The lash lift is an immensely popular treatment for enhancing your eyelashes and giving them a little bit of glamor. But a common concern among those who want to try it out is, are lash lifts painful?
Read this article to discover more about the treatment itself and the potential risks involved, plus find the answer to the question does a lash lift hurt? Let’s dive right in!
What Is a Lash Lift Exactly?
A lash lift is a specialized cosmetic treatment that enhances the appearance of your natural eyelashes. During the process, a lash technician will curl up your eyelashes using special tools and products.
The curling gives the illusion of added length and volume which makes your eyes look more open, just like wearing high-quality tube mascara.
This procedure is typically performed by using silicone rods or pads. Chemical solutions are applied to the lashes to lift them and set them in place. There are typically two: a perming solution and a neutralizing solution.
These solutions are specially formulated and meant for use on the eyelashes only and need to be applied by an experienced professional. Your tech has to be experienced in working around the sensitive eye area and has to understand all the tools, materials, techniques, and effects.
To learn everything about the lash lift procedure, read our Ultimate Guide to Lash Lift for more in-depth information.
Image source: Instagram @lashlifting.poa
So, Does Getting a Lash Lift Hurt?
No.
Getting a lash lift is not a painful experience when performed correctly by a qualified, licensed, certified professional.
These beauty pros are known as eyelash technicians or lash techs. A good tech will ask about your medical history to decide whether a lash lift is a safe option for you, assess your natural eyelashes, align your appointment with your natural eyelash growth cycle, and do their best to give you the most fabulous results.
Is Lash Lift Painful in General?
The lash lifting procedure should not be painful. The majority of clients experience little to no discomfort during the treatment.
However, there are some scenarios where getting a lash lift is not recommended. You’re not a suitable candidate for the treatment if:
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have any of the following conditions:
- Blepharitis
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Conjunctivitis
- You have a history of eye problems such as:
- Eye allergies
- Eye infections
- Styes
- Watery eyes
- Sensitive eyes
- Chronic dry eye
That said, even if some of the above applies to you, you might still be able to have a lash lift treatment if your doctor greenlights it.
What Can You Expect to Feel When Getting a Lash Lift?
Now that we’ve answered the question does a lash lift hurt, let’s take a closer look at the lash-lifting process.
Firstly, the technician will cleanse your lashes. Then they’ll position the silicone rod or pad and apply a gentle adhesive to hold the eyelashes in place. You may feel a slight tugging or pulling sensation during this process.
Next, they will proceed to apply the perming solution. After about 10 minutes, the perm is removed and the neutralizing solution is applied.
You might experience a mild tingling sensation. That’s because the sensitive skin of your eyelids is so nearby and it reacts to the solutions. The tingling is usually minor and most people tolerate it with no discomfort.
If any part of this procedure feels noticeably unpleasant for you, speak up immediately and let your lash tech know.
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Potential Problems During the Appointment
While rare, certain problems can occur during a lash lift treatment. However, the following problematic scenarios can only occur when the treatment is performed by an inexperienced or untrained individual.
The biggest potential cause for concern is that the ingredients in the chemical solutions are not FDA-regulated. If they come into contact with your eyes, you might experience some of the following problematic effects:
- Severe irritation
- Excessive watering
- Redness
- Burning
- Eye dryness
- Blurred vision
- Inflammation
The skin around the eyes is also extremely thin and sensitive. If the skin of the eyelid gets excessive exposure to chemicals used during the lash lifting process, you can experience varying degrees of discomfort, including:
- Irritation
- Burning
- Swelling
- Blistering
However, skilled technicians take precautions to protect your eyes and minimize the risk of such issues.
If you decide to get a lash tint as well, keep in mind that there’s a risk of an allergic reaction. Always patch test the tint before you commit to the treatment.
For more detailed info on what happens when a lash lift goes wrong you can read this guide.
In Conclusion
The simple answer to the question does lash lift hurt, is no, it shouldn’t hurt.
Generally speaking, a lash lift is a totally painless and safe procedure, as long as it’s done by a qualified professional.
You can expect some mild tugging or tingling during the treatment. That’s normal, but any kind of irritation, burning, or notable discomfort isn’t so feel free to speak up as soon as you feel concerned.
Cover image source: Freepik
