How much does lash lift cost?

When it comes to our lashes, we all have the same checklist: long, thick, dark and luscious.

Lash lifting has become one way to tick off that checklist, and it has grown in popularity in recent years. For many women, this treatment is now a regular part of their beauty routine. Different from a lash extension, the lash lift uses your own lashes and effectively curls them to the max.

But what exactly is a lash lift, what does it entail, and how much does it cost?

What exactly is lash lifting?

In its simplest terms, a lash lift is a perm for your lashes. Experts use a special technique and a chemical curling agent to curl your lashes from the base, exposing their full length and making your lashes look fuller and thicker. Unlike with lash extensions, it’s all done using your natural lashes and a specially designed chemical curling agent.

What is involved in the lash lifting process?

A lash lifting expert will talk to you first about the look you want to achieve and will look at your natural lashes. The entire process takes around 45 minutes to an hour, during which time you will need to lie on a bed with your eyes closed. Silicone pads are placed on your lids to help keep them closed and then a special serum is used to break down the keratin in your lashes.

Lashes are combed very carefully from the base upward before the perming solution is applied and left for around 10 to 15 minutes. The perming solution is then removed with cotton wool before a setting solution is added, taking around 10 minutes to set. Some lash lifting treatments also include a lash tint - a semi-permanent dye that darkens the lashes - which would be applied at this point in the process. Once done, the silicone pads are removed, lashes are combed through and your new fuller, curlier eyelashes are revealed.

How long will the curl last for?

The results of a lash lift generally last for around six to eight weeks. But aftercare is very important. You must not get the lashes wet or close to steam, makeup or makeup remover for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Some experts advise avoiding moisture and heat for the first 48 hours after your lash lift.

Is a lash lift safe?

You may hear the word "perm" and think of the harsh chemicals that were used to perm hair in the 1980s. But the perming agent used in lash lifting is a much gentler one that is completely safe to use. As with any beauty treatments, allergic reactions are always possible, but this is thought to be rare, and a good beauty therapist will give you a full appraisal beforehand to find out if you have any allergies, sensitivities or conditions involving the eye area. Overall, lash lifting is considered a safe process when carried out by a trained professional.

Who is eligible for a lash lift?

Anyone with lashes can get one. Lash lifting is suitable for most people, although the best results will be seen on lashes that are in good condition. Over-treated lashes can look brittle and lackluster. Consider using a serum to encourage strong growth and a lash cleanser such as Keep it Squeaky Rose Water Lash Cleanser, which has been specially formulated to deep clean lashes and bring anti-aging benefits.

So, how much does a lash lift cost?

A lash lift can cost anywhere between $60 and $200. Prices will vary depending on where you live, the salon you visit, and whether or not it includes a lash tint. It is thought the average lash lift cost in the US is around $105, but prices do vary greatly from salon to salon and depending on the products used.

Are there any alternatives?

If lash lifting does not appeal to you or you don’t want to shell out $100 to $150 every six weeks, there are some alternatives to help you achieve the same effect. Shop around for the best mascara product you can find, or try lash extensions, which sees semi-permanent synthetic, faux mink or silk fibers added to your own lashes. However, this can also be a costly procedure.

Alternatively, you can try false strip lashes or even magnetic lashes, such as those offered by SoCal Beauty. Among its products is Designer Lashes, a customizable magnetic lash system made for lash artists.