Are Lash Lifts Worth It? Here’s What To Know Before Trying
The desire for longer eyelashes isn’t a new one. For decades, beauty products have been developed — and heavily marketed — to create fuller, more voluminous lashes.
People have tried everything from special mascara formulas to lash extensions and even eyelash-growing drugs in search of longer lashes. But our delicate eyelashes (and eyes!) deserve to be treated with special care. Remember, before undergoing any intense beauty procedures, your eyelashes are meant to protect your eyes.
But if you’re curious about lash lifts — the popular procedure that curls the lashes you have, read on!
What is a lash lift?
As the name implies, a lash lift is a cosmetic procedure that’s meant to curl your existing eyelashes, giving the appearance of longer, fuller lashes.
It's important to note: the procedure might make it look a little longer because it’s curled, but it’s not actually making the lashes longer or thicker.
Of course, false lash extensions and false eyelashes have been around forever, although anyone who’s done them before knows that they require a bit of upkeep. Plus, some people complain the results don’t provide a natural enough look.
A lash lift, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like. It’s meant to give the lashes you already have a bit of a boost. Think of it like a perm.
What happens during a lash lift procedure?
Just like getting lash extensions, in order to get a lash lift, you should go to a certified beauty expert. (In other words, it’s not a good idea to DIY this one on your own — more on that later).
Here’s how it works: At a salon, a technician will start by putting a bit of silicone mold on your eyelid using a non-toxic glue. After that, a chemical is applied to your lashes that’s meant to break down and then reorganize the disulfide bonds in your lashes, giving them a curled effect. Next, a perm solution is added over the lash and sits for about 15 minutes.
While the procedure is fairly simple, it will take around 45 minutes in total to account for application, drying and wait time. Similar to a perm as well, lash lifts are semi-permanent — this means that once your new lashes start to grow in, this treatment runs out and you’ll need to get it redone.
So, is it a procedure worth batting your lashes at? While it seems like it’s just a couple of levels up from using a drugstore eyelash curler, it’s actually much more involved.
Precautions and considerations before getting a lash lift
Allergic reactions
One of the main concerns with getting a lash lift is the potential for an allergic reaction. Very frequently, people can have a sensitivity to fragrances or added chemicals.
An allergic reaction to a lash lift procedure can often include the following symptoms around your eyes:
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Rashes.
Part of the issue: there's also a lack of clarity about the chemicals that are being used.
Overprocessing
Another thing to be cautious about is overprocessing. Just like getting your hair dyed — after a certain number of times, it can damage it in the long run. So, too, can eyelash procedures.
These lash lifts are chemically altering your hair, as well as affecting a very sensitive part of your face.
In short, any kind of overprocessing simply speeds up the thinning out of your hair that happens with age. The same goes for your lashes.
Puts you at risk of certain eye conditions
Aside from allergic reactions, lash lifts can also cause some other eye-related conditions that you do not want to deal with.
Doing any kind of intense cosmetic procedures to your lashes (even extensions or fake lashes) can make you more prone to conditions like blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelids.
Eye hygiene is at times overlooked when people are getting cosmetic procedures like this. For example, after getting a lash lift, your technician may recommend not cleaning the area so as not to interfere with it. But this can be an infection waiting to happen.
Lacks research on long-term effects
As far as long-term effects go, there’s still limited research on how lash lifts can impact your lash growth and eye health in the coming years.
Can I try doing a lash lift at home?
We’ll keep this simple: no. If you do opt for trying a lash lift procedure, it’s best to go to an expert. They’ll know the right products to use and can do a test strand to see how your lashes and skin react to the procedure.
Sourced from Cleveland Clinic
