Pro FAQs
FAQs for the PROs
Professional Lash Lift & Brow Lamination Questions, Answered.
Whether you're new to Keravie or a seasoned lash artist, this is your go-to resource for professional questions. Find answers about processing times, TGA, cysteamine, lash types, troubleshooting, re-lifting, keratin lash lifts, brow lamination, training, and professional support.
TGA or Cysteamine? Keravie Offers Both.
| Feature | Triple Keratin Lash + Brow Lift (TGA) |
Organic Keratin Lash Lift (Cysteamine) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | TGA-based (ethanolamine thioglycolate) | TGA-free / Cysteamine-based |
| Lashes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Brow Lamination | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes RECOMMENDED |
| Keratin-Infused | ✓ Triple Keratin | ✓ Triple Keratin |
| Glueless Korean Lash Lift Technique | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Best For | Mixed lash & brow services | High-volume brow lamination & Korean Lash Lift technique |
| Processing Speed | Faster processing | Gentler, longer processing |
| Essentials Kit (CAD) | $199 CAD | $219 CAD |
| Essentials Kit (USD) | ~$140 USD | ~$154 USD |
| Cost Per Service (CAD) | $4.98 | $5.48 |
| Cost Per Service (USD) | ~$3.50 | ~$3.85 |
Not sure which system is right for you? Both work for lashes and brows. The cysteamine formula is particularly well-suited to brow lamination due to its gentler chemistry and conditioning properties. Explore the chemistry differences →
TGA, Cysteamine, Triple Keratin & Ingredients
Both Triple Keratin Lash + Brow Lift (TGA) and Organic Keratin Lash Lift (cysteamine) use chemical reducing agents to restructure the disulfide bonds in hair, allowing natural lashes or brows to be reshaped.
The primary difference is the lifting chemistry:
- Organic Keratin Lash Lift: TGA-free, cysteamine-based, pH ~8.5
- Triple Keratin Lash + Brow Lift: TGA-based, pH ~9.3
Both systems are keratin-infused and designed for professional lash lifting and brow lamination.
Keravie's Organic Keratin Lash Lift is a TGA-free, cysteamine-based system formulated with Triple Keratin. Cysteamine HCl is used as the lifting agent to restructure natural hair.
Because cysteamine is much gentler than TGA, processing times are slightly longer. Cysteamine systems are increasingly used by professional artists looking for an alternative to TGA-based lash lifting, and it's particularly well-suited to brow lamination.
Keravie's Triple Keratin Lash + Brow Lift uses ethanolamine thioglycolate as its lifting agent to restructure the disulfide bonds within natural hair. The system is also infused with hydrolyzed corn, wheat and soy proteins (Triple Keratin).
TGA-based systems process faster than cysteamine and are ideal for artists who prefer this lifting chemistry.
Neither chemistry is universally better for every artist, client, or hair type.
TGA and cysteamine have different chemical properties and processing characteristics. Professional artists may prefer one system depending on:
- Their preferred technique
- Desired results
- Characteristics of the natural hair
- Their service mix (lashes vs. brows)
Keravie offers both, allowing artists to choose the system that best suits their service.
Both systems can be used for brow lamination. However, cysteamine is particularly well suited to brow lamination and is the chemistry Keravie recommends when brow lamination is the primary focus.
The Organic Keratin Lash Lift (cysteamine) can be used for both lashes and brows, while the Triple Keratin Lash + Brow Lift (TGA) can also be used for both. Always follow the appropriate processing guidelines for the system you're using.
Keravie's Triple Keratin formula incorporates three hydrolyzed plant proteins:
- Hydrolyzed corn protein
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Hydrolyzed soy protein
These ingredients are incorporated into both of Keravie's professional lash and brow lifting systems to condition and strengthen the hair during the lifting process.
Processing Times, Lash Types, Shields & Brow Lamination
Processing time depends on the lash thickness and the lifting system being used. Always select processing times according to the individual lash, its condition, thickness and the specific Keravie system being used.
Important: Do not interchange processing charts between the two systems.
