Which is better: Lash Lift vs Lash Extensions?! Find out everything you need to know about the difference between a lash lift and extensions to achieve long, beautiful lashes.
Who doesn’t want longer, fuller, gorgeous lashes?
From using lash serums to naturally grow your lashes, to trying out different mascaras to create a voluminous lash look, and more, there are soooo many ways to achieve beautiful lashes these days
However, finding out the right method for you and your eyelashes is easier said than done.
A lash lift and extensions are two top ways to achieve instantly longer, luscious lashes.
Yet, deciding which method, a lash lift vs lash extensions, is best for you can be tricky.
Each method has its own pros and cons which can inevitably sway which treatment you choose.
That’s why in this article, you’ll learn more about both lash lifts and lash extensions to better understand which treatment is best for you.
What is a Lash Lift?
A lash lift is a semi-permanent eyelash curling treatment that essentially lifts and curls the lashes to make your eyes pop.
Think of a lash lift like a perm for your eyelashes.
A lash lift is a subtle way to enhance your natural lashes by working to reshape them to look more voluminous and noticeable.
Lash lifts can work on most eyelashes, especially those who already have long lashes to begin with.
Additionally, lash lifts are an especially effective treatment for those who have long but straight eyelashes that could benefit from a bit of lift and curl.
Other treatments like a lash tint can also be done in combination with a lash lift to fully revamp your lash look.
The lash lift treatment involves the technician using a chemical solution and a silicone shield to help reform and reshape your natural lashes to appear curved and lifted.
Don’t worry, the chemical solution used during the lash lift is non-toxic, and is specially used to break down your lash's current shape to help them reshape into a beautifully lifted look.
A lash lift treatment takes about 45 minutes and you can expect your treatment results to last for about 8 weeks.
What are Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions involve attaching natural or artificial lashes to your natural eyelashes one at a time.
In other words, lash extensions involve attaching lashes individually to your natural lashes to create a fuller-looking, more dramatic effect.
The great thing about lash extensions is they are customizable.
Want a cat eye look?
What about a bold, dramatic lash look?
Or, more of a subtle lash look to enhance your natural beauty?
Depending on the specific look you want, your technician can use varying techniques to achieve your desired look.
No matter the look you want, the eyelash extension treatment itself involves using an eye-friendly adhesive to attach the lash fibers carefully to your natural lashes.
Expect a full set of eyelash extensions to take at least 90 minutes to 2 plus hours to apply.
Additionally, since lash extensions are attached to your natural lashes they last as long as your natural lash cycle does.
Therefore, expect your lash extensions to last about 4 weeks.
What’s the Difference Between a Lash Lift and Extensions?
Both a lash lift and extensions are great treatments to enhance your lash look.
However, it's important to understand the distinction between a lash lift vs lash extensions.
A lash lift is a more natural way to subtly enhance your lashes by lifting your natural lashes.
Meanwhile, lash extensions involve attaching lash fibers to your natural lashes to give a longer, more voluminous effect.
Therefore, if you are looking for a more dramatic/ more noticeable result, consider getting lash extensions.
However, if you already have long lashes but are looking to enhance them, consider going for a lash lift.
Below are some more nitty-gritty details you need to know to better understand the differences between a lash lift vs lash extensions.
Process
Lash Lift:
During your lash lift treatment, your aesthetician will separate your lower and upper lashes.
Then, a chemical solution/ serum will be applied to your upper lash line.
This solution is specially designed to break down the structure of your lashes to reshape and lift your lash shape.
Additional treatments like a lash tint can also be done.
Most lash lift treatments take about 45 minutes.
Lash Extensions:
During your lash extension treatment, your technician will dip the lash fibers into the medical-grade adhesive and then individually place and bond the lash fibers onto your natural eyelash.
Your technician will go one by one bonding the lash fibers to your natural lashes to create your desired look.
Depending on the look you want will influence the technique used during your lash extension treatment.
There are three types of extensions techniques:
Classic: One lash fiber is attached one at a time to each of your natural eyelashes.
Volume: A series of lash fibers are used and fanned and then applied to each of your lashes.
Hybrid: A combination of both the classic and volume extension technique is used.
It can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a full set of lash extensions to be applied.
End Result
Lash Lift:
A lash lift subtly enhances your lash look.
Therefore, if you are looking for a natural way to boost your lash game, consider getting a lash lift.
However, the length of your lashes does matter in how “good” the end result of your lash lift is.
This is because the shorter your lashes are, the less noticeable/ effective the treatment is in lifting your lashes.
