As a lash professional, one of the most valuable skills you can develop is the ability to guide clients toward the treatment that best suits their lifestyle, natural lashes, and aesthetic goals. Both lash lifts and lash extensions offer stunning results, but they serve different purposes and appeal to different clients. Understanding the nuances of each treatment allows you to make confident recommendations that lead to satisfied, loyal customers.
The New Zealand beauty industry has embraced both treatments enthusiastically, with lash lifts experiencing a particular surge in popularity over recent years. According to Stats NZ data on service industries, beauty services continue to grow across the country, with lash treatments representing a significant portion of the market. Whether your clients are busy professionals in Auckland, new mothers in Wellington, or beauty enthusiasts in Christchurch, knowing when to recommend each treatment positions you as a trusted expert.
At New Zealand Beauty School, we train professionals in both lash lift techniques and eyelash extensions, giving you the complete skill set to serve every client’s needs.
Understanding Lash Lifts
What Is a Lash Lift?
A lash lift is a semi-permanent treatment that enhances the natural lashes by lifting them from the root and adding a lasting curl. The process uses a chemical solution to break down and reform the bonds in the lash hair, setting them in an upward position against a silicone shield or rod.
The treatment typically takes 45-60 minutes and results last 6-8 weeks, aligning with the natural lash growth cycle. Most technicians pair lash lifts with a tint to add definition and colour, eliminating the need for mascara entirely.
How Lash Lifts Work
The process involves several key steps that require precision and training. First, natural lashes are cleansed and primed to remove any oils or residue. A silicone shield is selected based on the client’s natural lash length and desired curl intensity. Lashes are carefully lifted and adhered to the shield, then a lifting solution is applied to break down the hair’s structure.
After processing, a setting solution locks the new shape in place. Finally, a nourishing treatment is applied to condition the lashes. The entire process requires no additions to the natural lashes, making it a popular choice for clients who prefer a more natural approach.
Benefits of Lash Lifts
Low Maintenance: Once complete, clients need do nothing except enjoy their lifted lashes. There are no infill appointments, no special cleansing routines, and no restrictions on products or sleeping positions after the first 24-48 hours.
Natural Enhancement: Lash lifts work with what clients already have, making natural lashes appear longer and more dramatic without adding any synthetic materials.
Cost-Effective Long-Term: While individual treatments cost less than extension full sets, the real savings come from not needing regular infill appointments.
No Damage to Natural Lashes: When performed correctly, lash lifts cause minimal stress to natural lashes compared to the weight of extensions.
Quick Treatment Time: At under an hour, lash lifts fit easily into busy schedules.
Understanding Lash Extensions
What Are Lash Extensions?
Lash extensions involve adhering individual synthetic, silk, or mink fibres to each natural lash using a semi-permanent adhesive. The result is dramatically fuller, longer lashes that can be customised in terms of length, curl, thickness, and style.
Extensions require an initial application of 1.5-3 hours depending on the style (classic, hybrid, or volume), followed by infill appointments every 2-3 weeks to maintain fullness as natural lashes shed.
How Lash Extensions Work
The application process requires meticulous attention to detail. Each natural lash is isolated using precision tweezers, then an extension is dipped in adhesive and carefully attached to the natural lash, approximately 0.5-1mm from the lash line. This process is repeated across both eyes, with a full set typically involving 80-150 extensions per eye depending on the client’s natural lash density and desired look.
Classic extensions follow a 1:1 ratio, with one extension per natural lash. Volume techniques involve creating fans of multiple thinner extensions (2-8 lashes) applied to each natural lash, creating a fuller, fluffier effect. Hybrid combines both techniques for a textured, dimensional result.
Benefits of Lash Extensions
Dramatic Transformation: Extensions can completely transform the eye area, adding length, volume, and definition that natural lashes alone cannot achieve.
Customisable Results: Every aspect can be tailored to the client’s preferences, from natural everyday looks to full glamour.
Instant Impact: Clients leave their appointment with immediately visible, stunning results.
Eliminates Makeup Routine: Many clients find they no longer need mascara, eyeliner, or even eyeshadow with extensions.
Versatile Styles: From subtle classic sets to dramatic mega-volume, there’s an extension style for every preference.
Comparing the Two Treatments
Visual Results
Lash lifts enhance what’s already there, creating a wide-eyed, lifted appearance that looks naturally beautiful. The results depend entirely on the client’s natural lash length and density. Clients with short or sparse lashes will see improvement but won’t achieve the dramatic fullness that extensions provide.
