Understanding the Ingredients in Your Lash Lift & Tint Kit

Every lash lifting kit contains a combination of chemical actives, pH adjusters, and nourishing agents. While the previous section explained how these ingredients work on a molecular level, this section focuses on practical product knowledge; how to read ingredient labels, recognise strong vs gentle formulas, and choose the right products for each client.

Reading Ingredient Labels Like a Pro

Understanding how to read your product’s label helps you make informed choices and deliver consistent, safe results.

What to Check:

• First 3-5 ingredients: These are present in the highest concentration, they determine product strength.
• Avoid harmful additives: Steer clear of parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and high alcohol content (can dry the lashes).
• Balance strength with gentleness:
  
  • High % of thioglycolic acid or ammonia = faster but harsher.
  • Cysteamine-based or ethanolamine-based = slower but safer.
    
• Look for hydration boosters: Ingredients like panthenol, proteins, and natural oils promote lash health and longevity.
  

Pro Tip: Lash lift formulas should always be designed for the eye area - never substitute with brow lamination products, as pH and strength can differ.

Brow lamination and lash lifts use the same chemistry - breaking and reforming disulphide bonds - but they are formulated differently because lashes are finer and sit in a much more sensitive area.

The principles are shared, but the products are not interchangeable unless the manufacturer clearly states otherwise.

In dual-use systems, product strength remains constant - timing and technique are what change between lash and brow treatments.”

5. TGA vs. Cysteamine Hydrochloride

Which One Should You Choose?

• For coarse, straight, or downward lashes: TGA gives stronger, more defined lifts.
• For fine or delicate lashes: Cysteamine offers a safer, more controlled result.
• For sensitive clients: Cysteamine is usually preferred, but always carry out a patch test regardless of formula type.

(this is a general guide, always use the manufacturer’s exact timings)

Both formulas can achieve stunning results. Your professional skill lies in assessing each client’s lash type, condition, and sensitivity to choose the right one - protecting the lashes while ensuring a beautiful lift.

Key Takeaways

• Lifting solutions vary in strength, always match formula to lash type.
• Neutralisers must rebalance pH to lock in the curl safely.
• Nourishing treatments are essential - they repair, hydrate, and protect lashes.
• Label literacy matters: Know what’s strong, what’s gentle, and what supports lash health.
• TGA = fast, powerful, ideal for coarse lashes.
• Cysteamine = gentle, ideal for fine or sensitive lashes.
• The right product choice = beautiful curls + healthy, resilient lashes.