The Secret That Takes Lashes From Thin to Thick Fast: An At-Home Lash Lift
Swiping on a few coats of a volumizing mascara onto our eyelashes is a surefire way to make thin lashes look immediately thicker. But it can be a bummer that the results go away after removing makeup. Enter: lash lifts. This lash enhancement will leave you with fuller-looking lashes that last for up to 8 weeks and is sure to shave time off your morning beauty routine. And best of all, while it's commonly done at salons, it's easy to do an at-home lash lift. Keep scrolling to learn all you need to know about how to do this treatment yourself — for less!
What is a lash lift?
Simply put, “a last lift is a semi-permanent chemical process that can give eyelashes a boost,” says Claire Larsen, Global Master Educator for Revitalash Cosmetics “The process involves curling them upward which removes the need for mascara, and makes your eyes appear bigger and brighter.” And it works as the process "changes the pH level of your lashes,” explains Christy Calafati, salon owner and permanent makeup cosmetic tattoo artist at The Canyon Salon in Westlake Village, California. This opens the cuticle of lashes and allows them to take on a new shape so they stay in a lifted, curled position.
The benefits of lash lifts for women over 50
If you think that a lash lift is best for a younger crowd, not so! “Lash lifts are great for women in their 50s and above,” says Calafati. “This treatment provides lift and a refreshed look for tired eyes — the results are instant and the natural eye shape and color are beautifully enhanced.”
Plus, as we age, our lashes become thinner since our eyelash follicles slows new lash formation. A lash lift can instantly make those thinning lashes look more lush. “Often paired with a lash tint, this service makes your lashes look so much longer,” says Larsen. “Your lashes are more curled and lifted, darker, shinier and overall eye-popping and beautiful!" She adds that she gets lash lifts done herself and calls the service "my favorite high-maintenance for low-maintenance beauty rituals.”
And even over-50 influencers, like beauty and lifestyle blogger Suzy Mighell at EmptyNestBlessed.com, says this about getting a lash lift: “When finished, your eyes look larger, your lashes look longer and fuller and your entire face looks uplifted.”
How long does a lash lift last?
Lash lifts usually last until your lashes naturally fall out and new ones grow in their place. The experts we spoke to say the duration varies from person to person, but it typically lasts on average of 6-8 weeks. Though some women have said it may only last as little as 3 weeks and at most 12 weeks.
“It depends on the client’s natural lashes and how well they care for their lashes,” says Nguyen. “Proper aftercare is also key, and the best way to make a lash lift last longer is to take care of your lashes.” That means maintaining moisture with castor oil or products specifically created to moisturize lashes, and not overly touching or rubbing lashes.
Related: Castor Oil Proven to Regrow Hair on Head, Eyebrows + Eyelashes — For Pennies A Day!
The pro of doing an at-home lash lift vs. an in-salon lash lift
The biggest difference between doing a lash lift at home and an in-salon one is the price. A professional lash lift can cost anywhere from $50 to $120 per session depending on location. Whereas, single-use, at-home lash lift kits cost around $40. So testing this treatment out at home first is a more cost-effective way to thicken limp lashes.
How to do an at-home lash lift
The pros we interviewed agreed that doing a lash lift at home might result in overprocessing the lashes. Or there is a risk of eye injury from incorrect application of the solutions. So if you are considering doing an at-home lash lift, they recommend getting a professional lash lift first. This way you can ask questions and learn more about the process before trying it at home. “Typically, the perming solution used to break down the hair can cause irritation or injury if inadvertently leaked into the eye area,” notes Michelle Nguyen, beauty expert and founder and CEO of PLA.
And Calafati says if you go the DIY route, that the at-home lash lift results can be similar to bleaching your own hair at home. “You will still get your hair lighter,” she says. “However, the chances of altering or damaging the integrity of the hair — in this case your eyelashes — is quite a bit higher.” So it's best to proceed with caution. If you’re still interested in trying a lash lift at home, here are some things to take into consideration and the steps to do so.
Step 1: Find a quality at-home lash lift kit
Most importantly, you’ll want to find a high-quality box kit from a reputable beauty supply source, like Luxe LashLift Set (Buy from Luxe, $39.95), which has nearly 1,500 reviews at Luxe-cosmetics.com. You can check out a how-to tutorial from the brand below.
Or watch as TikTok user Tiffany Forrest walks through her first use of the kit in the video below.
Step 2: Always start with a patch test
Patch-testing the solutions used for a lash lift and considering any sensitivities or allergies you may have is imperative, says Larsen. This goes for both professional services and an at-home options.
Step 3: Thoroughly cleanse eyelashes
Use a gentle makeup remover wipe to take off any makeup, oil debris and dust on lashes and skin. This is important as any impurities left on lashes and skin can affect the outcome of a lash lift.
Step 4: Carefully follow the kit instructions
Before starting, look over the steps and instructions of your at-home lash lift kit. It's best to take your time when applying the solutions to lashes to prevent them from going into eyes
Step 5: Set a timer while lashes are processing
To ensure you don’t leave any of the chemicals on your lashes longer than necessary, have a timer handy — like the alarm on your smartphone. Leaving the solutions on eyelashes for too long might dry them out and make them brittle, causing them to break off.
Step 6: Clean lashes + do a post-lash lift treatment
After the process is complete, thoroughly cleanse lashes to remove any leftover solution. And finish with a swipe of a lash serum or oil to nourish lashes.
Is a lash lift right for you?
Our experts say almost anyone is a good candidate for a lash lift. However, if your lashes are really short or very fine, or if they're are damaged from overuse of tools like eyelash curlers, a lash lift won’t take properly. In this case, pros recommend eyelash extensions. Also, if you use eyelash serum to grow your lashes, keep in mind the effects of the lash lift might not last as long, as new lashes grow in faster.
So there you have it! Now that you know there’s no age limit for trying a lash lift, are you ready to try an eyelash-enhancing makeover? After all, a little lift in your lashes not only frames your eyes, but might also help put a little bounce in your step by uplifting your mood as well — and who doesn’t love a little confidence boost!
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