When Can You Curl Your Lashes After Getting a Lash Lift?
CEO/Founder Of Bela Beauty College
You can safely curl your lashes 6 to 8 weeks after a lash lift once the chemical process has worn off and new lash growth has stabilised. Avoid mechanical curlers early to prevent damaging your lashes.
What Happens During a Lash Lift?
A lash lift, often called an eyelash perm, uses a chemical solution to reshape and curl your natural lashes without the need for extensions.
- The process involves applying a lifting solution to break down the bonds in the hair shaft.
- Lashes are carefully set around a silicone rod to mold the new shape.
- A neutralising solution then reforms the bonds, locking the lifted curl into place.
Expected results: You leave with natural lashes that look longer, lifted, and curled, giving a wide-eyed, refreshed appearance without mascara.
Duration: A typical lash lift lasts around 6–8 weeks, depending on your lash growth cycle and how well you maintain aftercare.
Why Lash Lift Aftercare Is Crucial
Lash lift aftercare is critical to ensure the lift stays intact and your lashes stay healthy.
Immediately after your lash lift:
- Avoid water, steam, or makeup for the first 24-48 hours.
- Do not rub or sleep on your lashes during this critical setting period.
Why is this important?
- The first 48 hours allow the lash structure to fully “cure.”
- Disruptions can cause the lashes to lose their shape prematurely.
Recommended lash health products:
- Nourishing lash serums
- Lash-safe gentle cleansers
- Conditioning oils (after the first 48 hours)
Related Tips:
- Best aftercare practices include brushing lashes daily and sleeping on your back.
- After lash lift care preserves the delicate lifted structure.
Is It Safe to Curl Your Lashes After a Lash Lift?
Curling lashes after a lash lift is not safe until after 6-8 weeks.
Here’s why:
- The lashes are chemically restructured and remain more fragile in the weeks following treatment.
- Using a mechanical curler can weaken or snap the lashes.
- Even minor pressure from a curler can cause crimping, uneven bends, or lash loss.
Is it safe to curl lashes after a lash lift?
Only after your lashes have fully cycled through regrowth, typically after 6–8 weeks.
Always check with your technician if unsure, as your natural lash thickness or health may affect your timeline.
How Long Should You Wait Before Curling Lashes After a Lash Lift?
The standard waiting period is 6–8 weeks after a lash lift before curling.
Why wait?
- The lash lift will gradually fade as new lashes grow in and old ones shed naturally.
- Curling too early can disrupt lashes that are still chemically altered.
If you curl prematurely:
- You risk permanent lash damage.
- You may experience lash breakage or a reversed curl.
Key Differences:
- Normal lashes: Curl can hold easily after the regrowth cycle.
- Damaged lashes: Will need time to heal, and might never fully recover their strength.
Post-lash lift curling advice: When in doubt, skip mechanical curling and boost curl with lash serums or gentle mascaras.
Alternatives to Curling Your Lashes After a Lash Lift
Instead of risking damage by using a mechanical curler, consider safer alternatives:
- Use a lash serum to naturally enhance the strength and curl of your lashes.
- Curl-enhancing mascara provides a subtle lift without force or stress.
- Heated lash curlers can be used safely after 6–8 weeks, but start with the lowest heat setting and test gently.
If you’re asking, do lash lifts damage your lashes? — the answer largely depends on the technique and aftercare. When done correctly, they’re a safe way to achieve long-lasting curl without daily curling tools.
Lash lift enhancement methods:
- Opt for lightweight, non-waterproof mascara
- Maintain lash separation with a clean spoolie
Boost without curling — it’s the safer, smarter way.
Expert Tips to Prolong Your Lash Lift Results
Lash lift maintenance tips help you extend the life of your beautiful new curl:
- Avoid oil-based products around the eyes — they can break down the lift.
- Sleep on your back to prevent lashes from being crushed against the pillow.
- Use a silk pillowcase to minimise friction.
- Brush your lashes daily with a clean spoolie.
Products to avoid:
- Waterproof mascaras
- Heavy oil-based cleansers
- Harsh exfoliating scrubs near the lash line
Gentle cleansing tips for lash longevity:
- Use micellar water or lash-safe cleansers
- Pat dry instead of rubbing
A few simple habits can extend your lash lift by 1–2 extra weeks. Avoid water for 24 hours, don’t rub your eyes, and sleep on your back.
Can you wear mascara with a lash lift? Yes, but use a water-based mascara and avoid waterproof formulas to protect the lift.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Lash Lift
Avoid These Top 5 Mistakes to Protect Your Lash Lift Investment:
A lash lift is a great way to achieve long-lasting curl and definition, but without proper aftercare, results can fade quickly—or worse, cause damage. Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid to ensure your lashes stay healthy and lifted:
Using waterproof mascara – It’s notoriously hard to remove and can break down the lift faster.
Exposing lashes to high heat or steam – Activities like hot yoga, saunas, or long steamy showers can weaken the curl.
DIY touch-ups or over-curling – Trying to fix a lash lift at home with curlers can lead to damage or uneven texture.
Bending lashes backward – Sleeping face-down or rubbing your eyes harshly can disrupt the lift shape.
Crimping instead of curling – Incorrect technique or tool use can cause unnatural kinks and lash breakage.
Be proactive and cautious—your lashes will thank you.
