Lash Lift Training: Add Another Valuable Skill to Your Esthetics Toolbox

If you’re an esthetician, you probably want to keep growing your skills and stand out from the crowd. Learning how to do lash lifts is a great way to do that. Clients love the results, it’s fun to do, and it can really make your services stand out.

You’ve put in the work: studying materials, watching tutorials, and learning about infection control, lash lifting, and tinting. Now you’re ready to try your first model and are excited to add this new skill to your toolkit.

But there’s one challenge that even well-prepared estheticians often face: overprocessing. You follow all the steps, check your products, and feel ready, but sometimes the lashes still end up overprocessed. How does that happen?

This happens more often than you think, and it can be frustrating after all your preparation. The good news is that with the right training, careful timing, and a solid understanding of the lash lift process, you can master this skill and offer it confidently to your clients.

In this article, we’ll explain what a lash lift is, the key skills every esthetician should master, and common client questions so you can feel confident and ready for your first lash lift.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Lash Lift?
• Lash Lift Training for Estheticians: Knowledge and Skills Required
• Client Education About Lash Lifts
• Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics Provides Lash Lift Training To Help You Be a More Comprehensive Esthetician

A lash lift is basically a perm for your natural eyelashes. It gently lifts and curls them from the base, making them look fuller, longer, and more defined — without an eyelash curler. If you pair the lift with a tint, you may not even need mascara.

A lash lift involves two main steps: 

1. The lifting solution softens the lash structure, allowing it to bend into the desired shape.
2. The setting solution locks in the new curl. 

A conditioning solution may also be applied afterward to nourish the lashes, leaving them smooth, shiny, and healthy-looking.

Results typically last three to eight weeks, depending on your natural lash cycle and aftercare. A lash lift is a great option for clients with naturally straight lashes or anyone who just wants a little extra lift without looking unnatural.

It’s essential to choose a reputable esthetics training program, as it directly affects the quality of your work, your professional credibility, and the safety of your clients. 

A high-quality program ensures you: 

• Learn proper, safe lash lift techniques 
• Stay up to date with the latest industry knowledge 
• Understand the underlying theory 
• Gain valuable hands-on experience
• Have access to professional-grade products 

Plus, you’ll receive personalized guidance from expert instructors, build confidence in your skills, and join a community of like-minded professionals passionate about beauty and client care.

At Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics, we offer comprehensive lash lift and tint training as part of our Clinical Master’s Program, designed to equip you with everything you need to excel and stand out in the industry.

#1: The Science Behind Lash Lifts

Eyelashes grow from follicles in your eyelids, following a natural cycle of growth, rest, and shedding. This cycle explains why a lash lift only lasts until new lashes grow in.

Each lash consists of three layers. The outermost cuticle protects the inner structure, while the cortex, the thickest layer, is where the lash’s shape changes during a lift. At the center is the medulla, which may be absent in finer lashes. The texture and porosity of lashes influence how they react to products and determine processing times.

Within the cortex are tiny connections called bonds that define lash shape. Strong disulfide bonds determine whether a lash is naturally straight or curly, and these are softened and reshaped during a lash lift. Weaker hydrogen bonds are temporarily affected by water or humidity.

#2: Health, Safety, and Sanitation

Proper health, safety, and sanitation are essential when performing lash lifts, as the procedure is done near highly sensitive eyes. Estheticians should wash their hands before and after each client, use alcohol-based sanitizer, and wear disposable gloves.

Equally important is cleaning and disinfecting all tools and equipment. Reusable items like tweezers, lash lift rods, and brushes must be sanitized, while single-use items such as mascara wands, cotton pads, and brushes should be discarded immediately. The treatment area should also be clean and organized, including surfaces, beds, trays, and handles.

Protecting the client’s eyes is a top priority. Eyes should remain closed during the procedure, and clients should alert the esthetician immediately if they feel burning, discomfort, or excessive tearing. 

Lash lifts should be avoided for clients with: 

• Recent eye infections
• Allergies
• Sensitivities
• Conjunctivitis
• Styes
• Irritation
• Broken skin

#3: Proper Usage of Tools and Materials

Estheticians need to know which tools and materials to use and how to use them, so lash lifts are done safely and effectively. Choosing the right shields, lifting rods, adhesives, and chemical solutions ensures consistent, high-quality results that clients will love. Selecting the correct shield size, securing it properly, and spacing the lashes evenly all help create a smooth, natural-looking lift.

Overprocessing can damage natural lashes, while using too much product can lead to contamination. Knowing how to use tools like Y-combs and lash isolators between clients also helps maintain both safety and quality.

How Is a Lash Lift Performed?

A lash lift is a customizable procedure, so it’s important for estheticians and clients to discuss the client’s needs, expectations, and preparation before the procedure begins.

The process begins with placing a silicone pad on the client’s eyelid using an adhesive solution. This helps create a more consistent and defined curl. The esthetician then combs the lashes onto the pad and secures them with the same adhesive.

Next, a perming solution is carefully applied at the base of the lashes to begin reshaping them. Once the lift is set, a neutralizing solution is applied to strengthen and lock in the curl. 

Finally, a conditioning agent is used to nourish and reinforce the lashes, leaving them soft, smooth, and healthy-looking.

Appointments usually last 45 minutes to an hour.

#4: Contraindications

It’s important for estheticians to recognize situations where a lash lift may be unsafe or unsuitable for a client. Technicians should be able to identify allergies or skin conditions around the eyes, signs of irritation or infection, recent eye surgery, or very fragile lashes. Performing a lash lift in these cases can be uncomfortable and may cause damage or complications.

