LVL Lash Lifts: Your Start-to-Finish Guide for Lash Artists

Ask any lash technician what their most requested services have been of late, and LVL lash lifts remain on the list. No surprise - this treatment offers what many customers desire: effortlessly lifted, low-fuss results that last longer than a night out. While eyelash extensions remain popular, more clients are asking about LVL as their go-to source for beautifully lifted lashes. No matter if you plan on adding LVL to your services or wish to enhance your technique, this master guide covers the entire procedure from technical skills to business strategy that will propel you to excel at this top-notch service.

What Exactly Is an LVL Lash Lift?

LVL stands for Length, Volume, and Lift - and here's what makes it different from what you might already know. Unlike traditional lash perms that curl lashes around a rod, LVL lifts them straight up from the root. Think of it as standing your client's lashes upright rather than curling them backward. The result? Eyes look more open, lashes appear longer, and the effect is noticeably more natural.

The Chemistry Made Simple

The treatment works in two stages using professional lifting solutions:

• The Lifting Lotion breaks down the disulfide bonds in the lash structure, making them temporarily moldable
• The Setting Solution reforms those bonds in the new lifted position, locking in the shape

The entire process takes about 45 minutes, working with your client's natural lashes rather than adding anything artificial.

Why Clients Add Tinting

Most clients opt for a lash tint immediately after the lift. Here's why: lifting reveals the entire length of the lash, including the lighter tips that are normally hidden. Tinting darkens these tips and creates more dramatic definition - making the lift truly pop without mascara.

Key Benefits for Your Clients

Why do clients love LVL lash lifts? The benefits speak for themselves. Your natural lashes will stay beautifully lifted for 6-8 weeks, and the best part is - it's super low maintenance.

Here's what clients get from LVL treatments - and what you can tell them when they book:

• Long-Lasting Results (6-8 Weeks): The lift lasts through one complete lash growth cycle. Clients come back when their lashes naturally shed and regrow, which makes rebooking predictable.
• Natural Enhancement: LVL works with what clients already have - no added lashes, no obvious change. It's good for clients who want subtle improvement or work in professional environments where extensions feel like too much.
• No Daily Upkeep: After the first 48 hours, clients don't need to do anything special. No particular products, no careful sleeping, no morning routines. They just live normally.
• Mascara-Friendly: Clients can wear mascara when they want to, unlike with extensions. The lift actually makes mascara work better. Just tell them to stick with oil-free formulas.
• Works for Sensitive Eyes: If extensions caused irritation or felt heavy, LVL is a better option. There's no ongoing adhesive contact and no weight on the lash line. Contact lens wearers usually find it easier too.
• Fast Recovery (48 Hours): Clients avoid water and eye products for two days, then they're done. After that, they can swim, exercise, and wear makeup freely.
• Extension Alternative: LVL costs less per appointment and needs fewer visits than extensions. Clients get lifted lashes without the every-2-3-weeks fill schedule. It's a practical choice for people who want results without constant maintenance.

Why LVL Makes Business Sense

If you're already doing extensions, adding LVL is a smart way to fill your schedule and reach clients who aren't ready for the full extension commitment. Here's what the business side looks like:

Time and Scheduling

An LVL treatment takes about 45 minutes, versus 90-120 minutes for a new set of extensions. That means you can fit two LVL clients in the time it takes to do one full set. This works really well for those awkward morning slots, lunch hours, or gaps between your extension appointments.

What You'll Actually Make

Most lash artists charge between $75-$120 for LVL, depending on where they're located. The margins are pretty solid:

• Each treatment uses about $5-$8 in product
• No expensive lash inventory to maintain
• Quicker service time means more clients per day
• Clients typically rebook every 6-8 weeks like clockwork
• Easy to add lash tinting for an extra $15-$25

The nice thing about LVL is that clients are pretty consistent with rebooking. Unlike extensions where they might stretch out fills or ghost you, the 6-8 week window is long enough that they actually show up.

