Lash Lift vs Lash Perm: The Battle of the Curl

Alright, babe – so you’re sat there scrolling through Insta, eyeing up all these dreamy lash pics, and you keep seeing “lash lift” and “lash perm” thrown around like they’re the same thing. But are they? Nah. They’re cousins in the lash family, not twins – and knowing the difference could be the key to getting the results you actually want.

Let’s break it down without all the faff.

What’s a Lash Perm, Then? 

A lash perm is the first lash treatment. Consider it an old-school hair perm for your lashes, similar to one your mother or grandmother may have had. To curl your lashes into place, use a little rod and a perming solution. Once set, they remain curled for weeks, making your eyes appear more open and your lashes appear longer without mascara.

That sounds great, doesn't it? Well, here's the thing: a lash perm creates a tighter curl, which might make lashes appear shorter if you already have naturally short lashes. Furthermore, because it is a curl from base to tip, the style may appear "vintage" in comparison to the current, lifted feel.

And What’s a Lash Lift? 

A lash lift is similar to the glow-up form of a perm. Instead of curling your lashes all the way around, it employs a silicone cover to elevate them from the root up. This means that the whole length of your natural lashes is exposed, making them appear longer and more defined. Add a tint, and you've mastered the "no mascara, but still gorgeous" look.

It's also gentler than the traditional perm approach; the solutions are typically more lash-friendly, and the lift can be adjusted based on how dramatic you want the appearance.

So, What’s the Difference in a Nutshell? 

Lash Perm	Lash Lift
Uses rods to curl lashes	Uses silicone shields to lift lashes
Gives a rounded curl	Lifts lashes from the root for length
Can make short lashes look shorter	Makes short lashes appear longer
Old-school method	Modern technique
Curl is same along the lash	Curl is strongest at the root

Which One’s Best? 

Honestly, it depends on what you want.

• If you have longer lashes and like a gentle, doll-like curl, get a Lash Perm.
• If you want maximum length and definition without being overly curled under, consider a Lash Lift.

If you're undecided, most lash technicians nowadays would recommend a lift over a perm because it provides a more current appearance and works on almost all lash types. Lifts also allow your lashes to grow out more naturally, preventing weird kinks when they shed and renew.

Top Tips for Either Treatment 

• Make sure you go to a skilled professional; you don't want dangerous chemicals near your eyes
• For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid water, steam, and heavy creams.
• Use a lash serum to maintain your natural lashes strong and healthy.
• Do not rub your eyes as if you were scratching a lottery ticket. 

Lash perms will always have a place; they're like that iconic lipstick hue you can't live without. But what about eyelash lifts? They're the trendy younger sister who knows how to work the room. If you want that wide-eyed, "I woke up like this" appearance, a lift is definitely the best option.

Either way, both treatments spare you from fighting with lash curlers at 7 a.m., which is worth it in and of itself.