It’s never been a better time to be a lash artist — or a lash enthusiast!
For a few years now, eyelash extensions have gained a huge following. Eyelash extensions are so popular that they’re actually making a dent in the mascara market!

For a few years now, eyelash extensions have gained a huge following. Eyelash extensions are so popular that they’re actually making a dent in the mascara market!

But at the same time, lash lifts (using safe, cream-based solutions that leave natural lashes perfectly curled) have roared into the spotlight. Beauty editors, cosmetics junkies, and even makeup minimalists are all wanting to get in on the trend. 

So which one’s better? At Shiakidi Beauty, we truly believe both lash lifts and extensions should be part of your service menu. Both lash services are perfectly safe, maintain the health of your lashes (if properly applied), and ultimately help you cut down the time you need to get ready in the morning due to not needing mascara or lash curlers. But we also want you to acknowledge the pros and cons of both.

Styling Options

When it comes to customizing lashes for every client’s unique features, lash lifts have nothing on extensions. The big variety of lash types (Mink, Silk), lengths, diameters, application methods (Classic, Hybrid, Volume, Mega Volume), styles (Natural, Cat Eye, Doll, Squirrel), and effects (Eyeliner, Feathered, Kim Kardashian, color, Shadow, etc.) means everyone can have a completely individualized set based on their needs. Whether your client wants a more natural look, or maybe wants to mimic a celebrity like Kim K, or wants to bring the drama, extensions help you create it all! Lash lifts, on the other hand, allow you to choose the size of the curl your lashes can handle, but they definitely can’t be styled to enhance or balance facial features the way extensions can. That doesn’t mean lash lifts don’t come with options, though!

Speed and time

For some lash clients, two hours is a perfectly reasonable time for a lash service. And for others, that’s an eternity. While lash extensions can take hours depending on the type of lash set, the style, and the condition of the natural lashes, one of the reasons clients love lash lifts is because they can enjoy a lash service in nearly an hour, walk out the salon and still look polished. That’s what makes it ideal for busy clients with very short gaps in their schedule and restless clients.

Natural feeling

While lash extensions can be applied in ways that look ultra-natural, lash lifts rely on what nature actually gave you. This can be both a pro and a con. If your lashes are naturally thick, long, and/or voluminous, lash lifts can appear nearly as dramatic as extensions, especially when paired with a lash tint to darken and define your lashes. It’s important to keep in mind that most successful lash lift images that come up on Instagram are of clients with naturally thick, long lashes. If your lashes are stubby, thin, and sparse, a lash lift won’t do much to change their appearance compared to a full, custom set of extensions.

Maintenance duration and period

Since extensions are placed on the natural lashes, they follow every client’s natural lash growth cycle, meaning that they fall out as the natural lash grows out. To maintain lash extensions, clients should be coming back for fill appointments every 2-4 weeks. Lashes extension maintenance tends to be around 20-30 minutes quicker than a full set. Lash lift clients may be able to push their next appointments later, to up to 6-8 weeks. It also depends on the natural lash growth cycle but when the natural lash grow, the curl is still in good shape. Lash lift maintenance remains the same at every appointment. 

Prices

It’s no secret that lash lifts tend to cost less than a set of lash extensions. Lash lifts are typically priced between 30-50 Euros, while lash extensions will normally range between 35-70 Euros. But keep in mind the price variability for lash extensions is easier to understand depending on the level of customization that’s involved. When a client only takes into account the price of extensions and the cost of fill appointments, they can often lose sight of the benefits of curated lash styling.

Allergies

While allergic reactions can occur even after having the same lash service multiple times, Shiakidi Beauty’s Lash Lift solutions tend to be easier for clients to handle if they’ve reacted to any adhesives used when receiving lash extensions. If this happens, it’s important to talk to clients about their allergy’s limitations, and if they’re adamant on still getting their lashes done, have them try lash lifts.

Ultimately, which service you choose should depend entirely on your client’s lashes, their style expectations, the time they have, their willingness to maintain their lashes, and the price point they’re comfortable with. Once your clients find the right lash treatment for them, trust us, they’ll be hooked!