It is always a fun indulgence to try out a new beauty treatment, especially when the results can save you time in your morning routine and can last for several weeks.
Eyelash extensions are a treat that most of us are familiar with – it’s a way to add volume and length to your lashes for more dramatic results. However, lash lift treatments are another beauty, lash indulgence that is getting a lot of chatter.
A lash lift treatment works to lift and curl your natural lashes, to create a more lengthened and defined appearance. While mascara can be used after this treatment, a lash lift often eliminates the need for such a product by enhancing your regular lashes and helping them appear already mascara coated.
If you are looking into different lash treatments, but do not want to commit to extensions, a keratin or regular lash lift may be the beauty treatment for you.
However, what is the difference between a keratin lash lift and a regular lash lift? While both treatments are similar, the main difference is the solution used to curl and lift your lashes. A keratin lash lift will use a keratin-based solution to treat your lashes, while a regular lash lift uses a different chemical solution.
Below, we explore the benefits of a lash lift, and what the differences are between a keratin and a regular lash lift.
What Is A Keratin Lash Lift?
A keratin lash lift is a beauty treatment that uses a keratin-based solution to lift the natural lashes to give a fuller and curlier appearance. While keratin lash lifts are often referred to as “lash perms” the treatment uses a different solution to lift the lash, rather than perm them.
Keratin treatments are becoming the new go-to lash enhancement, because the solution uses the keratin protein that naturally already exists in the hair and lashes to deliver the results. Keratin has been found to be so beneficial for eyelashes that there are even keratin mascaras available on the market as well.
Keratin Lash Lift Pros
The biggest pro of a keratin lash lift is that the solution used is formulated with keratin. Keratin is a protein that naturally occurs in the hair to strengthen and smooth the hair strands and to protect the health of the hair.
By using a solution with a keratin complex as the base, your lashes are being delivered an extra dose of the keratin that is already there, to have long, lush looking eyelashes.
Based on your natural lashes and the end result you are after, keratin lash lifts can be customized to your preference and daily routine. The lift can be made to result in a more natural curl or can have a more dramatic effect if that is what you want to achieve.
Keratin lash lifts can also pair well with lash tints, and are often recommended to be done together, to enhance or deepen the color of the lashes further creating a more natural or dramatic result.
The treatment enhances your natural lashes to appear longer, fuller, and with more curl without the use of mascara or an eyelash curler.
However, you can still use mascara with your lash tint if you want to amplify the results even more. It is important to wait the 48 hours after the treatment for the process to set before using mascara, however, and it is recommended not to use a lash curler at all during the duration of the lash lift results.
Rather than the minimum two hours appointment for eyelash extensions, a keratin lash lift session only takes about 45 minutes to one hour, including a lash tint if you want to add that to the service. The eyes are to remain closed for the length of time, and there should not be any discomfort as the treatment is applied.
The results of a keratin lash lift last anywhere from four to six weeks, generally, and require minimal maintenance for upkeep.
Keratin Lash Lift Cons
While there is minimal to no discomfort during a lash lift session, if your eyes are prone to sensitivity, you may feel some mild discomfort while the solution is sitting on the lashes.
If there is any discomfort, it should only be felt near the lash line and should not last longer than a few minutes. Your eyes are required to be kept closed for the duration of the appointment, to avoid any of the solution getting into your eyes are causing more irritation.
If you are used to the look of dramatic eyelash extensions, a keratin lash lift will not deliver the same results. The lash lift will enhance your natural lashes to look longer and fuller, however it will not be with the same dramatic flare or volume that results from eyelash extensions.
While the results from a keratin lash lift will last between four and six weeks, it is important to avoid using any types of oils around the eye area, such as makeup remover oils or balms, as the oil can break down the keratin solution sooner than usual. We recommend micellar water instead.
It is also best to avoid touching the lashes with your fingers, and curling the lashes with an eyelash curler, as those instances can also break down the keratin solution quickly.