Estheticians also need to know which materials to avoid. Harsh, unapproved, or expired products can lead to chemical irritation, hypersensitivity reactions, or lash damage.

Finally, they should provide clients with proper aftercare instructions, that include: 

• Avoid getting their lashes wet for the first 24 hours
• Refrain from rubbing their eyes
• Avoid oil-based makeup or skincare products
• Do not use saunas during the first few days after the procedure

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for a Lash Lift?

While most people are good candidates for a lash lift, it’s important to recognize when a client may not be a good candidate. This ensures the client’s safety and helps achieve the best treatment outcomes.

Clients who are pregnant or have certain eye conditions should always check with their doctor before getting a lash lift. Some of these conditions include:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Blepharitis
• Conjunctivitis
• Cataracts
• Dry eye syndrome
• Glaucoma
• Recent eye surgery

#5: How To Conduct a Consultation

A comprehensive consultation is essential to determine whether a client is a good candidate for a lash lift, understand the outcome they want, and plan how to achieve it.

During the consultation, the esthetician evaluates the client’s eye health, asks about allergies or sensitivities, and identifies any conditions that could make the treatment unsuitable.

It’s also important to discuss the desired look. Some clients prefer a soft, natural lift, while others want a more dramatic, elevated curl. Different styles require specific techniques and expertise to achieve the best results.

Based on the client’s facial features, eye shape, and natural lash direction, the esthetician can provide professional recommendations. However, the final result should always reflect the client’s preferences, ensuring they leave happy and confident with their lashes.

#6: Business Considerations

A useful skill for estheticians is learning how to handle the business side of lash lift services. This includes knowing how much to charge, developing effective sales techniques, and communicating clearly with clients.

Pricing should take into account the technician’s experience, the quality of the products used, the time required for the treatment, and local market rates.

Communicating well with clients can make a big difference. Discussing the benefits of a lash lift, offering demos, showing before-and-after photos, suggesting add-ons like lash tinting, and giving aftercare tips helps clients feel confident and increases repeat business. Combining technical skill with smart business strategies can improve client satisfaction and grow your lash lift services.

#7: Photography

Learning how to take high-quality photographs of your work can help attract more clients. Good photos should clearly capture the lashes, with natural lighting, a clean background, and close framing that highlights the curl and definition.

Creating a portfolio with “before and after” images is a great way to showcase your skills and demonstrate the results clients can expect. A strong portfolio not only builds credibility but also helps clients feel confident in choosing your services.

At Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics in Portland, our passion is to elevate the esthetics industry and its future leaders. With hands-on programs, expert instructors, and state-of-the-art equipment, we prepare students for a confident, rewarding career.

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One of the most important skills estheticians can develop is effective communication with clients. Clear, respectful discussions help build relationships based on trust and professionalism.

When estheticians communicate well, they can educate clients about the safety and effectiveness of lash lifts, explain what to expect during the procedure, and provide guidance on proper aftercare. Teaching clients how to maintain their lifted lashes ensures the results last longer and helps them feel confident in their treatment.

Are Lash Lifts Safe? 

Many clients worry about the safety of the lash lift solutions, including the risk of eye irritation or lash damage. While the risks are very low, it’s important for clients to be informed. 

To ensure safety, they should always see a certified, experienced esthetician. Checking for proper certifications displayed at the salon, on websites, or on social media, as well as reading reviews on platforms like Yelp or Google, can help clients choose a clean and professional environment.

The main risk during a lash lift is overprocessing, which can make lashes crinkly. This effect eventually wears off, and skilled estheticians know how to avoid it. Lash lifts can also cause damage if done too soon after a previous treatment, so clients should wait at least four weeks between lifts. Using a lash serum once or twice a day can help hydrate and strengthen lashes, promoting healthy, long-lasting results.

How To Take Care of Lifted Lashes

Maintaining a lash lift is simple, but the first 24 hours are crucial. During this period, clients should keep their lashes completely dry, avoid eye makeup, and refrain from sleeping on their face.

Water and humidity can also affect the lift, so activities like working out, swimming, or spending time in saunas should be avoided during the first day. Following these precautions helps ensure the perm sets properly and the lashes stay lifted, smooth, and beautiful for as long as possible.

How Much Does a Lash Lift Cost?

The cost of a lash lift can vary depending on the salon location, the technician's experience, and extras such as tinting. In general, a basic lash lift may cost between $50 and $100, while a more professional lash lift may cost between $75 and $150. Adding services, such as a lash tint, can increase the price.

Beyond being budget-friendly, lash lifts are low-maintenance and can last 6 to 8 weeks. They enhance natural lashes, giving the appearance of always wearing mascara — even right after waking up. Clients don’t need lash curlers or additional mascara unless they choose to, making lash lifts both a convenient and affordable option for many.

At Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics in Portland, Oregon, we are the leading school for standard and advanced esthetic education in the Pacific Northwest. Our mission is to elevate the esthetics industry and train future leaders, preparing students for their state exams. With experienced educators, state-of-the-art equipment, and extensive knowledge, we give students the skills and confidence to succeed.

We offer a range of programs, including:

• Basic Esthetician Program
• Advanced Esthetics Program (Medical Aesthetics/Laser)
• Phlebotomy for PRP
• Continuing education workshops.

Contact us today to learn more and take the first step toward a bright and rewarding esthetics career.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.