I have been amazed at what different cosmetic treatments have done for my confidence. I  always feel beautiful, but going to a salon, getting pampered, and leaving with my favorite features enhanced has had a positive effect on my mental health, the likes of which I never imagined. 

I like to think of it as the ultimate form of self-care. I feel like I am indulging while I’m at the salon, because I am in the care of a qualified beauty professional. The benefits last long after I leave, too.

Afterwards, I get to relish in a new glow of confidence. This confidence makes me look better, sure, but most importantly, it makes me feel better. So when it comes to microblading, eyelash extensions, and similar procedures, it always feels like a win-win. Maybe the best treatment of them all, though, is a lash lift.

I love my lashes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t use a lift every once in a while. In that way, I relate to my lashes. After all, sometimes I need a pick-me-up too. Okay, before I personify eyelashes too much, let’s get into what exactly a lash lift is, what the process is like, and if it could be right for you.

In essence, a lash lift is a kind of lash perm. This is because lash lifts use the same technology that is found in perms. Whether the solution is used in your hair or on your eyelashes, it’s all about taking your natural curl pattern and retraining it to look how you want. When perming hair, this may take the form of many tight curls. When using a similar compound in lash lifts, however, the name of the game is changing the hair’s usual angle. 

Many people have eyelashes that tend to grow more horizontally than vertically, meaning that they have a full lash line but not a particularly curled one. Eyelash curling accomplishes the goal of making your lashes point more upward rather than forward, but this fix will fall and fade over the course of the day. For people who are looking for a more long-term option, lash lifts are perfect.

Getting lash lifts regularly makes my mornings go so much faster. I personally can’t get enough of the way I look with my lashes curled as much as possible. I immediately look infinitely more awake, literally in the blink of an eye. Any late nights spent working, with friends, watching movies, simply being unable to sleep, or getting in some very necessary self-care time can be nearly erased by curling my lashes.

While this already felt like a handy and elegant life hack, there were times in the morning that I would not want to take the extra minute to curl my lashes. In addition, during the day, I would inevitably catch a quick glimpse of myself in the mirror and realize that my previously luscious lashes had largely lost their luster. Yes, I am proud of the alliteration in that sentence. No, that does not take away from the overall point.

With lash lifts, these issues have become things of the past. Mornings are so much faster, so I can get up and get out the door in a breeze. Nowadays, if I catch a midday glimpse of myself, I get to revel in my effortlessly gorgeous lashes and know that they will stay that way. If all of this sounds great to you, you certainly are not alone. 

Now, you may have some questions about what getting a lash lift is actually like. Well, stick around because we have some answers.

A lash lift is a treatment where you feel truly pampered each and every step of the way. From walking into the salon to weeks later still sporting my ideal lashes, it all feels like a dream come true. 

After arriving at your appointment, the first step is to sit down with your lash specialist and discuss exactly what it is you are looking for. Do you want your eyelashes as upright as possible? Do you prefer your lashes at more of an angle?

The two of you will discuss your natural lashes, as well as their curl pattern and sparsity or denseness. These are all important factors when it comes to making your eyelashes as perfect as possible. Once you have settled on a plan of action that is both achievable and beautiful, it is finally time to begin the process itself.

You will lie back, close your eyes, and prepare to indulge. This treatment can actually be so relaxing that it is not uncommon for people to fall asleep in the middle of having it done. While I have never gotten quite that far, it’s been a close thing once or twice. 

Your specialist will remove any eye makeup or other build-up from your eye, ensuring a totally clean surface to work on. This will allow the solution to fully adhere to your lashes, so your results will be wonderful every time.

Once your eyelids and lashes are clean, a piece of silicone will be applied to your upper lid. This pad serves two purposes. For one, it gives any extra solution a place to fall other than your skin. For another thing, it gives your lashes something to adhere to when it is time to point them vertically. Next, your lashes are gently brushed upward and stuck to the silicone pad. 

Now it is time for the curling solution itself to be applied. This solution works to remove the hairs’ natural curl pattern so that it can be retrained to be even more beautiful. Your lashes will be curled to the desired angle you and your specialist discussed beforehand, and you are almost done! 

A calming solution is now applied to your lashes, locking in their new curl pattern. After that, a moisturizing agent may or may not be applied to your lashes. It simply depends on your lashes, your technician, and their process.

Total, the process generally takes about forty-five minutes to an hour. When you consider how long the treatment can last (more on that later), that time commitment seems increasingly minimal.

Lash lifts are right for anyone who wants to see what life would be like with effortlessly curled lashes. Whether you are someone who curls their eyelashes several times a day, or only on special occasions, whether you never leave the house without mascara, or have never seen a spoolie in your life, everyone can benefit from a lash lift. 

If you have a special occasion coming up, a lash lift can be a wonderful way to commemorate the occasion and make sure you look your absolute best in any pictures. While any irritation is unlikely, it is probably best to get your lash lift done a few days before the event, just in case. 

That said, there certainly does not have to be a special occasion coming up for you to get a well-deserved lash lift. I have found they make my everyday life so much more glamorous and easy. I never have to think about how my lashes have fallen during the day or if they are making me look less awake and alert than I would like.

For those who are constant mascara users, lash tints are a treatment often paired with lash lifts. Where a lash lift focuses entirely on curling the lash upward, some people may still have eyelashes that are a bit lighter in hue than they would like. That, or you want to feel like you just perfectly applied a fresh coat of mascara all the time without any risk of smudging or fallout. Lash tints use a safe dye to darken your lashes, and pairing them with a lash lift can be the ultimate elegant time saver.

One of my absolute favorite aspects of getting a lash lift is that it is relatively long-lasting. Results from lash lifts can last six to eight weeks, depending on your aftercare regimen and your natural eyelash growth cycle. 

While your hair’s growth cycle is not something you can change, you do have a great deal of control over how diligent you are about caring for your newly lifted lashes. Luckily, we have some tips on how to keep your treated eyelashes long and luscious for longer.

– Avoid eye makeup for 24 hours

– Do not get your eyelashes wet for a day after your treatment

– Keep swimming to a minimum

– Stay away from overly hot and humid climates when possible

– Do not sleep on your stomach

Lash lifts are a wonderful, easy way to remind yourself that you deserve to indulge and feel as beautiful as you are. No matter the occasion, a lash lift can uplift both you and your lashes, making it an incredibly worthwhile endeavor.

Sources:

Lash Lifts Guide for 2021: What To Know Before Your Treatment | Cosmopolitan

What Is a Lash Lift? The Process, Cost, Results, Photos | Harper’s Bazaar

How Long Do Lash Lifts Really Last? | The List