A lash lift is a salon treatment that curls your natural lashes from the root using a silicone shield and two lotions: one softens the lash, the second sets the new shape. There are no extensions or glue left on the lashes afterwards.

Can I do a lash lift and tint together?

Yes. Most salons offer a lash lift and tint as one appointment. The tint is applied after the lift is set and darkens the lashes from root to tip, so you may not need mascara.

Does a lash lift damage your natural lashes?

A lift done by a trained technician with a professional system should not damage healthy lashes. Systems such as InLei® Lash Filler® add a nourishing step to protect the hair. Problems usually come from over-processing, so choose a certified salon.

How much does a lash lift cost in South Africa?

Salons set their own prices, which vary by city and by whether a tint or a treatment such as Lash Filler® is included. Ask your salon for its price list, or find a certified InLei® salon near you.

Lash lift: the complete South African guide

Q: How long does a lash lift last?

Usually six to eight weeks. The lift itself is permanent on each lash, but lashes shed and regrow on a cycle of about six to eight weeks, so the curl grows out gradually.

A lash lift curls your own lashes from the root so they look longer, darker and more open, with no extensions, no glue and no daily curler. In South Africa it is one of the most searched lash treatments, and for good reason: it takes under an hour and lasts about two months.

This guide explains how a lash lift works, what to expect before and after, how it compares with a lash lift and tint, and how to find a salon that uses a certified system.

What is a lash lift?

A lash lift is a semi-permanent treatment that changes the shape of the natural lash. Your technician places a soft silicone shield on the eyelid, combs each lash up onto it, and then applies two lotions:

A perming lotion softens the bonds inside the hair so the lash can take on the curve of the shield.
A fixing lotion rebuilds those bonds in the new, lifted shape.

Professional systems add more steps. In the InLei® Lash Filler® treatment, a third step (Lash Filler® 3) nourishes and thickens the hair with vegetable keratin, and a fourth (Lash Molecular 4) helps reconstruct it. That is why Lash Filler® is sold to salons as more than a lift: it is tested to thicken lashes by 25% and lengthen them by 9% over three sessions.

How long does a lash lift take?

A standard lift takes 45 to 60 minutes. Add 10 to 15 minutes for a tint. You lie back with your eyes closed the whole time, and most clients find it relaxing.

How long does a lash lift last?

Expect six to eight weeks. Each lash keeps its curl until it falls out, but lashes shed and regrow on a natural cycle, so new straight lashes slowly mix in. Most clients book their next lift at around the eight-week mark. Read more in how long does a lash lift last.

Lash lift and tint

A lash lift and tint is the most popular combination. The tint goes on after the lift, darkening the lashes all the way to the tips, which are often fair. The result looks like mascara without the mascara. Your technician should do a patch test for the tint before your first appointment.

Lash lift before and after: what to expect

Straight or downward lashes gain the most. Right after the treatment, lashes can look very curled; they relax slightly over the first day. Short lashes can still be lifted using a smaller shield, while very long lashes need a larger one so the curl is not too tight.

To keep the result, avoid water, steam and oil-based products for the first 24 hours, and sleep on your back if you can. After that, a gentle oil-free cleanser keeps lashes clean without loosening the curl.

Who should not have a lash lift?

Skip the treatment if you have an eye infection, very irritated eyes, or have just had eye surgery. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor first, and tell your technician. Anyone with sensitive skin should ask for a patch test.

Lash lift, lamination or Lash Filler®?

The names overlap. “Lash lamination” is usually another name for a lift with a nourishing step. Lash Filler® is the InLei® system, with clinically tested thickening results. See lash lift vs lash lamination vs Lash Filler® for the full comparison.

Aftercare that makes your lift last

Keep lashes dry for 24 hours.
Cleanse daily with an oil-free foam such as InLei® Aloe Vera Mousse.
Brush lashes upward each morning.
Use a nourishing lash fixer like InLei® Fashion Lash instead of heavy mascara.
Between treatments, a growth serum such as InLei® Adiutrix supports thicker lashes.

All of these are in the InLei® aftercare range, which clients can buy directly.

Find a certified salon

InLei® trains and supplies salons across South Africa. Use the partner salon finder to book a lash lift or Lash Filler® treatment near you.

For salon owners

If you want to offer lash lifts, start with what to look for in a lash lift kit and the InLei® Academy courses.