Who to Market This To

Think about these three client types when you're promoting LVL:

• People who are extension-curious but aren't sure about the time commitment or cost of maintaining a full set
• Your former extension clients who loved the look but couldn't keep up with fills - they're perfect for LVL
• Low-maintenance types - working professionals, athletes, busy parents, or anyone who just wants to look put-together without extra effort

When you're talking to potential clients, skip the fluffy stuff about "embracing natural beauty." Just be straight about what makes it easier: less time in your chair, way fewer appointments, and they can still throw on mascara for a night out if they want. That's what actually sells it.

How to Prepare Clients for an LVL Treatment

Handle these basics upfront and you'll avoid problems during the appointment.

Patch Test - No Exceptions

When they book, say: "You need a patch test 48 hours before - takes 5 minutes, it's free." Apply lifting solution behind their ear or inner arm. Write down: name, date, result.

If they push back, explain the solutions are strong and you can't risk a reaction near their eyes. I've caught two reactions in three years with patch tests - both would've been disasters without it.

Contact Lenses

Ask when they book: "Do you wear contacts? You'll need to remove them before we start."

They'll say they'll bring a case. Half will forget. Keep backup contact cases and solution at your station - costs about $10 for bulk supply. Text reminder the day before: "Don't forget your contact case!" Still have backups ready.

Clean Lashes

Tell them: "Come with zero eye makeup and avoid face oils or eye creams for 24 hours before."

Some will show up with mascara anyway. Build in 5 extra minutes to cleanse properly yourself. Oil residue (coconut oil, castor oil, face oils) makes the lifting solution slide off - you'll get patchy results. Ask specifically about lash oils and serums during booking.

Station Setup

Have ready before they arrive:

• Client file with patch test confirmed
• Contact cases and solution
• Lash cleanser and tools
• Consent form
• Aftercare instructions

Don't hunt for supplies mid-treatment while solutions are processing.

Quick Client Notes

After each appointment, jot down:

• Shield size and processing time used
• "Wears contacts, forgets case"
• Natural lash condition
• Their preferences

When they rebook in 6 weeks, you'll know exactly what worked and won't have to start from scratch.

How to Perform an LVL Lash Lift: A Step-by-Step Guide

Set yourself up for success before your client even sits down. Sanitize your tools, lay everything out where you can reach it without looking, and get your timer ready. Have your client lie back comfortably - they'll be here for 45 minutes, so adjust the bed and offer a blanket if your room is cool. Once they're settled and their eyes are closed, you're ready to start.

Step 1: Get Those Lashes Completely Clean

Use a professional lash cleanser on a microfiber applicator and work through every lash. You're looking for zero residue - no makeup, no oils, no skincare products. Even if they swear they came with clean lashes, cleanse them anyway.

Here's why this matters: I once skipped a thorough cleanse on a client who "definitely didn't have anything on." Turned out she'd used face oil that morning. Half her lashes lifted beautifully, the other half barely moved. Had to redo it for free.

Pat the lashes until they're just slightly damp, not wet. If water is dripping off them, you'll dilute the lifting solution and get weak results.

Step 2: Choose Your Shield Size

Hold different shield sizes against their lash line to see what fits their natural lash length. Here's a quick guide:

• S (small): Very short lashes, creates maximum lift
• M (medium): Average length lashes, most common choice
• L (large): Longer lashes, creates a subtle lift
• XL (extra large): Very long lashes

Most clients need different sizes for each eye - it's completely normal. I'd say 60% of my clients get a medium on one eye and large on the other. Their lashes aren't identical, so don't force them to be.

Too small of a shield will give them that "surprised" over-curled look. Too large and you'll barely see any lift - they'll wonder why they paid you.

Step 3: Position and Secure the Shield

This step determines everything. Place the shield 1-2mm from the lash line - close enough for good lift, far enough that it's comfortable. If it's touching their skin, it's too close and will irritate them.

Use your lash adhesive to secure the shield to the eyelid. Make sure it's really stuck - if it shifts mid-treatment, your lift will be uneven. I usually hold it in place for about 30 seconds to let the adhesive set.

Check from the side view. The shield should follow the natural curve of their eye. If it's sticking up funny or twisted, remove it and start over. It's worth the extra minute.

