Lash Lift vs Lash Extensions: Which Is Right For You?

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We all want to bring more attention and drama to our eyes. Some use mascara, others take it a step further by using false lashes.

Either way, both methods produce temporary results that you (hopefully) remove at the end of the day once you cleanse your face. If you are looking for a longer-lasting result when it comes to your eyelashes, there are two options you can take: a lash lift or lash extensions.

What are the differences? Which is better?

In this article, we’re going to look at lash lift vs lash extensions, and explain what each process is and whether it’s right for your eyes.

The short explanation is that a lash lift is essentially a perm for your natural lashes, while lash extensions involve adding semi-permanent false lashes to your eyes.

The right one for you will depend on what you’re looking for and on the current condition of your lashes.

Let’s get into it!

Contents

Differentiating Lash Lift And Lash Extensions

Many get confused between what a lash lift is and what lash extensions are. That’s because they look like they give similar results!

Both procedures can make the eyelashes look longer and fuller. However, while they both improve how your lashes look, there is a significant difference between them.

Lash Extensions 101

The main difference between a lift and extensions is that with lash extensions, natural or artificial lashes will be attached to your natural lashes. An adhesive will be used by the technician to securely attach the extensions to each of your natural eyelashes.

They’re like a semi-permanent falsie. This results in longer and fuller eyelashes.

The main difference is that with lash extensions, natural or artificial lashes will be attached to your natural lashes.

Various types of lash extensions can be used, with materials like mink fur and synthetic hairs. They could come in different colors, lengths, curls, and textures. The one you choose will depend on what your goal is.

Lash extensions could create dramatic changes in your eyelashes. This is because they can greatly boost both the thickness and length of your eyelashes.

Just be mindful of how long and thick you want to go! They’re not easy to trim if you go too far!

Lash Lift 101

On the other hand, lash lifts won’t use any other eyelashes. It will only focus on your natural eyelashes and make them look fuller and longer.

This can be done by perming the natural lashes. The process uses chemical solutions to curl the natural eyelashes upward. This makes your natural eyelashes more strikingly longer and a lot thicker.

The process uses chemical solutions to curl the natural eyelashes upward to make your natural eyelashes more strikingly longer and a lot thicker.

When your natural lashes aren’t curled or permed, they may not appear thick or long simply because of the angle at which they grow.

However, when you curl them, the dark lashes become more visible against the eyelids.

Lash Lift Vs Lash Extensions: A Comparison

We’ve explained the basics of the lash lift and lash extension procedures. Now let’s now help you choose which procedure would be best for you.

1. How They’re Done

As mentioned, a lash lift is a procedure that curls your lashes. To do this, silicone pads are placed over your eyelids. Your natural eyelashes are then lifted or curled using a chemical solution.

The procedure is quite similar to perming your hair. The technician will apply a solution to your lashes that will keep your lashes curled upwards. Additionally, many add tint to the lashes to darken the color.

Tinting your lashes could help make them look thicker.

On the other hand, lash extensions use either natural or artificial fibers to mimic eyelashes. They are attached by carefully using a lash adhesive.

The lash extensions come in a variety of lengths. You can decide how many they are going to use to decide how thick you want them to be.

Sometimes, they can combine the longer eyelashes for the outer corners of the eye with the shorter ones for the rest to create a cat-eye style.

If you just want to give your eyelashes an extra boost without adding anything, go for a lash lift. They are best for those who want a more natural look.

Lash extensions will be better for those who want a dramatic change in their eyelashes. Although there are shorter extensions, the results will be more obvious as compared to a lash lift.

If you just want to give your eyelashes an extra boost without adding anything, go for a lash lift. They are best for those who want a more natural look.

Lash extensions will be better for those who want a dramatic change in their eyelashes. Although there are shorter extensions, the results will be more obvious as compared to a lash lift.

2. The End Results

With a lash lift, you will end up with amped-up, but natural-looking lashes. They’ll just look better because they are curled upwards. This can brighten the eyes and accentuate them.

Lash extensions give fuller and longer eyelashes. Depending on what you prefer, you can ask your lash technician to use extensions meant to add volume to your eyelashes. These are fanned fibers that make you look like you have more eyelashes.

There is also a technique that adds fiber or lashes to each of the lashes. This is the classic take on the lash extension procedure.

Lastly, some combine the two techniques to add volume to targeted areas of your eyelashes. The type of extensions used will depend on the results you want to achieve.

3. How Long The Processes Take

Lash lifts will typically be done in about an hour. If you want the optional lash tinting procedure to go with your lash lift, it will take another 15 minutes for the procedure to be completed. ‘

On the other hand, lash extensions take longer to do. It could be from an hour or two. This will depend on the style you want. It takes time to carefully add the extensions correctly to each of your eyelashes.

4. How Long They Last

Lash lifts aren’t permanent, but they will certainly last for a long time. Your eyelashes could stay curled for about a month to two months. They’ll eventually gradually return to their natural shape afterward.

As for lash extensions, they typically last for 6 to 8 weeks, depending on how you take care of them.

Additionally, you have to remember that eyelashes go through the hair cycle.

We eventually shed our eyelashes but you don’t shed them all at once. That’s why it is normal to see your natural lashes fall off with the extensions after quite some time.

5. The Costs

The average cost of a lash lift is $100 to $200. This is compared to lash extensions that typically cost an average of $200 to $500.

lash extensions are a bit more expensive than lash lifts. Their prices vary greatly depending on what extensions you opt to use. It is expected that they are more expensive since they require more time-consuming and intricate work.

6. The Aftercare

After either of the procedure, the aftercare will greatly affect how long the results last so you should know about it and follow what your lash technician instructs you to do.

For lash lifts, you have to avoid getting water into them for at least 24 hours. That’s the length of time when the eyelashes cure completely to maintain their shape. Apart from water, they need to stay away from other eye and makeup products, heat and steam as well.

Once you’ve passed the 24-hour mark, you can go back to your normal routine of grooming yourself. It would be best to use a lash conditioner daily and brush them with a spoolie.

Since your lashes are already curled, it is best to avoid eyelash curlers and waterproof mascara. Products used for eyecare should be minimal.

As for lash extensions, you need to avoid moisture generally within the first 24 hours to make sure that the adhesive fully dries and forms a strong bond. Note that some people feel discomfort during this time.

For long-term care, lash lifts are more simple than lash extensions. Oil-based makeup removers or other oil-based products should be avoided. That’s because it could negatively affect the adhesive and loosen the bond.

You need to regularly clean your extensions, particularly if you are applying any mascara to them.

You should avoid eyelash curlers and lots of makeup because removing them might remove your lash extensions. A refill every three weeks is needed to maintain the appearance of your lash extensions.

Lash Lift Or Lash Extensions: Which Is Right For You?

Like we’ve said earlier, the the right lash treatment will vary from one person to another. There are factors to consider, like cost, maintenance, and overall visual impact.

You have to consider your budget and the free time you can spare to get the procedure. Although the difference may not be that much, you should still consider this as an important factor in ending up with a decision.

Another consideration to make would be aftercare that you can commit to. Even if you get the procedure done, if you don’t take good care of them afterward, they are likely to be ruined in short order.