Korean Lash Lift Guide

Contents
- Prep & Consultation
- Korean Flat Shield Placement
- Mix Step 1 with Lash Lift Powder
- Step 1: Lifting Cream & Control Check
- Remove Step 1 & Change Shields
- Tinting Options
- Step 2: Neutralising Lotion
- Step 3: Moisturising Serum
- Aftercare Advice
- Problem Solving Guide
1. Prep & Consultation
Client Consultation:
Before you begin, take a moment to chat with your client about their natural lashes, previous treatments and the look they are hoping to achieve. Are they after a soft, natural lift or something more dramatic and curled?
The first stage of a Korean Lash Lift is performed on a flat shield. The final result is then shaped during Step 2 using your chosen curved shield.
When selecting the curved shield later in the treatment:
- A larger curved shield creates a softer, more natural lift.
- A smaller curved shield creates a stronger, more dramatic curl.

Lash Assessment:
Before selecting your lash lift powder ratio and processing time, quickly check these three factors:
Health: Healthy lashes are smooth, even in colour and free from bends or frays. Compromised lashes that are brittle, broken or sparse should be processed conservatively or left to recover before treatment.
Coarseness: Fine lashes usually process faster and require less powder. Thick, coarse or resistant lashes generally need more powder and may require longer processing.
Porosity:
- Shine: Low-porosity lashes often have a shiny or glassy surface and can be more resistant. High-porosity lashes may appear matte or dull and can absorb solution more quickly.
- Feel: Smooth or slippery lashes generally indicate lower porosity. Slightly rough or grippy lashes may indicate higher porosity.
Reminder: Use these factors as clues rather than hard rules. Always rely on control checks to decide when the lashes are ready.
Avoid treatment if your client has:
- Active eye infections, such as conjunctivitis
- Recent eye surgery or cosmetic eye procedures within the last 6–8 weeks
- Extremely brittle, damaged or sparse lashes
- Known allergies or sensitivities to lash lift products
- Broken, irritated or inflamed skin around the eyes
Patch Test:
We recommend performing a patch test 24–48 hours before treatment, especially for first-time clients or those with sensitive skin.
- Using clean hands or gloves, dispense a small amount of each solution and any adhesive or Lift & Lam Balm you plan to use onto separate areas of the inner forearm.
- Let each product sit uncovered on the skin for 10–15 minutes.
- Wipe off with a clean cotton pad. No rinsing is required.
- Monitor the area for 24–48 hours.
Do not proceed with treatment if redness, itching, swelling or irritation occurs.
Cleansing & Taping:
- Clean the lids, lashes and under-eye area thoroughly using oil-free lash cleanser or protein remover pads. Rinse if required and pat completely dry.
- Secure the bottom lashes with eye pads or lash tape.
Important: Lashes must be completely clean and dry. Makeup, oil or serum residue can interfere with placement and affect the final result.
2. Korean Flat Shield Placement
The first stage of a Korean Lash Lift is performed using a Korean flat shield. This allows the lashes to be softened and lifted upward before they are transferred onto a curved shield to create the final shape.
- Place the Korean flat shield as close to the lash line as possible.
- Ensure the shield sits comfortably and securely across the eyelid.
- Separate the lashes and place them neatly against the flat shield.
- Optional: Apply a minimal amount of lash lift adhesive or Lift & Lam Balm at the base for very straight lashes.
Pro Tip: Keep product use minimal. The Step 1 powder mixture will provide additional tack and help hold the lashes against the flat shield.

3. Mix Step 1 with Lash Lift Powder
- Massage the Total Care Step 1 sachet for 20–30 seconds to ensure the solution is well mixed.
- Dispense the required amount of Total Care Step 1 into a clean mixing dish.
- Gradually add Lash Lift Powder and mix thoroughly until the solution forms a smooth, creamy and tacky paste.
Use the following ratios as a starting guide:
| Lash Type | Approximate Powder Ratio |
|---|---|
| Fine or porous lashes | Approximately 20% |
| Normal lashes | Approximately 30% |
| Thick, coarse or resistant lashes | Up to 40% |
Consistency Guide: The finished mixture should hold the lashes against the flat shield without running, while remaining smooth and easy to spread.
If the mixture is too runny, gradually add a small amount of powder. If it becomes too thick, dry or clumpy, add a little more Step 1 solution and mix again.

