• Last Updated: January 25, 2026
• Next Review Date: July 25, 2026
• Author: LASHMAITRE Advanced Treatment & Education Team
• Reading Time: 60 Minutes

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why “Natural” is the New Luxury
2. Clarifying the Terminology: Extensions vs. Lifts
3. The Science of Keratin: Why YUMI is Not Just a Perm
4. Profit Analysis: YUMI Lift vs. Traditional Extensions (Data Table)
5. The “Hybrid” Strategy: Combining Lifts with Extensions
6. Technical Protocol: The 5-Step Infusion Process
7. Troubleshooting: Preventing “The Frizz” and Over-Processing
8. Sales Scripts: How to Upsell the “Parisian” Treatment
9. Sourcing Strategy: Private Labeling Your Own Keratin System
10. Conclusion
11. People Also Ask (FAQ)

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Introduction: Why “Natural” is the New Luxury

In the high-end beauty market of 2026, the pendulum is swinging. While dramatic YUMI eyelash extensions (often a search term used by clients confusing the brand’s lift with extensions) remain popular, a massive demographic of affluent women is moving towards “Hyper-Naturalism.” They want the “Clean Girl” aesthetic—looking polished, awake, and expensive, without looking “done.”

This is where the confusion—and the massive opportunity—lies. The term “YUMI eyelash extensions” is frequently searched by clients looking for the famous YUMI Lash Lift. YUMI is a prestigious French brand known for its keratin-infused lash lifting technology, which serves as a powerful alternative or supplement to traditional PBT extensions.

For the B2B salon owner, capitalizing on the prestige of the YUMI concept allows you to charge double the price of a standard lash perm. This comprehensive white paper serves as your service implementation manual. We will dissect the difference between Thioglycolate (perm) and Keratin (YUMI), analyze the ROI of adding this service to your menu, and explain how to market it to clients who are “taking a break” from traditional extensions.

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Clarifying the Terminology: Extensions vs. Lifts

Before we dive into the protocol, we must clear up the market confusion surrounding YUMI eyelash extensions.

The Client Misconception

Clients often ask for “YUMI eyelash extensions” when they see a photo of a really good lash lift. They assume the length and volume come from added fibers.

• The Reality: YUMI is primarily a Lash Lift (re-shaping the natural lash). However, the brand does offer extension products, and savvy salons use a “Hybrid” technique (discussed later) to combine both.

The Business Pivot

If a client calls asking for YUMI eyelash extensions, do not correct them and say “We don’t do that.” Instead, say: “We offer the YUMI Keratin Lift, which enhances your natural lashes to look like extensions, or we can add lightweight fibers for a Hybrid YUMI look.” This captures the lead.

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The Science of Keratin: Why YUMI is Not Just a Perm

To sell this premium service at a premium price ($150+), you must understand the chemistry that separates it from a $40 perm.

The Old Way: Traditional Lash Perms

• Active Ingredient: Strong Ammonium Thioglycolate.
• Mechanism: Aggressively breaks 100% of the disulfide bonds in the hair to reshape it.
• The pH Level: Highly alkaline (pH 9.0+).
• Result: Often leads to “frizzy” lashes, dry ends, and “burnt” tips if over-processed by even 1 minute.

The New Way: Keratin Infusion (YUMI Style)

• Active Ingredient: Cysteamine HCL + Hydrolyzed Keratin Proteins + Panthenol.
• Mechanism: Gently rearranges the bonds while simultaneously filling the hair shaft with proteins (Keratin) and vitamins. It works at a lower pH.
• Result: Lashes look thicker (swollen with hydration), darker, and healthier after the treatment than before. It is a treatment, not just a curl.

Data Insight: Salons offering “Keratin Lash Infusions” (like YUMI) charge an average of $150 per service, compared to $75 for a standard “Lash Lift.” The “Keratin” keyword justifies a 100% price markup.

Keywords included: yumi eyelash extensions.

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Profit Analysis: YUMI Lift vs. Traditional Extensions

Should you offer lifts or extensions? The answer is both. They serve different markets and have different profit margins.

Service Profitability Matrix

Feature	Classic Extensions	YUMI Keratin Lift
Service Time	2.0 Hours	0.75 – 1.0 Hours
Product Cost	$4.00 (Lashes + Glue)	**$12.00 (Sachets)**
Ticket Price (Avg)	$150	**$150**
Maintenance	High (Fills every 2 weeks)	Low (Every 8-10 weeks)
Hourly Revenue	$75 / hr	**$150 – $200 / hr**
Client Type	“Glamour” Seeker	“Low Maintenance” Professional

Conclusion: While YUMI eyelash extensions (traditional sets) provide recurring revenue through refills, the YUMI Lift yields nearly double the hourly profit due to speed. It is the most scalable service for a busy salon.

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The “Hybrid” Strategy: Combining Lifts with Extensions

This is the secret weapon for clients with downward-pointing lashes who insist on extensions.

The Problem: Downward Lashes

Clients with straight, downward-growing lashes (common in Asian demographics) often have poor retention with extensions.

• Why: The base of the extension fights against the natural angle of the lash. The contact area is small.

The Solution: “Lift & Extend”

1. Step 1: Perform a gentle Keratin Lift to correct the angle of the natural lashes (lift them up to 45 degrees).
2. Step 2: Wait 48 hours (essential for pH stabilization—do not lash immediately!).
3. Step 3: Apply YUMI eyelash extensions (using lightweight cashmere fibers) to the now-lifted lashes.

