Should you get a lash lift before your wedding?

While you, as a bride, are going to spend a lot of time getting your bridal dress and the hair and make-up spot on as far as your look is concerned, nothing’s going to bring more attention to you than your eyes. For those looking to highlight their eyes, lash lifts are gaining popularity as those fluttery lashes ensure that all eyes are on your eyes (without getting any extensions done). 

What is a lash lift to begin with? It’s a semi-permanent cosmetic treatment that improves the natural curl of your eyelashes and lifts them up for close to eight weeks (depending on your natural lash growth cycle). The procedure involves the expert using a perming solution that breaks the bonds of your hair and changes the shape of your lashes. The result is fuller, longer and lifted lashes. 

So should you get them done? While this is an entirely personal choice, we discuss the pros and cons of this treatment.

The Pros

One of the safest procedures out there: A lash lift sees a trained professional use silicone pads that reduce the risk of allergies and infections. 

It’s personalised: Along with being safe to go for, this treatment allows you to customise your lashes right down to the colour, length and amount of curl you want. All you have to do is tell the technician about the look you’re going for. 

Gives a low-maintenance and natural look: Because no extensions are involved, the long and uniform lashes you get are natural and enhanced, and there is no need for any additional products to maintain them. 

It’s great for an outdoor wedding: If you’re getting married at a time of the year when it’s hot and humid, lash lifts will ensure you're not worrying about your make-up smearing in the heat. No matter what the weather, your curls are going to stay the same with you and your lashes looking beautiful throughout. 

The Cons 

Don’t go for it if you have sensitive skin: It’s best to avoid a lash lift if you have short and weak lashes (get eyelash extensions instead), or sensitive skin—the solutions used during the treatment could cause a reaction. 

You expose your eyes to chemicals: The perming solution contains ammonia and preservatives that could cause irritation, a burning sensation, or even blisters if they get into your eyes. 

When should one get lash lifts? 

It’s recommended to get them done a few (3-4) days before the wedding to avoid any irritation and allow the lashes to settle. If you’re having a makeup trial, do ensure you plan it after the lash lift, so that your makeup artist can take it into account, especially if you haven't done the procedure before. You don’t want to get the lash lift done after the makeup trial and be alarmed by how different you look. So it’s best to take precautions at the very beginning. 

It’s best to come to the appointment with clean lashes and with no mascara or other makeup applied. A handy tip is to use a lash serum leading to your appointment to ensure your lashes feel nourished and fuller-looking. During the procedure, the technician will place a silicone pad over the eyelids and comb the lashes on top of the pad to get those curls. An adhesive solution will then be applied to hold the follicles followed by a reshaping process. This involves a perming solution being used at the root of the lashes followed by a neutralizing solution that strengthens the curls. Things end with them softening and straightening the hairs with a conditioning agent. 

Things don’t just end here—the aftercare

For the first 24 hours after the lift, do not wet your eyes, or use any mascara or make-up. Additionally, avoid sleeping on your stomach. Maintain these lashes by using a lash serum, one that is peptide-based, once or twice a day, to keep them healthy. If you’re going to use mascara after 2-3 days, use a regular one (not a waterproof one). If you’re going to clean the lashes, use a gentle foaming facial cleanser, instead of a harsh exfoliator so that the results aren’t altered. The most important tip is to always stay hydrated. 

Lead image: Pexels

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