TGA and cysteamine
TGA and cysteamine are the key ingredients in lash lift formulas. They work by breaking disulphide bonds within the keratin structure of the lash, allowing the lashes to be reshaped into a new position
Cysteamine becomes active at a lower alkaline pH and works at a slower, more controlled rate than TGA, which is why cysteamine‑based formulas are often chosen for lash lift techniques that apply product from root to tip, such as the Korean method. However, you may have noticed the recent trend for lash lift formulas that include both of these ingredients.
Enter dual-reducer systems (a.k.a systems containing both TGA and cysteamine).
Dual‑reducer systems take advantage of the fact that the two ingredients activate at different pH ranges and have different reaction speeds. When used together, they distribute bond reduction more evenly from root to tip.
Compared with cysteamine‑only solutions, a dual‑reducer formula works faster overall, which is why our original LVL System is more suited to artists who are fully confident performing Korean‑style lifts.
Why are lash artists often advised not to apply TGA to the tips?
You will find that TGA-only systems are often recommended for mid-length application, but why?
TGA acts strongly at the start of processing and can affect finer tips more quickly than the mid‑section and the root. Avoiding the tips helps to protect the condition of lashes when using TGA-only formulas and, as you’ll know, we’re all about doing what is best to prioritise lash health.
Whilst the original LVL System can be used for full-lash application, we still recommend only processing the mid-section of lashes when using our TGA-only LVL CeraLashLift System.
Does full‑length product application increase the risk of lash tip damage?
Not necessarily. The risk of over‑processing the tips depends on several factors, including application timing and the natural condition of the lashes.
Tips remain naturally more porous, so we recommend checking them earlier and removing the product from that area sooner if required.
Why are we now recommending the original LVL System for Korean lash lifts?
“As Korean‑style lifting has grown in popularity, we revisited how our original LVL System performs when used from root to tip,” explains our Senior Product Manager, Victoria. “Our testing showed that with the right timing and application, our original LVL System creates a beautiful Korean-style lift while keeping the lashes healthy.”
Our team have carried out extensive testing to ensure we are happy to promote our original LVL System for the Korean lash lift technique.
Can I still choose mid‑lash processing with the LVL System?
Absolutely! Mid‑lash placement remains suitable for traditional root‑lift styles or clients who prefer a stronger lift at the base rather than a full‑length curl.
The beauty of a dual‑reducer system like the original LVL System is that you can use one system for both techniques, ensuring you are equipped to tailor every treatment to your client’s lash type and desired result.
How to perform a Korean lash lift with the original LVL System?
Here are our top tips for carrying out your Korean lash lift treatments using our original LVL System.
Using LVL Lifting Balm with Korean techniques
Add a small amount of lash lift powder to your Lifting Balm to help it wrap onto the shield or down onto an under-eye pad. Introduce the powder gradually until you achieve the ideal level of tackiness to position the lashes.
Timings for using the LVL System with Korean techniques
When performing the Korean technique, you can continue to follow your usual LVL timings, adjusting in line with your professional judgement:
- Fine lashes: 10 minutes
- Medium lashes: 12 minutes
- Coarse lashes: 14 minutes
Remember to check the lashes throughout processing and gently remove any excess product from the tips earlier if required. Continue to monitor the lashes until you are confident that they have sufficiently softened.
Ensure the product is removed thoroughly.
Using LVL Volumising Fix with Korean techniques
Use the Bonding Gel to secure your shield firmly to the eyelid if needed.
It's not essential, but you can add a small amount of powder to the Volumising Fix. This helps create a tighter wrap around the chosen shield for optimal results. Process for the usual 7 minutes, ensuring even coverage from root to tip.
Treatment aftercare for LVL with Korean techniques
As the leaders in lash health, we recommend every client should be using treatment aftercare regardless of what technique has been used to maintain healthy lashes and beautiful results. Of course, our all-time favourite is the Lash & Brow Conditioning Serum.
Top tips for performing Korean lash lifts with LVL
As the original LVL System contains both cysteamine and TGA, we recommend its use only for experienced lash artists. You should feel fully confident in the following before proceeding:
✔️ A clear understanding of the science behind lash lifting
✔️ Confident in the Korean lash lifting method
✔️ The ability to assess and test the lashes to determine their progress through the bond‑breaking process
✔️ Strong proficiency in the precise application and quick removal of all products
✔️ Confident and accurate shield selection
✔️ Experience working with all lash types and conditions
What’s the difference between the original LVL System and LVL CeraLashLift System?
The LVL CeraLashLift System is a TGA-only formula, making it suitable for traditional lash lifts. It's vegan friendly and is enriched with CeramideBio, coconut fruit extract, vitamin E, green tea leaf extract, avocado oil and panthenol to care for lashes during treatment. In this breakthrough system, the tint and fix steps are combined, reducing your treatment processing times by 33%.
The original LVL System is a dual reducer system containing both TGA and cysteamine, making it suitable for both traditional and Korean lash lift techniques. It contains lash-loving ingredients including hydrolysed collagen, hydrolysed oats, glycerin and lanolin.
If you try LVL for your Korean lash lifts, we’d love to see the results. Share your images and tag us @nouveaulashesuk.
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