Korean-Inspired Lash Lifting

As a lash artist, you're probably already well-acquainted with the classic lash lift process. But as the industry evolves, so do the products and techniques available.

Currently trending and taking over is the Cysteamine-based Lash Lifting System and Korean-inspired technique; a modern, lash-friendly alternative to traditional thioglycolate-based lash lift systems. If you're looking to offer a gentler solution that still delivers impressive results, it’s worth exploring. Here’s how cysteamine-based solutions work, why it's gaining popularity among advanced lash artists, and how it compares to standard lash lift formulas you're already using.

What is Cysteamine?

Cysteamine-based lash lifting solution uses cysteamine hydrochloride as the main active ingredient to break and reform the bonds in the lash/ brow hairs, creating a lifted, curled effect. Unlike traditional lash lifts, which rely heavily on thioglycolic acid or its derivatives (like ammonium thioglycolate), cysteamine is a gentler, non-thio alternative that works with the hair’s natural chemistry.

Cysteamine is an amino acid derivative found in the body, and when used in a controlled way, it lifts lashes effectively without causing excessive dryness or damage. 

This cysteamine-based solution is perfect for clients with sensitive eyes or those wanting a gentler and safer lash treatment that won’t damage the lashes (providing the treatment is carried out as per instructions). It is also GREAT for brow laminations where the solutions make contact with the skin, as again, it is gentler and harder to overprocess. 

A Cysteamine-based solution can also be applied to the whole lash. This is unlike TGA based lash lift products (like Lifted and Lifted Pro) which can only be applied up to 1-2mm away from the tips of the lashes to avoid potential damage.

Please note: You can still overprocess and damage the lashes with cysteamine lash lifting solutions if left on for too long but it’s much harder, therefore foolproof-ish.

Why Consider Switching to Cysteamine-Based Lash Lifts?

• Gentle on Natural Lashes and Brows: Especially ideal for clients with previously damaged or fine lashes.

• Better for Sensitive Clients: Less risk of irritation or allergic reactions.

• Softer feel: The lashes tend to retain a softer, healthier feel after treatment with the same WOW lift.

• Easier application: The solution can be applied onto the whole lash, rather than just the bottom section.

We have just launched our range of Lifted. with Cysteamine that has been tested numerous times to make sure our customers get the best results with their lash lifts and laminations! If you're in the market for a great lifting range, click below!

Lash Lifts… Cysteamine? Korean? Are they the same?

As explained above, cysteamine is the main active ingredient used in cysteamine-based solutions. The Korean-inspired Lash Lift is a technique.

A Korean Lash Lift refers to the technique used to lift the lashes and is a method known for its precision, gentleness, and focus on lash health as well as its ability to save you a lot of time! 

How the Korean-Inspired Lash Lift technique works

This technique skips traditional lash lift adhesives entirely. Instead, Step 1 is mixed with Lash Lift Powder to form a tacky paste that holds the lashes in place on the shield while processing them.

The powder can also be mixed with Step 2 and tint, depending on your preference or the natural lashes of your client.

The paste should be thick and tacky enough to keep lashes secure. For very coarse or downward-growing lashes, using a Lifted. Cover or Wrap can help maintain contact with the shield.

This adhesive-free approach speeds up the procedure, keeps it cleaner, and is more comfortable for clients thanks to its gentle formula.

You can save money and time with this system as you don't need to use adhesive, so no more wasting up to 15 minutes trying to stick the lashes onto the shield (we know the struggle). Essentially, you have the potential to do a lash lift in 30 minutes with this system (plus an additional 10 minutes for tinting if required).

So there’s a brief overview of what the cysteamine-based lash lifting solution is and how it can benefit your clients, and a brief intro into the Korean-inpired lash lifting method using Lash Lift Powder. All of these products are now available from LashBase Lifted. | Shaped.

Don’t miss out!

If you purchase the full Cysteamine Lash Lift kit (including the powder) you will receive Anna’s Online Masterclass on the Korean-inspired technique for free, along with an ebook and an online certificate (please note this is for qualified lash techs, it will not qualify a beginner).