Article by BR Natalie
You might think that perms belong in the 80s, and you might be right. But have you heard about Eyelash Perming? The Forum has been chattering about eyelash perms so we thought we'd chat to our resident Beauty Therapist Zoe and bring you the BR Guide to Eyelash Perms.
What is an Eyelash Perm?
Simply put, an Eyelash Permanent Wave is a cosmetics treatment that can place a curve in your lash line to give you curved lashes.
Technically put, by perming your eyelashes you are forcing a chemical reaction to break and reset the bonds within your hair. The procedure will soften the inner of your hair, causing it to extend in all directions and become soft enough to take the shape of the roller.
Why would I get one?
Curved eyelashes look longer and fuller than straight lashes. It's an illusion of course, the length of your lashes doesn't change, in fact upturned lashes are going to be closer to your eye lid. But when lashes are curved upwards and outwards you can see more of them.
Mascara wands and eyelash curlers are temporary ways to create an upturned lash line. Eyelash curlers do break eyelashes. Having an eyelash perm often omits the need for an eyelash curler, and for those with naturally dark lashes it can mean you don't need to use mascara too.
How are your lashes permed?
If you've seen Final Destination 5 or are squeamish about things being attached to your eyelids, you might want to familiarise yourself with the perm procedure before you attempt to have it done.
- Lashes are treated with an adhesive and wrapped around teeny tiny foam sponge rollers. Like hair rollers, this holds them in the curved position you're hoping to maintain.
- You'll be asked to squeeze your eyes shut and your beauty therapist will apply the perming solution (or cream) to your eyelashes with a brush.
- The rollers and solution are then covered with plastic wrap and left for around 5 minutes.
- A neutralising formula is then applied and once again covered with plastic wrap.
- Your eyelashes will be rinsed and ready to be admired!
How long will it last?
The procedure will take around 20 - 30 minutes and the results will last from 1 - 3 months. The growth cycle of your eyelashes is around 60 - 120 days, during which time they grow and fall out.
How much will it cost?
Lash perms are around $50 in New Zealand. If you opt to have your lashes tinted as well, you'll be looking at around $100 in total.
Are there any risks?
As with any beauty procedure, there are risks to eyelash perming. Eyes are one of the most sensitive organs in the body. This makes them even more sensitive to chemicals in the perming solutions. You probably already know, regular hair perm products can burn and cause reactions. Around your eyes these reactions can include anything from mild irritation to a full-blown allergic reaction, even blindness.
If the perming solution is incorrectly used or left on too long it can cause your eyelashes to fall out.
To minimise the risks always go to a reputable and trained Beauty Therapist.
So there you have it, our guide to perming your eyelashes. So over to you beauties - what are your thoughts on eyelash perms? Do you regularly have your lashes permed and is it worth the cost? Or can you not understand going through so much for something so small?
Get chatting below!
Call it an optical illusion: Upturned eyelashes look longer than very straight ones. Putting a kink at the lashline of your fringe not only grants you fuller, longer-looking lashes; it helps you fake a wide-eyed doe look, too.
Whether you achieve the effect through the wave of your eyelash curling wand or an eyelash perm, however, comes down to your personal preference for convenience and safety.
How Do Eyelash Perms Work?
First, lashes are coated with a special adhesive and wrapped around mini foam rollers or equally diminutive heated clips. This holds them in the curled position that you’re hoping to achieve. As you squeeze your eyes tightly shut, a perming solution or cream is applied to your eyelashes with a tiny brush. The esthetician then covers your roller-wrapped fringe in plastic wrap and lets the chemical concoction cook for about five minutes. After the perming chemicals have taken full effect, on goes a neutralizing solution. More plastic wrap is applied. You sit for another few minutes. Voila: curled lashes in a visit that takes about 45 minutes and costs anywhere from $25 to $70, depending on where you live.
What Are the Results of an Eyelash Perm?
The curl in your lashes will last anywhere from four weeks to three months. As your lashes grow and fall out (the life cycle of lashes is about 60 to 120 days), the effects become less noticeable.
Though to some the procedure may seem like a steep price to pay for beauty, when all goes well the results are supposedly sublime.
What Are the Risks of Eyelash Perms?
Of course, the procedure isn’t without its risks. Eyelash perming, like many other lash-enhancing beauty treatments, is not FDA-approved. If you were around in the ‘80s and were unfortunate enough to experience the hair perm first-hand, you already know that perming solution can burn. Eyes and the skin around them are extremely delicate, and can incur damage, including irritation, burning or even blindness. If the solution is left on too long, it can fry your lashes, making them break or fall out.
An extra word of caution: Be sure to seek out a qualified professional who performs multiple eyelash perms on a daily basis. This is an instance where you should seek out the best, not the cheapest.
The idea is so cool. I wouldn't need to use eye lash curlers. Not that I have one anyway. It's definately in my list of to buy. It would look so pretty. Wonder how much it would cost.