Do you love the look of eyelash extensions, but want something that is lower in maintenance and cost? Try a lash lift or lash perm! While these two lash procedures may seem similar, there are actually some major differences. In this article, we highlight the differences between a lash lift vs lash perm. Keep reading to find out which one is best for you!
Quick Navigation
This post was originally published in June 2020. It has since been revamped and updated with more accurate and relevant information.
What is a Lash Lift?
A lash lift is a semi-permanent lash curl and can be thought of as an updated version of the lash perm. It's also known as an eyelash lamination.
It uses a chemical solution and a curved silicone form to add length and curl to your lashes.
It’s great for all lash types and last from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the person’s lash growth cycle. [1]
Eyelash Lift Before and After
How Does a Lash Lift Work?
A lash lift starts with a consultation, going over things like allergies, the amount of curl you want, the colour of the tint, and aftercare.
Your lashes are then cleaned with a lash cleanser, and an eye patch is used to separate your lower lashes from the top ones. Eye patches used by lash technicians usually also have depuffing and hydrating properties!
Curved silicone forms are attached to your eyelids using a gentle adhesive. Then your lashes are combed up, sticking to the adhesive on the top of the form.
A lifting solution is brushed only to the roots of your lashes to soften the hair bonds for easier shaping and prevent overprocessing the tips of the lashes. Our natural lashes are finer towards the ends, and if the lifting solution is left on the tips for too long, it can cause lashes to break or look frizzy.
Next, a setting solution is applied to lock in the curl and lift that was created.
Most salons will include a lash tint with their lash lift services. Lash tint comes in a range of natural hair colours, from dark blonde to blue black. Even if your natural lashes are dark, you could still see a benefit from lash tint. Typically, lash tinting will help your lashes look longer, and fuller!
At the end of the service, a conditioner is added to nourish and strengthen the lashes.
How Do You Prepare for a Lash Lift?
You prepare for a lash lift by cleaning your lashes.
Don’t put on eye makeup or use any makeup removers that contain oil or moisturizers. A patch test beforehand is highly recommended, especially if you’re prone to allergic reactions.
How Do You Maintain a Lash Lift?
To maintain a lash lift, keep your lashes completely dry for 24 hours after the service.
This means no showering, swimming, working out, crying, or using makeup and makeup removers.
How Long Does a Lash Lift Last?
A lash lift can last from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your personal lash growth cycle.
After that, they won’t uncurl but will instead shed naturally for new ones to grow in.
How Often Should You Lash Lift?
You can lash lift every 1 to 3 months, depending on how quickly your lifts grow.
However, to maintain healthy lashes, it is recommended to wait at least 4 weeks between each treatment.
How Much Does a Lash Lift Cost?
The YUMI lash lift and tint service at Sunday Beauty Boutique is $150.
What Chemicals Are in a Lash Lift?
The chemicals used in YUMI Lashes are kept as a company secret. However, we do know that their products do not contain parabens and formaldehyde.
Most importantly, YUMI Lashes Canada products do not contain sodium bromate - a substance that has been banned by Health Canada because of its potential carcinogenic risks. It’s found in the setting solution of many lash lift and perm systems
As a banned substance, it is now illegal for Canadian salons to use, so you should always be aware of beauty products that contain sodium bromate.
Can I Wear Eyeliner After a Lash Lift?
Will Mascara Ruin My Lash Lift?
No, mascara won’t ruin your lash lift, as long as it's been at least 24 hours since your lash lift service.
How Long After a Lash Lift Can I Shower?
You can shower 24 hours after a lash lift.
Contact with any moisture sooner than this can ruin the curl, so keep them dry.
The longer you let it set, the longer it’s going to last.
Angela Cordi, Toronto Makeup Artist and Eyelash Technician
Can You Be Allergic to a Lash Lift?
It’s rare for people to be allergic to a lash lift since no harsh chemicals are used.
However, if you're concerned about sensitivities or allergic reactions, ask the technician for a patch test first.
Do Lash Lifts Ruin Your Eyelashes?
A lash lift won’t ruin your eyelashes when done properly.
