A lash lift should create a soft, natural-looking curl that opens up your eyes. But sometimes the result is far more dramatic than expected. If your lashes are curling back on themselves, touching your eyelids, or looking unnaturally kinked, you have what is called an overlifted or overprocessed lash lift.
The question everyone asks is: can it be fixed? The answer is yes, in many cases, but only with the right approach. DIY fixes often make things worse.
As a lash specialist in Fulham who regularly corrects bad lash lifts, I will explain exactly why lash lifts become too curly, whether it can be reversed, and what your options are.
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Why Do Lashes Become Too Curly After a Lash Lift?
There are three main reasons a lash lift ends up too curly:
1. Overprocessing
The lifting solution was left on too long, breaking down the lash structure excessively. This causes the lashes to curl more than intended and often leaves them looking frizzy or damaged. Overprocessing is the most common cause of lashes that are too curly.
2. Wrong Shield Size
The shield controls the shape of the curl. A shield that is too small for your lash length creates a tighter, more dramatic curl. If your technician used a shield that was too small, your lashes may curl excessively even with correct processing time.
3. Incorrect Lash Placement
If lashes are placed too far over the shield rather than at the base, they can end up with a kinked or bent appearance rather than a smooth curve. This is a technique issue that creates an unnatural looking curl.
Understanding which of these caused your problem helps determine the best solution. For more on why lash lifts fail, see our detailed guide.
Can an Overlifted Lash Lift Be Fixed?
In many cases, yes. But the approach depends on how severe the problem is and whether the lashes are damaged.
Important Warning
DIY fixes can make things worse. Applying coconut oil, trying to relax the curl yourself, or using other home remedies can cause additional damage to already compromised lashes. Professional correction is always the safest approach.
Will It Relax on Its Own?
Mildly overlifted lashes may relax slightly over the first week or two as you wash your face, apply products, and go about your daily routine. However, this is not a reliable solution.
Severely overprocessed lashes will not relax on their own. The chemical damage has already been done, and the only solution is to wait for the lashes to naturally grow out and be replaced by new, healthy lashes.
Professional Correction Options
A professional lash lift correction can help in certain situations. A specialist will assess:
- •How damaged the lashes are
- •Whether they can tolerate any further treatment
- •What correction approach is safest
- •Whether waiting is the better option
For complete guidance on all your options, read our detailed guide on how to fix a bad lash lift.
What Should You Do Right Now?
If your lash lift is too curly, here is the recommended course of action:
Do Not Panic
Lashes are not permanent. Even in the worst case, they will grow out and be replaced with new healthy lashes within 4-8 weeks.
Assess the Damage
Are your lashes just too curly, or do they also look frizzy and damaged? If they are frizzy, they are likely overprocessed and need more careful handling.
Avoid DIY Fixes
Do not apply coconut oil, castor oil, or try to manually relax the curl. These can make things worse or cause additional damage.
Get a Professional Assessment
A lash correction specialist can assess your lashes and advise whether correction is possible or whether you need to wait. This is always the safest approach.
How Long Should You Wait Before Seeking Correction?
The timing depends on how damaged your lashes are. If they are overprocessed, waiting the right amount of time is crucial.
Mild Overlift (No Damage)
If lashes are just too curly but feel healthy, correction may be possible within 1-2 weeks with careful technique.
Severe Overlift (Damaged)
If lashes are frizzy, brittle, or damaged, wait 4-8 weeks for them to grow out before any further treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix a lash lift that is too curly?
In many cases, yes, but only with professional correction. DIY fixes like coconut oil or trying to relax the curl yourself can worsen the damage. A specialist can assess whether correction is safe or if you need to wait for lashes to recover.
Why is my lash lift too curly?
A lash lift becomes too curly due to overprocessing (solution left on too long), using a shield that is too small for your lash length, or incorrect lash placement during the treatment.
Will an overlifted lash relax over time?
Mildly overlifted lashes may relax slightly over the first week or two. However, severely overprocessed lashes will not relax on their own and will need to grow out naturally over 4-8 weeks.
Can I use mascara on overlifted lashes?
If your lashes are damaged, avoid waterproof mascara as it requires harsh removal. A gentle, nourishing mascara is safer, but ideally give your lashes a break while they recover.
Final Thoughts
Overly curled lashes can be corrected, but timing and technique are key. The most important thing is to avoid making the problem worse with DIY fixes.
If you are unsure about your situation, a professional assessment is always the safest approach. A specialist can tell you whether correction is possible now or whether waiting is the better option for your lash health.
At our Fulham clinic, we regularly correct overlifted and overprocessed lash lifts. If you need help, we are here to assess your situation and advise on the best approach.
Need a Lash Lift Correction?
If your lash lift has not gone to plan, professional correction can safely restore your lashes. We assess the damage and determine the best approach for your situation.
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