Whether we're rocking a bare face or complete beat, lashes have the power to take our look to the next level. But these days, our lash options extend far beyond drugstore strip lashes. To amp up the look and volume of our natural lashes, we can opt to get a lash lift or lash extensions. If you haven't tried either lash service yet, you may have a few questions about just what each service entails and which one is right for you. That's why we spoke to lash extension expert and licensed esthetician Jazmin Walker to get the scoop on everything you need to know about lash lifts and lash extensions–from the cost to how long they last.
Lash Lifts vs. Lash Extensions
The Difference Between Lash Lifts & Lash Extensions
You can think of lash lifts like a perm for your eyelashes. "The point of the perm is to give the client a more defined curl and length. No volume is added," Walker says. Lash lifts are ideal for people who cannot get lash extensions or have naturally long lashes.
If you're looking to add volume to your lashes, then lash extensions may be a better choice for you. "Lash extensions are single or multi-strand hairs placed in one individual natural lash to extend, enhance, define, and thicken the lashes," Walker explains.
Lash Lifts & Lash Extensions Cost
While rates will vary depending on your location and your lash technician's expertise, there is a typical price range associated with each service. Walker says a lash lift will cost you anywhere between $60 to $120. Lash extensions are a bit pricier, ringing in at anywhere between $100 to $300.
The Process: Lash Lifts & Lash Extensions
Each lash service involves a multi-step process. If you book a lash lift appointment, your technician will use an eye-safe perming solution to achieve the lifted look. "The lashes are coated with the solution and rods are placed on the eyelashes. An eye-safe glue is used to secure the curliness of the lash. An oil-based solution is then applied to remove the solution and then the lashes are cleaned to finalize the process," Walker says.
When it comes to lash extensions, the process differs a bit. Your lash expert will instead use an eye-safe professional bonding agent to adhere the lashes to your existing lash hairs. "Each natural lash is isolated one by one using tweezers. Once isolated, the extension is placed on the lashes," Walker explains.
How Long Lash Lifts & Lash Extensions Can Last
Walker says that lash lifts will typically last four to 10 weeks with proper care. With lash extensions, you will need to get a fill every two to four weeks, depending on how well you care for them.
The Risks: Lash Lifts & Lash Extensions
There are a few things you should be cautious of before booking an appointment for a lash lift or lash extensions. With lash lifts, there is a possibility for an allergic reaction, infection, or damage to your natural lashes. "Pregnant women and breastfeeding women should also avoid lash lifts. The solution used may interfere with their hormones," Walker notes.
Walker says that lash extensions are safe for everyone, however allergic reactions to the glue may occur and eye infections are possible if the lashes are not thoroughly cleansed daily.
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The Brand Doula was born in 2019, and its focus is on putting "the experiences, goals, and needs of women of color founders first," as well as brands with "culture-shifting missions."
According to Lola, culture-shifting is "the act of influencing dominant behavior, beliefs, or experiences in a community or group (ideally, for the better)."
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"We help the problem solvers of the world — the ones who aren't satisfied with 'this is how it's always been' and instead ask 'how could this be better?' Our clients build for impact, reimagining tools, systems, and ways of living to move cultures forward."
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1. Do an audit of your current brand experience — what’s still relevant and what needs to change? Reflect on why you’re doing the rebrand in the first place and what success would look like after relaunching.
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While determining whether the rebrand was successful may take a few months, Lola says a clear sign that it is unsuccessful is negative feedback from your target audience. "Customers are typically more vocal about what they don’t like more than what they do like," she says.
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For more information about Lola and The Brand Doula, visit her website, thebranddoula.com.
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