Eye lash lifting has become famous since less than a decade ago but the technology is actually quite old (way back 1930's). Because our lashes are just hair that grows at the end of our eyelids, the principle of lash lift works the same as how salons give our hair a perm.
The Process
First, Lashes are flattened back in a lightly curved silicon pad on the eyelids and secured with an adhesive. A perming solution is applied and allowed to set. After the perming solution, a setting solution is applied and left for few more minutes. The lashes are then individually and carefully removed from the silicon pad and is usually dried off adhesive using a fan. Depending on the salon or the service you avail, tints are added to give more volume to lashes
My Experience
For me, it when really well except the part when adhesive was applied because it really stings. It also made me quite uneasy to lie down for an hour. The procedure cost me PHP 1000 pesos. I was told it could last for 1 to 2 months- which totally make sense since lashes have average life cycle of 60 days. If the perm doesn't wear off until your permed lashes naturally falls off, then best case scenario is that it could last for 2 months.
What Exactly are the Chemicals Used?
Keratin molecules in lashes are rich in the amino acid cysteine, which contains reactive sulfur atoms. Two cysteine residues on two molecules of keratin can form a disulfide bond, a strong connection that links the keratin molecules, preventing them from slipping past each other.
This connection is permanent until acted upon by strong external forces. The disulfide bonds are key players for the curls that a perm produces. Though it is a strong bond, the disulfide bond is still weaker than the bonds within each keratin molecule; it can be broken quite easily by reducing agents, whose electrons attack the bond.
Lashes are put into curved silicone pads and the reducing agent ammonium thioglycolate is added. The disulfide bonds break and keratin molecules are now free to move around and adjust to the shape of of the silicone pads. Then a “neutralizer,” such as hydrogen peroxide, is added to reverse the effect of the reducing agent. New disulfide bonds form so the keratin molecules are locked into the shape of the curls.
Are they Safe for my Lashes?
Yes, they’re completely safe-when done properly. Just make sure you have your lashes done in a reputable salon and have read through their page’s reviews section. Also, it is important to not do it too frequently. Salons usually recommend two months between lash lift sessions.
Have you tried lash lifts? Do let me know!