Keratin Lash Lift Procedure
The procedure for a keratin lash lift, as well as a regular lash lift, is pain-free and simple. The session will begin with a consultation with your lash technician to determine what results you are trying to achieve with the lash lift.
You can discuss how dramatic of a lift you are looking for, what your everyday beauty routine looks like, and whether you want to include a lash tint for a complete lash enhancement.
Once you have determined your overall desired look, a silicone rod or pad is placed on the top of the eyelid near the lash line and will stay in place for the duration of the session.
Your lash technician will gently paint on the keratin solution with your lashes being painted up on onto the silicone rod to create the curl. If you are looking for a more dramatic lift, a smaller size would be the option for you, while a larger rod will keep the lift looking more natural.
The solution will sit on the lashes for about 10 minutes. The entire eye area is prepped beforehand to cleanse the area and to keep the bottom lashes from getting in the way.
The bottom lashes are taped down to prevent any interference and to give your lash technician the space to evenly coat your top lashes. After the solution is set, the lash tint will then be applied if that is your desire.
The lash tint will be coated onto the lashes in the same fashion as the keratin solution, from root to tip painting up onto the silicone rod. Once the tint has set on the lashes for about 10 minutes, the area will be cleansed and all the tape and rods will be removed.
It is required to keep the lashes from getting wet for 48 hours after the treatment, along with avoiding any type of makeup or cleansers for the same length of time. After everything is removed from the eyes you will be left with lengthened, lifted, and curled lashes.
What Is A Regular Lash Lift?
A regular lash lift is similar to the keratin lash lift we discussed above, however it uses a different chemical solution. A regular lash lift, or perm, often uses an alkaline solution or chemicals that would be found in a perm.
A regular lash lift delivers similar results with a similar longevity, along with the application process being generally the same. However, as the lash lift treatment is growing in popularity, more salons are offering the keratin lash treatment rather than the regular, chemical lash lift.
Overall Similarities and Differences
There are many similarities between the two types of lash lifts, mainly being more cost effective and less time consuming than an eyelash extension treatment. Both keratin lash lifts and regular lash lifts take no more than one hour in total, and can range between $75-150, depending on your location and salon.
Both treatments deliver similar results: a naturally lifted and curled lash that subtly defines the eyes. The treatments should be free from discomfort, however sensitive eyes can feel mildly uncomfortable as the solution is absorbing into the lashes.
The biggest difference is the solution used to create the results. The keratin lash lift uses a solution based on the keratin protein already existing in the hair and the lashes, to deliver strengthened, lengthened, and curled lashes.
The regular lash lift treatment uses a chemical solution that often includes similar ingredients to perms, which can cause lashes to become weakened over time or could cause more sensitivity during the treatment.
In order to keep your lashes healthy in between treatments, it is best not to overdo lifting sessions too close together and instead give your lashes a chance to breath in between appointments. You can also use hydrating lash serums to maintain your healthy lashes after your treatments.
Which Lash Lift Is Right For You?
A lash lift treatment is definitely the option for you if you are looking to enhance your natural lashes. If you are someone who has subjected your lashes to extension treatments, a lash lift may be a nice way to still enhance your lashes without creating the added drama or volume of extensions.
A keratin lash lift would be an ideal option, especially, as it will help restore the protein in your lashes already that have been exposed to the extensions which can cause breakage or weakened lashes.
Based on all the benefits of keratin lash lifts, most salons are exclusively offering that service over the regular lash lift. However, whichever you choose, it is important to research your salon and technician to ensure you feel safe with the procedure.
Conclusion
If you want to add extra emphasis to your eyes, but do not want the bulk, drama, or volume of lash extensions, try out a keratin lash lift. The lash lift works to enhance your natural lashes to appear lengthened, defined, and curled, while also making the results comfortable and easy to maintain.
While a regular lash lift and a keratin lash lift offer similar results and processes, a keratin lash lift incorporates the protein already found in healthy hair strands, making this treatment the go-to selection for both professionals and consumers.
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