Introducing S-Powder
Understanding the Korean Lash Lift Method with the InLei® Lash Filler System
The Korean lash lift trend has rapidly gained attention in the professional beauty industry for its ultra-clean styling, dramatic root lift, glossy finish, and precision-focused techniques. At InLei Canada, we are proud to introduce a product specifically designed to support this evolving artistry while maintaining the integrity, safety, and performance standards that define the InLei® system.
Meet InLei® S-Powder — an advanced thickening additive designed to transform your lash lift solutions into a more adhesive, gel-like consistency, making them ideal for Korean techniques.
This educational guide answers some of the most common questions surrounding S-Powder, Korean lash lift methods, processing techniques, and the science behind TGA vs. cysteamine systems.
What Is InLei® S-Powder?
InLei® S-Powder is a professional additive formulated to thicken and stabilize lamination solutions used during lash lifts and brow laminations.
When mixed into Form 1 and Fix 2, S-Powder creates a more viscous, gel-like texture that helps keep lashes and brows securely positioned throughout treatment — without compromising the effectiveness of the active ingredients.
This makes it ideal for artists wanting to perform the Korean lash lift method using the existing InLei® Lash Filler 25.9 TGA-based system.
S-Powder is fully compatible with:
Future Italian-Style Korean lamination systems (hint hint 😉 )
TGA-based and cysteamine-based systems
Its formula is enriched with Sodium Hyaluronate, which helps maintain hydration levels within the hair fiber during chemical processing. This support helps preserve elasticity, softness, flexibility, and comfort throughout the treatment process.
Key Functional Ingredients
Sodium Hyaluronate
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Polyquaternium-10
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Polysorbate 60
Sorbitan Isostearate
Together, these ingredients create improved control, enhanced adhesion, and better solution consistency while supporting fiber integrity.
What Is the Difference Between TGA and Cysteamine Lash Lift Systems?
This is one of the most important topics when discussing Korean lash lift methods.
Traditionally, many Korean lash lift systems use cysteamine-based formulations. However, the current InLei® Lash Filler line is TGA-based, and S-Powder allows artists to safely adapt the Korean method using this existing system.
Understanding the differences between these ingredients is essential.
TGA (Thioglycolic Acid)
The InLei® Lash Filler line is TGA-based.
TGA is:
A highly researched ingredient
Widely regulated within the professional lamination industry
Known for fast and predictable processing
Extremely stable when properly formulated
Because TGA operates at a higher pH, it processes more quickly and requires greater precision with timing and lash checks.
One major advantage of TGA systems is regulation. There are stricter industry limitations regarding TGA concentrations, creating more consistency and predictability across reputable brands.
InLei® has also conducted clinical testing on using its TGA-based formulations (with the addition of S-Powder) across the full lash length, allowing for carefully controlled and safe protocols.
Cysteamine Systems
Cysteamine is derived from cystine, a naturally occurring amino acid found within the hair structure.
Compared to TGA, cysteamine:
Processes more slowly
Operates at a lower pH
Typically has broader processing windows
Is less heavily regulated within the industry
Because cysteamine systems are newer to the lash industry, there is currently a wider variation in formulation quality, ingredient percentages, stability, and performance between brands.
This means outcomes can vary significantly depending on:
Ingredient sourcing
Formula quality
Processing times
Percentage concentrations
While cysteamine systems can create beautiful results, they are generally considered less stable and may produce shorter-lasting outcomes compared to properly formulated TGA systems.
Does InLei® Have a Cysteamine System?
Yes — but with an important distinction.
Currently, S-Powder is designed to allow artists to perform the Korean lash lift method using the existing TGA-based Lash Filler line.
However, InLei® will also be launching a dedicated Italian-Style Korean Lamination System using cysteamine-based technology in October 2026.
This means InLei® will soon offer two separate Korean-inspired approaches:
1. Korean Lash Lift Method Using Lash Filler 25.9 + S-Powder
A TGA-based system adapted for Korean styling techniques.
2. Italian-Style Korean Lamination System (Launching October 2026)
A dedicated cysteamine-based system developed specifically for Korean-inspired lamination artistry.
Both protocols are designed to prioritize lash integrity, safety, precision, and performance.
If S-Powder Does Not Reduce Chemical Strength, Why Are Processing Times Longer?
This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Korean lash lifting.
In traditional lash lifting, lashes are mechanically stretched tightly around a shield. This tension helps open the cuticle layers more quickly, allowing solutions to penetrate faster.
In the Korean method:
There is significantly less tension
Lashes are positioned more naturally
The hair fiber is not mechanically stretched
Because the cuticle is not being stretched through tension, the solutions naturally require more time to penetrate and break down disulfide bonds.
