If you're looking for a less expensive way to make your eyelashes pop, then a Keratin Lash Lift from Lyla Lash Bar may be for you
We’re obsessed with eyelash extensions that make our eyes pop and our eyebrows look even more on fleek, but we all know it’s not great to get them regularly. If you want to have beautifully defined eyes even on no makeup days but have a busy schedule or white blonde lashes, then a Keratin Lash Lift may be the answer. Let our beauty expert Leticia Bishop (owner of blonde lashes herself) answer your questions about this beauty hack and guide you through the process of a healthy lash lift at Lyla Lash Bar.
The ins and outs
So quite possibly, I’m late to the game on this one. I only recently heard about Keratin Lash Lifts; seeing some impressive before and after photos my interest was piqued! So I did a little more research and learnt they’re (thankfully) way less harsh than original lash perms. Whoooo!
I was invited by Lyla Lash Bar on Hollywood Road in Central to try the treatment out. I met with the owner, Leona, who patiently answered my many questions about how Keratin Lash Lifts work. So let me answer your burning questions first, and then I’ll walk you through the treatment process.
What’s the difference between a Keratin Lash Lift and a regular lift?
Some lash lift treatments use perms and ammonia on the lashes, which can cause brittleness or lash breakage. The formula used on the Keratin lift is, well Keratin; a protein that is naturally found in your hair and lashes. It isn’t harmful and shouldn’t result in breakage.
How much does a Keratin Lash Lift cost?
This price varies across Hong Kong, depending on the location, the salon-style, having one technician per person etc. I have seen prices from low $300s to upper $900s. At Lyla Lash Bar they are $680.
Can you customise your lash lift?
Yes. I was offered the choice of L or C shape. Personally, I went with L because I wanted a more dramatic look. C is a softer curve.
How long does a Keratin Lash Lift take?
The treatment will take around one hour, maybe slightly more.
Do lash lifts hurt?
It does not hurt. At times, it was a little uncomfortable having bits of the lashes pulled up and setting, but nothing unmanageable; it’s worth it promise!
Do Keratin Lash Lifts ruin your eyelashes?
Nope, Keratin is actually quite good for hair strengthening.
How long after a Keratin Lash Lift can I shower?
I was advised to not have water on them for 12 hours after the treatment. This helps to make the lift last longer. I still had a quick shower that night, keeping the steam low and carefully washing around my eyes.
How long does Keratin Lash Lifts last?
For as long as your natural lashes do, so typically 6-8 weeks. This treatment uses your lashes to perm them up. Once those lashes fall out, and new ones grow in, they won’t have the perm, and the look will start to soften.
How do you maintain your Keratin Lash Lift?
Nothing is required. It’s very low maintenance. They recommended a lash serum to grow more lashes for better-looking lifts, but it’s not necessarily needed. There’s no restrictions on what products you can use on your lashes, all cleansing products and mascara are ok.
A Keratin Lash Lift at Lyla Lash Bar
So, on to the process… I got to sit on a big soft chair that opens up flat for the treatment. I suddenly realised, I now needed to have my eyes closed for the next hour, so no WhatsApp or IG scrolling while doing the treatment. You could listen to music or a podcast but remember you can’t open your eyes to change the song! To be honest it was pretty relaxing just doing nothing but laying there for an hour!
The technician started by placing hydrating eye masks under my eyes, which I thought was a lovely touch. Then she went about taping my lower lashes out of the way and placing the bit of plastic they shape the lashes too on the top eyelid. I’m sure there were many more steps, but as my eyes were closed, it’s a mystery.
She had a gentle touch the whole way; at times, it was unconformable pulling the lashes up and having them stay like that. However, don’t worry; nothing as bad as a wax or some lasers. I almost fell asleep, and imagine lots of people do. The bed is very comfortable, and they provided a fluffy blanket, so quite cosy. After the lift, she applied a tint, which I recommend anyone with lighter lashes to do.
Afterwards, seeing the results is extremely exciting. They looked amazing! I had eye definition without mascara! I am 100% doing this again when HK summer properly gets going; no need to keep checking if your mascara has smudged.
After three days of having the lift, they look the same as stepping fresh from Lyla Lash Bar. After 14 days, they were still looking fab! The lift had not dropped at all. The darkness of my lashes was a little less, but that’s to be expected. As it stands so far, however, I couldn’t recommend this treatment enough and the staff were professional and caring at Lyla Lash Bar.
Lyla Lash Bar, 14/F, Wisdom Centre, 37 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2564 7721
