The eyes are the first feature of a striking look when it comes to beauty. Making your eyes pop helps bring out the beauty and life in you. Enhancing your natural lashes is one of the proven ways to awaken life in your eyes. There are many ways of lengthening and volumizing your natural lashes, but lash extensions and lifts are two of the most popular methods used in this process.
These two methods have their advantages and shortcomings. Furthermore, each procedure requires different efforts and professionalism to acquire the best results.
So, what does lash extensions and lash lift entail, and which one is the right choice for you? Let’s find out below.
Lash Extensions
Lash extensions refer to artificial lashes made of synthetic or animal-derived materials attached to your natural lashes to lengthen, thicken and volumize them.
Lash extensions are used to achieve that dramatic effect you have been dreaming of. Unlike lash lifts which only make your natural lashes appear longer and fuller, the lash extension procedure does add volume and length to your lashes.
This procedure entails attaching artificial extensions to your natural lashes to increase length and volume. This is done using a specially made adhesive that doesn’t damage your natural lashes. To avoid damaging your natural lashes, a professional should conduct this procedure.
Check out this beginner’s video on how to do lash extensions:
Advantages of Lash Extensions
● They are available in a wide range of styles, colors, thicknesses, and sizes
● Lash extensions help add volume and length to your natural lashes, enabling you to achieve a dramatic end look.
Shortcomings of Lash Extensions
● It’s a time-consuming procedure as the extensions must be attached to your natural lashes one by one
● Lash extensions require regular maintenance and touch-ups to maintain their intended look.
● They are not as long-lasting as lash lifts.
● They are more costly compared to lash lifts
● Lash extensions must be applied by a professional, and this makes it more costly than the lash lift procedure
Lash Lift
Lash lift is a lash-enhancing procedure that uses perm salts chemicals to thicken and lengthen your natural lashes. The chemicals used in this procedure are non-toxic and specially made and won’t negatively affect your lashes when properly applied. When applied to your natural lashes, these chemicals help break the structural bonds allowing the lashes to become curled from the base to the tip. The curling of your natural lashes makes them appear fuller and longer, giving you that distinctive eye look you have been aiming for.
Check out this Lash Lift Treatment Tutorial:
Advantages of Lash Lift
● They are more long-lasting compared to lash extensions
● They are easier to maintain compared to the lash extensions
● Lash lifts are more affordable compared to lash extensions
● They also require less time to fix compared to the extensions
● Lash lifts are more natural looking compared to the lash extensions
Shortcomings of Lash Lift
● Lash lift procedure entails adding chemicals to your natural lashes, and this may turn out to be harmful if you do not deal with qualified personnel
● When not correctly handled, the introduction of the chemicals into your natural lashes may end up making them brittle and dry
● Lash lifting procedure does not work with the too short lashes
Primary Differences between Lash Extensions and Lash Lifts
Although these two procedures work to volumize and lengthen your natural lashes, there are critical differences between them, as highlighted below;
Lash extensions will, for instance, last anywhere between 3 to 4 weeks before needing a touch-up, while the lash lifts will last between 4 to 6 weeks. How long the lash lifts last depends on how fast your natural lashes grow and fall out. On the contrary, how long your extensions last depends on the application procedure and maintenance. When properly maintained, these lashes can last indefinitely.
Another difference between these two procedures is that lash lifts only make your lashes appear longer and fuller, while the extensions add volume and length. This makes lash extensions more appropriate for people looking to achieve a dramatic look and lash lifts more suitable for people aiming to achieve a fuller and longer natural eyelash look.
Lash lifts will require a 24-48 hours break before applying any mascara, while the lash extensions won’t require any mascara as the added volume and length is enough.
Lash Extensions vs. Lash Lifts: Which One Is Right For You?
The most appropriate method to use in enhancing your natural lashes between these two treatments will depend on several factors, as discussed below;
The End Look You Desire
The look you aim to achieve at the end of your lash treatment has a lot to do with the method you choose. If you, for instance, aim to achieve a dramatic look, undergoing a lash extensions procedure is more appropriate for you. Lash lifts are your go-to treatment if you desire a more natural look.
The Size of Your Natural Lashes
How big or small your natural lashes have much to do with the treatment you should opt for. If you, for instance, have small and scattered lashes undergoing a lash extension procedure is more appropriate than concentrating on lash lifting treatment which is more applicable to people with more extensive natural lashes. The truth is it’s impossible to curl and perm shorter lashes, so people with such lashes are advised to opt for the lash extension procedure instead of a lash lift.
The Budget You Have For the Exercise
The budget you have set aside for your lash enhancement procedure has much to do with the treatment you will receive. If you are cost conscious and want to save a few coins from this exercise, lash lifting will be more appropriate. If you don’t mind spending extra cash on getting that dramatic look you have been dreaming of, lash extension is the method to opt for.
Time You Have Available For the Treatment
Besides, budget time is another critical factor when choosing between lash extension and lash lift procedures. Lash extension treatment is more time-consuming and will require regular touch-ups than lash lifting treatment. Lash lift is the most appropriate treatment if you are short on time and need a process that won’t take too much of it.
Here’s What You Should Know Before You Make the Choice to Buy
Your eyes are the door to your soul. They help communicate your emotions, beauty, confidence, and feelings to the outside world. This is why keeping them bright and as lively as possible is paramount. Enhancing your natural lashes is one of the surest ways to make your eyes pop. If you have doubts about which eyelash enhancement method is right for you between lash extensions and lifts, you now have the answer.
The above two methods have their strengths and shortcomings. If you are, for instance, dealing with financial constraints and are a lover of natural looks, a lash lift is a treatment to consider. Lash extension is the proper method if you desire a dramatic end look and don’t mind spending an extra coin. Whatever process you opt for, ensure you do your research well and take precautions to avoid damaging your natural lashes.
