For those who want to enjoy the benefits of perfectly curled eyelashes that can last for weeks and even months, treatments like lash extensions and lash lifts are the perfect solution!
When deciding between these treatments, you should bear in mind that the lash lift consists of enhancing your natural eyelashes, while lash extensions consist of gluing individual false lashes to your eyelashes, and naturally, their duration differs.
Read this article to discover which lash treatment is the best option for you and how long does it take to get lashes done.
So, How Long Does It Take to Get Lashes Done?
This depends on whether you’re getting a lash lift or lash extensions. While a lash lift won’t take more than an hour, extensions can take up to 2 hours.
Let’s explain how each treatment is done and look into which factors can prolong or shorten your appointment.
What Is a Lash Lift?
A lash lift or an eyelash perm is a treatment that uses a mix of chemicals to make your natural eyelashes appear longer, fuller, and curled. The treatment is performed by using only your natural eyelash hairs and altering their look.
Lash lifts are usually done in combination with a lash tint that adds a darker tone to your newly curled eyelashes, making them visually fuller and longer.
The results of the lash lift can last for up to 8 weeks with proper maintenance and care.
Learn more about the lash lift treatment.
Image source: Instagram @marianlashlifting
What Does the Lash Lift Procedure Look Like?
The lash lifting procedure is an easy, 6-step process. Let’s take a quick look:
Step 1 – Preparation for the Treatment
When you arrive at your appointment, the first step is to have a chat with your technician about the look you’re hoping to achieve. Next, the technician will gently clean the eye and eyelash area of sebum and makeup residue.
Step 2 – Protecting the Eye Area
Once the eye area is cleaned, your technician will apply protective cotton or silicone pads on your lower eyelids. Shaping rods will then be applied to your upper eyelids, directly above the lash line. The size of these rods will determine the intensity of the final curl.
Step 3 – Gluing Down the Lashes
During this step, your technician will apply a bonding agent to your eyelashes. The lashes will then be brushed over and glued onto the silicon rods.
Step 4 – Applying the Perming Solution
The next step in the lash lifting process is to apply the perming solution. For best results, the perming solution should be left for about 10 minutes on your lashes.
Step 5 – Applying the Neutralizing Solution
After the perming solution is removed, your technician will apply a neutralizing solution or setting solution, to shape and lock the desired lash look into place.
Step 6 – Cleaning Off the Chemicals
The final step in the lash lifting procedure is to remove the silicone rods and to clean the treated area. If you decide to get a lash tint as well, there is one more step to this process.
Step 7 – Optional Lash Tinting
Lash tinting is an optional step in the lash lift procedure and it consists of applying a tinting solution that is slightly darker than your natural lash color and leaving it on the lashes for about 15 to 20 minutes. After this step, the lash lifting and tinting procedures are done and your technician will perform a final cleaning.
Video source: Instagram @marianlashlifting
What Are Lash Extensions?
Lash extensions are individual semi-permanent fibers that are applied one by one to your natural eyelashes, using a specialized, semi-permanent adhesive.
Eyelash extensions come in different materials and are applied using various techniques to create the style that suits the client best, which means that they are not limited by the natural eyelash length, color, or thickness.
The results of lash extensions can last anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the natural eyelash hair growth cycle.
Learn more about lash extensions.
Image source: Instagram @alessiap_extensionciglia
How Long Do Lash Extensions Take?
The lash extension treatment lasts about 1-2 hours. How long does it take to get lashes done depends mostly on the style of eyelashes you chose in agreement with your technician.
Lash extensions are highly customizable and are available in different lengths, curls, styles, and materials. The process of applying each individual lash takes a couple of minutes, or until the adhesive dries completely.
What Does the Lash Extension Procedure Look Like?
The lash extension procedure consists of 8 steps that involve preparation, application and cleaning. Here’s how the process works:
Step 1 – Consultation and Cleaning
The first step of the lash extension procedure is a consultation with your tech to determine the style and look you would like to get done. During the consultation, your tech will rid your eyelashes of sebum and makeup residue.
Step 2 – Preparation for the Treatment
Next, your technician will apply patches to the under-eye area. Then, one coat of primer will be added to your lashes which will help in making the eyelash extensions stick better.
Step 3 – Mapping
Mapping is the most important step during the lash extension procedure. Your tech will make marks on the already applied undereye patches that will serve as a guide when adding extensions to your natural lashes.
Step 4 – Lash Isolation
Isolation of your natural lashes is the next step. It is done with isolation tweezers and it helps your tech with separating and positioning your lashes to achieve the best results when applying the extensions.
Step 5 – Lash Extension Application
After swiping your natural lashes with just enough glue to coat them, your tech will set the individual extension on the natural lash about 1 mm from the eyelid. They will continue to implement extensions repeatedly until there are no more natural lashes to isolate.
Step 6 – Lash Separation
The next step is to separate the lash extensions that are sticking together using tweezers. Your tech will repeat the application and separation steps till each and every natural lash is bonded to its individual lash extension.
Step 7 – Drying the Lash Glue
The final step in the lash extension process is waiting for the adhesive to dry. This can take between 3 and 5 minutes or shorter when using a lash fan.
Video source: Instagram @freshface_esthetics
Conclusion
Lash lifts and lash extensions are a great way to enhance your natural eyelashes by giving them extra volume and length. How long does it take to get lashes done depends mostly on the treatment you choose and the style.
Lash lifts are a quicker solution for improving your natural lashes when compared to lash extensions, where the longevity of the treatment itself depends on your desired look.
Learn more about the differences between lash lifts and lash extensions.
Cover image source: Freepik
