Eyelash perms, or lash lifts, are one of the latest beauty trends to take off. We know what you’re thinking… A perm? This is sure to conjure up lots of 1980s big hair nostalgia, but the good news is an eyelash perm is nothing like the huge curls you’d see in old school workout videos.

Eyelash lifts can be an effective way to enjoy long, curled lashes each day, with minimal effort—but that doesn’t mean the procedure is without risk. Womxn (and some men) love the lash lift look because it really opens up the eyes, making them look larger, thanks to the help of a beautiful curl.

But is it safe to perm your eyelashes? Here’s everything you need to know about the lash lift trend.

What are eyelash perms and how do they work?

The first thing we have to say is that lash lifts should only ever be done in a beauty salon by a trained professional. They involve putting chemicals very close to your eyes to hold the curl in place, so this is not a DIY beauty trend to try.

During an eyelash perm, a lash technician uses a wand to curl your natural eyelashes. Then, a chemical compound, similar but gentler to what’s used to perm hair, is applied to the lashes.

Each lash is then left carefully separated from one another and left to dry, creating a gorgeous curl. Unlike eyelash extensions, lifts are done using only your natural eyelashes. The results can be pretty cool—curled, longer-looking lashes that still have a natural vibe.

The procedure usually takes around 45–60 minutes, depending on the thickness of your lashes. During this time, you’ll be reclined or lying down with protective coverings over your eyes. It might feel a bit weird at first, but the procedure isn’t painful, so you can totally zen out or even take a nap.

How long do eyelash perms last? Generally, around four to six weeks, but it depends on how fast your lashes grow. Eyelash perms are popular with babes who have short and/or naturally straight lashes, as this can give you a beautiful look that enhances your gorgeous eyes.

Image by Atikah Akhtar on Unsplash: Always visit a reputable cosmetic salon for your eyelash perm.

What are the benefits of eyelash perming?

Many gals love the look of a lash lift because it saves you time. You’ll wake up each day with beautifully curled lashes—no need to waste time curling them and applying mascara.

They’re super low-maintenance as well. For the first 24 hours after the procedure, you’ll want to avoid getting your eyes wet with water or hot steam, as this can damage the curl. But after that, you don’t need to really do anything special for your lashes to look nice.

The results are instant as well, so once the procedure is done, you’ll be loving your new lashes right away.

Is there anything I should be concerned about?

Right now you’re probably thinking, “This sounds awesome—sign me up!” But before you jump on the lash lift trend, there are a few things to be aware of.

First, do plenty of research before selecting a salon. You need an experienced technician to do this for you, because if the perm serum is left on too long, this can be damaging to your skin and eyes. Or it can make your lashes too brittle, meaning they’ll fall out.

Also, if you have a history of allergies, skin rashes, or eye sensitivity, talk to the salon first to see if the procedure is right for you. Usually, a silicone pad will be put under your eyes as protection during the procedure, so definitely let your technician know if you have any silicone allergies or irritations. You don’t want to take any risks with your health, so avoid super cheap salons advertising lash lifts and only go with a business that has plenty of positive reviews.

One more concern is the price. Lifts usually start around the $75 mark and go up from there, so it’s a decent chunk of change. Plus, with the treatment only lasting four to six weeks, the lash lift habit can quickly become expensive. However, it’s not something you need to maintain if you don’t want to—you can always do it as a once-off, like for a special occasion.

So, do eyelash perms ruin your eyelashes? The short answer is no: if done correctly, a lash perm shouldn’t do any damage to your natural lashes.

Image by George Milton on Pexels: If eyelash perms aren’t for you, there are lots of DIY alternatives.

Are there any alternatives to lash perms?

Love the look of curled lashes, but not sure an eyelash perm is for you? We get that—chemicals near the eyes aren’t something everyone is game to try! Luckily, there are plenty of other ways to get super sexy curled eyelashes.

• Fake eyelashes—You can buy glamorous fake lashes at just about any beauty store. Using glue, they stick onto your lash line, giving the appearance of longer, thicker lashes. Tip: once you apply them, run a coat of mascara over both the real and fake lashes to help them stay in place.
• Eyelash extensions— Eyelash extensions are also done by a trained lash technician and involve gluing individual eyelash extensions onto your real lashes. Yes, this can be a bit tedious and also expensive, but it does create stunning, ultra-glam lashes.
• Eyelash curler and mascara—Looking for the easiest (and cheapest) way to curl your lashes? You can’t go wrong with an eyelash curler, available at any drugstore. Use it to gently clamp down on your lashes, creating a curl—then, apply a few coats of mascara (ideally, from one of our fave beauty brands!). Once the mascara dries, give your lashes one more curl to set them in place all day long.

So, is an eyelash perm right for you? While it’s a fun way to look amazing and enhance your eyes, it’s not for everyone. Try it out and see what you think!

Featured image by Aviz on Pexels