Treatments like lash lifts and perms can give natural-looking results that are still dramatic. Of course, if you’re considering an eyelash treatment, you’ll want to make sure you know the difference between lash lifts and perms.
Lash lifts and lash perms are very similar, but they’re not identical. With a lift, a soft silicone rod is used to gently lift lashes from the base. Lash perms involve winding the eyelashes around a cylindrical rod, which helps to open up the eye.
What Is A Lash Lift?
Lash lifts are a semi-permanent treatment that lifts lashes from the root.
Even though a lash lift doesn’t actually lengthen your lashes, it can make them look longer and thinner. Typically, the results of a lash lift will last somewhere between four and six weeks.
The procedure uses curved silicone rods to gently lift lashes. The rods are secured to your eyelids with an adhesive, and then your eyelashes are combed upwards so that they stick to the rod.
Once the lashes are lifted, a solution is applied to the roots of the lashes, helping them to hold that shape.
The lifting solution is left on for a few minutes before it’s removed. After that, a setting solution is applied to keep the lashes in place.
You’ll need to avoid touching your lashes or getting them wet for at least 24 hours to allow the solution to fully set, locking in the lift.
What Is A Lash Perm?
Lash perms are a procedure that involves using a cylindrical perm rod to curl lashes.
While the lashes are wrapped around the rod, solutions are applied to help the lashes to hold that curl.
Since you need to be able to roll your eyelashes around the rod, the treatment is best suited to people that naturally have longer lashes.
Like with a lash lift, a lash perm starts by applying an adhesive to the eyelids. This adhesive is used to secure the perm rods between the eyelid and eyelashes.
After, a perming solution is applied to the lashes, allowing the bonds in the lashes to break down so that they can be reshaped.
Both the lashes and rods are covered in plastic wrap for approximately 15 minutes. When the plastic is removed, an activating solution is applied to the lashes.
The lashes are curled around the perm rods, giving the eyelashes a new shape.
Once the lashes are curled, the solution is washed away and the eyelashes are brushed to perfect their shape.
Typically, some sort of conditioning treatment is also applied to the lashes to keep them from drying out. The procedure can be completed in about 30 to 35 minutes.
The Main Differences Between A Lash Lift And A Perm
Lash lifts and perms are both semi-permanent treatments that enhance eyelashes, and both treatments are similar in price.
However, if you’re trying to decide between the two treatments, it’s better to focus on their differences than their similarities.
The Treatments Use Different Tools and Solutions
One of the primary differences between lash lifts and perms is the tools used for the job.
A lash lift uses a lifting and setting solution, while a perming solution is used during a perm.
With a lift, lashes are shaped using a silicone rod, but a perming rod is used for a perm.
The chemicals used for a perm are harsher than the ones used in most lifting solutions, which means they can be more damaging to lashes overall.
Perming solutions contain an ingredient called ammonium thioglycolate, which can lead to protein loss.
Lash lifts also have the potential to dry out your lashes, but the solutions used for these treatments tend to be less damaging.
It’s common for lash lift treatments to use keratin, a protein that can actually strengthen the eyelashes.
A Lash Lift Treatment Lifts the Lashes, While a Perm Adds Curl
A lash lift does exactly what it says it does. It’s a way to lift your eyelashes, making your eyes look more open.
In contrast, a perm actually curls your lashes. If you have shorter lashes, you can still get great results from a lash lift, but your lashes might not be long enough to wrap around a perm rod.
In some cases, the curl that you get from a lash perm will be fairly dramatic, which means your lashes will look less natural than they would with a lift.
When your lashes are heavily curled, you may also have a difficult transition period when your new, non-curled lashes, start to grow in after a few weeks.
Lash Perms Take Longer Than Lash Lifts
A lash lift is a fairly quick treatment. The solution used to lift lashes can make your lashes frizzy if it’s left on for too long.
While processing times vary, it’s normal for the solution to be washed off in a matter of minutes.
The process of perming your lashes can be more time-consuming.
The perming solution needs to be left on your eyelashes for about 15 minutes, and that’s just one part of the process. In total, it can take a full hour to perm your lashes.
There Are Different Types of Lash Lifts
There are two main types of lash lifts: the classic lash lift and keratin lash lifts.
Keratin lash lifts use a synthetic version of a protein called keratin to change the shape of your lashes.
While both types of lash lifts offer similar results, keratin treatments may provide longer-lasting results.
Results Can Vary
While lash lifts and perms are similar, they’re ultimately different types of treatments, and the results you can get from both treatments may vary.
A lash lift boosts the entire eyelash, and because of that, the results of a lash lift can be more dramatic overall.
With a lash perm, you can expect results that are similar to what you can achieve using a heated eyelash curl.
The treatments last for about the same amount of time, but a lash lift may last slightly longer as long as you follow the proper aftercare instructions.
You may want to look at before and after pictures of people that have had both lash lifts and lash perms so that you have a better idea of what to expect.
Lash Lift vs Lash Perm: Which One Is Better?
There are benefits to both lash lifts and lash perms.
When deciding on the best option for you, there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration, such as the length and texture of your lashes and your desired results.
Do you want to enhance your lashes, or are you focused on adding curl?
If you have hooded eyes and your primary goal is to add curl to your lashes, a lash perm could be a great option.
This treatment will take advantage of the length of your lashes and give you a lasting curl. However, a perm is unlikely to be a good option for those with shorter lashes or eyelashes that are already curly.
With a lash lift, you’ll be boosting your lashes from the root, which can make your lashes look like they are longer and thicker.
This is a versatile treatment that’s suitable for most lash types. Since there are different types of lash lifts, you can choose a treatment that’s right for your eyelashes.
Ultimately, a lash lift is likely to be the best option for most people, but a lash perm is still a procedure that’s worth considering.
Since the treatments tend to have similar costs, it’s best to check in with local salons that offer these treatments so that you can learn more about your options.
Make sure you look at before and after pictures of people that have had this treatment so that you can see what your results are likely to be.