Sometimes, curling your eyelashes and painstakingly layering on the coats of mascara just won't cut it. But what exactly are your options? False lashes are amazing for a quick transformation before a glamorous night out, but along with extensions they can require a fair amount of upkeep to maintain that fluttery, Bambi-like lash look.
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A lash lift could well be the answer to your woes – the semi-permanent treatment is essentially a perm for your lashes that provides a lifting and curling effect for a few weeks.
Hello! Fashion caught up with lash expert Georgina King to find out everything that you need to know about the beauty treatment.
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What is a lash lift?
"A lash lift is a treatment that lengthens, lifts and adds volume to your natural lashes. We work with your natural lashes and do not add anything onto them (like false lashes). It's a great treatment if you are busy and don't always have time to do your makeup. Anybody is able to have the lash lift treatment (even if you have super short lashes), and the results are always fantastic," Georgina says.
Before a lash lift
Avoid using waterproof mascara for a couple of days leading up to your lash lift, as the formula can leave a residue that can interfere with the treatment. Remove all eye makeup, false lashes and contact lenses prior to your appointment, and don’t curl your eyelashes for at least 24 hours beforehand.
What is happens during a lash lift?
"The first step of the lash lift is gently attaching your lashes to a lash shield. The lash shield goes onto the eyelid and the size of the lash shield is determined on your hair type, lash length and eye shape," Georgina explains.
"A lash lift is inevitably a chemical process. Within the hair there is a disulfide bond (imagine it like a bone in your hair). This bond holds the DNA of the hair which gives the hair its natural shape. During the treatment we will fracture the disulfide bond whilst your lashes are on the lash shield, using a lifting solution. The second part of the treatment is repairing the disulfide bond using a setting solution. As the hair is repaired whilst your hair is on the lash shield, the new shape will be that of the size of the lash shield."
"The last part of the treatment is the tint. When adding tint to the lashes it mimics the look of mascara."
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After a lash lift
"After care is the most important part of a lash lift! We always use keratin, collagen and hyaluronic acid during each step of the treatment therefore our clients lashes are always hydrated (we like to see this as a lift and treatment all in one)," Georgina says.
"I always recommend my clients use castor oil on their lashes at night to maintain hydration. Hydrated lashes will also help the lift last longer."
How long does a lash lift last?
"This is entirely dependent on the products used, the experience of the lash technician and the aftercare at home, but a standard lash lift will last around six weeks. A Keratin Lash Lift (which we offer at our salon) can last up to 12 weeks," Georgina explains.
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Can you use mascara on top of your lash lift?
You can use mascara on top of your lash lift, but do make sure that you avoid waterproof formulas. The reason behind this is that waterproof mascaras are often oil-based and this can weaken the effect of the treatment, and so for the duration of your lash lift it is best to stick to a water-based formula.
Does a lash lift damage your eyelashes?
Lash lifts, when performed by reputable lash technicians, should not damage your eyelashes. It is important to remember that safety is key – after all, the treatment involves putting chemicals very close to your delicate eye area – and so, it is worth doing your research and finding a technician who knows their stuff.
How much does a lash lift cost?
Naturally the price of the treatment will vary from salon to salon, but you could typically expect a good quality lash lift to cost from around £45 to £75.
Where to go to get a lash lift?
It is hugely important that you visit a reputable beauty salon when getting a lash lift. The process ought to be undertaken by a trained professional who is skilled in their practice and covered by insurance in case anything goes awry. After all, a lash lift involves a chemical solution near a very delicate part of your body - it is definitely not worth taking any risks.
Is a lash lift worth it?
Whether or not a lash lift is worth it totally depends on your individual preferences. Everyone has different lash lengths and growth directions which means that some people with straighter lashes might see dramatic results, whereas if you're lucky enough to have naturally curly lashes it may not be the right treatment for you.
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