Lash Lift Or Extensions: Which One Is Better?

Almost everyone desires  long, fluttery lashes. Wanting to enjoy full and voluminous natural lashes without needing to curl and use mascara on a daily basis is a major reason why clients approach aestheticians for a lash lift or extensions. 

However, clients can get confused about the differences in these options and have difficulty deciding between lash extensions vs lash lifts. 

This guide covers everything you should know about the lash lift vs extension debate to help you better assist your clients in making the right choice.

What Is A Lash Lift Vs Extensions?

The first step to understanding whether lash lifts or lash extensions are a better option for a client is to understand what these processes entail.

Both procedures are designed to give a voluminous boost to one’s lashes, making them look naturally darker, thicker, and curled. They are especially useful for those who want to reduce the time spent on their mascara application without sacrificing the bright-eyed look that long lashes give.

Lash Lifts

Lash lifts are a completely natural, semi-permanent procedure and are considered cheaper alternatives to eyelash extensions. They involve lifting or curling the client’s own lashes and can also be combined with a lash tint.

This process helps emphasize or elevate the client’s natural lashes with the help of certain products and makes them seem longer.

The Lash Lift Process

The entire lash lift process takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

The aesthetician first cleans the client’s eyelids and lashes and then places a silicone rod on their eyelid. This is followed by a lash fixing adhesive to attach the lashes to the silicone rod.

A rebonding chemical is applied to break the bonds of the eyelashes and allow them to take the shape of the silicone rod, which makes the lashes curl. After this, a setting lotion is applied to allow the lashes to be set in place. This also makes the lash lift last for as long as the natural hair growth cycle.

If a client has opted for a tint, the tint is applied just like the setting solution to help make the lashes appear darker and fuller.

Finally, a nourishing solution is applied to the lashes to help strengthen and condition them.

Sizes of Lash Lift Rods

Depending on clients' natural lashes, different lash lift rods are available to curl or lift them.

• S size benefits the lashes shorter than 7mm, giving the most intense curl.
• M size fits the lash length 7 - 8mm, which offers a medium curl.
• M1 size: the lash lift shape provides a slighter curl than M and is used for 9 - 10mm lash length. 
• M2 size helps the lashes curl slighter than the M1 size & fits the lash length 11 - 12mm.
• L size: offers the natural curl compared to the rest and can also emphasize the lash length longer than 12mm.

Lash Lift Treatments

There are two main types of lash lifts that involve different chemicals or treatments.

1. Yumi or Keratin Lash Lift 

It uses keratin, a naturally occurring protein, to strengthen the lashes and make them smoother as they are curled from the base to the tip.

2. Length-Volume-Lift (LVL) Lash Lift 

This provides volume and helps to curl the lashes from the hair follicle to the tip using a lifting balm. 

Clients may also opt for a combined treatment that blends the keratin and LVL lash lift for a wispy, natural look.

Lash Extensions

Lash extensions involve applying synthetic or silk fiber lashes to the natural lashes. This semi-permanent procedure involves using specially formulated glue that helps attach the extensions to the natural lashes without irritating or damaging them.

Each lash extension is applied to the individual natural lash to provide dense, long, and lush lashes.

The Lash Extension Process

A lash extension process can take anywhere between 60 to 120 minutes or more, depending on the look the client desires. 

The aesthetician will apply the lash extensions to each individual natural eyelash with the help of an adhesive.

The procedure is extremely precise as each extension must be bonded with care to ensure that it lasts long and remains attached to the natural lashes.

Types of Lash Extensions

Different types of lash extensions provide different results depending on the client’s preference for the volume and density of the eyelashes.

• Volume and mega volume lash extensions - these are typically made with fans of two to six lash extensions applied to every natural lash. They create a dramatic look that’s perfect for bold eye makeup.
• Classic lash extensions - these follow a 1:1 application technique with a single extension applied to every natural lash. They are perfect for a natural look that makes the eyelashes appear longer and more pronounced.
• Hybrid extensions are the mix of those two, enhancing the eyes with a dramatic look while amplifying the natural feeling.

Types of Lashes Used

Aside from the different types of lash extensions, there are also different types of lashes used for these extensions:

1. Flat Lashes 

These lashes have slightly flat middle sections while the ends are oval and shaped to curve around the edge of the natural lashes.

2. Round Lashes 

These lashes have a round base and taper towards the end, similar to natural eyelashes.

Is Lash Lift Safe As Extensions?

Lash lifts are just as safe as extensions. Both procedures involve using chemical products that simply work differently.

In a lash extension process, lash extensions are attached to the natural lashes using adhesive glue.

In a lash lift process, a rebonding and setting solution is directly applied to the natural lashes and is completely safe for use.

How Long Do They Last And How Much Do They Cost?

Both lash extensions and lash lifts last as long as the natural growth cycle of the lashes, which is approximately 4 - 6 weeks. But, with proper aftercare, the effects can be extended. 

On average, lash extensions cost between $150 and $250, while lash lifts cost between $95 and $150.

Who Can Get A Lash Lift?

Unlike lash extensions, which are meant to be performed on thicker lashes that are strong enough to support the extensions, lash lifts have no such limitations or requirements.

Lash lifts can be performed on any client, regardless of how long or thick their lashes are. This is because the aesthetician can use different sizes of curling equipment to curl short lashes as well. 

Bottom Line

Learning about the processes involved in a lash lift and lash extension can help better understand what would work for a client and make it easier to recommend either of these treatments. Both lash lift and lash extension offer specific benefits, so choosing between the two depends entirely on what the client is looking for.