Korean Lash Lift Course
Korean Lash Lift Course
Shop Korean Lash Lifts
lash lifts have never been so easy ~
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Lash Lift Systems
explore our different Korean lash lift systems:
My Megu Magical Lift
My Megu Magical Lift
top selling system that is perfect for everyday clients- lifts the thickest lashes with ease
viscosity: (1) thick (2) thick (3) medium-thick
timing: (1) 8-10min (2) 8-10 min
key features: TGA based (it getting on the tips is ok, i promise!), step two conditions and moisturizes the lashes to keep the lashes smooth and hydrated
**only system that contains step three
Rolly King
Rolly King
the top selling lash lift system in Korea
viscosity: (1) medium (2) thick
timing: (1) 10-15min (2) 10-15 min [slowest of the systems offered]
key features: TGA + Cysteamine HCL based
My Megu Gentle Solution
My Megu Gentle Solution
a system designed for clients with compromised lashes (lashes that are already processed or weak/thin lashes)
viscosity: (1) thick (2) thin-medium
timing: (1) 7-10min (2) 4-6 min [fastest of solutions offered]
key features: Pure Cysteamine + Hydrogen Peroxide based. Step one prioritizes bond repair and strengthening, containing dimaleate that helps rebuild damaged disulfide bonds and soy and wheat proteins and biotin to protect and nourish the lashes
My Megu Courses ♡
Type: Course
Shields and Rods Guide for Korean Lash Lifts
Blog Posts
Is Cysteamine Really Gentler Than Thioglycolate? What the Science Says
Is Cysteamine Really Gentler Than Thioglycolate? What the Science Says In the lash and brow industry, cysteamine-based lifting solutions are often marketed as a “gentler” alternative to thioglycolate. But does the science support this claim? The short answer: not really. While cysteamine is a newer reducing agent with some interesting properties, it has not been shown in published research to be gentler, safer, or more effective than thioglycolate. In fact, it performs differently — and not necessarily better. What Are the Differences? Both cysteamine and thioglycolate work by breaking disulfide bonds in keratin so the hair can be reshaped and “locked” into a new configuration during neutralization (Manuszak, 1993; Ghanem et al., 2025). However, the kinetics and effectiveness differ: Thioglycolate acts faster, reducing more disulfide bonds in the same time frame. Cysteamine reacts more slowly and less completely under identical conditions. Thioglycolate follows predictable pseudo-first-order kinetics; cysteamine can exhibit moving-boundary kinetics at lower pH, making it harder to control. Simply put, cysteamine breaks fewer bonds and may leave more hair unprocessed. That’s not necessarily “gentler” — it can also mean inconsistent results. Why Do Brands Call It Gentler? The perception that cysteamine is gentler seems to stem more from marketing than evidence. Because it acts slower and to a lesser degree, it might cause less visible damage if misused — but that hasn’t been demonstrated in controlled studies. Thioglycolate, on the other hand, has decades of research and proven safety when used properly (Manuszak, 1993, p. 79). This is why it remains the gold standard in professional hair, lash, and brow services. Regulatory Perspective: Banned in Japan It’s also worth noting that cysteamine is currently banned for use in cosmetics in Japan. While not uncommon for regulatory bodies to differ, this underscores that cysteamine’s safety and efficacy are not universally accepted. In contrast, thioglycolate continues to be approved and widely used worldwide — a testament to its long-standing track record. Why Professionals Still Trust Thioglycolate The bottom line: while cysteamine is a promising alternative worth studying further, current evidence does not support the claim that it is gentler or safer than thioglycolate. When applied by a trained professional and neutralized correctly, thioglycolate remains the most predictable, effective, and reliable option. References Ghanem, H., et al. (2025). Effects of thioglycolate compounds in an emerging technique in the world of cosmetics—brow lamination. Manuszak, M. A. (1993). A study of the effects of reduction by cysteamine and ammonium thioglycolate on the physical and chemical properties of hair (Master’s thesis, University of Cincinnati). University Microfilms International.
