Lash lifts are a popular beauty treatment that can give you the appearance of longer, fuller, and more curled lashes without the hassle of extensions or mascara. A lash lift is essentially a perm for your lashes, using a chemical solution to curl them upwards from the base. The results can last for six to eight weeks, depending on your lash growth cycle.
However, lash lifts can also be quite expensive and time-consuming to get done at a salon. That’s why some people opt for a DIY lash lift at home, using a kit that contains all the necessary tools and products. But is it safe and effective to do a lash lift yourself? What are the pros and cons of a DIY lash lift? And how can you achieve the best results possible?
In this blog post, we will answer all these questions and more, providing you with a step-by-step guide on how to do a lash lift at home, as well as some tips and tricks to make it easier and more fun. Let’s get started!
What You Need for a DIY Lash Lift
Before you begin, you will need to get a lash lift kit that contains the following items:
- A lash glue
- A cleanser solution
- A perm solution
- A fixation solution
- A nutrition solution
- A set of lift pads in different sizes
- A cleaning tool
You can find many lash lift kits online, but make sure to choose one that has good reviews and is suitable for your lash type and length. One of the most popular and highly rated lash lift kits is the ICONSIGN lash lift kit, which costs £20.99 on Amazon UK and $24.99 on Amazon US.
You will also need some extra items that are not included in the kit, such as:
- Cotton buds
- Cotton pads
- Cling film
- Scissors
- A timer
- A mirror
- A lash tint (optional)
Make sure to do a patch test of each of the solutions in the kit on an inconspicuous area near your face (such as behind your ear) at least 24 hours before you try it on your eyelashes. This is to check for any allergic reactions or sensitivities to the products. If you experience any itching, redness, swelling, or irritation, do not use the kit on your lashes.
How to Do a DIY Lash Lift: Step by Step
Once you have everything ready, you can start the lash lift process. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Clean Your Lashes
Use an oil-free remover or the cleanser solution from the kit to clean your lashes and remove any makeup, dirt, or oil. This will help the products adhere better and prevent any infections or irritations. Use a cotton pad or the cleaning tool to gently wipe your lashes from the base to the tip. Make sure your lashes are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Field
Pick out a lift pad that matches the size and shape of your eye and the desired curl of your lashes. The smaller the pad, the more dramatic the curl. The larger the pad, the more natural the curl. You can also trim the pad to fit your eye better. Apply some lash glue to the back of the pad and stick it to your eyelid, as close to the lash line as possible. Press it down firmly and make sure it is secure and comfortable.
Step 3: Apply the Adhesive to Your Lashes
Use a cotton bud to apply some lash glue to the upper part of the lift pad. Then, use the cleaning tool or another cotton bud to lift your lashes and stick them to the pad. Make sure your lashes are evenly spaced and attached to the pad. You can use a mirror to check the alignment and adjust as needed. Wait for a few minutes until the glue is dry and your lashes are firmly in place.
Step 4: Apply the Perm Solution
Place a dollop of perm solution from the kit on a cotton bud and swipe it along the lower half of your lashes (lash root area). If the solution is applied all over the lashes, they will get loose. Cover the lashes with a cling film and wait 12 to 15 minutes, depending on your lash thickness. The perm solution will break down the bonds in your lashes and make them more flexible and malleable.
Step 5: Apply the Fix Lotion
Remove the cling film and use a cotton pad to gently wipe off the perm solution from your lashes. Then, apply the fix lotion from the kit on a cotton bud and swipe it along the lower half of your lashes, just like you did with the perm solution. Cover the lashes with a cling film again and wait for another 12 to 15 minutes. The fix lotion will restructure the bonds in your lashes and lock them in the curled position.
Step 6: Clean Your Lashes
Remove the cling film and use a cotton pad to gently wipe off the fix lotion from your lashes. Then, apply the cleanser solution from the kit on a cotton pad and wipe it over your lashes and the lift pad. This will help dissolve the glue and remove any residue from the products. Gently peel off the lift pad from your eyelid and use the cleaning tool or a cotton bud to separate your lashes from the pad. Be careful not to pull or tug on your lashes.
Step 7: Apply the Nourish Lotion
The last step is to apply the nourish lotion from the kit on a cotton bud and swipe it along your lashes, from the base to the tip. This will help moisturize and condition your lashes and prevent any damage or dryness. You can also apply some castor oil, sweet almond oil, or vitamin E oil to your lashes for extra nourishment and growth.
Step 8: HOORAY!
You have successfully completed your DIY lash lift at home! Admire your beautiful, lifted, and curled lashes in the mirror and enjoy the results for the next few weeks. You can also apply some lash tint to your lashes if you want to add some colour and definition to them. Just make sure to follow the instructions of the tint kit and do a patch test before using it.
FAQs About DIY Lash Lifts
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about DIY lash lifts:
- Q: How long does a DIY lash lift last?
- A: A DIY lash lift can last for six to eight weeks, depending on your lash growth cycle and how well you take care of your lashes. To prolong the results, avoid getting your lashes wet or applying any oil-based products to them for the first 24 hours after the lash lift. Also, avoid rubbing, curling, or pulling on your lashes and use gentle and nourishing products to keep them healthy and hydrated.
- Q: Is a DIY lash lift safe?
- A: A DIY lash lift is generally safe as long as you follow the instructions of the kit and do a patch test before using it. However, there are some risks and side effects that you should be aware of, such as allergic reactions, infections, irritations, burns, or damage to your lashes or eyes. If you experience any of these, stop using the kit immediately and seek medical attention. To minimize the risks, make sure to use a reputable and high-quality kit, sanitize your tools and hands, and avoid getting the products in your eyes.
- Q: What are the pros and cons of a DIY lash lift?
- A: A DIY lash lift has some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before trying it. Here are some of them:
- Pros:
- It is cheaper and more convenient than getting a lash lift at a salon.
- It can give you natural-looking and long-lasting results that enhance your lash length, volume, and curl.
- It can save you time and money on mascara and lash curlers.
- It can boost your confidence and make your eyes look more open and awake.
- Cons:
- It can be tricky and time-consuming to do it yourself, especially if you are not experienced or skilled.
- It can be risky and potentially harmful to your lashes or eyes if you do it wrong or use low-quality products.
- It can cause some discomfort or pain during or after the process, such as stinging, burning, or itching.
- It can damage or weaken your lashes over time if you do it too often or don’t take care of them properly.
- Pros:
Conclusion
A DIY lash lift can be a fun and rewarding way to enhance your natural lashes and achieve a more glamorous and eye-catching look. However, it is not a simple or risk-free procedure, and it requires some preparation, patience, and skill. If you decide to try it, make sure to follow the steps and tips in this guide, use a high-quality and reliable kit, and do a patch test before using it. Also, be careful and gentle with your lashes and eyes, and consult a doctor if you have any concerns or issues.
We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. And if you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends and family who might be interested in DIY lash lifts. Thank you for reading and happy lifting!