Easy Ways to Keep a Lash Lift Longer

Co-authored by Daniel Vann and Amber Crain

Last Updated: January 11, 2021 References

A lash lift is a great way to add curl to your lashes, especially if they're naturally very straight.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Expert Interview. 12 April 2019.} If you love your new lash lift, you're probably looking for ways to maximize the lifespan of the procedure. Typically, a lash lift lasts about 6 weeks, but you may be able to squeeze a few extra weeks out of it with the right aftercare. It's crucial to keep your lashes dry and makeup-free for the first 24 hours so the bond can set. After that, focus on being as gentle as possible with your lashes to get the most mileage out of your lift.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

First 24 Hours

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Keep your lashes dry for at least 24 hours so the bond can set. Water interferes with the setting process, so be sure to avoid washing your face, showering, and swimming for at least a day after your lash lift. This may be the most important aftercare rule of them all, so don't skip it.^{[2]
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- Stay away from steamers, saunas, and any kind of humidity.^{[3]
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- Carefully splash water on separate areas of your face to wash it. You can also use a cotton pad soaked with micellar water to cleanse your skin and remove makeup—just don’t get it on your lashes.^{[4]
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- You should be fine to hit the pool or beach again after a few days. Keep in mind that frequent swimming may cause the lift the weaken faster, but it's different for everyone.^{[5]
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Shelve plans for any facial or beauty treatments for 1-2 days. Beauty treatments, like masks, peels, and exfoliants, may have harsh ingredients that interfere with the bonding process. Plus, these treatments inevitably require you to use water at some point, which is a big no-no.^{[6]
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- It should be fine to do your favorite facial treatments after a few days.
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Wait 24 hours before applying mascara or eye makeup. Mascara and eye makeup can get in the way of the setting process, and eventually you have to wash it off, which breaks the number one aftercare rule—no water! It's best to keep things simple and avoid makeup completely for 24 hours.^{[7]
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- When you start wearing mascara again, use water-based formulas only.^{[8]
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Be gentle around your eye area so you don't weaken the lift. Don’t rub your eyes after your lash lift since your lashes are still setting. Avoid your eyelash curler, as well, since it roughly clamps down on the lashes and can disturb their positioning.^{[9]
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- You probably won’t need to use an eyelash curler at all since your lashes are pretty much curled to the max already.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Next 6-8 Weeks

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Use gentle, soap-free facial cleansers and skin care products. If you use harsh skin care products after a lash lift, you may notice your lashes starting to droop earlier than they should. Avoid strong ingredients and stick with products that are labeled “gentle” or “for sensitive skin.”^{[10]
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- For example, avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol and sulfates.
- After washing your face, pat the area around your eyes gently with a towel.^{[11]
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Apply a lash serum or conditioner daily to keep your lashes healthy. Since a lash lift is a chemical process, show your lashes some extra love by keeping them conditioned and nourished. You can use conditioning lash serum or smear a little coconut oil on your lashes before bed each night.^{[12]
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- If you're in the market for a store-bought lash serum, look for ingredients like polypeptides, biotin, antioxidants, and panthenol, which may stimulate growth and promote stronger lashes.^{[13]
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- Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and castor oil are also great lash conditioners and tend to be a lot cheaper than store-bought serums.^{[14]
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Stick with water-based mascaras to protect your lifted lashes. Waterproof mascara formulas bond strongly to your lashes and require a lot of rubbing to fully remove them. Stick with water-based mascaras and be gentle when you remove your mascara at the end of the day.^{[15]
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- Use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover to take off mascara.
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Sleep on your back so you don’t mess up your lash shape. If you sleep on your stomach or side, you’re probably subjecting your lashes to some wonky positions for hours at a time. Unfortunately, this can weaken your lift more quickly. Do your best to sleep on your back every night.^{[16]
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- If you wake up on your stomach occasionally, it’s not the end of the world! Lash lifts are a lot tougher than extensions, which require you to be super careful when you sleep.^{[17]
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Brush your lashes every day with a spoolie to keep them looking great. Lifts add so much length to your lashes that they can actually get tangled! Take a few minutes every day to gently brush out your lashes with a spoolie so they look fluffy and neat.^{[18]
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- If you don’t have a spoolie on hand, clean an old mascara wand and use that instead.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Should I get a lash lift?

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Daniel Vann is the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area. He has been working in the cosmetics industry for over 15 years and is currently a licensed aesthetician and makeup educator.

Daniel Vann

Licensed Aesthetician

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Lash lifts are a luxury, but they're especially helpful for people with lashes that go straight out or even downward into their field of vision. The curl will lift the lashes so they're visible against the eyelid, making them look longer.

Warnings

Lash lifts can make sensitive eyes a bit cranky. If you experience a lot of irritation or burning after your lift, contact the salon for advice.

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Always get lash lifts performed by certified professionals to avoid any potential issues.^{[21]
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