Can you have eyelash extensions after a lash lift?

Eyelash beauty treatments are what’s hot right now. Whether you are in the market for longer, thicker lashes or an easy way to get a lifted curl, a lash lift or eyelash extensions can help you achieve the look you desire.

People sometimes get confused about treatment, and they may or may not get eyelash extensions after a lash lift. Is it safe or even possible to combine these two treatments? As a fashion and beauty resource, it is my pleasure to help answer these questions.

This article will cover the differences between lash lifts and extensions, explain whether it is safe and when it is safe to do extensions after a lift, and give you tips for proper care. By the end of this article, you will know whether combining these two lash treatments could work for your beauty goals.

Read about: Lash Curl Types

Lash lift vs. Eyelash extensions

Many people think lash lifts and extensions are the same treatment, but they are actually very different. A lash lift concentrates on curling your natural lashes to open up your eyes, while extensions add more length and volume with the use of synthetic lashes glued on top of your real ones. 

Some of the main differences are that lash lifts only work with your natural lashes to give a more natural curled effect, while extensions add very dramatic artificial hairs. Lifts will last 4-6 weeks as your hair grows out. 

Extensions need to be touched up every 2-3 weeks as the bonds break apart. In this section, we will go into the processes and results of each treatment in more detail.

Lash lift – Overview

When you have a lash lift, a technician will begin by applying a special serum that will relax the cuticles of your natural lashes. This will then allow the lashes to be re-curled into a sweep shape that points upwards. 

The technician will then shape each lash using tweezers or other small tools to make it hold the new curl. This will take 1-2 hours. Unlike with extensions, a lash lift uses only your natural lashes and curls them. 

So, the result looks very natural, enhancing your natural lash curvature for an instant eye-opening effect. A lash lift lasts 4-6 weeks as your lashes grow out and lose the lifted shape.

Eyelash extensions – Overview

Eyelash extensions are the procedure of a technician affixing synthetic eyelash hairs to your existing eyelashes. First, they examine the shape of your eyes and determine the ideal lash length, thickness, and curl for your facial features. Then, they isolate, clean, and prepare every single natural eyelash for bonding. 

Read more about: Eyelash Extension Styles

The technician glues a single extension eyelash to a single natural eyelash one by one, building dramatic thickness and length. This process takes 1-3 hours, depending on how full the client would like. The application of extensions is the look of false eyelashes without the daily routine, lasting 2-4 weeks before a refill is necessary as the bonds weaken.

Differences between lash lift and eyelash extensions

The critical differences between eyelash extensions after a lash lift are:

• An eyelash lift only works with your natural lashes, giving them a lift upward into a better position. Extensions add thick, long artificial hairs.
• Lifts last 4-6 weeks as natural hair grows. Extensions need touch-ups every 2-3 weeks as the bonds weaken.
• Lifts create a natural curled enhancement. Extensions look much more dramatic, resembling false strips without daily maintenance.
• Lifts take 1-2 hours. Extensions take 1-3 hours, depending on the thickness needed and desired.
• Lifts cost $50-150. Extensions usually cost $150-300+, and $50-100 for refills.

Can you have eyelash extensions after a lash lift? Find out the answer.

Many people have this question in mind: can these two popular lash treatments be carried out together? There is excellent news for such enthusiasts: eyelash extensions can be carried out after a lash lift. 

There are a couple of things to consider. As the treatments are carried out following different procedures, you should make sure that your lashes recover from the treatment of a lash lift and are not weighted down with the added weight of the extensions. Most professionals suggest a minimum time of 24 hours to be given between the two treatments.

Care for eyelash extensions after a lash lift

To guarantee that your impressive extensions will live to their total capacity and your lashes will be in good shape, it is essential to care for the latter for a few days after a combination of lash lift and extension. Some measures, like staying away from makeup, oils, and swimming a few days before and after the procedures, will be an excellent idea.

Pre-care

• Schedule visits for lash lifts or lash extensions a minimum of 24 hours beforehand.
• Do not apply any makeup, cream, oil, or treatment products on your lashes for a minimum of 24 hours before the lashes are applied.
• Communicate about any medications, supplements, or other medical conditions to the extension technician.
• Take off all eye makeup and cleanse the lashes well before every appointment.

Post-care

• Be very gentle when washing your face and blinking within the first 24 hours. You should also avoid direct water on the lashes.
• Don’t rub your eyes or tug at the lashes during the first week.
• Keep away from mascaras, eyelash serums, and eyelash curlers for at least 1 week.
• Use only lash-sanctioned cleansers and conditioners near the eyes as directed.
• Opt for lash growth serums rather than oils to enhance the health of your lashes over the long term.
• Report to your technician in 3-5 days if any irritation, discomfort, or loss of lashes.
• Make sure to schedule fill-in visits every 2 to 3 weeks to get a full lash extension effect.
• Beware of steam, sun/UV, chlorine/salt water, and oils that can break down the bond.
• Taking out extensions should be done without tugging if you have the option of going swimming or visiting the spa.

FAQs

How long does a lash lift last?

An eyelash lift has a lifespan of 4-6 weeks because the natural lashes shed after many weeks. The semi-permanent curl would lose the lift pattern as new eyelashes grow to replace the lift.

May I shower/swim/exercise with my eyelash extensions?

You must ensure that the extensions are not wet for the first 24 hours after your application. You are then allowed to wear waterproof mascara and goggles to keep the lashes safe from water, chlorine, or sweat for the next fill.

How frequently does my return need to be for lash extension fill-ins?

Eyelash extensions last from 2-4 weeks; they shouldn’t last longer than this because, by now, most of them will have shed or the natural lash growth cycle. Most of us will keep refill appointments between every 2-3 weeks.

Final Thoughts

You can still have eyelash extensions after a lash lift as long as you do it. Space the treatments at least 24 hours apart and follow the pre- and post-care instructions to get a natural and beautiful look. 

If skilled technicians do both treatments, the combined effect of the lash-enhancing therapies can give you unique, lifted, and volume-packed lashes that last for weeks. 

Be very patient as your lashes recover and heal. With proper techniques and products, you can still have beautiful eyes with any treatment or combination of treatments you fancy.