Read This Before You Try A DIY Lash Lift

With the rising popularity of lash lifts comes the increasing number of people trying DIY lash lifts at home. Often sold online, lash lifts kits claim to do just as a professional lash lift would do: boost your lashes with a chemical treatment resulting in an impressive curl — minus the need for an eyelash curler. At a fraction of the price of an in-salon treatment, they almost sound too good to be true. Are they? Here's what you need to know if you're considering taking on a DIY lash lift.

As Karen Betts, director and owner of Nouveau Lashes and High Definition Beauty, wrote for Professional Beauty, when it comes to DIY lash lifts, "The possibility of a serious accident is extremely high, especially due to the treatment being performed around the delicate eye area." 

Luke Arundel, Optometry Australia chief optometrist, agrees, pointing out that you should never undergo any treatment around or near the eye — professional or DIY — without being aware of the potential consequences (via Daily Mail).

"The eye is a very sensitive organ and vital to our wellbeing," Arundel said. While he noted that he recommends that people avoid beauty procedures that could directly impact eye health, if you choose to do so, you should understand the risks of the procedure. 

According to Revelist, DIY lash lifts have yet to be approved by the FDA and possible risks include infections, retinal burns, and blindness. 

In other words, a lash lift should only ever be conducted by a fully-trained professional, and even then, be on the lookout for potential problems. "If there is any discomfort after the procedure, any noticeable inflammation of the eyelid, grittiness, blurred vision or loss of the natural eyelashes, you should see your optometrist immediately,"' Arundel advised.