DIY lash lift and lash tint kits promise salon-worthy results for a fraction of the price, making them especially tempting if you're trying to save money or squeeze a beauty treatment into your own schedule.

But while the before-and-afters on social media can look impressive, the reality is that these treatments involve applying powerful chemicals just millimeters from your eyes—which raises an important question: Are at-home lash lifts and tints actually safe?

To find out, we asked ophthalmologist and medical director Dr. Sheri Rowen to weigh in. While she understands the appeal of waking up with darker, curled lashes, she says the risks of performing these treatments yourself often outweigh the convenience.

From chemical injuries and allergic reactions to dry eye flare-ups and lash damage, there are several reasons she recommends thinking twice before reaching for an online kit. Ahead, Dr. Rowen explains what can go wrong, who should avoid these treatments altogether, and the safer ways to achieve long, lifted-looking lashes, plus products that will help you achieve them.

While at-home lash lift kits may seem like an easy alternative to booking a salon appointment, Dr. Rowen doesn't recommend using them.

"From an ophthalmologist’s perspective, I do not recommend at-home lash lift kits. A lash lift is essentially a chemical perm applied millimeters from the ocular surface. In a medical setting, we are extremely cautious about anything near the cornea, and these kits rely on strong chemical agents often thioglycolates that can be harmful if they migrate into the eye," she explained. "The reality is that precision and timing matter tremendously, and those are difficult to control when you are working on your own eye."

According to Dr. Rowen, there are several potential downsides to performing a lash lift yourself. She says the biggest concerns include:

As Dr. Rowen puts it: "In short, you are combining chemistry, poor visibility, and proximity to the cornea, which is not a great combination."

Dr. Rowen's advice is similar when it comes to DIY lash tinting. "I would give a similar answer, generally no."

She explains that lash tinting products aren't designed for exposure inside the eye. "Lash tinting uses dyes that are not intended for intraocular exposure, and even small amounts can cause:

"There is a reason many ophthalmologists advise avoiding lash tinting altogether, especially in patients with dry eye, blepharitis, or sensitive lids," she said.

If you want darker, lifted-looking lashes without the added risks, Dr. Rowen recommends skipping DIY chemical treatments in favor of safer alternatives.

"For patients with ocular surface disease, which is a large percentage of my practice, I strongly favor non-chemical approaches," she shared. "If you want that lifted, darkened lash look, you can absolutely achieve it, just without putting chemicals directly next to your cornea at home."

We're betting you've heard of GrandeLASH! This last growth serum is popular for its ophthalmologist-tested formula, which features peptides and amino acids to help lashes appear thicker.

Infused with biotin and amino acids, this vegan and cruelty-free lash serum promises longer-looking lashes in just four weeks. Reviewers with sensitive eyes also swear by them!

This lash treatment and mascara conditions and strengthens your lashes while leaving them lifted and longer with its formula of biotin, avocado oil, and tocotrienols.

This clean mascara promises to lengthen, lift, and separate your lashes for a natural look with a formula made with arginine, biotin, organic shea butter, and ethically sourced beeswax.

Prefer a tubing mascara? Look no further than this one from Caliray, which individually coats each lash for volume and length. It's formulated with lash-conditioning argan oil as an added bonus.

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