Triple Keratin Lash Lift (TGA) – Processing Times
| Lash Thickness | Step 2 Lift Time | Step 3 Set Time |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Fine | 5–6 min | 4 min |
| Fine | 7–8 min | 4 min |
| Medium | 9–10 min | 5 min |
| Coarse | 11–12 min | 6 min |
| Extra Coarse | 13–14 min | 7 min |
Organic Keratin Lash Lift (Cysteamine) – Processing Times
| Lash Thickness | Step 2 – With Heat | Step 2 – Without Heat | Step 3 Set Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Fine | 6–7 min | 12 min | 3–4 min |
| Fine | 8–9 min | 13 min | 4–5 min |
| Medium | 10–11 min | 14–15 min | 5–8 min |
| Coarse | 12–13 min | 16 min | 6–8 min |
| Extra Coarse | 14–15 min | 17 min | 7–9 min |
For cysteamine Step 3: no heat is required. Processing time is approximately half of the Step 2 duration.
Brow processing times also vary according to the chemistry and hair thickness. Brow hair is typically coarser and denser than lash hair, so timing may differ slightly from lash lifts on the same hair thickness level.
Triple Keratin Brow Lamination (TGA) – Processing Times
| Brow Thickness | Step 2 Lift Time | Step 3 Set Time |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Fine | 5–6 min | 4 min |
| Fine | 7 min | 4 min |
| Medium | 8 min | 4 min |
| Coarse | 9–10 min | 5 min |
| Extra Coarse | 11–12 min | 6 min |
Pro tip: When 2–3 minutes remain before target processing time, use a spoolie to assess the brows and adjust timing. For coarser brow hair, remove product from thinner sections first and allow additional processing where appropriate.
Organic Keratin Brow Lamination (Cysteamine) – Processing Times
| Brow Thickness | Step 2 – With Heat | Step 2 – Without Heat | Step 3 Set Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Fine | 6 min | 10 min | 3–5 min |
| Fine | 7 min | 11 min | 3–6 min |
| Medium | 8–9 min | 12 min | 4–6 min |
| Coarse | 10–11 min | 13 min | 5–7 min |
| Extra Coarse | 12 min | 14 min | 6–7 min |
Processing time should be customized to the individual rather than treating every client the same. Start by assessing:
- Lash or brow thickness
- Hair condition and damage history
- Natural texture
- Previous chemical services
- Desired result (lift vs. curl)
- The Keravie system being used (TGA vs. cysteamine)
Yes. Both Keravie systems can be used on fine and extra-fine lashes. Because finer lashes generally process more quickly, they require shorter processing times and careful monitoring during the service.
Yes. Both systems can be used on coarse and extra-coarse lashes. Longer processing times may be required depending on the hair characteristics, but artists should always assess the lash rather than automatically selecting the maximum time.
Shield selection should consider:
- Natural lash length
- Natural lash direction
- Desired lift
- Desired curl
- Eye shape
- Lash density
- The overall result the client wants
Important: A shield should not be selected based on lash length alone. Shield selection and lash placement work together to determine the final result.
A lash lift emphasizes upward elevation from the base of the lash, while a more pronounced curl creates greater curvature through the length of the lash.
Shield shape, size, placement and technique all influence the final result.
Yes. Both the Triple Keratin Lash + Brow Lift (TGA) and Organic Keratin Lash Lift (cysteamine) can be used for brow lamination. However, the cysteamine system is particularly well suited to brow services.
Retention, Troubleshooting, Over-Processing & Re-Lifting
A Keravie lash lift typically lasts 8–12 weeks. The exact longevity varies between clients depending on:
- Natural lash growth cycle
- Shedding rate
- Hair characteristics
- Aftercare compliance
A Keravie brow lamination typically lasts 4–6 weeks. Longevity can vary depending on:
- Natural brow hair growth cycle
- Hair characteristics
- Aftercare compliance
Before assuming a lash lift didn't hold as expected, assess the entire service. Look at lash placement, product saturation, shield selection, and processing times before simply increasing processing duration.
