Lash Lift Do’s and Don’ts – (43 Rules You Must Know)

Almost everyone who comes to me for a lash lift asks what they should and shouldn’t do after their procedure to keep their lashes lifted longer. There are lots of lash lift do’s and don’ts – actually, I’ve thought of 43!

Some are biggies (likely to make or break your lift and curl), while others have less power over your results. But every rule, tip, and guideline helps keep your lashes fabulous.

I’ll make it easy for you to care for your lash lift and dodge common mistakes with an ultimate guide to lash lift do’s and don’ts. Everything you want to know about lash lift must-dos and no-nos is here.

Dive right in (and save this post for later…) 

Lash Lift Do’s And Don’ts You Must Know 

Before I throw the complete list of do’s and don’ts your way, here’s a glance at the essentials (in case you like keeping things simple). 

This list doesn’t cover all the bases, but it should help you get by:

• Don’t expose your lashes to water, heat, steam, makeup, or skincare products for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, don’t apply waterproof mascara and other long-wear eye makeup. And don’t use oil-based products or handle your lashes roughly.
• Do gently wash your lashes with a mild, oil-free cleanser, brush them with a spoolie or clean mascara wand when dry, and condition them with nourishing oil or a good lash serum. 

Now, for lifted lash lovers with tons of burning questions about mistakes to avoid and precautions to take, here’s the full list of lash lift do’s and don’ts.

Lash Lift Do’s You Must Know 

Add these to your to-do list – all the things that add to lash lift success.

Do: 

1. Have a patch test before your lash lift if you have allergies or sensitive eyes or skin. 
2. Get your doctor’s go-ahead before having a lash lift if you’ve recently had eye surgery or have glaucoma or cataracts.
3. Chat with your doc to make sure it’s safe for you to have a lash lift if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. 
4. Have your lash lift done by a licensed lash technician (and check out their portfolio first).  
5. Keep your eyes tightly shut throughout your procedure. 
6. Apply nourishing oil to your lashes daily to keep them healthy and luscious (coconut and castor oils are top picks). Or use a good-quality lash serum – here are tips for choosing one that works.
7. DIY an all-natural lash serum to keep your lashes in top condition.  
8. Sleep on a smooth pillowcase – go for satin or silk. And change it regularly (at least weekly).
9. Be familiar with warning signs of an allergic reaction to a lash lift.
10. Wash your lashes gently with a mild, oil-free cleanser daily.
11. Brush your lashes with a spoolie brush or a clean mascara wand to keep them neat and separated. 
12. Wait a month minimum between lash lifts (and at least 8 weeks if you have them regularly). 
13. Feel free to swim, shower, wash your face, and enjoy all your fave water activities after the first 24 hours. 
14. Stop wearing waterproof mascara 2 to 3 days before your lash lift, and stop applying regular mascara a day or 2 before your procedure. 
15. Stop using your eyelash curler 24 hours before your lash lift.
16. Arrive at your session with clean lashes. 
17. Ask your lash tech what the procedure involves before you book. Find out if you’ll have a lash perm or lift and if your procedure includes extras like a protein treatment or tint. 
18. Take out your contacts before your procedure (this isn’t a strict do, but it’s the safer move). 
19. Tell your lash tech whether you want a softer, looser curl or something tighter and more dramatic.
20. Choose a keratin lash lift for a strengthening protein boost. 
21. Have your lower lashes lifted for double the eye-opening and brightening power. 
22. Ask for a lash-lift-and-tint combo to darken your lashes and fake a mascara look. 
23. Know that your lash lift might not last as long as your friend’s. Results last from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how you look after your lashes after your procedure and how fast your lashes grow. 
24. Follow aftercare instructions – especially in the 24 hours after your procedure. 
25. Know that your lash lift will cost more or less, depending on where you live, which salon you go to, your lash tech’s experience, and what your procedure includes (plus, know that tipping is optional and you choose how much to give).

Lash Lift Don’ts You Must Know 

Sidestep common mistakes that could spoil your lash lift.

Don’t: 

1. Avoid false lashes with your lash lift.
2. Sleep in your eye makeup. 
3. Expose your lashes to water,  extreme heat, or steam within 24 hours of your lash lift.
4. Shower until 24 hours after your procedure.
5. Apply makeup in the first 24 hours.
6. Curl your lashes after your lash lift.
7. Try to do a lash lift on yourself.
8. Have a lash lift if your lashes are damaged or super sparse. 
9. Have a lash lift if you have an eye condition like pinkeye or a stye. 
10. Apply oil-based skincare or makeup to your eye area.
11. Wear long-lasting eye makeup, like waterproof mascara. 
12. Rub, tug, or play with your lashes.
13. Think you’re too old for a lash lift. Beautiful lashes look good on everyone!
14. Expect a lash lift to lengthen your lashes or fill up your lash line (that’s what lash extensions are for). Lash Lifts work with your natural lashes. 
15. Sleep on your face and press your lashes into your pillow.
16. Cry in the 24 hours after your procedure (if you can help it!). Plus, avoid triggers for watery eyes during this time. 
17. Let someone inexperienced and untrained do your lash lift. This procedure is only safe when done by lash pros with strong lash lift skills. 
18. Panic if you have a bad lash lift (think: lashes that are overly lifted or too curly). Results don’t last forever – there are speedy and slower fixes for lash lifts gone wrong. 

Key Takeaways

Lash lifts are low-maintenance, but there are several (43 to be exact!) do’s and don’ts for keeping tip-top results for as long as possible. 

With this epic checklist, you’ll never lose sleep wondering if you should or shouldn’t do something to look after your lash lift – just check the list, and you’ll know!

– Asako