Lash lift, or lash extensions? How to decide

The most common question we get at the salon isn't 'how much does it cost', but 'which one should I choose'. And it's the right question — there's a fundamental difference between a lash lift and lash extensions, and making the wrong choice means you'll be disappointed even with perfectly executed work.

What each method does

Lash lift reshapes your natural lashes. The lash is curled from the roots onto a silicone pad, so it points upwards instead of forwards or downwards. The treatment includes tinting and nourishment. Nothing is bonded on, and nothing is added.

Lash extensions add extensions to your natural ones. With classic lashes, one is added to each natural lash; with volume lashes, an entire delicate fan is added. This means length and density are added that weren't there before.

The difference can be simplified like this: a lash lift enhances what you have. Extensions add what you don't have.

When a lash lift wins

• You have long natural lashes that grow downwards. This is the most typical case. You have the lashes, you just can't see them because they point towards your face. After curling, a length you didn't know you had will appear.
• You don't want to worry about anything. The effect lasts six to eight weeks, and you don't need any infills in between. No daily brushing, no monitoring make-up removers.
• You have light-coloured lashes. The tinting, which is part of the treatment, darkens them, making your eyes look as if you've applied mascara.
• You wear glasses. Lash extensions can hit the lenses, but curled natural lashes won't.
• You are allergic to lash adhesive.

When extensions win

• Your natural lashes are short. A lash lift won't add length. If you don't have much to curl, the result will be minimal.
• Your lashes are sparse or have gaps. This is where volume lashes can particularly help, as they even out the density.
• You want a more dramatic result than your natural lashes can achieve.
• You want to change the shape of your eye. By varying the lengths, you can optically elongate the eye or lift its outer corner. A lift doesn't change the eye shape.

Longevity and maintenance

| | Lash lift | Lash extensions | | --- | --- | --- | | How long it lasts | 6–8 weeks | 3–4 weeks until infill | | Maintenance in between | none | brushing, no oils | | What then | treatment is repeated | infill, or a new set | | Time in salon | less than an hour | 2 hours or more |

Lash extensions are therefore more demanding in terms of time and discipline in the long run. A lash lift is a 'do it and forget it' option.

Does any of this harm your lashes?

Both are safe when performed correctly, and both can be done incorrectly.

With a lash lift, the risk comes from using a pad that's too high, which can leave the lash crimped instead of curled, and from leaving the solution on for too long, which can dry out the lash. That's why nourishment with keratin is part of the treatment — and why there's a noticeable difference between a lift done by someone who's trained and someone who just bought a kit.

With extensions, the risk arises from lashes that are too long and heavy for weak natural lashes, and from tearing them off at home. Not from the method itself.

Can they be combined?

Not at the same time. Extensions don't adhere well to curled natural lashes, and vice versa. However, you can alternate them: let a set fall out or have it removed, give your lashes a few days' break, and then get a lash lift. Or vice versa — after the lift wears off, you can get extensions.

Many clients do this seasonally: a lash lift in summer because it's low-maintenance and water-friendly, and extensions for winter and weddings.

If you're unsure

Come in for whatever appeals to you more, and tell us at the start that you're unsure. We'll look at your lashes and honestly tell you if the other option makes sense. It's not in our interest to give you a treatment you'll be disappointed with.