What is a Korean Lash Lift?

What does a Korean Lash Lift entail?

A Korean Lash Lift starts by cleansing the lashes and eye area. Then, the lower eyelashes are taped down to ensure they don’t get in the way. Next, a step 1 softening solution is applied to the upper eyelashes. It sits and processes for several minutes, breaking down the disulfide bonds of the hair. The softening solution is then removed from the lashes. Often a step 1.5 conditioning agent is applied at this point to hydrate the lashes and re-balance the pH. Next, the lashes are wrapped up onto a curling shield, and a step 2 fixing solution is applied. Lashes are combed into place neatly, ensuring lashes do not criss-cross. The fixing solution sets the lashes into their curled position. After several minutes, the solution is removed. Finally, a tint is applied to the lashes to darken their appearance.

What makes a Korean Lash Lift different from a traditional one?

Traditional lash lifts involve using a glue to secure the eyelashes onto the curling shield before applying the step 1 softening solution. In a Korean Lash Lift, either a glue balm is used, or the solution is thickened using a powder. This keeps the lashes more flexible which allows your lash artist to check on the progress of the lift as time goes by. This results in a more predictable result and avoids over-processing the lashes. Also, traditional lash lifts use an ingredient called Thioglycolic Acid, or TGA. TGA is quick and effective, but is more harsh than the gentler Korean alternative ingredient, which is called cysteamine. Cysteamine-based lash lifts are generally gentler and less likely to cause over-processed lashes.