We tried it: Lash-lift treatment with Christopher Hanna Salon

A Trending Treatment

I am a recovered lash-extension junky. There was a period in my life when I never skipped my fortnightly infill appointment so addicted was I to the Bambi-eyed look they afforded me. However, fortnightly appointments are as expensive as gappy lashes are a beauty faux pass. When I finally kicked the habit, I was horrified. My naturally long lashes had been rendered short and stubby by countless extension sessions. Swearing off extensions, with some help from lash serums, I have since been committed to a natural look.

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Despite this, I am never without my Surrat Beauty Eyelash Curler. My lashes are reasonably long but very straight and I find curling them always makes my usually sleep-deprived eyes look more awake. So when I was offered a lash-lift treatment I was intrigued. With lashes outstripping brows as a trend-to-watch on the runways at Brandon Maxwell, Anna Sui, Tomo Koizumi and Longchamp it seems like theres no better time to try a fuss-free enhancing treatment. I popped into Christopher Hanna’s sleek new salon in the CBD to see if they could make my curler-free dreams a reality.The Experience:

I arrived at the Christopher Hanna salon sans mascara. Hair guru Christopher Hanna has recently relocated to his new “experience” salon on Bridge Street. Along with hair services, the salon now offers lash-lift treatments and extensions along with cosmeceutical facials and injectables. I restrained myself and merely took advantage of the excellent coffee at the salon bar. My lash therapist Katie ushered me into a private room for my lash lift. In total the process took an hour, as we opted to to add an additional tint to the lashes. Katie explained that the lash lift process is two-step: first the lashes are coated with a keratin formula and pressed and sculpted into shape. Once they have “set” a hydrating tint is applied to condition and add depth of colour.

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While you wait… the opulent Christopher Hanna Salon Bar.

Katie told me that lash lifts have been growing in popularity as they are less high maintenance than extensions, more comfortable and give clients the option of a more natural look. The lash-lift procedure is painless, although if you’re anywhere near as fidgety as I am you’ll find lying down with your eyes closed for sixty minutes a bit of a challenge.

The results:

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Fortunately, the results were well-worth the period of enforced stillness. My lashes looked longer my eyes more awake. On days when I’m not wearing makeup, my lifted lashes make me look more put-together without looking incongruous against my bar skin. Best of all, I’ve been receiving constant compliments and enquiries about what mascara I’m using.

Katie told me to avoid oil cleanser or oily products to ensure the treatment lasts the full six weeks. When I do wear mascara I use a tubing formula (Kevyn Aucoin’s excellent The Volume Mascara) that washes clean with water so I can maintain my lifted look for as long as possible.

Overall, the lash lift and tint is a wonderful option if you’re wanting to cut down on makeup, going on vacation, or just in the market for a whole lot of compliments. For now my lash curler is taking a well earned break and sitting on the bench.