4. Step 1: Lifting Cream & Control Check
- Apply the Step 1 powder mixture evenly from root to tip.
- Work in sections and apply enough product to coat the lashes without flooding the area.
- Ensure the lashes remain separated and neatly aligned against the Korean flat shield.
Step 1 processing times with Lash Lift Powder:
| Lash Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Fine lashes | 8–12 minutes |
| Normal lashes | 11–14 minutes |
| Thick, coarse or resistant lashes | 13–17 minutes |
Important: Timings are a guide only. Always assess lash health, coarseness and porosity, then complete a control check before moving to Step 2.
- Control check: Approximately 1–2 minutes before the end of the expected processing time, use a clean microbrush or lash tool to gently slide or move one or two lashes. The lashes should begin to feel soft, pliable and easy to bend. If they still feel firm or resistant, continue processing in short increments and check again.

5. Remove Step 1 & Change Shields
Remove Step 1 Thoroughly:
- Remove the Step 1 mixture carefully using a clean applicator.
- Wipe from root to tip until all solution and powder residue have been removed.
- Check the lash line carefully before moving to Step 2.
Important: Ensure no Step 1 residue remains. Any remaining solution or powder paste can interfere with Step 2 and lead to uneven results.
Change to a Curved Shield:
- Fold the Korean flat shield downward and remove it carefully.
- Select your preferred curved shield based on the desired final result.
- Reposition the softened lashes neatly onto the curved shield.
- Ensure lashes are separated, evenly spaced and aligned in the desired direction.
- Small curved shield: Suitable for short lashes or a stronger curl.
- Medium curved shield: Suitable for average lashes and a balanced curl.
- Large curved shield: Suitable for long lashes or a softer, more natural lift.

Once Step 1 has processed and been removed, the lashes have already softened and taken their new shape.
Use a minimal amount of lash lift adhesive or Lift & Lam Balm only if needed to help keep individual lashes neatly aligned on the curved shield.
6. Tinting Options (Optional)
Total Care is compatible with lash tinting, giving you two options depending on how you prefer to work.
1) Standard Tint Method
After Step 2 has been processed and fully removed, tint the lashes between Step 2 and Step 3 using your usual tint and developer method. Follow your tint manufacturer’s instructions.
2) Express Tint Method
You can also tint and neutralise at the same time by mixing your lash tint directly with Total Care Step 2 Neutralising Lotion.
Total Care Step 2 contains Hydrogen Peroxide, so it can be used instead of a separate tint developer.
Mix: 1 part tint + 2 parts Total Care Step 2 Neutralising Lotion. Apply from root to tip without disturbing the lashes.
Do not add a separate tint developer when using the express tint method.
Process according to the Step 2 timing guide below.
7. Step 2: Neutralising Lotion
- Massage the Total Care Step 2 sachet for 20–30 seconds to ensure the solution is well mixed.
- Apply Total Care Step 2 solution from root to tip without disturbing the lashes.
- Place a lash cover or tape over the lashes to keep them flat, secure and neatly aligned.

Step 2 processing times:
| Lash Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Fine lashes | 5 minutes |
| Normal lashes | 6 minutes |
| Thick, coarse or resistant lashes | 7–10 minutes |
- Control check: Use tweezers to gently peel one lash away from the shield. If it returns neatly to the desired curl, Step 2 is complete. If it sits away from the shield and does not return to position, allow additional processing time and check again.
- Remove Step 2 thoroughly using a clean applicator.

8. Step 3: Moisturising Serum
- Massage the Total Care Step 3 sachet for 20–30 seconds.
- Apply Total Care Step 3 solution generously over the lashes to soften, hydrate and condition.
- Work the serum under the shield to help gently release the lashes.
- Once the lashes are free, remove the curved shield and clean any remaining residue from the lash line.
- Remove eye pads or tape and brush through the lashes with a clean spoolie.
- Do not rinse. Step 3 is a leave-in solution that will continue to condition the lashes after the appointment.