A lash lift that doesn't hold as expected can have several possible causes:
- Insufficient processing
- Incorrect shield selection
- Inadequate product saturation
- Incorrect lash placement
- Incorrect processing chart used
- Using the wrong timing for the selected chemistry
- Lash thickness or resistance
- Product contamination
- Inadequate client aftercare
Before simply increasing processing time, assess the entire service.
Uneven results can be caused by:
- Uneven lash placement
- Inconsistent product saturation
- Different lash thicknesses across the eye
- Different growth stages of lashes
- Natural lash direction
- Shield positioning
- Previous chemical services creating variable texture
Look at the complete application rather than assuming processing time is the only issue.
An underwhelming result can be caused by:
- Shield selection (shield size may be too small or large)
- Lash placement on shield
- Processing time
- Product saturation
- Natural lash characteristics (density, direction)
- Application technique
Before increasing processing time, determine what may have caused the result to be less dramatic than expected.
✓ When Should You Re-Lift?
Re-lift only when ALL of these are true:
- ✓ The lashes remain healthy and in good condition
- ✓ The original service was visibly under-processed
- ✓ The client has followed aftercare guidelines
Do NOT re-lift if ANY of these apply:
- ✗ Signs of over-processing are present (frizz, dryness, weakness)
- ✗ The lashes appear compromised or damaged
- ✗ The issue is poor placement or technique (fix the application, not the processing)
Note: If the original processing time was incorrect, you can re-lift right away using a lesser processing time.
Yes, when appropriate. If the lashes remain healthy and the original service was under-processed, a corrective re-lift can be performed using the appropriate Keravie system and processing instructions.
Always assess the condition of the natural lashes before reprocessing.
Yes. Using the cysteamine system for a corrective re-lift can be a great way to help minimize the risk of over-processing when correcting an under-processed lift.
The natural lashes should always be assessed first, and the appropriate cysteamine processing instructions must be followed. Never transfer processing times from the TGA system to the cysteamine system.
A chemistry change may be possible depending on the circumstances, but the natural lash must be assessed carefully before reprocessing. If the goal is correcting an under-processed lift while minimizing additional processing stress, Keravie's cysteamine system may be an appropriate option.
Confirm Keravie's official guidance on this scenario before performing the service.
Signs of over-processing can include:
- Excessive curl
- Frizzing or texture changes
- Dryness
- A crimped or irregular appearance
- Reduced flexibility
- Lashes appearing weak or compromised
Do not immediately reprocess the lash. Assess its condition and avoid additional chemical processing until the hair has recovered sufficiently. When in doubt, seek professional guidance before performing another chemical service.
To help the lashes recover, consider:
- A deep conditioning treatment using Step 4: Leave-in Conditioning Treatment
- Recommending home conditioning with Botox Hyaluronic Aftercare Lash and Brow Conditioner or Pro Gro2 Lash and Brow Serum
Natural lashes aren't completely uniform. Differences in thickness, length, growth stage, direction, texture and previous chemical exposure can all affect how individual lashes respond. Professional assessment and customized processing are therefore essential.
Kit Costs, Services Per Kit, Education & Certification
Keravie's 17 mL lifting balm provides 40+ clients per tube, depending on application technique and product usage.
Think of the kit in terms of 40+ professional services, rather than needing to calculate an exact number of drops or applications.
Triple Keratin Lash + Brow Lift (TGA)
Essentials Kit: $199 CAD | ~$140 USD*
Cost per service: $4.98 CAD | ~$3.50 USD
Based on 40+ services per kit
Organic Keratin Lash Lift (Cysteamine)
Essentials Kit: $219 CAD | ~$154 USD*
Cost per service: $5.48 CAD | ~$3.85 USD
Based on 40+ services per kit
*USD conversions use current exchange rate (~0.702 CAD to 1 USD as of October 2, 2026). Actual USD pricing may vary based on live rates.
That depends on your preferred chemistry, services, and clientele.
- Triple Keratin Lash + Brow Lift (TGA): A good fit for artists who prefer a TGA-based lifting system and offer a mix of lash and brow services.
