Lash Extensions vs. Lash Lifts: Which One Actually Fits Your Daily Routine?

Choose lash extensions if you want customizable length and volume that lasts 2-4 weeks but requires regular fills and specialized care. Choose a lash lift if you want your natural lashes curled and enhanced for several weeks with zero daily maintenance. 

At Dory's Designs Beauty Studio in Etobicoke, about 55% of lash clients choose lifts while 45% choose extensions. The split used to be reversed five years ago when extensions dominated. But as Toronto clients prioritize low-maintenance beauty, lifts have become the most requested lash service.

A client came in last week completely confused about which service to book. Her name was Sally T., and she had been researching lash options for her upcoming vacation.

"I want to wake up with nice lashes and not think about mascara for two weeks," she said. "But I don't know if I should get extensions or a lift. What's the difference?"

I'm Dory, and I've been doing lash services in Etobicoke for over 20 years. I'm going to tell you exactly how extensions and lifts differ so you can choose the right one for your lifestyle.

The Client I Gave Extensions When She Needed a Lift

Before I tell you about Sally's decision, I need to tell you about a mistake I made about six years ago.

A client came in wanting "easy beautiful lashes." I recommended extensions because they were more dramatic and I thought that's what she wanted. The full set looked gorgeous when she left.

She came back three weeks later asking to have them removed.

"I can't keep up with the cleaning," she said. "And I hate that I can't use my regular face wash. I thought this would make my life easier, but it's more work."

I felt terrible. I had focused on what looked best instead of what fit her actual daily routine. She worked long hours downtown, traveled frequently for work, and used oil-based skincare. All signs that a lift would have been the better choice.

That's when I started asking detailed lifestyle questions before recommending extensions. Now at Dory's Designs, we walk through your daily routine, skincare products, and commitment level before suggesting a service.

What Lash Extensions Actually Are

Lash extensions are individual synthetic fibers that get attached to your natural lashes, one by one. At Dory's Designs, a full set takes about 90 minutes to two hours to apply because we are attaching 60-100 individual lashes per eye.

Extensions are applied professionally and last 2-4 weeks before you need a fill appointment. You sleep in them, shower with them, and they stay on until they naturally shed with your lash cycle.

The benefit of extensions is complete customization. We can make them natural-looking or dramatic, short or long. If you want to look like you are wearing mascara 24/7, extensions deliver that.

But extensions require commitment. You will need fill appointments every 2-4 weeks, which cost $60-$80 at Dory's Designs. You will need to clean them daily with a lash-safe cleanser. You cannot use oil-based products near your eyes.

At Dory's Designs, we have applied extensions for over 500 clients in the past 5 years. About 70% maintain them long-term, while 30% switch to lifts after trying extensions because the maintenance is too much.

What A Lash Lift Actually Does

A lash lift is a perm for your eyelashes. We apply a lifting solution to curl your natural lashes from the root, creating a lifted, wide-eyed look that lasts 6-8 weeks.

"So it's just curling what I already have?" Sally asked.

Exactly. If your lashes are short and sparse, a lift will make them curled but still short and sparse. It does not add length or volume. It just maximizes what you naturally have.

At Dory's Designs, a lash lift takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The benefit of a lift is zero daily maintenance. You wake up with curled lashes. You can wear mascara if you want after 24 hours. You can use any skincare products. There are no restrictions.

At Dory's Designs, lash lifts account for about 55% of lash appointments because Toronto clients want low-maintenance options.

"How much does a lash lift cost?" Sally asked.

"Lash lifts at Dory's Designs are $80 to $100 depending on whether you add tint," I said. "The appointment takes 45 to 60 minutes and lasts 6 to 8 weeks."

"And I don't have to do anything special afterward?"

"Nothing. You can wear mascara after 24 hours if you want, but most clients don't need to."

I recommended Sally start with a lift. "If you love having enhanced lashes but want more drama later, we can always do extensions. But start with the lower-commitment option first."

Sally's Lash Lift Experience

During Sally's lash lift appointment, she was nervous. "Will this hurt?"

"Not at all," I told her. "You will feel the silicone shield on your eyelid, but the solution does not touch your skin."