Extensions offer unlimited creative possibilities. You can add length clients never had, create fullness on sparse lash lines, and design completely customised looks. The transformation can be subtle or dramatic depending on the style selected.
Maintenance Requirements
This is often the deciding factor for many clients. Lash lifts require virtually no maintenance beyond the first 48 hours. Clients can swim, exercise, wear any products, and sleep however they like.
Extensions demand ongoing care and commitment. Clients must avoid oil-based products, cleanse lashes daily with appropriate products, avoid rubbing their eyes, and return for infills every 2-3 weeks. For some clients, this routine becomes second nature; for others, it’s unsustainable.
Cost Comparison
| Treatment | Initial Cost (NZD) | Ongoing Costs | Annual Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lash Lift + Tint | $85-$150 | $85-$150 every 6-8 weeks | $555-$1,170 |
| Classic Extensions | $150-$250 | $70-$100 infills every 2-3 weeks | $1,370-$2,850 |
| Volume Extensions | $200-$350 | $90-$130 infills every 2-3 weeks | $1,880-$3,730 |
Prices vary across regions, with higher rates typical in major urban centres like Auckland and Wellington.
Longevity
Lash lifts last 6-8 weeks before the effect grows out with the natural lash cycle. Extensions maintain their look indefinitely with regular infills, though the initial investment of time and money at each appointment is greater.
Impact on Natural Lashes
When performed by trained professionals using quality products, both treatments are safe. However, extensions do add weight to natural lashes, and improper application or poor aftercare can lead to damage over time. Lash lifts, by contrast, involve no added weight and generally pose less risk to lash health when proper protocols are followed.
Making Client Recommendations
Recommend Lash Lifts When:
The client has naturally long lashes: If they already have good length but their lashes are straight or point downward, a lift can make a dramatic difference by simply redirecting what’s already there.
Low maintenance is a priority: Clients who travel frequently, have very busy lifestyles, or simply don’t want to think about their lashes should consider lifts.
Budget is a concern: Over the course of a year, lash lifts cost significantly less than maintained extensions.
They’re new to lash treatments: Lifts can be a great introduction to professional lash services without the commitment extensions require.
They prefer natural aesthetics: Clients who favour a more natural appearance often love the enhanced-but-natural look of lifted lashes.
They have active lifestyles: Swimmers, athletes, and gym enthusiasts often struggle with extension maintenance. Lifts offer worry-free enhancement.
Recommend Lash Extensions When:
The client wants dramatic results: For clients seeking maximum impact, extensions deliver transformation that lifts simply cannot match.
Natural lashes are short or sparse: Extensions add what nature didn’t provide, giving clients length and fullness regardless of their starting point.
They enjoy beauty routines: Some clients love the ritual of lash care and regular salon visits. For them, extension maintenance isn’t a burden but a pleasure.
Special occasions are approaching: Brides, event attendees, and those wanting to look their absolute best often choose extensions for maximum impact.
They want customised styling: Clients with specific aesthetic goals benefit from the precise customisation extensions allow.
They’ve successfully maintained extensions before: Repeat extension clients who’ve proven they can maintain them well are excellent candidates for continued service.
Questions to Ask During Consultation
Effective consultations help you make the right recommendation. Ask about their daily routine and how much time they have for beauty maintenance, their aesthetic preferences and whether they prefer natural or dramatic looks, their lifestyle including swimming, gym habits, and active pursuits, their budget for ongoing maintenance, any previous experience with lash treatments, and any sensitivities or allergies to consider.
Listen carefully to their answers, and don’t hesitate to steer clients toward the option that truly suits them, even if it’s not the more expensive treatment. Building trust through honest recommendations creates loyal, long-term clients.
Offering Both Services
The most successful lash professionals offer both treatments, allowing them to serve a broader clientele and provide options during consultations. Many technicians find that clients move between services depending on life circumstances—a new mother might switch from extensions to lifts for easier maintenance, then return to extensions for a special event.
Having both skills also allows you to offer combination services and package deals, creating additional revenue opportunities while serving clients comprehensively.
At New Zealand Beauty School, our Certificate in Lash Lift and Certificate in Eyelash Extensions provide complete training in both treatments, preparing you to confidently serve every client who walks through your door.
Ready to become a complete lash professional? Our comprehensive lash courses teach you both lash lift and extension techniques, plus the consultation skills to guide every client to their perfect treatment. Build a versatile skill set that attracts more clients and grows your business. Explore our lash courses today and start your journey toward lash expertise.