We get asked the question "what is the difference between LVL and a Korean lash lift" at least three times a week from out clients, and as lash lift suppliers, we still see many lash techs getting confused by the difference between the two lash lift options, so let's clear it up!
In this blog, we'll break down the main differences between a traditional lash lift (LVL) and Korean lash lift, looking at the techniques we use, and the products.
Explaining The Term LVL
Firstly, let's clear one thing up before we take a deeper dive.
The term ‘LVL’ is actually the name created by another lash brand, exclusively for their products and technique. The term LVL stands for ‘length, volume, lift’ and shouldn’t be used to solely represent a lash lift. Instead, we like to call this a traditional lash lift.
What Is A Traditional Lash Lift?
A traditional lash lift is what first brought the idea of perming and tinting to the beauty industry. It was innovative for its time, and still remains a core part of many lash techs treatment offerings.
Traditional lash lift solutions are primarily made of chemicals designed to break and reform hair bonds, specifically TGA (thioglycolic acid or ammonium thioglycolate).
Because of the stronger chemicals used, the product breaks down the bonds in the hair faster but more aggressively, therefore many people report the lashes are much easier to over process with this method.
For a traditional lash lift we first relax the lashes using a step 1 solution. The lashes are then lifted up onto the curling shield using a glue or glue balm, each lash is separated and isolated and then a step 2 solution is used to fix the lashes into place.
The traditional lash lift is still loved and it has been around for many years, however the lashes can grow out uneven and messy.
Did you know that BELO's lash lift shields are compatible with both traditional lash lift products and Korean lash lift products?
Galaxy (LC Curl) Lash Lift Shields, Pack of 10, £10.99
What Is A Korean Lash Lift?
The Korean lash lift is quickly dominating the lash world and has everybody talking about its amazing results using products that are gentler on the lashes - we personally prefer this technique!
For a Korean lash lift, the solution is primarily formulated with cysteamine, a gentle, sulfur-based amino acid derivative that breaks down disulphide bonds in the lashes more gently than traditional TGA as aforementioned - this system is also more conditioning focused.
Because the solution is kinder and more gentle on the natural hairs, it also takes longer to process, meaning you're going to be much less likely to over process the lashes (although not impossible!)
For this technique the lashes are relaxed with step 1 onto the eye pad or a flat shield before being lifted onto the curling shield and set in place with step 2.
Learn more about the two Korean Lash Lift methods: Flat Shield vs. Eye Pad Method
Korean Lash Lift Cysteamine Kit (Step 1 & 2), £29.99
The Korean (also known as the glueless method) is slowly taking over in popularity in the lash world. Not only are the results incredible, especially when done with our Worlds Above system, but the grow out is more seamless and softer.
Traditional (LVL) vs. Korean Lash Lift: The Takeaway
Essentially, the key difference between a traditional (often called LVL) lash lift and a Korean lash lift lies in the products and techniques used.
| Feature | Traditional Lash Lift (LVL) | Korean Lash Lift |
|---|
| Main Ingredient | TGA (strong chemical) | Cysteamine (gentler, conditioning) |
| Processing Speed & Risk | Faster but higher risk of overprocessing | Slower with lower risk of overprocessing |
| Technique | Lashes glued directly onto shield | Lashes relaxed first, often glueless method |
| Results & Grow-Out | Can look uneven as lashes grow | Softer results with more seamless grow-out |
Traditional lash lifts rely on stronger chemical solutions like TGA, which work faster but can be more aggressive and prone to overprocessing, while Korean lash lifts use gentler, conditioning-based ingredients like cysteamine for a slower, safer treatment.
As a result, Korean lash lifts tend to offer healthier-looking lashes, reduced risk of damage, and a softer grow-out making them an increasingly popular choice among lash techs.
Qualified lash techs can shop our Worlds above collection here.
If you're a lash tech that wants to upskill in the trending Korean Lash Lift Method, check out our online masterclass!
Korean Lash Lift Online Masterclass, only £44.99!
