A Beginners Guide to the Korean Inspired Lash Lift
A Korean inspired lash lift is something that has completely taken the beauty industry by storm, mainly down to its use of Cysteamine. For years, traditional lash lifts have relied on TGA-based formulas to give lashes that extreme curl and lift. Now, a new generation of lash lift solutions is emerging, led by Cysteamine; a gentler, more lash-friendly alternative. If you're a lash artist seeking a safer, gentler option for your clients, Cysteamine might just be the game-changer you've been waiting for.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of a Korean inspired lash lift, how they differ from traditional formulas, and why they’re quickly becoming the go-to choice for healthy, beautifully lifted lashes.
What is a Korean inspired lash lift?
The Korean Inspired Lash Lift technique prioritises lash health just as much as the lift/curl, to produce a softer, more natural curl rather than a tight perm. It involves using a gentler Cysteamine system, and a ‘glue’ powder to secure the lashes to the shield at the same time as processing, rather than a separate step. The gentler products include more nourishing ingredients like hydrolysed keratin proteins and plant extracts to preserve the health of the natural lash. The system has come from a very similar technique used over in Korea.
This method is especially perfect for clients that have thick and stubborn lashes, which are usually difficult to keep back on the shield. Or for clients that may have an abnormal structure to their lashes.
How is a Korean inspired lash lift different to a standard lash lift?
As much as the chemical process is the same as a standard lash lift, the method differs in order to achieve similar end results. We are still altering the structure of the natural lash in order to reshape it in a new position, but instead of isolating the product to the bottom half of the eyelash, we apply the product over the entirety of the eyelash. This is because the products we use are much gentler and slower processing.
Because we apply it across the whole eyelash, this method works well with naturally curly lashes that need to be reshaped across the whole length, or particularly straight stubborn lashes.
What do you use for a Korean inspired lash lift?
For this method, we will be applying the products across the entirety of the lashes, so it is super important that we ONLY use the Cysteamine system for this treatment.
Cysteamine products are much gentler and so will therefore take longer to process. This means there is a bigger window between processed and over processed lashes. It also means that it’s safe to apply the product across the tips of the lashes.
Because of this, we can mix a thickening powder, Pink Powder, into each of the steps to allow it to act as the glue, rather than having to use a glue to secure the lashes on the shield separately in a different step.
What is Cysteamine?
Cysteamine is the active ingredient within Step 1, Pink Rise of our lash lift, replacing TGA (Thioglycolic Acid) in our standard Powerlift lash lift range.
It is a much gentler, sulphur-based compound derived from the amino acid Cysteine. It has a lower pH level and processes the hair slower, making it harder to over-process the lashes. All meaning that it is much gentler on the hair (and skin) than a TGA system.
In the same way as TGA works, it reacts with the di-sulphide bonds within our hair to break them and allow them to be reformed in a new position.
Cysteamine products can also be used to complete a standard lash lift too, just apply the products as you normally would in a standard lash lift and allow them to process. The processing times will be slightly longer than usual due to the gentler ingredients, however otherwise it is completely fine to use for the standard technique too.
How does the Korean Inspired technique work?
There are a few different methods for this technique, but the main one that we like best starts by mixing Pink Powder in with step one, Pink Rise and pulling the lashes back onto the flat shield. Once processed, the flat shield is removed and replaced with a shaped glueless shield to then process step 2, Pink Set. Then the lashes are tinted and hydrated with step 3, Pink Shine, as standard.
For more information, take a look at our Korean Inspired Lash Lift Masterclass here. FREE* when you purchase our Cysteamine Lash Lift Kit.
What are the benefits of a Korean inspired lash lift?
Gentler on the lashes –a less aggressive formula means that the product takes longer to process, which reduces the risk of over-processing the hair. Making it better suited to clients with particularly fair or damaged lashes.
No harsh odour –the product has a minimal odour and so is much more pleasant for the client and technician.
Smoother, healthier looking results –lashes will appear more hydrated, shinier and healthier at the end of the treatment.
Lower pH –the pH being lower means that the integrity of the hair cuticle is maintained, reducing any brittleness or dryness in the natural lashes.
Do I need a qualification to do a Korean inspired lash lift?
You will need a lash lift and tint qualification to complete this treatment. We would also highly recommend watching our FREE* masterclass that we have put together explaining how to complete a Korean Inspired Lash Lift. It shows you 3 different methods and includes much more information about the products, anatomy and aftercare too.
*free when you purchase our Cysteamine lash lift kit for £69.95
The Korean inspired lash lift isn’t just another trend—it’s a smarter, more thoughtful approach to lash lifting that prioritises lash health, client comfort, and long-term results. Thanks to its use of Cysteamine, this technique allows for a gentler, more controlled treatment that delivers beautifully lifted natural lashes without compromising their integrity.
If you're a lash artist looking to upgrade your skills or learn a new technique that is gentler for your clients, the Korean inspired method offers a fresh, modern alternative to traditional lash lifts. With the added benefits of healthier lashes, safer formulas, and versatile techniques, it's easy to see why this method is quickly becoming a favourite in the beauty industry.
Ready to take your lash lifts to the next level? Purchase our Cysteamine Lash Lift Kit and gain access to our FREE Korean Inspired Lash Lift Masterclass—everything you need to master this innovative technique and deliver stunning, lash-friendly results. Simply add both to your basket and they will be discounted down automatically - no code required!