• Result: The extensions sit perfectly, the eye looks more open, and retention improves because the natural lash supports the extension’s weight.

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Technical Protocol: The 5-Step Infusion Process

Train your staff on this rigorous protocol to justify the premium price.

1. Cleanse: Remove all oil and protein using a Primer.
2. Lift (Le Lift): Apply the softening solution to the base (not tips) to break bonds.
3. Fix (Le Fix): Apply the setting solution to lock the shape.
4. Tint: Apply a deep Blue-Black tint. This creates the “mascara effect” clients love.
5. Nourish (Le Serum): The “magic” step. A keratin oil bath that seals the cuticle and releases the lashes from the shield.

Keywords included: keratin lash lift process.

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Troubleshooting: Preventing “The Frizz” and Over-Processing

Even with the best products, things can go wrong. Here is how to handle common issues with YUMI eyelash extensions or lifts.

The “Fried Tips” (Frizz)

• Cause: Applying Solution #1 (Lift) too high up on the lash tips. The tips are thin and process faster than the root.
• Prevention: Only apply solution from the root to the middle of the lash. Leave the tips dry.
• The Fix: If frizz occurs, offer a free “Relaxing Treatment” using a nourishing oil and instruct the client to use a Keratin Conditioner daily.

The “No Curl” Result

• Cause: Using too much glue to stick lashes to the shield (creates a barrier), or old solution.
• Prevention: Use minimal adhesive and check the expiration date of your sachets.

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Sales Scripts: How to Upsell the “Parisian” Treatment

The service doesn’t sell itself; you have to frame it correctly.

Scenario 1: The “Break” Client

Client: “I think I need a break from extensions. My lashes feel weak.”

You: “That’s a great idea. Instead of just removing them, why don’t we do a YUMI Keratin Infusion? It will strengthen your natural lashes with protein while giving you a lift, so you don’t feel ‘naked’ without your YUMI eyelash extensions.”

Scenario 2: The “Low Maintenance” Client

Client: “I don’t have time for refills every 2 weeks.”

You: “I recommend the Parisian Lift. It gives you the look of light YUMI eyelash extensions but lasts 8 to 10 weeks with zero maintenance. You can rub your eyes, swim, and sleep face down.”

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Sourcing Strategy: Private Labeling Your Own Keratin System

You cannot buy YUMI on Amazon. It is a controlled professional brand. However, as a B2B wholesaler, you can source comparable “Keratin Lift Systems” for your own private label.

B2B Sourcing Checklist

When sourcing lift kits from a supplier like LASHMAITRE, ensure:

• Sachet Packaging: Single-use sachets prevent oxidation. Bottled solutions lose potency in 3 weeks.
• Keratin Content: Verify the presence of Hydrolyzed Keratin in Step 3.
• Timing: Look for “Fast Lift” formulas (5-8 minutes) to maximize salon efficiency.

“Keratin Lash Lift Kits” wholesale page

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Conclusion

While the term “YUMI eyelash extensions” is technically a mix-up, it represents a massive consumer demand for health-conscious lash enhancement. By offering premium Keratin Lash Lifts alongside your extension services, you capture the clientele that is “scared” of extensions.

For the salon owner, this is the path to higher hourly revenue and a diversified menu. You become a holistic “Lash Health” destination, not just a glue station.

Elevate your menu.

Shop our Professional Keratin Lift Kits and Nourishing Serums.

Register for a Wholesale Account & Get a Training Manual

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People Also Ask (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between YUMI lashes and eyelash extensions?

A: YUMI Lashes is a brand of Keratin Lash Lift. It enhances your natural lashes by lifting, curling, and tinting them, while infusing them with keratin protein. Eyelash extensions involve gluing synthetic fibers to your natural lashes to add length and volume. YUMI is low maintenance (lasts 8-12 weeks, no fills), while extensions require fills every 2-3 weeks.

Q: Can you get eyelash extensions after a YUMI lift?

A: Yes, you can, but there is a waiting period. It is recommended to wait 48 hours to 1 week after a YUMI lift before applying YUMI eyelash extensions. This allows the lashes to re-stabilize their pH level and ensures the lift has fully set. Applying extensions immediately can lead to poor retention or over-processing.

Q: Is YUMI lash lift better than extensions?

A: “Better” depends on your lifestyle. A YUMI lift is healthier for natural lashes and requires zero maintenance. It is ideal for clients who want a natural “open eye” look. Extensions offer more drama, length, and volume that natural lashes cannot achieve on their own. Many clients switch between the two or use YUMI when taking a break from extensions.

Q: How long do YUMI lashes last?

A: A YUMI Keratin Lash Lift typically lasts 8 to 12 weeks, depending on your natural lash growth cycle. As your old lashes shed and new straight ones grow in, the effect gradually fades. There is no awkward “gap” phase like with extensions; the curl just relaxes over time.

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References & Further Reading

1. Vogue France. The Cult of YUMI Lashes.
2. Lash Inc Magazine. Lash Lift vs. Lash Perm: The Chemistry.
3. Grand View Research. Keratin Treatment Market Trends.
4. Associated Skin Care Professionals. Service Menu Pricing Strategies.

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