Additionally, S-Powder increases the viscosity of the solutions. Thicker solutions penetrate more slowly than thinner liquids, which also contributes to extended processing times.
Longer processing does not mean weaker chemistry — it simply reflects the different mechanics of the technique.
Can I Use S-Powder With Any Lash Lift System?
Yes.
InLei® S-Powder can safely be used with:
TGA-based systems
Cysteamine-based systems
However, artists should always understand that processing behavior may vary depending on the chemistry and formulation of the brand being used.
Why Are Larger or Flat Shields Important in Korean Lash Lifts?
Korean lash lifting focuses heavily on creating:
Uniform direction
Clean separation
Root lift
Straighter finishes
Using larger or flatter shields helps create a more elongated shape with a straighter curve rather than an aggressively rounded curl.
Flat shields also allow artists to create dramatic lift directly from the root area while maintaining cleaner lash alignment.
However, safety remains critical.
Artists should always leave approximately 1 mm of space from the lash root when applying solutions to avoid product entering the eye area and causing irritation.
This is one of the most common mistakes seen in Korean lash lifting techniques.
How Do I Know What 20–30% Powder-to-Solution Looks Like?
The answer is simple: experience and observation.
When first using S-Powder, we recommend:
Starting with a very small amount
Gradually increasing powder as needed
Mixing thoroughly until fully incorporated
You should never see:
Powder clumps
Graininess
Uneven texture
Remember:
The thicker the mixture becomes, the slower the solution will penetrate into the hair fiber.
Finding your ideal consistency is part of mastering the technique.
Why Are Lash Checks So Important in the Korean Lash Method?
In Korean lash lifting, artists rely less on rigid timing and more on observation, adaptability, and lash checks.
This is because many variables influence processing speed, including:
Humidity
Temperature
Powder ratio
Lash density
Hair porosity
Solution thickness
For this reason, we strongly recommend using a stopwatch counting upward rather than a countdown timer.
The Korean method requires artists to trust visual indicators rather than relying solely on fixed timing charts.
How to Perform a Lash Check
Using tweezers:
Isolate a single lash
Bend it gently inward onto itself
Observe the shape it forms
If the lash forms a:
Rounded “C” shape: it is not fully processed
Sharp “V” shape: enough disulfide bonds have broken down
This indicates the lash is ready for removal of the solution.
Because Korean lash methods often involve longer processing windows, artists sometimes become nervous and remove solutions too early, leading to under-processing and weak results.
Lash checks help eliminate guesswork and create consistency.
Why Do We Remove Solution From the Lash Tips?
Traditional TGA lash lifting usually avoids applying solutions directly to:
The lash roots
The lash tips
This is done for both safety and lash integrity.
The tips of the lashes are:
Finer
More delicate
Faster processing
When performing the Korean method with TGA systems, Form 1 mixed with S-Powder is applied across a greater portion of the lash length.
Because the tips process more rapidly, we recommend removing product from the tips approximately 2–5 minutes after initial application using saline solution.
This helps neutralize processing in the most delicate area of the lash while allowing the remaining structure to continue processing safely.
At InLei Canada, maintaining overall lash health and structural integrity remains a core priority.
Why Is Post-Treatment Hydration So Important?
Hydration and conditioning are essential after any lamination treatment — especially Korean methods, where solutions often remain on the lashes for longer periods.
For optimal results, we recommend following with:
Filler 3
Mousse Magica
Molecular 4
Filler 3
Helps replenish and strengthen the lash fiber internally while supporting elasticity, shine, flexibility, and long-term results.
Mousse Magica
Helps effectively remove residual powder and cleanse the lashes gently after tinting and processing.
Molecular 4
Provides conditioning, softness, and surface-level protection to complete the treatment.
This sequence helps preserve the health, comfort, and quality of the lash fiber.
How Many Applications Are in One Box of S-Powder?
Each box of InLei® S-Powder contains:
4 sachets
Approximately 40 uses per sachet
This provides approximately 160 total applications per box, depending on consistency preferences and powder ratios.
Does the Korean Method Still Provide the Same Lash Filler Clinical Results?
The traditional InLei® Lash Filler protocol is clinically tested to provide:
Up to 25% lash thickening
Up to 9% length increase
over three treatments
At this time, those exact clinical results have not yet been formally tested using the Korean lash lift method with S-Powder.
However, InLei® has clinically tested the safety of using its TGA formulations across the full lash length, and when performed correctly according to protocol, the Korean method remains focused on maintaining lash integrity and overall hair health.
As always, correct processing, proper lash checks, and adherence to protocol are essential for achieving safe, beautiful results.
