10 Simple Rules For Lash Lift Aftercare

The number one rule for lash lift aftercare is this: Do Not Get Them Wet!

Remember the scene in Legally Blonde when Elle Woods says, “Isn’t it the first cardinal rule of perm maintenance that you’re forbidden to get your hair wet for the first 24 hours?”. 

Yes, the same rule applies to lash lifts.

There’s nothing quite like walking out of your lash appointment with a set of gorgeous, shiny, freshly curled lashes that make you feel ready for whatever life throws your way. 

Taking proper care of your newly permed lashes will go a long way in ensuring they stay curled and healthy and the first 24-72 hours following your lash lift are the most important. 

The worst thing you can find on your pillow in the morning is lashes that have fallen out due to improper lash lift aftercare. 

Follow these simple lash lift aftercare rules to maximize the longevity of your lash lift and keep them looking fluffy. (I’ll dive into the importance of each stage further down).

10 simple rules for lash lift aftercare:

 

1. Don’t get them wet!
2. Don’t rub or touch your eyes
3. Avoid any eye makeup
4. Avoid high heat 
5. Avoid creamy, oil cleansers or oils like coconut
6. Skip the lash curler, electric or manual
7. Be gentle on your lashes
8. Use a lash conditioner
9. Skip water-proof mascara or eye makeup
10. Give your lashes a break every 3 treatments

Lash lift aftercare – hour by hour

There are three distinct phases to lash lift aftercare, the first 24 hours after your lift, the day after your lift (or 48 hours after), then 72 hours after your lash perm, and finally follow-up care. Here are the tips for each phase.

First 24 hours

• Keep your lashes dry for the initial 24 hours after treatment: getting your lashes wet will deactivate the solution and make the lash lift ineffective.
• Avoid taking a sauna, steam bath, face steamer, swimming, or even excessive sweating: again these activities involve water and can cancel out your lash perm. 
• Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes or lashes: this can cause your lashes to break or fall out.
• Avoid makeup, eye cream, face cream, face oils, or sunscreen.
• Basically, keep your hands and anything else away from your eyes!

Day 2

• Avoid rubbing your eyes or eyelashes
• Avoid using oil-based products on your face and eye region like oil-based makeup remover
• Avoid all mascara and eyeliner, regular or waterproof
• Avoid using a sauna, steam bath, face steamer

Day 3

• Avoid rubbing your eyes or eyelashes
• Avoid using oil-based products on your face and eye region like oil-based makeup remover
• Avoid waterproof mascara
• Avoid cream-based cleansers and cleansing milk, use a gentle oil-free cleanser instead
• Brush your lashes to help them keep that lush curl
• Skip the lash curler

Daily aftercare

To get the most out of your lash lift, avoid using any kind of oil-based mascara or makeup remover. Oil will degrade your lash lift and cause them to straighten faster.

I’ve included several oil-free mascaras and oil-free makeup remover options below.

My three current favorites mascaras for post-lash lift care are:

1. BadGal Bang! oil-free mascara by Benefit
2. Limitless Lash mineral-based mascara by Ilia
3. Natural Expressionist clean mascara by W3LL People

Excellent oil-free makeup removers that are safe for a lash lift:

1. Paula’s Choice Oil-Free Makeup Remover
2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Makeup Remover
3. Velour Lashes Oil-Free Makeup Remover

Healthy lash conditioners for lash lift maintenance:

1. Lash Food Conditioning Collagen Lash Primer
2. Lash Lift Conditioner from Lash Stuff

Preparing for your lash lift

 There are several things you can do to prepare your lashes for a lash perm before your appointment.

• Skip the eye makeup, including mascara for 2-3 days before your lift.
• Stop using your eyelash curler for 2 days before your lash perm.
• Shampoo your lashes with a lash shampoo the night before your appointment for a deep clean.
• Cleanse properly on the day of your appointment to remove any residual makeup.
• Opt for a keratin lash infusion for an extra boost of nutrients and protection.

Can I wear mascara with a lash lift?

Yes! You can definitely wear mascara with your lash lift.

Just remember to avoid using any kind of waterproof mascara since most contain some kind of an oil base, like castor oil.

Opt for a water-based or mineral mascara with natural fibers to keep your lash extensions looking fresh.

You can also use an oil-free eyelash serum, like LiLash’s physician-formulated serum,  to strengthen and protect your lashes.

Can I do my own lash lift?

Yes, you can learn how to do your own lash lift. There are many at-home lift kits available. My personal favorite is by Clione. This is a Korean brand and has high standards of consumer safety. 

If you decide to do the DIY route I strongly suggest you first get your lashes done by a professional so you have some familiarity with the process. Next, I would ask a trusted friend to help you.

Having done this myself, it’s much easier to have an extra set of hands to assist you while applying the perming solution and removing it than doing one eye at a time. 

Here is my top choice for the best lash lift kit for at-home use. 

Troubleshooting your lash lift

If you accidentally overprocess your lashes and end up with a frizzy mess, fear not!

There are things you can do to repair and restore your lashes to their former glory.

First and foremost, take a break from any type of lash treatment, lash lift, perm, or even keratin infusions. Avoid getting lash extensions until your lashes have grown back.

The best way to remedy a bad lash lift is to first, let them grow out, and second, treat your damaged lashes with nourishing oil like coconut oil for lash growth or by opting for an eyelash growth serum.

Remember, patience is queen!