Step 4: Brush Lashes Up and Apply Lifting Lotion

This is where your patience pays off. Use your Y-brush or lash wand to comb each lash straight up onto the shield, starting from the center and working outward. They should lie flat and separated - no crossing, no clumping. This takes time. Don't rush it.

Once all lashes are perfectly positioned, apply the lifting lotion from root to about two-thirds up the lash. Never go all the way to the tips - they'll look crimped and weird. Use a micro swab or brush, and be generous but not drowning them.

Processing times (check your product instructions, but generally):

• Fine/thin lashes: 8-10 minutes
• Medium lashes: 10-12 minutes
• Thick/coarse lashes: 12-15 minutes
• Previously treated or damaged lashes: 6-8 minutes

Set a timer. Seriously, set a timer. I've gotten distracted and over-processed before - the lashes came out over-lifted and the client was not happy. When in doubt, start with less time. You can always add a minute or two if needed.

Step 5: Remove and Apply Setting Solution

When your timer goes off, remove all the lifting lotion with a dry lint-free pad or cotton round. Get it all off - any leftover solution will mess with the setting step.

Apply the setting solution the same way you did the lifting lotion - root to mid-shaft, carefully coating each lash. This locks in the new shape.

Process for half the time you used for lifting. So if you lifted for 12 minutes, set for 6 minutes. Again, use your timer.

Step 6: Nourish the Lashes

Remove all the setting solution thoroughly. Now apply your nourishing serum or keratin treatment. This step prevents the lashes from getting dry and brittle - without it, some clients will notice their lashes feel crunchy or break more easily.

Let this sit for 2-3 minutes. Some artists skip this step to save time. Don't. Your clients' lash health depends on it, and healthy lashes means they'll keep coming back.

Step 7: Add Tint If They Want It

Most clients (like 80% of mine) add tint. It makes the lift way more noticeable, especially on lighter lashes.

Choose a shade that matches or is slightly darker than their natural color. Apply it carefully to the lifted lashes while they're still on the shield. Process for 5-10 minutes depending on how dark they want to go and what your tint instructions say.

Pro tip: If they have very light blonde lashes, go with a light brown first, not black. You can always go darker on their next visit, but you can't undo too-dark tint.

Step 8: Remove Everything and Check Your Work

• Gently remove the shield. Use a damp cotton swab to clean off any adhesive residue from the lash line - leftover glue is uncomfortable and looks unprofessional.
• Now really look at both eyes. Are the lashes evenly lifted? All separated? If you see a few lashes stuck together, carefully separate them with a clean spoolie.
• Have your client open their eyes and show them with a mirror. Check together that both eyes look symmetrical.

Send Them Home with Clear Instructions

Before they leave, go over the 48-hour rule: no water, no steam, no mascara, no rubbing. I tell them "pretend your eye area doesn't exist for two days."

Hand them a printed aftercare sheet - they won't remember what you said. Include:

• No water/steam for 48 hours (this includes crying, sweating, swimming)
• No eye makeup for 48 hours
• After 48 hours, they can do whatever they want
• Recommend a lash serum for home use
• When to book their next appointment (6-8 weeks)

Book their next appointment right then if possible. "You'll want to come back in about 6 weeks - does [specific date] work for you?" It's way easier than chasing them down later.

Common Issues and Quick Fixes

• If lashes look under-lifted: You either didn't process long enough or the shield was too large. Note it in their file and adjust next time.
• If lashes look over-curled: Shield was too small or you over-processed. This is harder to fix - just let them grow out and be more conservative next time.
• If lift is uneven: Usually means the shield shifted during processing or some lashes weren't fully coated with solution. Make sure your adhesive really holds that shield in place.
• If client says it stings: Remove the product immediately, rinse with saline solution, and don't continue. They might be having a reaction despite the patch test.

Start Adding LVL to Your Services

LVL won't replace your extension business, but it adds a solid revenue stream with way less hassle. You'll attract clients who want results without constant maintenance, and your schedule becomes more manageable. Your first few lifts will take longer than 45 minutes - totally fine. Most lash artists who try it end up keeping it because the profit margins work and clients actually love the results.