
Getting a lash lift is a fairly simple process, but if it’s your first time, it’s completely understandable that you may be nervous. At Exhibit Medical Aesthetics, we want you to feel like you have everything you need to make educated decisions about your aesthetics treatments—so that way you know exactly what you’ll look like with your lash extensions.
In this blog, we’ll talk about everything you can expect when you visit our team for a lash lift near Chatham, including the treatment process, post-care instructions, and more.
How a Lash Lift Works
A lash lift works like a perm, but instead of curling your hair, it curls your lashes to create the appearance of volume. While there are multiple chemicals that can be used to perform a lash lift, the main ingredient used in lash lifts is ammonium thioglycolate.
This chemical breaks down the disulfide bonds in your lashes, which hold together the sulfur atoms and cysteine amino acids within the proteins that make up your eyelashes. Then, the ammonium thioglycolate reorganizes these proteins, making your eyelashes more curled and uniform. Translate: The chemical breaks down the chemical bonds that make up the shape of your eyelash. Once that is done, your provider makes sure your lashes are properly curled and then apply another chemical to make sure they retain their new shape.
The Lash Lift Process
Your provider guides you through the entire process, so you always know what steps they are taking and what they are about to do.
Consultation
Before performing your lash lift, one of our expert aestheticians meets with you to discuss what kind of transformation you’re looking for. They can help you customize your lash lift near Chatham to match your preferences and complement your facial features. Once they have an in-depth understanding of your needs and goals, they will begin your lash lift treatment.
Treatment
Your aesthetician cleans your lashes with a gentle cleanser, removing oil and leftover products that would get in the way of treatment. Then, you close your eyes while they place a silicone curling rod under your lashes. They use a gentle, non-toxic glue to make sure your eyelashes stay on the silicone rod while they apply the curling solutions to your lashes. The solution rests on your lashes for about 5 to 10 minutes before your aesthetician cleans it off.
Results
You may see some effects of the lash lift immediately, but results don’t finish developing until about 24 hours after your lash lift near Chatham, NJ. We highly recommend you avoid exposing your lashes to water or heat/steam for at least 24 hours and not wearing mascara for about 48 hours. Once you do see your full results, you can expect them to last about 6 to 8 weeks.

Pre & Post-Care Instructions
By preparing for your lash lift and taking the right steps to care for your lashes after your appointment, you can prolong your results. While your aesthetician will provide more individualized instructions based on your needs, here are our general guidelines for care before and after getting a lash lift.
Pre-Care Instructions
- Arrive at your appointment with clean lashes. You should not have any makeup or other products present on or around your eyes or lashes.
- Avoid mascara and lash curlers for 24 to 48 hours before your lash lift.
To minimize eye fluttering and eye twitching, we recommend avoiding caffeine for at least 4 hours before your appointment. - Remove any contact lenses before getting a lash lift near Chatham.
If you use lash growth serums, we ask that you discontinue using them for at least 48 hours before your appointment.
Post-Care Instructions
- Avoid getting your lashes wet for 24 to 48 hours after your lash lift, as water could weaken the effects of the chemicals.
- To avoid impacting the effects of the chemical solutions, also avoid exposing your lashes to heat or hot environments for 24 to 48 hours.
- Avoid itching your eyes or touching your lashes for 24 to 48 hours.
- Sleep on your back, since sleeping on your face can flatten your lashes. If you find it difficult to sleep on your back, we recommend getting a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction.
- Use oil-free makeup and skincare products, as oil can break down newly formed curling bonds in your lashes.
- If you do decide to use mascara, wear non-waterproof mascara.
- We recommend using a lash serum every day to keep your lashes strong and healthy, as the chemical process of curling your lashes can cause damage with repeated long-term use.

Paired Services
Patients will often choose to pair other services with their lash lift near Chatham, NJ. While you and your aesthetician will talk about the best treatments to pair based on your goals, here are what we most commonly pair with lash lifts.