Learn moreIs Thioglycolate Safe in Lash Lifts? What the Research Really Says
Thioglycolate is one of the most trusted and widely used active ingredients in lash lifts, brow laminations, and hair perming — and for good reason. Research shows that thioglycolate works by predictably breaking and reforming disulfide bonds in keratin, allowing the hair to be reshaped safely and effectively. Decades of studies confirm thioglycolate’s excellent safety record when used properly, with minimal risk of long-term damage. It remains the gold standard in professional services thanks to its reliable performance and low allergenic potential. While overprocessing can lead to increased porosity and weakened hair, these risks are minimized under professional application and with proper aftercare. Compared to newer alternatives like cysteamine, thioglycolate is better studied, more predictable in its action, and backed by a much longer history of safe use. For clients and professionals alike, thioglycolate-based lash lifts remain a safe and effective choice when performed correctly.
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Can you get your lashes wet after a lash lift?
Can I Get My Lashes Wet After a Lash Lift? If you've ever had a lash lift—or scrolled through TikToks of artists rinsing lashes right after the service—you might’ve had that moment of confusion: Wait... I thought you’re not supposed to get them wet? Let’s clear it up once and for all, based on real chemistry—not lash myths. TLDR: Yes, you can get your lashes wet. However, be careful not to mess up the direction of the lashes in the first 24-48 hours. While water is okay, avoid steam (saunas, hot yoga, hot showers) for up to 48 hours after the lash lift service. Why Do Some Artists Say “Don’t Get Them Wet for 24–48 Hours”? You’ll hear a lot of lash artists tell their clients to avoid water for an entire day (sometimes two). But I personally only ask clients to wait four hours—and here’s the reason why. It all comes down to understanding what actually changes the shape of the lash. Water Alone Doesn’t Break the Curl In the chemistry section of my course, I explain that a lash lift works by breaking and reforming disulfide bonds, which give lashes their natural shape. These can only be changed using chemical reducing agents like thioglycolate or cysteamine. Water doesn’t have the ability to break these bonds. However, it does affect hydrogen bonds—a secondary, temporary bond in the lash. When hair gets wet, hydrogen bonds soften, which is why you can style head hair differently when it’s damp. The same goes for lashes. So, in short: cool water touching the lashes after a lift won’t drop the curl. But that doesn’t mean anything goes right away... Why I Still Say “Wait Four Hours” While water won’t chemically reverse the lash lift, I still recommend avoiding it for the first four hours—not because of bond disruption, but because of lash styling. Right after the lift, lashes are still being set into place. The product used at the end of the service (often called a coating essence) helps lock in direction and shape. If water hits too soon, especially if lashes are touched or rubbed, it can shift the styling—not the curl itself, but how the lashes sit. Steam vs. Water: What’s the Real Concern? Here’s where things get more serious: steam. Steam is different from water because it combines moisture and heat, and that heat speeds up absorption. Let’s break this down: During a lash lift, the cuticle layer of the lash is opened so product can penetrate. After the treatment, the cuticle begins to close, but it takes up to 72 hours to return to its natural state. While the cuticle is still partially open, the lash is more porous, and anything that penetrates—like steam—can cause swelling. Swelling means too much water gets inside the lash, disrupting the setting process. This can weaken the curl or even cause the lash to feel brittle or over-processed. What Happens to the Lash Cuticle After a Lift? Here’s a breakdown of the lash’s porosity: Before lift: Cuticle is about 5–10% open During step one (reduction): Cuticle opens up to 40–60% After step two (neutralization): Cuticle drops to 20–30% 72 hours after lift: Cuticle returns to 10–15%, back to a healthy state The takeaway? The lash is most vulnerable right after the service, especially during that 72-hour reformation window. Why Steam Is More Damaging Than Water Steam isn’t just hot air—it’s water in vapor form that carries a lot more energy than liquid water. When that vapor hits the warm surface of a lash, it condenses back into liquid quickly and deeply penetrates the still-porous cuticle. This combination of sudden heat and moisture can: ✧Disrupt the lash’s structural reformation ✧Soften the shape before it fully sets ✧Cause premature weakening of the curl So while a cool face splash or shower after a few hours is totally fine, hot showers, saunas, and steamy facials should be avoided for at least 48–72 hours. In summary:You can get your lashes wet after a lift, just not right away—and it’s not about water ruining your curl. It’s about giving your lashes time to set, allowing the cuticle to close, and avoiding steam that could cause swelling. Stick to cool water, skip the steam, and your lift will last beautifully.
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