Your First Lash Lift: What to Expect in Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Austin

📖 7 min read

Walking into a salon for your very first lash lift can feel intimidating. Maybe you’ve scrolled through countless before and after photos, read reviews about “amazing results,” but still find yourself wondering what actually happens during the treatment. You’re not alone. At The Brow Fixx, we hear from first time clients every week who felt the same hesitation before booking their appointment.

The truth is, a lash lift is one of the most relaxing beauty treatments you can experience once you know what to expect. This guide walks you through everything from what happens during your appointment to how your lashes will look and feel afterward, so you can walk in feeling confident instead of anxious.

What Exactly Happens During a Lash Lift?

A lash lift is essentially a semi-permanent curl for your natural lashes. Unlike extensions that add synthetic hairs, this treatment works with what you already have. Your lash artist applies a gentle lifting solution to reshape your lashes from the root, creating an upward curl that lasts for weeks.

The entire process takes about 60 to 70 minutes, and you’ll spend most of that time lying down with your eyes closed. Many of our clients in Santa Monica and Brentwood actually fall asleep during their appointment because it’s that relaxing.

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Consultation — Your lash artist will discuss the curl level you want. Some clients prefer dramatic lift while others want something more subtle and natural.
2. Preparation — A silicone shield is placed on your eyelid, and your lashes are carefully combed upward onto the shield.
3. Lifting Solution — The solution is applied to break down the bonds in your lash hairs, allowing them to be reshaped.
4. Setting Solution — This locks the new curl in place.
5. Optional Tint — If you’ve added a tint to your service, that comes next to darken and define your lashes.

Throughout the entire process, your eyes remain closed. You won’t feel any pulling, tugging, or discomfort.

Common Fears First Timers Have

Let’s address the concerns we hear most often—and why you don’t need to worry.

“Will It Hurt?”

This is the number one question we get from nervous first timers at our Austin location and our Los Angeles salons. The honest answer? A lash lift should not hurt at all. You might feel a slight tingling sensation when the solutions are applied, but most clients describe it as barely noticeable.

If you’ve ever had your eyebrows waxed or threaded, a lash lift is far more comfortable than either of those treatments. You’re essentially just lying there with your eyes closed while your lash artist does all the work.

“What If My Lashes Get Damaged?”

When done correctly by a trained professional, a lash lift won’t damage your natural lashes. The key word here is “correctly.” This is why choosing an experienced salon matters so much.

At The Brow Fixx, our lash lift formula is enriched with silk protein, biotin, and nourishing botanicals to leave your lashes lifted, separated, and defined without harsh chemicals.

Over-processing is the main risk with lash lifts, which is why we always customize the processing time based on your individual lash texture. Someone with fine, delicate lashes needs a shorter processing time than someone with thick, coarse lashes.

“What If I Don’t Like the Results?”

Unlike microblading or permanent makeup, a lash lift isn’t permanent. The curl gradually relaxes over six to eight weeks as your natural lash growth cycle continues. If you happen to prefer a different curl level, we can adjust that at your next appointment.

Most first timers actually wish they had gone for a slightly more dramatic lift than they originally requested. Once you see how natural and flattering the results look, you’ll likely want to experiment with more curl on your next visit.

“I’m Worried About Keeping My Eyes Closed for That Long”

If you’re someone who gets a little restless, this concern makes sense. The good news is that the treatment itself is genuinely relaxing. The room is quiet, you’re lying in a comfortable position, and there’s nothing you need to do except rest.

We’ve had clients who were nervous about this exact thing tell us afterward that it was the most peaceful hour of their week. Think of it as forced relaxation time in a world that rarely gives you permission to just close your eyes and do nothing.

How to Prepare for Your First Appointment

A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring great results:

Important: If you’re dealing with pink eye, a stye, or any kind of eye irritation, wait until it clears up completely before booking.

What to Expect Right After Your Lash Lift

When you open your eyes after your lash lift, your first reaction will probably be surprise. Your lashes will look noticeably longer, darker (if you added a tint), and curled in a way that opens up your entire eye area.

The results are immediate, but your lashes need about 24 hours to fully set. During that first day:

• Keep your lashes dry—no swimming or steamy showers
• Skip sweaty workouts where moisture might affect the lift
• Avoid rubbing your eyes

For detailed guidance, check out our complete lash lift aftercare tips.

After that initial 24-hour period, you can return to your normal routine. Most clients find they don’t need mascara at all anymore—which is part of what makes this treatment so popular with busy professionals and new moms who want to look put together with minimal effort.

Why Choosing the Right Salon Matters

Choosing where to get your first lash lift is just as important as deciding to get one. A skilled lash artist will customize the treatment to your unique lash length, thickness, and growth pattern. They’ll also recommend the right shield size to achieve your desired curl level without over-processing.

At The Brow Fixx, our team sees hundreds of lash lift clients each month across our three locations. Whether you’re visiting us in Santa Monica near the beach, at our Brentwood salon in Los Angeles, or at our Austin studio near The Domain, you’re getting the same quality standards and attention to detail.

Our formula is specifically designed to nourish while it lifts. The silk protein, biotin, and botanical blend leaves lashes healthier than before the treatment.

Is a Lash Lift Right for You?

If you’re deciding between a lash lift and lash extensions, the choice often comes down to maintenance and lifestyle. For a detailed comparison, check out our guide on lash lift vs lash extensions.

A lash lift is ideal if you:

• Want to enhance your natural lashes without adding anything artificial
• Prefer low-maintenance beauty treatments
• Have an active lifestyle that includes swimming or working out
• Want to wake up looking polished without applying makeup
• Are new to lash services and want to start with something simple

Ready to Book Your First Lash Lift?

If you’ve been thinking about a lash lift but haven’t taken the plunge yet, consider this your sign. The treatment is quick, painless, and the results speak for themselves. You’ll wake up every morning with lashes that look like you’ve already applied mascara and used a curler—without lifting a finger.

First time clients receive 15% off their initial lash lift service at any of our locations. We encourage you to mention any concerns or nerves when you book so we can take extra time during your consultation to walk you through everything before we begin.

Your lashes are waiting.

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