You’ve heard there’s a procedure that curls your lashes for weeks (no eyelash curlers or mascara needed), and you want in! So, you’ve been researching lash salon offerings in your area. Some salon menus call the procedure a lash lift, and others say it’s a lash perm.

You’re confused. Are lifts and perms the same thing? Or does one outshine the other (if so, that’s the one you’ll go for!).

The lash lift and perm are similar procedures, so getting them mixed up is easy. But they have differences – including their results.

Let’s look at what makes the lash lift and perm the same and what sets them apart to see if one comes out tops.

What’s the Difference Between a Lash Lift and a Lash Perm?

Lash lifts and lash perms are two procedures that semi-permanently curl natural lashes. The lash lift is a more modern and effective version of the lash perm. These procedures use different techniques, tools, and products to achieve their results.

Because of their similarities, people often use the terms “lash lift” and “lash perm” interchangeably. However, there are some key differences.

In this article, I’ll compare these two procedures so you can decide if a lash lift or perm is right for you.

Lash Lift Vs Lash Perm – How We’ll Compare Them

The lash lift and lash perm will go head-to-head based on these 6 criteria:

• #1: Application
• #2: Results
• #3: How long it takes
• #4: How long it lasts
• #5: Cost
• #6: Aftercare

May the best lash enhancement treatment win!

#1: Application

Lash Lift

Lashes are combed over and stuck onto silicone pads called shields.

Then a softening solution is brushed on to lift the lashes from the root and reshape them into an upward curl. The solution is applied to about a third of the lash length, from the root up. Its job is to break the lashes’ protein bonds, so they take on the shields’ shape and grow up instead of out.¹

Bonus: Many lash lift solutions contain a protein called keratin to give lashes a strengthening boost.

Next, a setting solution is applied to fix the lashes’ new shape.

Before the big reveal, lashes get a slick of nourishing oil to make them look oh-so healthy and glossy.

A popular choice is to combine a lash lift and lash tint. The tint darkens lashes for extra definition (this is for you if you want to fake a mascara look).

Lash Perm

A lash perm is similar to the procedure that gives you a headful of bouncy curls!

Lashes are attached to and curled around cylindrical rods (yep, like curlers).

A perming solution is then applied to break the lashes’ protein bonds and make them curled for weeks.² The solution is usually applied to the entire lash length.

How They Compare

The lash lift and perm use different techniques, products, and tools to create a lasting lash curl.

Lifts use shields (and many use a special protein-fortified solution) to reshape lashes, whereas perms use rods and an alkaline solution. The solution is applied to the bottom third of the lashes during a lift and the entire lash length during a perm.

And the winner is… The lash lift. This procedure stands out because it does what the perm does… better! It’s also less damaging to lashes than the perm, thanks to its protein-packed solution and application to just the bottom part of lashes.

#2: Results

Lash Lift

Lash lifts not only curl lashes but also lifts them from the root for wide-eyed prettiness. Lifting lashes at the root also makes them look longer.

You can choose your curl. If you want a natural-looking, loose curl, lash lifts can create this for you. Suppose you want something more dramatic. Well, lash lifts can also give you a tighter, more attention-grabbing curl.

Lash Perm 

Lash perms also give lashes flirty curls, but without the lift.

You can customize your perm curl, but all curls tend to come out tighter than those lifts create.

Permed lashes can often look over-curled, actually. And this effect can make lashes look shorter.

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How They Compare

Lash lift and perm results aren’t drastically different, but the procedures’ tools and techniques create unique lash looks. Whereas the perm’s rods curl the whole lash, from root to tip, the lift raises lashes at the root and creates a more subtle curl.

And the winner is… The last lift. This procedure scores extra points for being more customizable than the lash perm and for its enviable lash-lifting effect.

#3: How Long it Takes

Lash Lift

The whole lash lift appointment takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

Lash Perm

You’ll be out of the salon within 45 minutes to an hour for a lash perm.

