Lash Lifts: How to Prepare, What to Expect & Aftercare
Lash lifts and tints enhance your natural lashes by lifting them at the root and adding definition without extensions. This guide covers how to prepare for your lash lift appointment, what to expect during your service, and how to care for your lashes afterward to support long-lasting results..*
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How to: Prepare for Your Lash Lift Appointment
A little preparation goes a long way in achieving a beautiful, long-lasting lash lift. The following tips will help you feel comfortable, relaxed, and fully prepared for your appointment.
✅ Arrive Makeup-Free
Please come with a clean face—no mascara, eye makeup, or heavy skincare around the eyes. This allows us to start your service right away without spending time on removal and ensures better results, especially for lash adhesion and tint absorption.
✅ Remove Contact Lenses
For lash lifts and extensions, it’s best to remove contact lenses beforehand and bring backup glasses if needed. This prevents dryness and discomfort during the service.
✅ Dress Comfortably
You’ll be lying down for up to 1.5 hours, so wear cozy clothes and bring a layer if you run cold. My suite tends to be a little chilly but I do have a bed table warmer to keep you extra cozy.
✅ Plan Your Entertainment
I always encourage relaxation, but if you’d prefer to listen to a podcast, playlist, or audiobook, have it ready to go. Once the gel pads are placed on your eyes, they must remain closed, but I’ll help you press play before we begin.
✅ Avoid Caffeine Right Before Your Appointment
Caffeine can make it harder to relax and can cause your eyes to flutter. If possible, skip the coffee right before your appointment — your lashes will thank you!
What to Expect During Your Lash Lift Appointment
A lash lift is a beautiful, low-maintenance way to enhance your natural lashes with a long-lasting curl—no extensions or daily lash curler needed!
We’ll begin by cleansing your lashes to remove any oil, makeup, or residue.
A hydrogel pad will be applied under the eyes to protect your lower lashes.
Next, I’ll apply a gentle adhesive balm and secure a lash rod to your eyelid to shape your lashes. Your lashes are then carefully lifted and curled onto the rod, and the lifting process begins.
This is a 4–5 step process—including a lifting solution, deep conditioning treatment, setting solution, an optional Lash Tint, and a nourishing leave-on treatment—with each step taking anywhere from 5 to 12 minutes depending on the strength and needs of your natural lashes.During this time, you’re welcome to relax, nap, or listen to your favorite podcast. The full service takes about 75–90 minutes, and your results can last up to 8 weeks depending on your natural lash cycle and aftercare.
✨ For best results, it’s recommended to maintain your lash lift every 6-8 weeks to keep your lashes beautifully curled without over-processing. Lash lifts are perfect for anyone who wants to wake up looking refreshed and effortlessly put-together.
🧘♀️ A Note on Comfort + StillnessWhile many clients find lash lifts deeply relaxing, others—especially those with busy minds, anxiety, or claustrophobia—may find the stillness a bit challenging at first.
The service involves keeping your eyes closed for the full 75-90 minutes, and once the upper lash rod is in place, breaks are not possible. If you’re someone who tends to feel restless, sensory-sensitive, or overwhelmed during quiet moments, that’s okay—there are ways to make the experience more manageable and even enjoyable.
To help you stay grounded, I encourage you to bring a fidget toy, calming crystal, or a podcast or playlist that soothes you. I’ll help you get everything set up before we begin, and I’ll walk you through each step so you always know what to expect.
Your comfort matters just as much as your lashes, and I’m here to make the experience feel safe, supportive, and empowering from start to finish.
What are the benefits of silk-infused lash lifts compared to regular lash lifts?
Infused with Hydrolyzed Silk, Vitamin B3, and Cocoa Butter, a Silk-Infused Lash Lift strengthens and nourishes while it lifts, keeping your lashes soft and enhancing shine.
How To Care For Your Lash Lift
Lash lifts give your natural lashes long-lasting curl — keep them lifted and healthy with the right routine.
The First 24–48 Hours After Your Appointment
At the end of your lash lift service, a nourishing leave-on lotion is applied to condition and support your natural lashes. To allow this product to fully absorb and deliver the best results, avoid getting your lashes wet or applying eye makeup for the first 24–48 hours.
This includes avoiding water, steam, heavy sweating, and oil-based products around the eyes during this time. Refrain from rubbing or manipulating the lashes while the treatment continues to settle.
After the initial 24–48 hours, you may resume normal cleansing and makeup routines while continuing gentle lash care.
Daily Care:
Cleanse daily.
Brush lashes daily with a clean lash wand.
Remove makeup nightly.
Avoid excessive heat and steam.
Apply Borboleta Lash Serum or Borboleta Glow Up Elixir nightly.
Sleep on your back (or wear a Silk Sleep Mask) when possible.
How Long Does a Lash Lift Last?
Maintain your Lash Lift every 6–8 weeks for best results.
Aftercare Essentials
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Borboleta Lash Serum
“Just one swipe of this lash-loving serum each night promotes the appearance of longer, fuller and darker lashes. All with a nourishing formula that works wonders on natural lashes, while still being perfectly safe for lash extensions”
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Borboleta Glow Up Elixir *New*
“Glow Up Elixir is a lightweight, nutrient-rich oil that nourishes, conditions, and protects brows, lashes, and the delicate skin around them. Infused with a blend of antioxidant-packed botanical oils and vitamins, it restores softness and radiance, leaving skin and hair hydrated, glossy, and luminous without a heavy finish.”
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Borboleta Cooldown Calming Eye Mask *Client Favorite*
“Borboleta’s Cooldown Calming Eye Masks instantly chill, soothe and refresh tired eyes on contact. They’re the perfect remedy for a late night out or a great addition to a relaxing night in. One try and you’ll look for any excuse to replenish and depuff your under-eye area, and diminish the appearance of dark circles.”
All services are offered at my private lash and brow studio inside Sola Salons in Solana Beach, CA, welcoming clients from Encinitas, Del Mar, Cardiff, and surrounding North County San Diego areas.