A professional lash lift will cost you about $112 (though, prices can be closer to $200 at salons in some areas). Is this money well spent or wasted? Are lash lifts worth it?
You’re more likely to find lash lifts a worthwhile investment if your lashes grow straight or downward, you want natural-looking curled lashes, or you currently use a lash curler. If you want to fill out or lengthen your lashes, you might be disappointed with the results and there are better alternatives.
I know what confidence-booster beautiful lashes are – good hair day? Just wait till you experience a good lash day!
I want you to be thrilled with your new lashes and feel they’re worth every cent, so before you have a lash lift done, read my top reasons you’ll likely consider the procedure a must-do or a do-without.
(Plus, I’ll share tips for getting the most bang for your buck!)
Why Lash Lifts Are Worth It (Yeah!)
These are the top 5 reasons you’ll give lash lifts a yes… and 5 reasons you might rather give them a miss.
You’ll find lash lifts so worth it if:
- #1: You want to look gorgeous 24/7.
- #2: Your lashes grow straight or downward.
- #3: You’re a big fan of the “no-makeup” makeup look.
- #4: You’re keen to shave time off your beauty routine.
- #5: You want to give your lashes a break from daily styling.
- #6: You can sleep with them.
- #7: You can wait for long-term payoffs.
Look Gorgeous 24/7
Lash lifts will enhance the appearance of your natural lashes by lifting them at the base. This lash enhancement procedure is designed to open up your eyes and draw attention to your best features.
You’ll look drop-dead gorgeous day and night without having to apply mascara, take care of extensions or really take care of anything. Your curled lashes will last for up to 8 weeks and that’s it! Set and forget.
Your Lashes Grow Straight or Downward
Lashes can grow straight, downward, or upward. Quickly check yours in the mirror.
If your lashes grow straight or downward, a lash lift will give them a more satisfying makeover than if they grow upward.
You’re a Big Fan of The “No-Makeup” Makeup Look
Is dewy skin, bright eyes, rosy cheeks, and glossy pout your idea of a winning look? You know, an enhanced yet still natural-looking you?
Then you’ll likely love how lash lifts bring out the best in your natural lashes. Your newly lifted, curled lashes will perfectly fit your polished, fresh-faced beauty vibe.
You’re Keen To Shave Time Off Your Beauty Routine
Get a lash lift, and you can say bye-bye to your lash curler for up to two months. If your daily grooming includes clamping your curler, a lash lift will free up a few minutes for you each day.
Skip the swipe of mascara, and you’ll have more minutes to spare. If you’re like me, the possibility of extra sleeping time will instantly sell you on lash lifts!
You Want To Give Your Lashes a Break From Daily Styling
You have a lash lift once and then enjoy the results for weeks. During this time, you can give your lashes a holiday from daily curling, coats of mascaras, and being wiped with makeup remover, which should help them get healthier and stronger – especially if you condition them on the reg with a moisturizer like castor oil.
You Can Sleep With Them
Unlike other lash enhancement products that lash a day, lash lifts are meant to last for weeks.
For example, if you’ve ever worn strip lashes, you know they should be removed at the end of the day if you want to preserve the health of your natural lashes. Keeping them at night is a big no-no.
But what about a lash lift?
Since there’s nothing attached to your lash line, there’s nothing to worry about while sleeping! You can doze off peacefully knowing your beautifully curled and lifted lashes will be exactly the same the next morning.
Pro Tip: Make sure to read my article about how to sleep with a lash lift to keep your eyelashes lifted for as long as possible.
You Can Wait For Long-Term Payoffs
Think of a lash lift as something you invest in now to save money over time.
Your results can last for as long as 8 weeks – that’s days and days of waking up with your lashes looking good to go. While you can apply mascara for a little something extra, you might decide your lashes look on point as is, saving dollars that would have gone toward your old lash-enhancing staple.
Why Lash Lifts Are a Do-Without (No!)
You might find lash lifts disappointing if:
- #1: You ignore aftercare right after your procedure.
- #2: You have sparse, super-short, or damaged lashes.
- #3: Your lashes have a natural curl.
- #4: You want an extreme lash makeover.
- #5: You have eye or skin sensitivities.
You Ignore Aftercare Right After Your Procedure
Lash lift results take two days to set. Water, steam, and makeup are all no-goes for the 24 hours your lashes are setting.
If you snub aftercare guidelines right after your lash lift, you might spoil your results or lose them too soon, making the procedure a letdown.
You Have Sparse, Super-Short, or Damaged Lashes
Lash lifts can work well on most lashes, but the results won’t be stellar on these three types:
- Sparse lashes. If you’ve got just a few lash fibers framing your eyes, you might need the added fullness lash extensions give on top of the lift and curl.
- Super-short lashes. Lashes need to be at least 4mm long to be successfully curled.
- Damaged lashes. Processing stressed-out lashes isn’t a good idea. Get them in better shape with castor oil or a nourishing serum before you have a lash lift.
Pro tip:
Your Lashes Have A Natural Curl
Suppose your lashes grow upward into a natural curl (lucky you!). Depending on how tight your natural curl is, you might not notice much difference after a lash lift. So, you might be underwhelmed by your before and after.
You Want an Extreme Lash Makeover
If you’re dreaming of flaunting lashes like Kim K’s or Lady Gaga’s, you might be in for a letdown. No amount of lifting and curling will give your lashes that sort of boost!
Lash lifts help your natural lashes reach their full potential but don’t add length or fullness. For a dramatic reveal, lash extensions might be your better bet.
Lash lift vs lash extensions is a headed debate and both procedures have their pros and cons!
You Have Eye or Skin Sensitivities
A handful of eye and skin conditions can spell trouble when combined with a lash lift.
You’re at higher risk of a bad reaction to the procedure if you have allergies, sensitive eyes or skin, an eye infection, or chronic dry or watery eyes2.
Tell your lash tech about your condition and have a patch test to see how your body responds to the chemicals used in the procedure.
Can You Boost Your Lash Lift Value?
You’re spending good money on a lash lift. It’s only natural you want the most out of it. I’ve got 4 tips for getting max value from your lash lift.
Tip #1: Look After Your Lashes For Longer-Lasting Results
You can stretch your lash lift’s lifespan by following simple aftercare rules straight after your procedure and in the following weeks. More days of lifted lashes = more value (score!).
Tip #2: Add a Tint For Extra Impact
Having your lashes darkened after they’re lifted will give bigger results, especially if your natural lashes are blonde or light-colored.
Salons usually charge extra for the tint (on average, between $20 and $40), but these dollars could mean you get to put mascara on pause.
Most lash salons offer both procedures together as a “lash lift and tint” appointment.
Tip #3: Customize Your Curl
Lash lifts can create different curls, from loose and natural to tight and doll-like.
Choose your curl to flatter your eye shape and lashes to up the chance you’ll be thrilled with your results (your lash tech will give tips for picking the curl that will work best).
Tip #4: Go To a Pro
Have your lash lift done by someone who knows what they’re doing and can prove it (read: a certified, experienced lash tech with a portfolio packed with photos of flawless results), and you’ll likely get long-lasting swoon-worthy results.
Final Thoughts
Although the average lash lift price is $112, they are worth every penny when you compare them to other lash enhancement treatments. Moreover, they present several key benefits over them.
If you’re keen to ditch your lash curler but still want lifted, curled lashes day after day, you’ll likely be a lash lift fan. On the flip side, if you want traffic-stopping lash fullness and length, you might feel bummed out by the results.
Ultimately, I think the pros outweigh the cons by a significant margin when it comes to lash lifts. What about you, what’s your verdict?
– Asako