When it comes to lash lift vs lash extensions, we offer you complete choice. But how do you know which option is best for you? We’d argue it’s not about which is best, but which is best for the look you want and for your lashes.

Eyelashes are as unique and distinct as your eye colour itself. Some people are blessed with long lustrous lashes that naturally curl upwards. For many, they aren’t so fortunate. If your lashes are straight, short, or light in colour, then you will find yourself considering lash lift or lash extensions at some point. 

Both of these treatments make a notable difference to the look of your lashes and, as such, are an increasingly popular beauty treatment. Both will make your lashes stand out and frame your eyes, enhancing your natural beauty. 

Lash lift vs lash extensions – what’s the difference?

Both a lash lift treatment and the application of lash extensions will make your lashes look fuller and longer. However, the way that they do this is different. 

With eyelash extensions, individual artificial lashes are bonded to your natural lashes. Medical grade glue is used, and the finished look is very dependent on the skill and expertise of the individual beauty therapist. This isn’t the same as applying a complete strip of artificial lashes. The new lashes are adhered one by one, reflecting the shape of your eyelid and natural lashes. Being a complex process, it can take up to 2 hours to complete.

A lash lift involves effectively perming your lashes, curling them so that they look as if they are fuller and longer, and certainly better shaped. Your lashes are curled, using a bonding formula, around a shaped shield. Lashes are also tinted to darken and intensify them – just like wearing mascara but without the faff. The process takes around 1 hour. With your eyes closed the whole time, it’s incredibly relaxing and you may just nod off! 

Fundamentally, this means that extensions tend to look more dramatic and lash lifts tend to look more natural. However, it’s not necessarily that clear cut, because there can be quite a degree of customisation with each treatment. Nonetheless, as a starting point, this is a good place as it comes down to individual preference.

Advantages of lash lifts

Those who love lash lifts will tell you that it is their natural look which is their primary advantage. No one will think your eyelashes are anything but natural. A lash lift will take all of the imperfections of your lashes (criss-crossed and twisted lashes anyone?!) and straighten them out, in a very natural way. This makes them easier to manage and apply mascara going forwards.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a lower maintenance solution, then lash lifts are your answer. They only require a trip to a salon around every 8-12 weeks. Even better, let us come to you and do your lash lift – save time and have a professional beauty treatment in the comfort of your own home. Plus, you can get them wet and you don’t need to worry about them falling out. Over time your lashes will simply drop back to their natural appearance.

Another plus for a lash lift treatment is that, due to simply working with your natural lashes, very few people experience any irritation. 

However, with all these pros, there is one slight catch. If your eye lashes are particularly short, even the best and most skilful beauty therapist will not be able to complete a lash lift. There needs to be a reasonable length of natural lash in order to create the desired curl.

Advantages of eyelash extensions

If you’ve found yourself in awe of another woman’s eyelashes, chances are that she has lash extensions. Those perfect length, perfectly curled, perfectly tamed lashes are the work of exceptional beauty therapists, not Mother Nature! Lash extensions are dramatic and draw attention to the eyes, without compromise.

A huge advantage of lash extensions is their low maintenance requirements between treatments. You can set your alarm clock 10 minutes later and look almost fully made up without so much as a dab of mascara.

The downside of lash extensions is that how good they look depends entirely on the skill of the beauty therapist you choose. It’s a complex task, requiring immense attention to detail and not everyone can do it perfectly. Choose a qualified and experienced beautician, such as those at Secret Spa. If you don’t want clumped or awkwardly straight line lashes, this is essential. What’s more, if they need to be removed, this can damage your natural lashes, so you want to avoid this.

There’s another reason that it’s important that you trust your beautician: lash extensions need monthly maintenance. Around once a month you need lash extension infills. This treatment is quicker, but it’s always a good idea to stick to the same trusted beautician who will come to know your lashes.

LVL lashes

Another lash treatment that you will see offered by many beauticians, us included, is LVL lashes. LVL simply stands for Length, Volume and Lift. You’ve possibly seen it on mascara advertising. The process behind LVL is exactly the same as the lash lift and tint process explained above. The only difference is that LVL uses branded products by Nouveau Lashes. 

Lash lift vs extensions – which is right for me?

The most important thing to consider when choosing between a lash lift and lash extensions is the final look that you’re after. If natural looks (with a helping hand) are what you want, then a lift will suit you well. If you’re after a dramatic and striking look then lash extension will be the right call for you. Brides, in particular, often choose extensions.

At Secret Spa, we offer a range of eyelash treatment at home. These include a full set of eyelash extensions, extension infills, tints, eyelash lift and Nouveau Lashes LVL lash lift.

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