When I finished and showed her the mirror, she gasped. "My lashes look so much longer! But you didn't add anything?"

"That's just your natural lashes curled properly. They were hiding before."

A month after her lash lift, Sally texted me: "I'm on vacation and my lashes still look amazing without mascara. Best decision ever."

When she came in 6 weeks later for another lift, she told me her coworker at her office downtown near King Street asked about them. "She thought I had extensions," Sally laughed. "When I told her it was just a lift, she booked the next day."

The Cost Difference

Cost is a major factor most people do not consider when choosing between extensions and lifts.

At Dory's Designs here are our pricing:

• Lash lift costs $80-$100 and lasts 6-8 weeks. That is your only cost for two months. 
• Extensions cost $150-$200 for a full set, then $60-$80 every 2-4 weeks for fills. Over two months, you are looking at $270-$360 for extensions.

With extensions, you also need lash-safe cleansers, oil-free makeup removers, and a lash brush for daily grooming. With lifts, you do not need any special products.

Why Some Clients Switch Between Both

A client named Elowen R. is a marketing executive who lives in Long Branch. She has been coming to Dory's Designs for three years and alternates between services based on her work schedule.

"I get extensions before big client presentations or conferences," she told me last month. "But when I'm traveling every week for work, I switch to lifts because I can't make it to fill appointments."

Last fall, she had extensions for her sister's wedding in Niagara Falls. After the wedding, she switched to a lift for three months during her busiest work season.

At Dory's Designs, about 40% of my lash clients use both services throughout the year instead of committing to just one.

The Maintenance Reality Check

The biggest mistake clients make is underestimating extension maintenance. Sally's coworker Seren came in two months later. She had seen Sally's lifted lashes and wanted something similar, but chose extensions because she wanted more volume.

"I thought I could handle the upkeep," Seren said at her removal appointment three weeks later. "But I'm an oil-based skincare person and I hate changing my routine."

Her extensions were clumped with visible buildup. We removed them and let her natural lashes rest.

"Should I try a lift instead?" she asked.

"Let's wait two weeks for your lashes to recover, then yes. A lift is perfect for you."

At Dory's Designs, about 25% of extension clients underestimate maintenance requirements. That is why we now require a lifestyle consultation before first-time extension appointments.

If you use oil-based cleansers, remove makeup by rubbing aggressively, or frequently touch your face, extensions probably are not right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lash Extensions vs. Lifts

Can I wear mascara with lash extensions or a lash lift?

You should not wear mascara with extensions as it shortens their lifespan. With a lash lift, you can wear mascara after 24 hours. At Dory's Designs, most lift clients do not wear mascara because the lift provides enough definition.

How long do lash extensions last compared to lash lifts?

Extensions last 2-4 weeks before needing fills, while lifts last 6-8 weeks with no maintenance. At Dory's Designs, we have tracked wear time across 300+ lash services. Extension clients who come every 2-3 weeks maintain the fullest look, while lift clients consistently get 7-8 weeks before rebooking.

Will lash extensions or lifts damage my natural lashes?

Neither damages natural lashes when done professionally with proper aftercare. At Dory's Designs, we use high-quality adhesives and teach proper cleaning techniques to prevent damage.

Which service is better for sensitive eyes?

Lash lifts are better for very sensitive eyes since there is no ongoing daily contact. At Dory's Designs, we do patch tests for extension clients with sensitivity concerns.

If You're Still Not Sure Which Service You Need

Sally chose a lash lift and loved it because it matched her low-maintenance lifestyle. Her coworker Seren chose extensions, struggled with the upkeep, and had them removed. The right choice depends entirely on your daily routine, budget, and desired look.

If you are trying to decide between lash extensions and a lash lift, book a consultation at Dory's Designs Beauty Studio in Etobicoke. We will look at your natural lashes, discuss your lifestyle and beauty routine, and recommend the service that actually fits your life.

Call 416-816-3617 or book an appointment online. We are located at 850 Browns Line, Etobicoke, ON M8W 3W2, and we specialize in helping clients choose the lash service that works with their actual daily routine.