You’ve decided you need lash lifts in your life. A procedure that lets you wake up with lifted, curled lashes day after day for up to two months will fit into your beauty budget, even if it means you need to give up your morning vanilla latte.
Wait… maybe you can have your latte and lashes. Let’s get down to the dollars – how much does a lash lift cost?
Professional lash lifts in the US cost $112 per session on average. However, prices range from $65 to $210 depending on location, the lash tech’s experience, the type of lash lift, and optional add-ons such as nourishing treatments and tints.
I’ll explain which factors influence lash lift prices to give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay for your own set of lovely lifted lashes.
Let’s dive in!
What Does A Lash Lift Cost?
I’ve collected lash lift prices from 200+ eyelash salons across the United States. Here are the results.
Lash Lift Prices in the United States
- The average lash lift price is $112.
- The median lash lift price is $100.
- The minimum lash lift price is $65.
- The maximum lash lift price is $210.
- The standard deviation of lash lift prices is $28
Lash Lift Prices per State
Here are the average lash lift prices from some of the biggest states in the US:
- California – $122
- Texas – $103
- New York – $202
- Florida – $95
- Ohio – $89
- Michigan – $96
- Pennsylvania – $98
- Illinois – $114
- North Carolina – $123
- Georgia – $131
Lash Lift Prices per City
Here are the average lash lift prices from some of the biggest cities in the US:
- New York City, NY – $202
- Los Angeles, CA – $153
- Washington, DC – $121
- Philadelphia, PA – $94
- Boston, MA – $113
- Miami, FL – $104
- Houston, TX – $92
- Chicago, IL – $107
- San Francisco, CA – $167
- Phoenix, AC – $109
How I Collected Lash Lift Prices (Market Data)
When I first thought about writing this article, I wanted to share something substantial. I wanted to give you an unbiased, fact-based look at how much lash lifts cost in the U.S.
But then I realized that finding this information is next to impossible. After scouring the internet for hours, the best I could find was a few sentences on some beauty forums and a smattering of random lash lift prices.
Of course, these sources never mentioned where they got these numbers from.
So here we go.
I will share the exact methodology I have used to collect this data. If you’ve followed my articles, you’ll notice that this is almost exactly the same method I used to collect data on eyelash extension prices across the U.S.
Step #1: Choose the Data Points
I fired my good old Microsoft Excel and created the following columns:
- Salon Name
- Salon Website
- State
- City
- Lash Lift Price
I could have collected other data points such as lash tint or lash lift and tint prices but I wanted to keep things simple.
Step #2: Diversify Locations
Because the salon’s location has a significant impact on its pricing, I had to make sure that my data set would be diverse enough.
To do this, I queried Google for every U.S. state using the following command: “Lash Lift + [ STATE ]”.
For each state, I selected up to 5 lash salons.
Step #3: Salon Eligibility
To be included in my research, a salon had to meet the following criteria:
- The salon must offer lash lifts. This should be stated explicitly on their website.
- The salon must have a U.S.-based website with pricing information.
If a salon met all the criteria, I would add its name and website to my data set.
Step #4: Collecting the Data and Calculating Statistics
Now that I had a list of eligible salons, it was time to start collecting the data.
For each salon in my list, I would navigate to the salon’s website, find the pricing page and collect that data.
Then, using Excel, I calculated the following statistics:
- Minimum Price
- Maximum Price
- Average
- Median
- Standard Deviation
I was able to get these 5 metrics for my whole data, grouped by states and grouped by cities.
What Factors Influence Lash Lift Prices?
Although the average cost of a lash lift in the US is around $112, you’ll be charged anything from $65 to $210 depending on the following 4 factors:
- #1: Location
- #2: Lash tech’s experience
- #3: Type of lash lift
- #4: Add-ons
Let’s look into how these factors shape what you’ll be charged for a lash lift.
#1: Location
If you live somewhere big and buzzy, your lash lift will likely have a higher price tag than if you call a smaller city or town your home.
You’ll find lash lifts on the higher end of the price spectrum in spots like New York, LA, and Washington DC, where the cost of living is sky-high, and you’ll be charged less where things aren’t as pricy, like in Delaware’s resort town Rehoboth Beach.
#2: Lash Tech’s Experience
Sought-after certified lash techs who’ve been wowing clients with their skills for years tend to charge more for their work than techs who’re just getting started in the lash biz.1
#3: Type Of Lash Lift
Three types of lash lift most commonly performed are the standard lash lift, a keratin lash lift, and a lash lift at home.2
- A standard lash lift (sometimes called LVL which stands for length, volume, and lift) is the most popular and involves straightening your natural lashes with a curved silicone rod or shield, then applying a lifting solution to your lashes. After that, a setting lotion helps keep your new shape in place as your lashes dry and set.
- A keratin lash lift is similar to a standard lash lift but uses a different type of setting solution that contains keratin. This can help give your lashes extra nourishment and protection.
- A lash lift at home is done with a DIY kit you can purchase online or in a beauty store. These usually cost around $40 and come with everything you need for the lash lift, including a lash perm solution, a setting lotion, and lash curlers.
Out of the 3 options, the keratin lift will be the most expensive, followed by the standard lash lift and the DYI option.