9. Aftercare Advice
For longer-lasting results, remind your clients to follow these aftercare tips or provide them with an aftercare card.
- Keep lashes dry for 24 hours. Avoid steam, water and sweat.
- Do not apply mascara or eye makeup for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid steam, saunas and extreme heat.
- Do not rub, pull or sleep directly on the lashes, especially during the first 48 hours.
- Avoid using eyelash curlers.
- Avoid oil-based eye creams and makeup removers.
- Brush lashes daily using a clean spoolie.
- Cleanse lashes regularly using a gentle, oil-free lash cleanser.
- Recommend a nourishing lash serum for regular home care.
10. Problem Solving Guide
If you have followed the steps above, your results should be smooth and consistent. If something did not go to plan, use the guide below to identify the most likely cause and adjust your technique.
Step 1 Mixture Is Too Runny
Likely cause: Not enough Lash Lift Powder has been added.
Solution: Add a small amount of powder gradually and mix thoroughly until the solution becomes smooth, creamy and tacky.
Step 1 Mixture Is Too Thick, Dry or Clumpy
Likely cause: Too much Lash Lift Powder has been added.
Solution: Add a small amount of Total Care Step 1 solution and mix again. The mixture should remain smooth and easy to spread.
Lashes Will Not Stay Against the Flat Shield
Possible causes: Lashes may not be completely clean and dry, the Step 1 mixture may be too runny, or very straight lashes may require additional support.
Solution: Ensure the lashes are thoroughly cleansed and dried. Add a small amount of powder if the mixture is too runny. If required, use a minimal amount of lash lift adhesive or Lift & Lam Balm at the base for very straight lashes.
Lashes Still Feel Firm During the Step 1 Control Check
Likely cause: The lashes have not softened sufficiently.
Solution: Continue processing in short increments and check again. Thick, coarse or resistant lashes may require additional processing time within the recommended range.
Lashes Are Difficult to Reposition After Removing the Flat Shield
Possible cause: The lashes may not have softened sufficiently during Step 1.
Solution: Confirm that the lashes feel pliable during the Step 1 control check before progressing. Reposition the softened lashes carefully and ensure they are aligned neatly on the curved shield before applying Step 2.
Lashes Move During Step 2
Possible cause: The lashes have not been secured firmly enough against the curved shield.
Solution: Use a lash cover or tape to hold lashes flat and aligned. If individual lashes require refinement, use only a minimal amount of lash lift adhesive.
Lift Is Uneven
Possible causes: Step 1 may have been applied unevenly, residue may have remained after Step 1, lashes may have been misaligned during the shield change, or lashes may have moved during Step 2.
Solution: Coat lashes evenly, remove Step 1 thoroughly, align lashes carefully on the curved shield and secure them properly during Step 2.
Result Is Too Subtle
Possible causes: The curved shield may be too large, Step 1 may have been underprocessed, or resistant lashes may not have softened sufficiently.
Solution: Use a smaller curved shield for a stronger curl. Confirm during the Step 1 control check that the lashes are soft and pliable before progressing.
Lashes Are Too Curled or Over-Lifted
Possible causes: The curved shield may be too small or the processing time may have been too long for the client’s lash type.
Solution: Use a larger curved shield and complete control checks earlier during future treatments.
Lashes Look Dry or Unruly
Possible causes: The lashes may have been overprocessed or may have been dry, porous or compromised before treatment.
Solution: Apply Step 3 generously and recommend nourishing home care. Reduce processing time and complete control checks earlier during future treatments.
Client Experiences Irritation or Stinging
Possible causes: Product may have contacted the skin or eyes, or the client may be sensitive to an ingredient.
Solution: Remove the product immediately. Do not continue the treatment if irritation persists. Ensure solutions are kept away from the skin and complete a patch test before future treatments.
Solutions are watery or runny
Cause: Solutions not mixed / out of date
Solution: Ensure the sachet is massaged & at room temp for at least 20 seconds before dispensing. Check B/B date on back of sachet.

