Lash Lift Too Lifted? How to Fix Over-Curled or Over-Processed Lashes Safely
Oct 13, 2025
Woke up after your lash lift with lashes that are too curled, dramatically lifted, or even a bit crimped? While the goal of a lash lift is always a gorgeous, eye-opening curl, sometimes an "over-lifted" look can happen, leaving you feeling less than thrilled with your new look. Don't panic! This is a common concern, and thankfully, it's often fixable.
Discover why your lash lift might be "too lifted" and learn safe, effective ways to relax and fix over-processed lashes, with expert tips from Toronto professionals like Beautiatelier.
Understanding "Too Lifted": What Does an Over-Processed Lash Look Like?
First, how do you know if your lashes are genuinely "too lifted" or just have a stronger curl than you anticipated? Here are the tell-tale signs:
Frizzy, Crimped, or Extremely Curled: Visual Cues
"C" Curl vs. "L" Curl: Instead of a graceful, sweeping "C" curve, your lashes might form a tight "L" shape, appearing almost crimped or bent at the base.
Frizzy or Disheveled: The individual lash hairs might look frizzy, brittle, or unruly, especially at the tips, indicating damage from over-processing.
Too Short: The curl might be so extreme that your lashes appear shorter than they actually are, or they might be curling back and touching your eyelids.
Uneven: Some sections might be perfectly curled while others are extremely lifted or crimped.
Discomfort or Irritation: Physical Signs
In some cases, over-processed lashes might also come with physical discomfort, such as:
Dryness: Lashes might feel rough or dry to the touch.
Mild Irritation: Though rare, if solutions were left on too long or too close to the skin, you might experience mild irritation around the lash line.
Why Did My Lash Lift Go Wrong? Common Causes of Over-Lifting
An over-lifted lash look doesn't happen by accident. It's usually the result of one or a combination of technical errors during the lash lift process:
1. Incorrect Perm Solution Timing or Strength
The most common culprit. If the perming solution is left on for too long, or if a solution that is too strong for your lash type is used, it can over-process the delicate lash hairs, forcing them into an exaggerated curl or even damaging their structure.
2. Using the Wrong Rod Size for Your Lash Length
Lash lift rods (or shields) come in various sizes (S, M, L).
Using a rod that is too small for your natural lash length is a frequent cause of over-lifting, resulting in a dramatic, often crimped, curl rather than a soft lift.
The technician must select a rod size that allows your lashes to drape smoothly over the curve, not tightly pull around a sharp bend.
3. Overlapping Solutions on Previously Lifted Lashes
If you're getting a touch-up lash lift, and the new solution is applied over areas of your lashes that were already lifted from a previous treatment, those sections can easily become over-processed, leading to frizziness or breakage. A skilled technician only applies the solution to the new growth.
How to Fix Over-Lifted Lashes: Safe Solutions
The good news is that over-lifted lashes are often fixable! The approach depends on the severity and how quickly you act.
Immediate Steps You Can Take at Home (Gentle Methods)
For mild over-lifting, you can try these gentle methods:
Nourishing Oils (Castor, Coconut): Hydrate & Rela
Applying natural, nourishing oils can help to gently relax the curl and rehydrate your lashes.
How to Use: After 24-48 hours (when the lift has fully set), apply a small amount of castor oil, coconut oil, or even a specialized lash serum to your lashes using a clean spoolie brush. Gently brush downwards from the base to the tip.
Frequency: Repeat daily, preferably overnight. The oils help to soften the lash bonds over time.
Gentle Brushing & Steaming
Brushing: Continuously and gently brushing your lashes downwards with a clean, dry spoolie can help coax them into a more relaxed position.
Steaming: While avoiding direct heat, sitting in a steamy shower (after the initial 48-hour period) can also contribute to gently relaxing the curl. Do not rub your eyes.
Professional Correction: When to See an Expert (Beautiatelier Solution)
If home remedies aren't enough, or if your lashes are severely crimped or damaged, it's crucial to seek professional help. Do not attempt to apply perming solutions yourself at home.
The "Relaxation" Treatment: What a Pro Can Do
A skilled lash technician can perform a "lash relaxation" or "reversal" treatment. This involves:
Assessing Damage: The technician will first assess the extent of the over-processing.
Gentle Application: A very mild perming solution (or a specialized reversing agent) is applied for a very short, controlled period, often with a larger rod, to gently relax the overly tight curl.
Neutralizing & Conditioning: The process is followed by neutralization and deep conditioning to minimize further damage.
This delicate procedure requires precision and expertise to avoid causing further harm, highlighting why choosing a reputable salon like Beautiatelier in Toronto is so important.
Preventing Future Over-Lifting: Best Practices
Prevention is always better than cure. To avoid a "too lifted" look in the future:
Choosing a Certified & Experienced Technician
This is non-negotiable. Always research and choose a lash technician who is certified, experienced, and has a strong portfolio of lash lift results. Ask to see their work and read reviews. An experienced technician understands lash types, rod sizing, and precise timing.
Honest Consultation & Lash Assessment
A professional technician will conduct a thorough consultation before your treatment. They should:
Assess your natural lash length, thickness, and health.
Discuss your desired curl intensity.
Select the appropriate rod size based on your lashes and desired outcome.
Lash Health & Recovery: Post-Correction Care
Whether you've fixed your lashes at home or had a professional correction, ongoing care is vital for recovery:
Hydrating Serums & Conditioners
Regularly use a high-quality lash serum or conditioner. These products are formulated to nourish, strengthen, and repair lashes, promoting healthy growth and helping them recover from any stress or damage. Look for ingredients like keratin, biotin, and peptides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My lashes are crimped at the base after a lift. What should I do? A: This often indicates an incorrect rod size was used or the lashes were improperly placed. Avoid touching them further and consult your technician immediately for a professional assessment and potential corrective treatment.
Q: How quickly can I get a lash lift correction? A: You should consult a professional as soon as possible, ideally within the first 24-72 hours. The sooner the intervention, often the more successful and less damaging the correction can be.
Q: Will an over-lifted lash lift eventually grow out? A: Yes, eventually. As your natural lash cycle progresses, the over-lifted lashes will shed and be replaced by new, straight growth. However, this process can take 6-8 weeks, which can be a long time to wait for your lashes to look normal again.
Conclusion
While a perfectly executed lash lift transforms your eyes, discovering your lashes are "too lifted" can be disheartening. Understanding the causes—from incorrect rod sizes to improper solution timing—is the first step. Thankfully, whether through gentle at-home oil treatments or a professional "relaxation" service from experts like Beautiatelier, over-lifted lashes are often fixable. Prioritizing lash health and choosing a highly experienced technician are key to preventing this issue and ensuring you always achieve beautiful, perfectly curled results that you truly love.