How They Compare

Both procedures take close to an hour. The appointment time depends on the duration of your consultation and prep. Arriving at your appointment with clean lashes and going to a lash artist who knows you and what you want will cut your time at the salon.

And the winner is… it’s a tie!

#4: How Long it Lasts

Lash Lift

Expect to rock curled lashes for a month or 2 after having a lash lift.

Many factors influence how long your results last. For example, looking after your lashes will give you more days of curl. On the flip side, if your lashes are fast-growers, your results won’t last as long (at least you’ve got healthy lashes!).

Lash Perm

Lash perm results also last for 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how well you care for your lashes after your procedure and how fast they grow.

How They Compare

Lash lift and perm results generally last from 1 to 2 months. Though, how long you keep your curl comes down to your specific lashes and how you treat them.

And the winner is… it’s a tie!

#5: Cost

Lash Lift

Your lash lift will take up about $100 of your beauty budget. However, you’ll be charged higher prices at some big-city salons or if you choose to have optional add-ons like a tint or conditioning treatment.

Lash Perm

A lash perm will set you back a bit less than $100 on average. The price varies according to the salon you visit and your lash tech’s experience.

How They Compare

There’s no significant difference between the costs of a lash lift and perm, though perms tend to be cheaper.

And the winner is… The lash lift. Although a lash lift might have a slightly higher price tag than a perm, it’s money well-spent on a procedure that can give better results and cause less damage.

#6: Aftercare

Lash Lift

There are strict rules to follow for 24 hours after your lash lift, and then you can go back to how you usually do things with just a few tweaks.

Keep your lashes away from makeup, cosmetics, water, heat, steam, sweat, and tears for the first day.

Learn more about wearing makeup, showering, and crying after a lash lift and how to make your results last.

Lash Perm

You also need to protect your newly curled lashes from makeup, cosmetics, water, heat, steam, sweat, and tears for 24 hours after your lash perm.

After the first 24 hours, your lashes are as low-maintenance as lash lift lashes.

How They Compare

Both lash lifts and perms need TLC for 24 hours after the procedure. Then aftercare is easy.

And the winner is… it’s a tie!

Lash Lift vs Lash Perm – Who’s The Winner?

Let’s put the lash lift and perm side by side so we can easily spot the lash superstar.

Lash Lift vs Lash Perm	Lash Lift	Lash Perm	The Winner
Application	Uses silicone shields to lift from the root and curl lashes	Uses rods to curl lashes	Lash lift – it’s the newer and less damaging way to curl lashes for weeks!
Results	Lashes are lifted and curled to make them look longer, and eyes look brighter	Lashes are given an amazing curl. Though, perms can create an OTT curl that makes lashes look shorter	Lash lift – nothing beats that lash-elevating effect!
Time Taken To Apply	45 to 60 minutes	45 to 60 minutes	It’s a tie!
How Long It Lasts	4 to 8 weeks	4 to 8 weeks	It’s a tie!
Cost	About $100	A little less than $100	Lash lift – it gives you more bang for your buck (even if you pay a few more dollars)
Aftercare	Strict rules for the first 24 hours, then low-maintenance	Strict rules for the first 24 hours, then low-maintenance	It’s a tie!

Key Takeaways

The lash lift is the clear winner of the Lash Lift Vs Lash Perm Clash. It creates the results you want while being kinder to lashes. There are even simple steps you can take to make your lash lift more dramatic.

Moreover, I’ve seen very few salons offering the lash perm treatment nowadays because the lash lift has become so popular.

Be informed before you book your lash-enhancing procedure. Ask if you’re not sure what you’ll get when you arrive at the salon. Find out whether the procedure uses shields or rods and includes protein and other nourishing ingredients. You’ll have your curl for up to 2 months, so make it the most fabulous curl around!

References

1. Celia Vimont – medically reviewed by Rebecca J Taylor, MD (2019). Know the Risks of Eyebrow and Eyelash Enhancement. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/eyebrow-eyelash-coloring-could-harm-your-vision (Accessed on 12 July 2022)
2. See reference 1