Lash Lift Risks and Side Effects: Who Should Skip One?

Most lash lifts go fine. The treatment involves chemical lotions a few millimetres from your eye, though, and the cases that go wrong tend to go wrong in the same few ways. Knowing what they are makes them easy to avoid. This guide is general information, not medical advice; if you have an eye condition, ask a doctor first.

What can go wrong with a lash lift?

Problems fall into three groups:

• Reactions to the products. The lifting and setting lotions, the adhesive that holds the silicone rod, and especially the tint can irritate skin or trigger an allergy. Symptoms range from mild stinging to red, swollen, itchy lids that last for days.
• Damage to the lashes. Lotion left on for too long, or applied to lashes that were lifted a few weeks earlier, can leave lashes dry, frizzy, over-curled or brittle. Lashes that are kinked at a sharp angle usually mean the rod was the wrong size or the lashes were not laid flat.
• Product in the eye. If the lower-lash pad shifts or your eyes open during processing, lotion can reach the eye itself. That causes stinging and watering and, rarely, more serious irritation that needs medical attention.

None of these is common with a careful technician, but all of them are more likely at a rushed appointment with no consultation.

What side effects are normal?

A few things are expected and settle on their own within a day or two:

• Lashes that look very curly, slightly stuck together or faintly stiff on the first day. Brushing once they are fully dry sorts this out.
• A mild chemical smell from the lotions.
• Slight redness along the lash line for an hour or so after the pads come off.
• Watery eyes for a short while if your eyes are sensitive.

If any of these lasts beyond a day, or gets worse rather than better, treat it as a warning sign rather than a side effect.

What are the warning signs of a reaction?

Contact the salon, and a doctor if symptoms are strong or persist, if you notice:

• Burning or stinging that continues after the products are removed.
• Swelling of the eyelids, especially if it increases over hours.
• Red, itchy or weeping skin around the eyes.
• Pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision. These need prompt medical attention.

Allergic reactions can appear hours after the appointment rather than during it, and can develop on a repeat visit even if earlier lifts were fine. That is why salons ask about reactions to hair dye: the same family of ingredients is involved in many lash tints.

Who should skip or postpone a lash lift?

Technicians generally decline or postpone a lift if you have:

• An active eye infection such as conjunctivitis or a stye, or blepharitis that is flaring.
• Recent eye surgery, including LASIK, until your surgeon says it is fine.
• Very sensitive, broken or sunburnt skin around the eyes, or eczema or psoriasis on the lids.
• A known allergy to hair dye, adhesives or any lash product, or a previous reaction to a lift or tint.
• Lashes that are already fragile, for example after chemotherapy or from a condition that affects hair, or lashes still growing back after extensions.
• A lift within the last 6 to 8 weeks. Lifting lifted lashes is the most common cause of damage.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are grey areas. There is no good evidence of harm, but many salons decline as a precaution and hormonal changes can make the result patchy. If in doubt, ask your doctor, and tell the salon when booking.

Does adding a tint add risk?

Somewhat. The tint is the step most often linked to allergic reactions, because lash dyes use ingredients related to permanent hair dyes. In the US, the FDA has not approved any colour additive for dyeing eyelashes or eyebrows, and some states restrict the service, which is why reputable salons insist on a patch test before a first tint. If you have ever reacted to hair dye, have the lift without the tint. More on how the two fit together in lash lift and tint.

How do you lower the risk?

1. Choose a licensed, trained technician. Most US states require a cosmetology or esthetics licence for lash services. Ask what training they have had in lifts specifically.
2. Have a patch test 24 to 48 hours before your first lift or tint, and again if you change salon or products.
3. Be honest at the consultation about allergies, eye conditions, medication, recent treatments and pregnancy.
4. Arrive with clean, product-free lashes and no contact lenses.
5. Keep your eyes closed and still throughout, and speak up immediately if anything stings.
6. Follow the aftercare: no water, steam, sweat or rubbing for 24 to 48 hours. See lash lift aftercare.
7. Space lifts 6 to 8 weeks apart, and take an occasional break so every lash is replaced by an untreated one.

What should you do if something goes wrong?

During the appointment, say so straight away; the technician can remove the product and rinse. Afterwards, rinse with cool water or saline, skip makeup and avoid rubbing. For mild irritation a cool compress helps. For swelling, pain, light sensitivity or any change to your vision, see a doctor or an eye clinic the same day rather than waiting it out. Tell the salon too; they should record the product used, which helps if you need to avoid it in future.

Cosmetic problems such as over-curled or kinked lashes usually relax over a week or two. Many salons can correct an over-processed lift with a conditioning treatment or a careful relaxation; ask before trying anything at home.

What should you ask the salon?

• Are you licensed, and what lash lift training have you completed?
• Do you patch test, and when?
• Which product brand do you use, and can I see the ingredients?
• What happens if I have a reaction?
• How do you decide processing time for my lash type?

A salon that answers these without hesitation is the kind you want. To compare salons that list lash lifts on their own menus, find a lash lift near you.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you have an eye condition, allergies or sensitive skin, speak to a doctor or a licensed lash technician before any lash treatment.