A trained technician will know the proper technique for your lash type and health needs. Damage only happens when the lifting solution is left on the lashes for too long.
What’s the Difference Between a Keratin Lash Lift vs a Regular Lash Lift?
Keratin is a protein that is found naturally in hair and nails. In keratin lash lifts, artificially synthesized keratin is added to help strengthen and improve the health of the eyelashes. [2]
A lash lift is great for all lash types and last from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the person’s lash growth cycle.
Lash lift systems that don’t contain keratin will usually include other nourishing ingredients that will also help to nourish and keep your lashes healthy.
What is Better: Lash Lifts or Lash Extensions?
Lash lifts are better in terms of maintenance - we love that we don't have to commit eyelash extensions fills scheduled every 2-3 weeks!
Lash lifts are easier to care for and require no maintenance after the first 24 hours. Moreover, they cost less than extensions since they stay curled for 6-12 weeks, as compared to extensions that look good for only about 3 weeks.
The transition from having lifted lashes back to your natural curl is also easier to manage, with many of my clients using just a curler or a mascara — with some not even doing anything at all.
On the other hand, overgrown and shedding lash extensions are very obvious, so you’ll need to book an appointment to remove them right away.
Another benefit of lash lifts is that they are a better choice for most people, with the exception of short or sparse lashes. If you’re one of these people, then lash extensions will likely give you better results.
What is a Lash Perm?
A lash perm is a treatment where the eyelashes are curled around a cylindrical rod. Additional solutions and activators are also used to create those gorgeous curls.
The process takes about an hour from start to finish. It is best for longer lashes and lasts for about 4 to 12 weeks.
Eyelash Perm Before and After
How Does a Lash Perm Work?
A lash perm service starts with an application of glue to your upper eyelids.
Lash perm rods are then placed between the lid and lashes. The perm solution is brushed over the entire lash.
Plastic is placed over the lashes and rollers for about 15 minutes, allowing the solution to break down the disulfide bonds in the lashes.
After adding an activating solution, the lashes are brushed over the rods. This creates that curl while those broken bonds are rebuilt.
The solutions are then removed and lashes are combed.
How Do You Prepare for a Lash Perm?
You prepare for a lash perm by cleaning your lashes and not wearing makeup before your consultation.
During the consultation, your technician will help you choose a rod size for the length of your lashes and the curl tightness you want.
How Do You Maintain a Lash Perm?
You maintain a lash perm by keeping your lashes dry for 24 hours after the treatment.
This aftercare includes no makeup, working out, swimming, or saunas. You should also use a lash conditioner to prevent brittleness.
How Long Does a Lash Perm Last?
A lash perm can last about 4 to 12 weeks.
This timing depends on how quickly your lashes grow and when they naturally fall out.
How Often Should You Lash Perm?
Lash perms should only be done every after 4 weeks.
Since it breaks down the lash structure, it can dry out the lashes if done too often.
How Much Does a Lash Perm Cost?
A lash perm costs about $75.
This price is about the same as a lash lift, though it doesn’t include the conditioning treatment or any other ingredients that help maintain lash health.
A lash perm is a treatment where the eyelashes are curled around a cylindrical rod. Additional solutions and activators are also used to create those gorgeous curls.
What Chemicals are in a Lash Perm?
One of the chemicals used in a lash perm solution is ammonium thioglycolate. [3]
This breaks down those protein bonds in each lash so they can be shaped properly.
Does Eyelash Perming Damage Your Lashes?
When done correctly, eyelash perming does not damage your lashes.
But be sure to get a trained technician because they know the proper procedure and the right timing for the solution and activators.
Conclusion
With all the benefits of lash lifts, we totally understand why many salons (and clients) have been making the switch over from lash perms.
At Sunday Beauty Boutique, we exclusively use YUMI Lashes Canada products because it uses only safe ingredients approved by Health Canada. YUMI Lashes also works on all lash lengths, although you should note that shorter or sparser lashes may do better with lash extensions.
If you’re considering a lash lift, book your appointment easily using our online booking system!
References
1. https://www.glamour.com/story/what-is-a-lash-lift-review
2. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/keratin-lash-lift
3. https://cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/ammonium-thioglycolate
