LASH LIFTS: ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

We get lots of questions about lash lifts, lash extensions, brow tinting, microblading – and really all things lash & brow related (which makes sense because we are #lashandbrowobsessed). Today, we’re chatting lash lifts! Keep reading for: 

• What is a lash lift and who is it for? 
• Can you use a lash serum with it?
• Is it safe? What are the ingredients?
• How to minimize risk
• How to fake a lash lift sans chemicals

What is a lash lift?

A lash lift is basically a perm for your lashes. You wind up with long-term curl and more prominent, longer-looking lashes. 

The process: Your lashes are placed on a silicon mold, then curled upward and glue to the mold with an adhesive. A chemical solution is applied to the lashes to reshape the hair, followed by a setting solution. The whole process takes about an hour.

Most lash lifts will last about four to six weeks with proper care. Avoid eye makeup for 48 hours after the procedure and keep your lashes dry and untouched for 24 hours.  

Who it’s for

The only lash lift requirement: your natural lashes must be at least 4 mm long. If you’re not sure (it’s not exactly easy to measure your lashes), your lash tech can let you know if you’re a good candidate.

Can you use a Lash Serum with it?

Absolutely! Our Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum will keep more of your newly lifted lashes in place, plus help them get longer, fuller, and darker naturally in the meantime. Just make sure to wait the recommended 48 hours before putting any products near your lashes.

Is it safe? What are the ingredients?

We all have our own ingredient standards that we feel comfortable with. We’re just here to share the facts with you so you can make informed decisions that feel personally aligned for you! Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients found in most perm and setting solutions: 

POLYACRYLAMIDE

Polyacrylamide creates a thin coating over hair, nails, or skin. In this case, it would help hairs stay in position by preventing them from absorbing moisture. Honestly, not an ideal ingredient for lashes since hair needs moisture to grow. Since the solution is only for a short time, it's less of a concern than a used-daily product. 

Potential toxicity: Polyacrylamide is made up of repeating molecules of acrylamide – a suspected human carcinogen. The EU and Canada have banned acrylamide and set regulations for the use of polyacrylamide (the U.S. doesn’t regulate it).

THIOGLYCOLIC ACID

Thioglycolic Acid is used to change the structure of hair fibers for semi-permanent or permanent hair waves or straightening.

This ingredient is restricted for use in Canada and it’s advised to minimize contact with skin or eyes because of high risk of burns, irritation, or chemical injury. In this case, the chemical is diluted in a solution so the risk is not as high.

MONOETHANOLAMINE

Used as a PH adjuster and/or hair fixative, this ingredient is considered safe in rinse-off applications but not in leave-on cosmetics.

METHYLPARABEN

You've probably all heard of parabens - they're used as a preservative in makeup, skincare, and hair care.

Parabens have gotten a lot of negative publicity for their ability to mimic estrogen and potentially trigger breast cell division and the growth of tumors. Keep in mind, these findings are only correlations at this point and haven’t been definitely proven with long-term studies. Definitely facts to consider, however! 

SODIUM BROMATE

Sodium Bromate is an oxidizing agent used for hair straightening or permanent wave application. This ingredient is banned from cosmetics in Canada.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL

Propylene glycol is a humectant (for hydration) and helps other ingredients penetrate the skin. This ingredient is considered safe at the low doses used in cosmetics. The only concern is its pairing with other harmful ingredients since it helps them absorb into the skin more effectively.

POLYSORBATE

Polysorbates help other ingredients dissolve in a solution. Polysorbates are treated with ethylene oxide (a suspected carcinogen) at varying levels. Ethyloxated ingredients also have a high potential of being contaminated with 1,4, Dioxane, another documented carcinogen. 

How to minimize risk

Unfortunately, in a mostly unregulated industry, and with chemicals near your eyes, there are always risks. The best way to minimize those risks is to find an experienced, licensed, ethical practitioner with lots of positive reviews. Even better, find a dermatologist who performs lash lifts in their practice.

An experienced technician will have lots of questions about sensitivities and eye conditions before starting the procedure. It’s also a good idea to do a spot test on your arm with the lash lifting solution to ensure you have no reactions to the product (check after 48 hours). This is a good place to start, but since the eye area is much more sensitive than other skin on our body, this isn’t a fail proof test.

The bad: there have been reports of long-term lash loss in rare cases, and more often, there’s reports of irritation, dermatitis, or sensitivity. In one case, the chemical curling solution was left on for too long and the client suffered “chemical-induced blepharitis” – leaving her with bald spots on along her lash line. Ask your lash tech about these risks before taking the plunge to ensure you feel comfortable and informed.

How to fake a lash lift without chemicals

If you’d rather avoid the chemicals, try our Curl & Lift Lash Curler for an instant au naturale lash lift that lasts all day! For the most dramatic (and lasting) results:

1. Open the curler wide and place along your upper lash line. Pause to ensure that all of your lashes are within the opening and that your eyelid skin is free. Wiggle the curler a bit to ensure the curler is right at the base of the lashes.

2. Gently press the curler closed, tilt curler towards your lid, and ‘pump’ the curler open and closed for 10-15 seconds.

3. Apply mascara immediately after curling. Curl one side, then apply mascara. Then move to the next eye, curl that side, and apply mascara.  

For longer-term lash effects, try our Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum which will lengthen, thicken, and naturally darken your lashes 100% naturally!