Lash lift: how long it lasts and the aftercare
A lash lift lasts six to eight weeks, which is the renewal cycle of the natural lash, and unlike extensions it adds no hair but curls and lifts what is already there.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- Duration matches the lash cycle of 6 to 8 weeks.
- The appointment takes 45 to 75 minutes.
- It costs 45 € to 80 €, plus 15 € to 25 € for a tint.
- The area must not be wetted or made up for the first 24 hours.
It is neither an extension nor the perm of decades ago. It works on your own lashes, which is why biology rather than product sets its duration.
What it involves
The lashes are fixed onto a silicone shield adhered to the eyelid and two successive lotions are applied: the first softens the bonds within the hair and the second sets them in the new curl. The result is a lash lifted from the root, which opens the eye visually. Many salons add a tint in the same appointment, giving the effect of mascara without product.
| Criterion | Lash lift | Extensions |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | curls your own lash | adds artificial hair |
| Duration | 6 to 8 weeks | 2 to 4 weeks to infill |
| Maintenance between visits | none | infill every 2 to 4 weeks |
| Appointment length | 45 to 75 minutes | 90 to 150 minutes |
| Price | 45 to 80 € | 70 to 150 € plus infills |
| Additional tint | 15 to 25 € | not applicable |
| Wait between treatments | 6 to 8 weeks |
The first hours
For the first 24 hours the area must not be wetted, no make up applied, and no exposure to sauna steam or a very hot shower, because the set is still stabilising. Sleeping face down that first night is also best avoided. After that the routine returns to normal and the lashes take mascara, although many people stop using it.
Care over the following weeks
Oil free cleanser, because oils soften the curl. Gentle daily brushing with a clean brush. And avoiding rubbing the eyes, which is the main reason the effect is lost early. In summer, rinse with fresh water after swimming in the sea or a pool, since salt and chlorine dry the lash and accelerate its natural shedding.
A lash serum suitable for the area helps maintain thickness between treatments, at 20 € to 45 € a bottle.
When not to have one
With conjunctivitis or any active eye infection, blepharitis in flare, styes, or recent eye surgery without clearance. With very sparse or fragile lashes, where the result is barely visible and the process is hard on them. And without a prior sensitivity test in anyone with a history of cosmetic allergy, carried out 48 hours in advance as with any product of this type.
Frequently asked
+How long does a lash lift last?
Six to eight weeks, matching the renewal cycle of the natural lash.
+How does it differ from extensions?
A lift curls your own lashes; extensions add artificial hair needing periodic infills.
+What does it cost?
Forty five to eighty euros, plus 15 € to 25 € if a tint is added in the same appointment.
+What does the first day require?
No wetting or make up for 24 hours, and avoiding steam and sleeping face down.
+Can I use any cleanser?
Not oil based ones, which soften the curl and shorten the result.
Sources
- 1Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, European Union (August 2026)
- 2Ministerio de Sanidad, Gobierno de España (August 2026)