- Organic Keratin Lash Lift (Cysteamine): A good fit for artists looking for a cysteamine-based system, particularly those who perform a high volume of brow lamination.
Both systems can be used for lash lifts and brow laminations. Contact Keravie to discuss which system best fits your business model.
Yes. Keravie education is designed for artists at different experience levels and teaches both the technique and theory behind professional lash lifting.
Yes. Keravie offers professional education and certification through its training programs. Training covers the theory, product knowledge and practical techniques needed to perform professional lash lifts and brow laminations.
Depending on the program, Keravie education covers:
- Lash and hair structure & biology
- Hair growth cycles & assessment
- Hair coarseness classification
- Shield selection strategy
- Lift versus curl techniques
- Product chemistry fundamentals
- Application techniques
- Processing & timing
- Lash tinting
- Client consultation
- Contraindications & safety
- Aftercare & retention
- Troubleshooting
- Re-lifting & corrective services
- Brow lamination
Yes. Experienced artists can transition to Keravie, but should familiarize themselves with the specific chemistry, products and processing guidelines of the system they are using.
Training, Troubleshooting & Artist Resources
Keravie provides professional education, product resources and artist support. The goal is to support artists beyond the initial purchase, whether they're learning the system, refining their technique or troubleshooting a service.
Yes. When troubleshooting, provide as much information as possible to help identify what may have affected the result:
- Lash thickness & growth stage
- Lash condition & damage history
- Shield used (size & placement)
- Product line used (TGA or cysteamine)
- Step 2 processing time used
- Step 3 processing time used
- Whether heat was applied
- Product application technique
- Photos of the result
- Previous chemical services
- Client aftercare compliance
Yes. Keravie offers professional online education as well as live/in-person training options.
Yes. Keravie offers education covering both professional lash lifting and brow lamination.
Processing information is provided through Keravie's professional education and product resources. Always use the processing chart specific to the Keravie system you are using. The Triple Keratin (TGA) and Organic (cysteamine) systems have different processing guidelines.
Keravie provides professional aftercare resources for artists to use with their lash lift and brow lamination clients.
We're here to help. Whether you're performing your first lash lift or troubleshooting an advanced corrective service, the Keravie team is here to support professional artists.
Professional Resources & Common Mistakes
Mistake #1: Using Default Processing Times
Solution: Assess lash thickness individually every time. Don't use default times for every client. Select time based on hair characteristics, not habit.
Mistake #2: Poor Lash Placement
Solution: Placement determines ~50% of your result. Invest time in learning proper placement for different eye shapes and natural lash directions.
Mistake #3: Inadequate Product Saturation
Solution: Ensure all lashes are evenly saturated with product before starting the timer.
Mistake #4: Assuming Processing Time Is the Only Issue
Solution: If a result is underwhelming, troubleshoot placement, saturation, and shield selection before increasing processing time.
Mistake #5: Mixing Chemistry Guidelines
Solution: Never use TGA processing times with cysteamine, or vice versa. Keep processing charts separate by product line.
Mistake #6: Skipping Aftercare Communication
Solution: Give written aftercare instructions to every client. Poor retention often reflects client aftercare, not your technique.
Professional judgment means knowing when to decline a service. Do not perform a lash lift if:
- The client has active eye infections or inflammation
- There are visible signs of severe lash damage or breakage
- The client has had a chemical service (bleaching, tinting, straightening) within 2 weeks
- The client is pregnant or nursing (fume sensitivity)
- The client is undergoing chemotherapy or has compromised immune function
- The lashes are extremely thin or sparse
- The client cannot follow aftercare instructions
- The client has unrealistic expectations for their natural lash type
Always ask thorough health history questions during consultation.
Simple client explanation:
"We offer two professional lash lift systems. Both give you that beautiful lifted look. The first is faster processing—great if you're in a hurry. The second is gentler on the hair and takes a bit longer, but it's especially popular for people who get brow lamination because it's so conditioning. Let me recommend based on your lash type and what you're hoping for."