Lash Lift: The Science Behind The Treatment

What is a Lash Lift?

Lash Lift (also known as an eyelash perm or LVL lashes) is a gentle treatment which realigns natural lashes into a beautiful curl, setting them into position. The treatment involves applying three key solutions which lift, set and condition the hair. This enhances the appearance of the natural lashes and eye area. This treatment lasts up to 8 – 10 weeks.

What happens in a Lash Lift?

During the Lash Lift treatment, two specially formulated creams are applied to lashes for a pre-determined amount of time – this depends on the condition of the eyelashes. The first of these to be applied is the Lifting Cream. This product breaks apart the disulphide bonds (the bonds that hold the hair in shape) within the natural eyelash due to its active ingredient ammonium thioglycolate. This ingredient has two functions: 

• The ammonium has the effect of plumping the outer cuticle layer of the hair, allowing the thioglycolate to enter the structure of the hair. 
• The thioglycolate enters the cortex of the hair where the disulphide bonds are present. The chemical begins the process of breaking apart the bonds between the keratin clusters of the lash – this makes it easier to mould the hair into its new shape.  

The second cream applied is the Setting Cream – this is the most important part of the process as it fixes the hair into its new shape around the Curling Wand. Curling Wand’s such as Lash Perfect’s offers two different types of curl; a more dramatic J curl (a lift straight from the root) or natural effect C curl. 

The Setting Cream’s key ingredient is hydrogen peroxide – this adds oxygen and ‘oxidises’ the eyelash. This process reforms and realigns the disulphide bonds into their new position and sets the hair into place.  

What else can you do to enhance natural eyelashes?

In this treatment, a tint can also be applied – darker eyelashes enhance the eyes by giving the lashes more depth and presence. 

Combining the Lash Lift with a tint results in an even more dramatic look that will last up to 8 – 10 weeks! The tinting requires even less time after a Lash Lift to achieve intense colour results as the cuticle is already open – this makes the hair more receptive to the tint.  

What products can I use after a Lash Lift?

The beauty of a lash lift is that often you won’t need to use any mascara, however if you want to add extra oomph to your look you can – just make sure you use an oil-free mascara such as the Lash Perfect Black Mascara. This will keep you lash lift looking beautiful for as long as possible.

Another game changing product for lash lifters is Lash Perfect Lash Revive – a natural lash intense growth serum. Harnessing the power of nature and science, this product is clinically tested with ingredients to significantly boost lash growth. This product will help the natural lash remain in the hair follicle for longer, meaning longer lasting lash lift results!