So, if you have long but straight eyelashes that need a little TLC, lash lifts are great.
But, if you have shorter eyelashes and want to boost their overall length and volume, consider getting lash extensions.
Lash Extensions:
A lash lift is a more dramatic way to enhance your lashes.
If you are looking to 100% have longer, fuller-looking lashes that are noticeable, lash extensions are for you.
That being said, this doesn’t mean you can’t get natural-looking eyelash extensions.
Depending on the lash look you want will influence the technique your aesthetician will use to apply the lash fibers.
Therefore, whether you want a bold and dramatic look or more of a subtle lash extension look is entirely up to you.
How Long will the Results Last
Lash Lift:
A lash lift can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks until it's time to get your lashes redone.
This is because over time your lashes will naturally begin to return to their original shape.
Lash Extensions:
Lash extensions can last up to 4 weeks before needing to get redone.
Since the lash fibers are attached to your natural lashes, as your lashes begin to fall out, so do your lash extensions.
Aftercare
Lash Lift:
Here are a few lash lift aftercare tips:
Avoid rubbing your eyes.
Avoid getting your eyelashes wet for at least 24 hours.
Avoid wearing any eye makeup for at least 24 hours.
Avoid applying waterproof mascara.
Avoid using an eyelash curler.
Lash Extensions:
Here are a few lash extension aftercare tips:
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
Avoid getting your lash extensions wet for at least 48 hours.
Don’t sleep on your face.
Clean your lashes with an eyelash foam cleanser and cleaning brush every 1-3 days.
Avoid using oil-based products around your eyes.
Lash Lift vs Lash Extensions: Pros & Cons
Neither treatment is perfect.
Both a lash lift and lash extensions each have their pros & cons.
Carefully consider each of the three factors below to consider the benefits and risks of each treatment.
Lash Lift vs Lash Extensions Price
In general, lash lifts are more affordable than lash extensions.
The price of a lash lift can range anywhere from $100 to $200.
Meanwhile, the price of lash extensions can range from $150 to $250.
Not to mention, lash extensions last for a shorter amount of time relative to a lash lift.
So, you'll be having to get your lash extensions done more often to maintain your desired look which means more $$$.
Lash Lift vs Lash Extensions Maintenance
Lash lifts require less upkeep and maintenance relative to lash extensions.
This is because lash lifts don't involve attaching external lash fibers to your eyelashes that you'll need to consistently clean daily.
So, you don't have to worry about cleaning anything with a lash lift because the treatment simply changes the shape of your natural lashes.
Lash Lift vs Lash Extensions Damage
As long as you see a professional aesthetician to do you lash lift or extensions, you shouldn't have to worry about any damage to your lashes or eyes.
Therefore, neither a lash lift nor lash extensions are more or less damaging than the other.
And, since eyelashes grow back every 4 to 6 weeks, if for some reason you do experience a bad treatment, you won't have to worry about any long-term negative effects to your lashes.
Final Thoughts: Which is better lash lift or lash extension?
Overall, depending on the look you want will determine which option, a lash lift vs lash extensions, is best for you.
If you want a more noticeable, dramatic way to add length and volume to your lashes, consider getting lash extensions.
However, if you want more of a natural and subtle look, consider getting a lash lift.
In terms of price and maintenance, a lash lift is better in that respect.
That being said, if you have shorter lashes to begin with, a lash lift may not be a good investment as you most likely won't see any noticeable results/ changes to your lashes.
Overall, carefully consider the look you're going for and the budget you are willing to spend PER MONTH on your lashes.
This is because both a lash lift and lash extensions aren't cheap.
If you're strapped for cash, using a lash serum or simply revamping your mascara game can help give you more voluminous looking lashes while on a budget.
FAQs
Can you get a lash lift and extensions at the same time?
No, you cannot get a lash lift and lash extensions done at the same time.
This is because they involve two very different treatments.
One service is changing the shape of your natural lashes while the other is adding length and volume to your lashes.
Technically you can get lash extensions applied 48 hours after your lash lift; however, most times it is not recommended to do so.
Is a lash lift safer than extensions?
A lash lift and lash extensions are both safe beauty treatments as long as you go to a professional technician.
A good rule of thumb: If the price seems too good to be true, it's because it is.
It's not worth risking your face & eyes over!
Are lash lifts or lash extensions worse?
Neither treatment is "worse" than the other.
Depending on the look you want will determine whether you want a lash lift or lash extensions done.
For more natural results, go with a lash lift.
For more voluminous, noticeable results, go with lash extensions.
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