If you’ve got short, straight lashes, I feel you! My lashes are tiny and super straight, and I know the struggle of trying to make them look fabulously fluttery. My short lashes are genetic, so I won’t suddenly grow a pair like Bambi’s, but can I at least curl them to make them look more attractive? Can short lashes get a lash lift?

Most short lashes can get a lash lift; however, the lashes should be at least 4mm long for the procedure to be effective. Lashes are lifted at the root to make them appear longer. A lash lift is not advisable if the short lash length is because of damage and breakage. 

I’m proof that short lashes can get a lash lift. I have mine lifted regularly. And so are all the clients whose little eyelashes I’ve lifted during the decade I’ve been in the lash game. That said, it’s trickier lifting short lashes, and there are red flags you must know before proceeding.

I’ll share everything I’ve learned about lifting short eyelashes from my experience as a lash tech and lash-lift regular. Let’s start!

Can You Get a Lash Lift With Short Lashes?

It can be done: short lashes can be lifted!

Having said that, doing a lash lift on shorties requires more sills and should only be done by a certified lash artist that has experience doing such procedures. I will go over the various challenges you will face lifting short eyelashes below.

See how Arpine from Enipra Beauty lifted beauty influencer Amanda Kokoeva’s little lashes (yup, some of the most beautiful women fall short in the lash department!) with stunning results. 

Lash lifts have 2 major perks for short eyelashes:

• Perk #1: Lash lifts make short lashes look longer. The eyelashes are lifted at the root to make the whole lash visible, creating the illusion of extra length. A lash lift & tint combo can boost the lengthening effect by darkening sun-bleached tips so you can see the entire lash. 
• Perk #2: Lash lifts remove the need for eyelash curlers. Many curlers aren’t made for short lash hair, so they don’t always work how you want them to or can pinch your eyelids as you clamp down (ouch!). A lash lift curls your eyelashes for weeks without pain or daily upkeep.

Challenges of Lifting Short Eyelashes (Step-By-Step)

Lifting short lashes does bring challenges, though. To understand how trouble can arise, you must know a bit about how a lash lift is done. 

Here’s a glance at the main lash lift steps and common problems with working with short lashes. 

Step #1

A lash tech assesses the lashes to see whether they’re right for a lash lift. They’ll check if they are long and healthy enough for the procedure. 

Enter problem #1: The tech might identify 2 factors that make lifting short lashes a bad idea.

Factor 1: They are too short. They need to be at least 4mm long.

Factor 2: They are short, not because they’re naturally like that, but because they’re so damaged they’ve snapped. A lash lift won’t work well on lashes shorter than 4mm, and processing damaged hair strands will make them a frizzy mess.

Step #2

The tech shapes the lashes using a silicone pad called a shield. It’s the shield that gives lashes their lift and curl. 

Enter problem #2: The tech needs to find a shield small enough for the lashes. When they are brushed over the shield, their tips should go to the end without going over the edge. If eyelashes only reach halfway across the shield, it’s too big. And if the shield is too big, the lashes won’t lift properly. Luckily many manufacturers make extra-small shields to accommodate even the smallest ones

Step #3

The tech sticks lashes to the shield with glue so they’ll stay put and take on the right shape. 

Enter problem #3: Getting super-short lashes to stick to the shield is tricky. There’s not much lash length to give a good grip, so lashes can keep flicking off the shield. Applying tons of glue isn’t the fix because too much glue can stop the next step (softening and reshaping the lashes) from working. 

Step #4

The tech applies a softening solution to the lashes to make them flexible so they can be lifted and curled. 

Enter problem #4: The softening solution should only get onto about a third of the lash length (from the root up). But it’s challenging keeping the solution to only a third of the length when lashes are teeny tiny. If the whole lash length is covered in solution, lashes can get overprocessed and damaged.  

Step #5

The tech applies a setting solution to the lashes to lock in their new lifted, curled shape. Next, the lashes get a slick of nourishing oil to bring out their luscious best. Short lashes shouldn’t create problems during this step. 

So, although short lashes can be lifted, they need to be handled by an expert lash tech. A certified, licensed lash pro with lots of lash lift experience can create stunning results with long or short lashes. 

How to Make Lashes Longer Before a Lash Lift

The longer your lashes, the more dramatic your lash lift results. So, you might be interested in stretching yours before your procedure.

Cool fact! Most people’s lashes don’t grow longer than 12mm¹. 

Here are 4 lash-lengthening tips you can try:

• Tip #1: Apply a lash growth serum or DIY serum to your lashes. 
• Tip #2: Keep your lashes healthy by gently washing them and brushing them with a spoolie or clean mascara wand daily. Plus, never sleep in eye makeup!
• Tip #3: Show your eyelashes TLC – no rubbing or tugging. 
• Tip #4: Nourish your eyelashes from the inside out. Eat enough protein, veggies (especially leafy greens), and healthy fats (like avocado and nuts). Biotin and collagen supplements might also help get lashes strong for healthy growth².

Final Thoughts

If lashes are healthy and longer than 4mm, they can get a lash lift boost! However, it’s more difficult lifting shorties, so save this job for a lash pro with experience working with all lengths. Ask to see pics of their results so you’ll be confident they’re up for the task.

Apply lash growth serum, groom your lashes, and eat nutrient-rich foods to help your hair follicles grow so they can lift to great heights!

– Asako

References 

1. Harmony Folse (2018). Are Long Eyelashes a Genetic Trait? Retrieved from https://www.thetech.org/ask-a-geneticist/long-eyelash-genetics (Accessed on 4 September 2022)
2. Meg Walters – medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP (2021). Everything You Need to Know to Get Healthy, Long Eyelashes. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/everything-you-need-to-know-to-get-healthy-long-eyelashes (Accessed on 4 September 2022)