes), and avoiding eyelash curlers. 

Taking care of your lashes straight after your procedure will help the results stick, and treating your lashes with TLC over the next few weeks will give them curl and color for longer.  

#5: Know If The Procedure Is Right For You 

Anyone could have a bad reaction to a lash lift and tint. You’ll minimize your risk of things going wrong by having a trained, experienced lash tech do your procedure, though some people have a higher risk of side effects no matter how accomplished their lash tech is. 

Your risk of nasty side effects increases if you have any of the following:²

• Thin, fragile lashes.
• Skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, blepharitis, or seborrheic dermatitis.
• Sensitive skin. 
• Contact allergies. 
• Chronic dry or watery eyes.
• Eye infections like pink eye or styes. 

Get your doctor’s okay before booking for a lash lift and tint if you have an eye condition like cataracts or glaucoma, have recently had eye surgery, are on eye medication, or are pregnant.

Your Lash Lift And Tint Prep Checklist

Here’s a glance at some of the things you should do in the lead-up to your lash lift and tint. Happy planning!

A few weeks before…

Start applying nourishing oil (like castor oil) or conditioning lash serum to your lashes to get them strong and healthy. 

Two days before…

Do a patch test.

Stop wearing waterproof mascara (it can leave a residue on your lashes that’s difficult to wash off).

A day before…

Stop using your eyelash curler.

On the day… 

Take a “before” photo. Then take an “after” photo later so you can ooh and aah over your results.  

Wash off all your makeup before your appointment and swap your contact lenses for glasses (if you need them).

Lash Lift And Tint – Key Takeaways

You now know what a lash lift and tint are, what the procedures involve, what results you can expect (and how your curl can be customized), how to pick your lash tech, how to look after your results, how to tell if the procedures are right for you, and what to do during the countdown to your session.

Actually, you’re clued up on everything you need to know before you book for your lash lift and tint!

What are you waiting for? Follow the pointers in this article, and get flattering lifted, curled, darker lashes and brighter-looking eyes! 

– Asako

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 12 May 2022).
2. Laurel Naversen Geraghty, Board-Certified Dermatologist (2020). Want To Enhance Your Lashes? 8 Questions To Ask First. Retrieved from https://blogs.webmd.com/healthy-skin/20200924/want-to-enhance-your-lashes-8-questions-to-ask-first (Accessed on 12 May 2022).