These lash lifts at-home kits are the cheapest you’ll find – you can buy a kit online for as little as $12.99. But at-home lash lifts come with hidden costs.
For at-home lash lifts, you need to keep your eyes closed during the procedure. Shutting your peepers stops the solutions from getting in, where they can cause harm, but it also stops you from seeing what you’re doing while you’re attempting a lash lift on yourself.
Do your own lash lift, and your risks of eye damage and disappointing results soar. It’s double the danger if you also try to dye your lashes.
Pro Tip: If you’re into DIY lash lifts, check out my article on the best lash lift kits you can use at home.
#4: Add-Ons
Many salons offer services that complement the lash lift’s results. These services often come at an additional cost.
The most popular add-on is a lash tint. A lash tint can be performed after the lift to darken your lashes. This procedure makes your lashes stand out better, especially if they’re naturally light-colored.
A lash tint generally costs between $20 and $40. Though, you’ll come across the odd salon charging more or less than these averages. Again, it’s the big-city salons that tend to charge higher prices. Some salons offer a lash-and-tint combo at a discounted price.
Other extras that might add to your bill (if you choose to buy them) include:
- Lash-nourishing treatments
- Lash care products to take home
- Patch tests.
A patch test is performed about 48 hours before your lash lift to make sure you’re not allergic to any of the products used during the procedure. These tests are often free, but some salons charge for them.
Always ask your salon about extra services or package deals before you book.
Why Getting Lash Lifts Pays off Long-Term
Lash lifts are an investment. You might pay a little more upfront for the procedure, but you’ll save money in the long run.
How?
Lash lifts are low-maintenance. Once you’ve had the treatment, you can go 6 to 8 weeks without having to do anything to your lashes – no curling, no tinting, no nothing.
Lifted lashes are also completely natural. You don’t need to worry about attaching fibers like lash extensions or falsies to your lashes.
So if you look at the pros and cons of lash lifts and compare the cost of lash lifts vs lash extensions vs falsies, you’ll find that lash lifts offer the best value for your money.
Can I Save Money by Doing a Lash Lift at Home?
Let’s cut to the chase.
Of course, you will save money by doing a lash lift at home – you can find lash lift kits for a lot cheaper than the 100$ a salon would charge.
But is it worth the risk?
There are clear downsides to doing lash lifts at home, and I think it’s important for you to know them before trying this out.
- Eye damage is a real possibility when doing a lash lift at home. The chemicals used in the solutions are strong, and if they get in your eyes, they can cause serious irritation.
- There’s a good chance you won’t be happy with the results, either. Lash lifts are delicate procedures that require a steady hand and a lot of experience. If you don’t have these things, you’re likely to end up with lopsided, uneven lashes. You will simply have to wait for the eyelash growth cycle to complete before attempting a new lift.
- You need to be aware of the possibility of infection. If you don’t sterilize your tools properly or if you don’t follow the instructions to a T, you could end up with an infection that could lead to serious health problems.
So what’s the verdict?
I would recommend against doing a lash lift at home. The risks are just too high for me. I prefer the salon experience knowing that I’ll get great results without damaging my eyes or putting my health at risk.
Having said that, I have friends that did lash lifts at home with great success. So I guess it depends on your level of skill and experience.
If you do decide to go ahead with a home lash lift, make sure you do your research and buy a good-quality lash lift kit.
Should You Tip For A Lash Lift?
It’s entirely up to you whether you give your lash tech a tip after they’ve applied your lash lift.
Tipping your tech is one way to show you appreciate their care in creating your new lashes, but if you need to be frugal, don’t feel pressurized to dish out more than you can.
Seeing your delight when you first look at your results will be enough reward for the lash tech who crafted your lashes!
Suppose you’re not delighted with your service or lash lift results. In this case, the only tip I suggest you give is a few wise words on the importance of customer service.
If you want to tip your lash tech, how much you give is your choice.
As a comparison point, Divine Lashes clients tend to tip between 17 and 27% for their lash lifts. Clients who love their new lashes and feel flush tip more, and clients on a budget tip less.
If you’re clueless about how much to tip, you could take tipping standards for the US beauty industry as a guide. The generally accepted amount to tip is around 20%.
Final Thoughts
Lash lifts are an investment, so you want to be sure you’re putting your money into a lash lift that will give you the results you desire.
Lash lifts usually cost around $100, though the cost can range from $65 to $210.
Prices in big cities tend to be higher than in towns with lower living costs. You’ll also pay more for a lash lift applied by a master lash tech and for lifts that include extras like keratin or volumizing treatments or a tint.
Phone around to compare prices in your area before you settle on a salon. And be aware that higher prices aren’t always a sign of excellence.
You’ll get a better idea of a salon’s quality of work by looking at photos of past clients’ results and reading reviews than by reviewing their pricing.
I’m curious to know – have you had a lash lift? What did you think of it, and how much did it cost you? Let me know in the comments below!
References
- ZipRecruiter (2022). Eyelash Technician Salary. Retrieved from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Eyelash-Technician-Salary (31 May 2022)
- Meg Walters – medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP (2022). How Long Does a Lash Lift Last? Plus, What to Expect from Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-a-lash-lift-last (31 May 2022)