Do Lash Lifts Ruin Eyelashes? (5 Risks You Should Know)

While lash tints - treatments that darken and define lashes for dramatic results - have been a mainstream beauty treatment for a while now, have you heard of a lash lift? Lash lifts, sometimes known as lash perms, are another salon-based treatment designed to give your lashes a curl that lasts through showers, swimming, and taking off makeup. It sounds amazing, right? But what exactly is a lash lift - and could it be bad for your eyelashes?  

What is a lash lift? 

When you get a lash lift, you are basically getting an eyelash perm. We know - the thought of getting a perm is straight out of the 80s, but that’s the exact concept that a lash lift is based on.  

To start, the esthetician will stick either a silicone rod or pad to your closed, makeup-free eyelid.  

Then, a solution will be applied that partially breaks down the bonds in the eyelashes, making the lashes able to take on any shape. Usually, that’s the curl of the silicone pad on the eyelid. The actual formula varies between brands, but they all have the same outcome - to break down the bonds and make the hair take on its new shape and curl.  

After a certain amount of time (not too long, as this is the step where your lashes could easily become over-processed and damaged), this solution is taken off and a rebuilding solution is applied. This is the part where your lashes take on their new shape and will stay that way for the next two months. Finally, this solution is rinsed off and voila - you now have gorgeous, curled lashes!  

How long does a lash lift last? 

Of course, regardless of the high price tag, a lash lift isn't permanent and the effects will eventually fade with time. After a few weeks, you’ll probably find yourself reaching back for your Mascara. 

Generally, a lash lift tends to last around four to six weeks, but this depends on many variables. Including your technician's skill level, proper aftercare and the type of lash lift you choose. 

How much is a lash lift? 

The average price of a last lift depends on many different factors including the technician you choose to go with, the type of lash lift you fancy and whether you’re also adding on an additional colour tint. 

The average price you can expect to pay for a lash lift is around £40-£60. Of course, you can always find a lash tech that provides discounts and loyalty schemes. But, why pay around £50 every eight weeks for a lash lift when you could invest in your own lashes? 

Our UKLASH Eyelash Serum is cheaper than the price of just one lash lift and will ensure your lashes grow longer and fuller in just 25 days! 

What are the risks of a lash lift? 

Like every salon treatment, there are always tiny chances of something going wrong. Sometimes it’s as simple as an allergic reaction (always patch test if you can), but sometimes it’s the fault of an inexperienced technician. Or sometimes, it’s that aftercare is a little tricky, and it’s too easy to accidentally undo the technician’s hard work.  

When it comes to lash lifts, it’s sometimes as simple as getting water on a perm too soon! Here are some common lash perm risks that everyone thinking about getting a lash lift should know. 

FYI, the risks of these are even greater when you use a DIY lash lift kit - We don’t recommend using these chemicals close to your eyes without professional training. 

1. Over-curled lashes 

This usually happens when the incorrect size of the silicone rod has been used doing the procedure. A skilled esthetician will tailor the experience to you and the results that you want, taking into account your natural lash length and desired outcome.  

2. Not following aftercare 

It’s too easy to accidentally not follow aftercare - rubbing your eyes, sleeping on your face, working out, getting water on your lashes - these are all things that could potentially ruin any lash lift if done within 24 hours of the procedure.  

3. Losing your lashes 

Okay, this is the absolute worst-case scenario - and it’s totally possible. When done incorrectly, a lash lift can affect how your lashes grow for the rest of your life. An Australian woman now has permanently scraggly lashes and watery eyes because of an inexperienced lash technician leaving the solutions on her eyes for too long.  

4. Eye irritation 

The truth is, getting a lash perm equals putting mildly caustic chemicals near your incredibly delicate eyes. As careful as a technician is, there’s always a chance of some chemicals getting in your eye. Depending on how sensitive your eyes are, you could walk away with just a slightly irritated eye, or with rash, redness, inflammation, dry eyes, watery eyes or blisters - all potential side effects. 

5. Brittle lashes 

While dryness is common for everyone after a lash lift, some women find their lashes are brittle and snap off. Brittle lashes are a result of the rebuilding solution left on eyelashes for too long. The lashes become brittle and snap off completely - leaving sparse stubs instead of the luscious lashes you hoped for.  

Can I use a lash serum and get a lash lift? 

Lash serums like UKLASH Eyelash Serum are actually commonly recommended by salons that perform lash lifts, as they make the results incredibly dramatic, thanks to the added length they add. They also provide much-needed conditioning to lashes after a lash lift.  

There’s no denying that lash serums are amazing for keeping lashes long and gorgeous - they condition the follicles and nurture them right at the root for healthy lash growth. But when it comes to both lash perms and lash serums together, you don’t need to get a lash lift to enjoy the results of your lash serum! 

At the end of the day, the biggest risk when getting a lash lift is an inexperienced technician. Whether or not you’re willing to take this risk is up to you. 

If it was up to us, we would recommend a lash serum that targets short and brittle lashes to make them look amazing long term. Plus, you wouldn't need to schedule an expensive appointment every 8 weeks! 

Do lash lifts ruin eyelashes: The verdict 

So, now that you know the risks involved with having regular lash lifts, we hope we’ve convinced you to invest in your natural lashes instead. So, head over to UKLASH for all the hair growth products you need! 

Women around the globe love our hair growth support products. We have +40,000 testimonials for our lash serums, brow serums and hair serums, and how they encourage hair growth - not only restoring your healthy locks but, more importantly, your confidence. 

Refresh your hair with the best in hair supplements from UKLASH!