Lash Lift vs Eyelash Extensions: Which Is Right for You?

The esthetics industry is evolving with a beautiful vision that makes more treatments accessible to all skin types and preferences. And if you've been searching for the perfect way to enhance your eyes without adding extra product to your eyelids, we’ve got you covered! 

When it comes to a lash lift vs eyelash extensions, understanding what each treatment involves can help you determine which route is best for your style.

What is a lash lift?

If you’ve spent years trying to find the perfect mascara that doesn’t crumble, feels weightless, and doesn't pull your lashes out when you’re taking off your makeup, we feel your pain! And we’ve found the perfect alternative: the lash lift. A lash lift is like a perm that lifts and curls your lashes, creating a low-maintenance, beautiful lash style.

How does a lash lift work?

Lash lifts begin with a thorough consultation for you and your esthetician to determine any concerns, or highlight long-term goals that you’re hoping to achieve. Your esthetician will pick a silicone curling rod that matches your lashes and begins shaping them. After your lashes are positioned in the right spot, a lifting lotion is applied to set the lash shape. 

What does the end result of a lash lift look like?

You can expect your lash lift appointment to take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

The results of your lash lift should include evenly distributed lashes, curled back perfectly, with zero clumping or crimping. A lash lift gives you that perfect look that is somehow impossible to achieve, no matter how much you brush your mascara out.

What are the pros and cons of a lash lift?

Lash lifts can be a game changer for those with hooded eyes. And even those who have a different eye shape can create a wide eyed look with a lift, as this process opens the eyes up and makes them appear bigger. Lash lifts are low maintenance compared to lash extensions. 

There aren’t many cons to lash lifts when compared to other lash enhancements, though people with allergies will definitely want to do a patch test with their esthetician prior to the solution being used during treatment.

What are eyelash extensions?

Chances are you’ve at least entertained the idea of eyelash extensions if you’re looking to add a little oomph to those eyeballs! Whether it was a wedding party or Halloween, falsies, or false eyelashes, have played their part in celebration looks. Eyelash extensions are another lash enhancement option that comes with its own set of pros and cons.

What is the process of an eyelash extension?

You and your lash specialist will begin with a consultation to determine the length and size of the eyelash extensions you’re looking for. Once determined, you will lay back and your esthetician will place protective pads under your eyes. They’ll then use precision tweezers to apply adhesive above the root of your lash. They’ll then apply each lash in a fanned motion.

What can I expect an eyelash extension to look like?

If you’re considering eyelash extensions, they are typically derived from mink, synthetic mink, or synthetic silk. Depending on how voluminous and fabulous you want your lashes to look, they could be very subtle with a natural wing or offer that jaw-dropping Met Gala glamour. 

What are the pros and cons of eyelash extensions?

On the pro side, extensions give you the chance to create your own look with your lashes, no matter how big or small of a change you’re going for. They definitely make getting ready a little quicker, and they can replace other eye makeup that you typically apply. 

However, long term use of eyelash extensions can cause damage to your natural lashes. They can also spur eye infections and some people report experiencing discomfort. Compared to the lash lift and tint, they can get pretty pricey.

How to decide between eyelash extensions and lash lifts

You get to determine which enhancements better suit your needs. Let’s help you make an educated decision based on a few factors we think are important for our clients to note!

How much time do you want to dedicate? 

Getting a lash lift and tint can take around 45 minutes to an hour, whereas lash extensions can take 2-3 hours to have done. They also require a different level of maintenance, fill ins, and careful instructions to walk through each and every day. 

While lash lifts can shave time off of your day, lash extensions can add extra time onto it. They require brushing, cleansing and sanitizing, morning and night. How much time is too much time to dedicate to doing your eye makeup? 

What type of look are you going for?

Lash extensions can be great for those who are going for a dramatic eye look–for people who feel like they can’t live without their favorite volumizing mascara. The lash lift and tint is a little more versatile in that it’s buildable. If you go for a lash extension session, and you’re feeling bold, remember that you’ve got to rock that look for at least a few weeks.

Which lasts longer, lash lifts or eyelash extensions?

Resiliency matters even when it comes to your eyelashes. So which enhancement lasts longer? A lash lift can last up to 6 weeks, and possibly longer depending on how your lashes respond to their external environment. Eyelash extensions can last 6-8 weeks, but you will likely need a few fill-ins every couple of weeks. 

The cost of a lash lift vs eyelash extensions

You can expect the cost of your lash lift and tint to ring in at $120, and when you contrast that with the varying $100 to $300 price tag of an initial lash extension appointment not accounting for fill-ins, it’s a far more cost effective treatment. Of course cost is just one aspect, and that doesn’t include the price of damage to your natural lashes that extensions can cause.

What does the aftercare look like for both eyelash extensions and lash lifts

If you decide to get lash extensions, aftercare includes avoiding heavy makeup, new mascara, and avoiding picking up pulling on your lashes. It also requires you to brush your lash extensions twice a day with a clean lash wand and lash cleanser. You’ll need to avoid hot, steamy showers for 24 hours and make sure to sleep on your back.

And if you decide a lash lift is a better fit, make sure to keep your eyes dry and avoid contact with water, steam and sweat for the first 24 hours. Avoid touching and sleeping on your lashes for those first couple of days and remember to wait 24 hours before using mascara. Skip the waterproof kind to get full use of your lash lift!

We at Denver Waxing promise to provide you with the best lash lift service!

At Denver Waxing, we aim to provide our clients with the care and support we want for ourselves, and our loved ones. If you’re ready to dive into lash enhancement, head on over to our website and schedule your first last lift done right!