Lash Lift vs Lash Extensions: Choosing Your Best Option
A lash lift and lash extensions are two professional options for achieving longer, darker, and fuller looking lashes. How do you choose the right path for you and your lashes? First you need to know what are the main differences between a lash lift and tint, and lash extensions?
Lash Lifts vs Lash Extensions: What’s The Difference?
What is a lash lift?
A lash lift is essentially a perm for your lashes. When you get a lash lift, your lash artist applies a series of solutions to your natural lashes that will first relax them and then set them into the desired shape and curl. This treatment has many variables that affect the outcome, so it is important to choose an artist that has a lot of experience performing eyelash lifts.
- A rod is applied to the eyelid with a balm or glue that will be used to mold the lashes.
- A lifting/perm cream is applied to break down the bonds in the lashes so they can be molded into a new shape.
- A neutralizing lotion is applied which reforms those broken bonds into their new arrangement.
- If you opt for a tint, this is when it will be applied.
- Last a Keratin hydrating serum is applied that nourishes and conditions the processed lashes, bringing them back to life!
How long does a lash lift take? Lash lifts are generally quick and can be completed in under an hour. The time will vary depending on the texture of your lashes and if you decide to also add a lash tint to the service. But even so, a lash lift and tint service can usually be done quickly, leaving you with naturally darkened and lifted lashes!
How long does a lash lift last? Lash lifts will generally last about 4-10 weeks, depending on your natural lash growth cycle. As your natural (permed) lashes fall out, they will start to gradually appear less and less lifted. This means it is time for a new perm on the new lashes that have grown in.
How much does a lash lift cost? Your location and choice of salon will greatly affect how much you pay for a lash lift. In some areas they can be as low as around $80, and others can be closer to $150. Make sure to research your choices and call to ask what type of products that use and see the salons before and after pictures.
How do I take care of my lash lift? As with any beauty service, aftercare plays a big role in how your lashes look after a lift. To keep the lifted lashes safe, try to avoid hot water and steam for about 24 hours after the service and don’t rub your eyes.
Will a lash lift damage my lashes? Generally, NO, a lash lift should not damage your lashes. Lifts can temporarily dry out your lashes, but with the final step of conditioning serum, there will be no lasting damage. Make sure you are going to a professional who is using high quality lash lift products and can educate you on proper aftercare.
Lash Extensions
What are lash extensions? Lash extensions are individual synthetic/silk/mink type of hair fibers that are applied to the lashes with specialized lash adhesive. They are available in many different styles, lengths, and colors, so meeting with a professional lash artist who conducts consultations is a must.
The lash extension process is a little more involved than a lash lift. Your lash artist will apply tape and eye pads to protect your eyes, and then dip the individual eyelash extensions or lash fans into lash adhesive. Then, with a special tool each extension is applied to a single natural lash until the entire lash line is filled (or enough to satisfy the client).
How long do lash extensions take? A lash extension appointment will usually take about 2 hours, depending on the specific style, the lash artist’s speed, and other factors. Consider bringing headphones to your appointment or just take a nap while your lash tech is working!
How long do lash extensions last? Like lash lifts, extensions will generally last about as long as your natural lash growth cycle, about 4-6 weeks. When a natural eyelash falls out or grows, the extension attached to it will as well. You will want to come every 2-3 weeks for your artist to remove grown out extensions and apply extensions to the new lashes you have grown since your last appointment.
How much do lash extensions cost? The cost of lash extensions will vary depending on the style you choose. For example, classic sets are usually on the less expensive side, around $150-$175. Then, as you get further into hybrid, volume, and mega volume sets, the prices will rise closer to $200-$250. Again, your location, salon and artist experience will also impact the cost.
How do I take care of my lash extensions? Lash extension aftercare has mainly to do with avoiding direct contact with water right after the service and keeping the lashes clean. Although modern lash adhesive can handle moisture much more quickly than older adhesives, it’s still a good idea to avoid swimming, saunas, and steam for about 8 hours after getting extensions.
Maintaining the cleanliness of your lashes is hugely important as well. Part of this is not using any oil-based products or waterproof mascara and eyeliner (or any eye makeup, really). The second part is physically cleansing the lashes every day with a dedicated lash wash to remove any oils, dirt, dead skin, or other debris. These can build up on the lashes, creating a perfect breeding ground for lash mites!
Will lash extensions damage my lashes? If done properly by a trained experienced lash technician, lash extensions will not damage your natural lashes at all.
However, that’s not to say there aren’t risks involved. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with your lash artist beforehand, letting them know any allergies or sensitivities you have and learning about any potential issues that may arise. Make sure to go through your artist’s photos and check the quality of their work before booking with them — not all lash artists have gone through the same training or have the same skill sets. They should also be using the best lash extension supplies so as not to introduce any low-quality products near your eyes.
How Do I Decide Which Is Right for Me?
To decide between a lash lift or lash extensions, you should consider the pros and cons of each.
Lash lift pros
- Less expensive than lash extensions
- Can be done quickly
- More natural looking + low maintenance
Lash lift cons
- Some risk of sensitivity from chemicals used in processing solutions
- Not great for naturally very short lashes
Lash extension pros
- Very customizable to accent your eye shape
- Wide range of choices in lash lengths, densities, and thicknesses
- No need to use mascara daily
Lash extension cons
- More expensive than lash lifts
- Can take several hours to apply first visit, fills only take 60 minutes
- Minimal risk of sensitivity, usually to adhesive
- Higher maintenance than lash lifts typically every 2-3 weeks
In the end, it really comes down to your budget, how much maintenance you want to do, and what look you’re going for. Both lash lifts and lash extensions can add drama, elegance, and symmetry to your lashes, just in different ways! Whatever you choose, you’ll have full, fluttering lashes in no time.
Our lash work is only performed by highly trained artists. Our owner has over 21 years’ experience performing eyelash services and training artists nationwide.
