Lash lifts are a popular treatment that perms the lashes for a natural, voluminous look. But sometimes, lash lifts don’t turn out the way you want them to. The lift may be too subtle, or the lashes may become a frizzy mess. Why? Below, we go over four common reasons why lash lifts don’t work and how to fix them.
Forgot To Clean the Lashes
It’s crucial to clean the face and lashes before lifting. Dirt, makeup, oil, and other contaminants on the skin or lashes can prevent the lifting solution from penetrating the lashes and raising them. Most professionals will clean a client’s lashes at the salon, but we recommend clients clean their own lashes prior to the appointment, just to be safe.
The Wrong Shield
Using the wrong shield—or positioning the shield incorrectly—is another common reason why lash lifts don’t work. Medium-sized shields will work for most clients, but others may need small or large shields. It’s crucial to choose a size that fits the client’s eye shape. Shields also need trimming and must sit in a position that leaves no gaps.
Over- or Under-Processed
Lifts need to process for just the right amount of time to work. The amount of time that lashes need to process varies based on lash color, thickness, and durability. A professional will assess the lashes prior to treatment and choose a processing time accordingly. But if the lashes go through this for too short or too long a time, they can wind up dry and frizzy or with minimal lift.
Ignoring Aftercare
There are a few key lash lift aftercare rules clients should follow for the first 24 to 48 hours after a lift is complete. They shouldn’t get their lashes wet or lie on their stomach, for example. If a client ignores these rules, the lift won’t set correctly, leaving them with droopy and oddly positioned lashes.
If your lash lifts aren’t working, it may be due to one of the reasons above! Try again with a new processing time, new shields, or better pre-care and aftercare for a more beautiful lift.