- 1. Introduction
- 2. Before we start: what defines a Korean lash lift?
- 3. What are the differences between the three Korean lash lift techniques?
- 4. Which Korean lash lift technique is best?
- 5. Korean lash lift is about much more than choosing a shield
1. Introduction
The Korean lash lift has become one of the techniques generating the most interest among professionals today. But as you dig deeper into this system, an important issue comes up: there is no single way to perform a Korean lash lift.
One of the main differences from other lift protocols lies precisely in how the first phase of the service is handled. The order in which the shield is placed, the position of the lashes during Step 1, and the moment they are lifted can vary depending on the technique used.
That's why we can find different procedures under the name "Korean lash lift."
In this article we'll focus on three Korean lash lift techniques worth knowing if you work with this service professionally: the double-shield technique, the reverse technique, and the traditional technique.
2. Before we start: what defines a Korean lash lift?
Although different protocols exist, one of the keys to the Korean lash lift is how the lash is worked during the first phase, without forcing it into its final curl from the start.
The goal is to work on the lash's structure first, and only afterward give it the desired direction and lift.
This way of approaching the service gives the professional greater control over lash positioning and lets them adapt the procedure to the natural lash's characteristics.
However, the order of these steps isn't always the same. And that's where the different techniques come in.
Double-shield technique:
The double-shield technique is probably one of the approaches that draws the most attention when you start researching Korean lash lift.
As the name suggests, two shields with different functions are used during the procedure.
In the first phase, a flat or nearly flat shield is placed to act as a support surface for the lashes. The lashes are positioned on it to apply Step 1, which opens the lash's pore and makes it moldable (sometimes called the "softening process"), but without going for the final curl yet.
Once this phase is finished and the product removed, that first shield is also removed.
Next, the lifting shield that will determine the final lift and curl is chosen. The now more flexible lashes are placed and aligned on this second shield to continue with the next step of the procedure.
So the key to this technique lies in separating two moments of the service:
First shield: makes the first phase of working on the lash easier.
Second shield: allows you to create the desired direction and curl.
Reverse technique:
The reverse technique especially changes the order in which the first steps of the lift are carried out.
In this procedure, the product for the first phase is applied to the lashes before placing them on the lifting shield.
This way, the "softening process" begins with the natural lash still in its starting position, without having been attached beforehand to a curved shield — the product is simply applied with the lash resting on the pad used to protect the lower eyelid, which in this case should also be silicone.
Once the corresponding exposure time has passed, the product is removed completely and the selected shield is then placed — now on the upper eyelid.
The now more flexible lashes are lifted and carefully positioned on it, controlling their direction, separation, and alignment before continuing with the next step of the protocol.
The main difference from the previous technique is easy to understand: we don't need a first shield to apply Step 1 of the lift on.
The lash is worked first, and only then taken to the shield that will determine its new position.
This considerably changes the dynamics of the service and requires good control of both exposure times and the state of the lash before lifting it.
Traditional technique applied to the Korean lash lift:
The third option keeps a working order closer to the one many professionals already know from conventional lash lift.
In this case, the lifting shield is placed from the start of the procedure, and the lashes are lifted and positioned on it before applying the first-phase product.
Once properly aligned, the product is applied to the corresponding work area following the protocol and times set by the manufacturer.
The lash goes through the whole lamination process while positioned on the shield that will set its direction.
The product is then removed and the following phases of the lift continue.
The difference from the two previous techniques is exactly at that point: the lash starts being worked once it's already lifted onto the shield, whereas in the other techniques the first phase can be carried out before the lash takes that final position.
3. What are the differences between the three Korean lash lift techniques?
Although all three pursue a similar goal, how you get there changes considerably.
In the double-shield technique, the first phase is done using a specific support, and you then switch to the shield that provides the lift.
In the reverse technique, the first phase is worked directly on the lash in its natural position, and the shield is placed afterward.
In the traditional technique, the curved shield is placed from the start, and the first phase is carried out with the lashes already lifted onto it.
So one of the keys to telling them apart is asking ourselves:
What position is the lash in when we apply the first product?
That simple question helps explain much of the difference between the three procedures.
4. Which Korean lash lift technique is best?
No technique should automatically be considered better than the others.
The choice depends on factors such as the natural lash's characteristics, its growth direction, thickness and resistance, the desired result, the professional's experience and, especially, the lift system being used.
It's also important to remember that not all products are formulated to be used in exactly the same way.
Exposure times, application area, and procedure can vary from one system to another. That's why knowing different techniques expands a professional's toolkit, but the protocol set by the manufacturer of the products used should always be respected.
5. Korean lash lift is about much more than choosing a shield
The popularity of the Korean lash lift has often led people to identify this technique solely with certain shields or a specific curl. However, truly understanding this system means knowing what happens to the lash during each phase of the procedure.
The initial diagnosis, the choice of shield, the amount and placement of the product, the exposure times and, above all, controlling the state of the lash throughout the process are decisive for a good result.
The lift involves a chemical process that temporarily changes the lash's structure so it can be given a new direction and curl. That's why current protocols increasingly incorporate specific treatment products at different points in the service, with conditioning, moisturizing, and repairing ingredients.
The goal is for the result to be not just more lifted and curved lashes, but also a flexible, shiny fiber with a well-cared-for look.
One example is Maxymova's After Lift Regenerator, a serum that can be used during the procedure, after Step 1 and before the tint or the nourishing product. Its formula contains ceramides, hydrolyzed plant keratins, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and other conditioning actives. Besides helping remove residue from the first product, it's designed to seal the cuticle and provide hydration and flexibility.
Knowing different techniques helps you better understand how the lash behaves and gives you more resources to adapt the service to each case.
At Seena Owell you'll find professional products for eyelash lift and different systems and accessories to bring these techniques into your salon services.
Remember: always work following the instructions and times set by the manufacturer of each product.
And if you have any questions, you can speak directly with our professional team, who will help you choose the most suitable product:
Contact us 👇🏻
Phone: (+34) 914 213 059
Whatsapp: (+34) 618 578 678
