Lash Lift Aftercare: How to Make Your Lift Last
Just got your lash lift done and want it to last as long as possible? The good news is a lash lift is genuinely low-maintenance. The one thing that matters most is what you do in the first 48 hours, because that's when your lift is still setting.
Here's everything you need to know to keep your lashes lifted, healthy and looking gorg for weeks.
Why the first 24 to 48 hours matter most
A lash lift works by gently reshaping your natural lashes into a lifted curl and setting them in that new shape. That setting process isn't finished the moment you walk out of the studio. For the first day or two, the lift is still locking in, which is exactly why the aftercare rules are strictest in that window.
Get this bit right and everything after it is easy.
What to avoid in the first 48 hours
For the first 24 to 48 hours after your lash lift, steer clear of:
Water on your lashes. No showers directly on the face, swimming or splashing. Water before the lift has set can drop the curl.
Steam, saunas and sweat. Hot showers, steam rooms, saunas and intense workouts all count. Heat and moisture are the enemy early on.
Rubbing or sleeping on them. Try to sleep on your back if you can, and keep your hands off. Pressure while the lift is setting can leave lashes bent or uneven.
Mascara and eye makeup. Give your lashes a break from mascara and any eye products for the first couple of days.
Oil-based products near the eyes. Oil breaks down the lift. Check your cleansers, makeup removers and eye creams, and keep oil-based ones away from the lash line.
None of it is forever. It's just the settling-in period.
What to do after the first 48 hours
Once you're past the 48-hour mark, your lift has set and your lashes are much lower-maintenance. Two simple habits keep them looking their best:
Keep them hydrated with a lash serum. A good lash serum keeps your natural lashes conditioned and healthy underneath the lift, which helps them hold the curl and grow strong. We stock one at both studios if you'd like us to point you to it.
Brush them each morning. A gentle brush through with a clean spoolie first thing sets the shape for the day and keeps everything sitting neatly.
That's it. No touch-ups, no daily curling, no mascara required.
Can you wear mascara after a lash lift?
Yes, once the first 48 hours are up. But here's the thing: most people find they don't want to. The whole point of a lift is that lifted, wide-awake look without any product, so mascara becomes optional rather than essential.
If you do wear it, use a water-based mascara rather than waterproof, since waterproof formulas usually need an oil-based remover, and oil is the one thing that shortens a lift.
How long will your lash lift last?
With the right aftercare, your lash lift lasts around 8 to 10 weeks, right up until your natural lashes finish their growth cycle and the lifted ones naturally drop out. There's no hard reset date, it fades gradually as your lashes cycle.
We'd recommend waiting until your lashes have fully dropped before rebooking, rather than topping up early. If you're not sure whether you're ready, send us a photo and we'll let you know.
Keeping your lashes healthy long-term
A lash lift doesn't damage your natural lashes when it's done properly and looked after. The serum habit matters here beyond just the current lift, healthy, conditioned lashes take to the next lift better and hold it longer. Look after them between appointments and each lift builds on the last.
Book your next lash lift at Bambii B Ellenbrook or Inglewood and we'll take care of the rest.
Lash lift aftercare FAQs
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Avoid getting your lashes wet for the first 24 to 48 hours while the lift sets. After that, water is completely fine and your lift will hold up to showers, swimming and everyday life.
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Yes, after the first 48 hours. Most people find they don't need it once they're lifted. If you do wear mascara, choose a water-based formula rather than waterproof, since waterproof usually needs an oil-based and oil breaks down the lift.
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Oil breaks down the bond that holds your lift, so oil-based cleansers, removers and eye creams can shorten how long it lasts. Check your products and keep oil-based ones away from the lash line.
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Around 8 to 10 weeks, until your natural lashes finish their growth cycle and the lifted ones drop out. It fades gradually rather than all at once. We recommend waiting until your lashes have fully dropped before rebooking.
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It's not compulsory, but it genuinely helps. A lash serum keeps your natural lashes conditioned so they hold the curl better and stay healthy between lifts. We stock one at both our Ellenbrook and Inglewood studios.
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Try to sleep on your back for the first night or two while the lift sets, since pressure can leave lashes bent. After the first 48 hours you can sleep however you like.