Lash Extensions
We offer lash extensions at Exhibit Medical Aesthetics for those who have naturally shorter lashes but want them to appear long and full. Sometimes, the goals you’re looking to achieve cannot be fully realized with a lash lift alone, so we can use lash extensions to add volume to your lashes.
Our providers can customize your lash extensions to your individual preferences. Whether you want a dramatic, fuller look, or you want a natural-looking enhancement, your aesthetician will talk with you about your goals and how we can help you achieve them.
Brow Waxing
One important aspect of our appearance is our eyebrows. If you have bushy eyebrows or many stray eyebrow hairs, we may recommend pairing brow waxing with your lash lift near Chatham, NJ.
How it works is that your aesthetician helps you determine the best brow shape for your features, applies wax, and then allows it to cool. Once it’s solid again, they remove the wax, taking the stray hairs with it to create more tamed brows. Then they go back with tweezers to remove any singular stray hairs that were not removed with the wax, creating defined and fresh-looking brows.
Brow Lamination
Brow lamination is an exceptional treatment for those who have unruly eyebrows. Misdirected hairs could create the appearance of unkempt or thinning brows.
Brow lamination uses a chemical solution to “soften” the follicles of your eyebrow hairs. This allows our aestheticians to redirect these hairs to follow a more uniform pattern, making them appear fuller and well-maintained.
Why Exhibit Medical Aesthetics?
Our team at Exhibit Medical Aesthetics has years of experience helping patients enhance their natural beauty using state-of-the-art technology and techniques. Not only do our aestheticians lead your care with their expertise, but they provide a dedicated and supportive voice when it comes to suggestions for treatments, products, and more.
Why choose Medical Grade Aesthetics? Because we create a welcoming and warm environment where you feel like you can address your concerns with experts you can trust. With our team, you’ll have the tools, knowledge, and resources you need to be successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We have answers! Here are the most commonly asked questions we hear about getting a lash lift near Chatham, NJ.
Can I get a lash lift and lash extensions at the same time?
While you can have both together, we cannot apply both in the same appointment, because the adhesive for the lash extensions may not work while the ammonium thioglycolate is working to curl your lashes. We instead suggest completing your lash lift first, and then waiting about 2 weeks to add your lash extensions.
Will a lash lift damage my eyelashes?
A lash lift will not damage your lashes in the short-term. However, receiving lifts for years can cause damage to the follicles for your lashes. This is why our aestheticians apply serums during your lash lift to hydrate and strengthen your lashes, and also why encourage you to apply lash serum on a daily basis.
Can I get a lash lift if I have sensitive eyes?
Yes, you can still get a lash lift if you have sensitive eyes. You can talk to your aesthetician about any specific allergies or sensitivities you may have, and you both can work together to create a plan for how to work around your sensitivities during your lash lift near Chatham, NJ.
Can I get a lash lift while pregnant?
Since a lash lift does use chemicals, we suggest talking with your doctor before visiting our team for a lash lift.
Will a lash lift irritate my eyes?
You may experience mild irritation immediately after your lash lift, but it should only last for a few hours after your appointment. However, if you experience continued irritation or pain, you should let your aesthetician know immediately. They can determine the cause of irritation and help you resolve it.
Are there any side effects associated with lash lifts?
While uncommon, you may experience temporary redness or irritation after getting a lash lift. You may also experience an allergic reaction during your lash lift, which is why you need to tell your provider about any allergies or sensitivities before getting a lash lift. If you do experience either of these issues, our aestheticians know what practices to follow to make sure you receive the attention you need in case of an allergic reaction.
Achieve Luscious, Beautiful Lashes
Not sure if a lash lift is right for you? We can help! You can book an appointment with one of our exceptional aestheticians to discuss whether you could benefit from a lash lift.
And if you’re not quite ready to commit to an appointment yet, you can also use our complimentary treatment planning tool to get personalized recommendations for your unique needs. Either way, our team will be happy to help you find the best ways to enhance your natural beauty!