Eyelash Perm

You might have come across a salon treatment called an Eyelash Perm and wondered what on earth it is. We all know a perm can make your hair curly but what about your lashes?

Don't worry it won't transform you into Little Orphan Annie. This great treatment gives your eyelashes an upturned appearance which makes them appear longer and really enhances your eyes.

Believe it or not, an eyelash perm actually uses mini rollers or tiny heated clips. The smaller the roller the curlier your lashes will be. A special adhesive is applied to the lashes and they are wrapped around the rollers. Your beauty therapist will then carefully paint on the perming solution using a tiny brush.

Beautifully Curled Lashes

Once the desired effect is achieved a neutralising solution is applied to your lashes and left on for a while. Hey presto, beautifully curled lashes. Even better, they can last from four weeks to three months. Remember, our lashes constantly renew themselves and as they fall out, the curl will become less obvious.

It is believed that the eyelash perm originated in Japan about 30 years ago. Other sources say it could have been Paris. Either way, the eyelash perm was a variation on a theme. Women have been curling their eyelashes for a very long time - the perm simply delivers longer lasting results.

Cosmetic manufacturers quickly caught on, developing mascaras that were said to do the same job. They do accentuate your lashes but they don't really add a lasting curl.

Love Your Lashes

An interesting fact you may not know is that your eyelashes are one-third as long as your eye is wide. The reason for this is that they are really there to divert airflow away from your eyes. Who knew?

Whatever their real function eyelashes have long been an important part of our beauty regime. Since time began we have used all manner of concoctions to darken and thicken our lashes for a more sensual look.

Curling our lashes didn't really become a trend until the 1930s when the eyelash curler was invented. Looking more like a cross between a pair of scissors and an instrument of torture, the Kurlash was invented by William McDonell and did a pretty good job.

Specialised Treatment

By the 2000s big lashes were all the trend and a variety of treatments, including the eyelash perm, became very popular.

As you might expect an eyelash perm is not without some risk. For this reason, you really do need to book in with a professional. Due to the type of chemicals used, and the proximity to your eyes, an eyelash perm is a specialised treatment.

Unbelievably, it is possible to buy home eyelash perm kits but we really don't recommend that option.

Eyelash Perm vs Lash Lift

You may be wondering what the difference is between an eyelash perm and a lash lift. They are both very popular treatments that need to be done in the salon. Whereas the eyelash perm will curl your actual lashes the lash lift 'lifts' them from the eyelid.

A lash lift uses the same chemicals but a different 'rolling' device. The treatment takes about the same amount of time and the results are long-lasting. A lash lift makes your lashes appear even longer.

Interestingly, many women who had always favoured eyelash extensions are now switching to the eyelash perm. Extensions give you length but they don't always give you the curl. They are also more expensive and need refills every three or four weeks. The eyelash perm is a great alternative. You may also see it listed as a Japanese Eyelash Perm.

As with any beauty treatment, we always recommend using a professional salon. Simply search Bookwell for salons offer eyelash perm in your locality.