Facial Treatment By Nana · 7 min read

Lash Lift: eyelash lifting explained step by step

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A lash lift gives your own lashes a lasting curl – with no artificial hairs and no daily eyelash curler. During an eyelash lift your natural lashes are gently shaped upward against a silicone pad, fixed in place and usually tinted at the same time. The result: an open, wide-awake look that lasts for several weeks. In this guide you’ll learn what a lash lift actually is, how the treatment works in the studio, how long it lasts, what it costs and where its limits lie.

What is a lash lift?

A lash lift – sometimes called eyelash lifting – is a treatment in which your own lashes are permanently shaped upward. Think of it as a gentle perm for the lashes: the hairs are laid over a silicone pad and brought into a curved shape with a lifting lotion, which is then fixed in place.

• Natural base: No artificial lashes are used – only your own are reshaped.
• With tint: Usually a tint is applied at the same time so that blonde or grey tips become visible and the effect looks fuller.
• Optional care: Many studios offer a “lash botox” treatment serum – a keratin or protein concentrate meant to make lashes softer and shinier. You can read what the lash botox treatment can do and how it differs from a lift in its own guide.

The appeal: you get an open look without reaching for the lash curler every morning, and without the ongoing upkeep of eyelash extensions.

How does eyelash lifting work?

The effect is created chemically, much like a hair perm – just far more gently dosed. A first lotion breaks the bonds in the lash structure so the hair becomes pliable. In the upward-curved shape over the silicone pad, a second lotion hardens the lash again and locks in the new curl. As long as the hair lives, it keeps the shape – once it grows out, a straight lash follows underneath.

In the studio – step by step

A lash lift usually takes 45 to 60 minutes. You lie back relaxed with your eyes closed the whole time. Here’s how it goes:

1. Cleansing: The lashes are thoroughly cleaned of make-up, oil and sebum so the lotions hold.
2. Apply the silicone pad: A matching silicone pad is placed on the eyelid. Its size determines how strongly the lashes curl later – smaller pads give more curl, larger ones a softer arc.
3. Set the lashes: The individual lashes are brushed upward over the pad with an adhesive and aligned.
4. Lifting lotion: The first lotion makes the lashes pliable and works for a few minutes.
5. Fixing: The second lotion permanently sets the new shape.
6. Tint: If you wish, your lashes are now tinted darker – this makes the effect far more visible.
7. Care serum: Finally a nourishing serum is often applied to make the lashes supple again.

Benefits: a wide-awake look without daily effort

• Open, wide-awake look: The curled lashes make the eyes appear larger and more rested.
• No daily tool: You can leave the lash curler in the drawer – the curl is already there.
• Low maintenance: Unlike extensions, no regular refill appointments are needed.
• Natural: They stay your own lashes – no artificial “fan” look.
• Make-up friendly: Mascara can still be applied, but is often no longer needed.

If you’re still torn between the two methods, the direct comparison lash lift versus extensions will help you decide.

Limits: what a lash lift cannot do

As lovely as the effect is, a lift has clear limits you should know about beforehand:

• No lengthening: A lift gives your lashes curl, but it doesn’t make them longer or denser. If you want more length or volume, eyelash extensions are the better choice.
• Very short lashes benefit less: If the natural lash is very short, the curled effect is barely noticeable, because there’s little lash length to lift.
• Not a permanent result: The effect grows out with the lashes and isn’t permanent.

Aftercare: the first 24 hours count

For the fixing to truly hold, the first 24 hours are crucial:

• Keep dry: Don’t let your eyes get wet for the first 24 hours – so no swimming and no long showers straight into your face.
• No mascara, no steam: Skip mascara, sauna, steam baths and hot steam for 24 hours.
• Don’t rub: Don’t rub or pluck at the lashes.
• Gentle care: After that you can keep the hairs supple with a lash serum or care oil.

Risks and patch test

The lotions used are chemicals applied close to the eye. In rare cases this can cause irritation, redness or an allergy. So the following applies:

• Patch test: If you have sensitive skin or it’s your first lash lift, a tolerance test should be done beforehand.
• Keep eyes closed: During the treatment the lotions must not get into the eye.
• Stop if symptoms occur: If the eye burns or waters badly, the treatment should be stopped immediately.

If you have eye conditions, recently operated eyes or are pregnant, speak to the studio beforehand and, if in doubt, with your doctor.

Cost: what does a lash lift cost?

A lash lift in the studio usually costs between 40 and 70 euros, depending on the region and on whether tinting and a care serum are included. That’s well below the ongoing cost of eyelash extensions, because there are no refill appointments. Some studios offer combination packages of lift and tint at a reduced price.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How long does a lash lift last?

Usually 6 to 8 weeks, that is until the treated lashes have fully grown out. Since lashes grow at different rates, the effect fades gradually rather than disappearing all at once.

Does eyelash lifting hurt?

No. At most you’ll feel a slight tingle or pull as the lashes are aligned. Your eyes stay closed throughout the entire treatment, and the process is not painful.

What’s the difference from eyelash extensions?

With a lash lift your own lashes are reshaped; with eyelash extensions, artificial hairs are glued on one by one. A lift gives curl, extensions add length and volume as well. The comparison lash lift versus extensions shows which method suits you better.

Can I still use mascara after the lift?

Yes, after the first 24 hours mascara is allowed. Many people find it unnecessary, though, because the curl is already there. Try to avoid waterproof mascara, as removing it stresses the lashes more.

Who is a lash lift suitable for?

For anyone who wants a low-maintenance, natural effect and has sufficiently long natural lashes. With very short lashes the curl is less noticeable. Anyone with sensitive eyes should do a patch test first.

How often can I repeat the eyelash lift?

Once the effect has grown out, that is after about 6 to 8 weeks, you can have it lifted again. To keep the lashes healthy it makes sense to support them with a care serum in between and not to treat them too often.

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