FAQs
Brik & Pearl
FAQs
WHAT IS BRIK & PEARL?
Brik & Pearl is an intelligent hybrid lash lift and brow lamination system engineered to combine the proven lifting power of Thioglycolate chemistry with the controlled, selective action of Cysteamine technology.
Rather than relying on a single reducing pathway, Brik & Pearl uses both chemistries together to create controlled bond modification while supporting the integrity of the hair fibre throughout the treatment. This balanced approach allows exceptional lifting performance while helping to minimise unnecessary stress on the hair structure.
WHY IS BRIK & PEARL CALLED A HYBRID SYSTEM?
A hybrid system combines two different reducing technologies into one carefully engineered formulation.
Brik & Pearl combines:
- Ammonium Thioglycolate
- Cysteamine HCl
Each ingredient behaves differently within the hair fibre. Thioglycolate provides powerful reshaping capability, while Cysteamine works through a more selective pathway that helps moderate the lifting process.
Together they create a more intelligent chemical system than relying on either ingredient alone.
IS BRIK & PEARL SUITABLE FOR BOTH LASH LIFTING AND BROW LAMINATION?
Yes.
The chemistry has been designed to safely reshape both lash and brow hair when correct processing times and application techniques are followed.
Brik & Pearl has been specifically formulated for both lash lifting and brow lamination. Its balanced chemistry gently reshapes the hair while helping to maintain the integrity of both the hair and the skin when used with the correct application techniques and processing times.
WHAT DOES "ENGINEERED AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL" ACTUALLY MEAN?
Yes.
The chemistry has been designed to safely reshape both lash and brow hair when correct processing times and application techniques are followed.
Brik & Pearl has been specifically formulated for both lash lifting and brow lamination. Its balanced chemistry gently reshapes the hair while helping to maintain the integrity of both the hair and the skin when used with the correct application techniques and processing times.
IS BRIK & PEARL SUITABLE FOR BOTH LASH LIFTING AND BROW LAMINATION?
Every ingredient within Brik & Pearl has been selected with a specific purpose.
Rather than simply breaking and reforming disulfide bonds, the system has been designed to simultaneously support:
- bond modification
- structural reinforcement
- amino acid replenishment
- antioxidant protection
- hydration
- fibre conditioning
The result is a lifting system that works with the biology of the hair throughout every stage of the treatment, not just the chemistry.
WHY USE BOTH THIOGLYCOLATE AND CYSTEAMINE?
This is probably the most important question surrounding Brik & Pearl.
Traditionally, lash lift systems rely on a single reducing agent. Brik & Pearl instead combines two different reducing pathways.
Ammonium Thioglycolate provides highly effective bond reduction and reshaping.
Cysteamine HCl works alongside it to support a more controlled modification of the disulfide bonds.
Rather than relying on a single chemical pathway for bond modification, the chemistry is layered.
This allows the technician greater flexibility while helping support the structural integrity of the hair throughout processing.
DOES THIS MEAN BRIK & PEARL IS GENTLER?
Not necessarily.
“Gentle” should never be confused with “less effective.”
Brik & Pearl has been engineered to be highly effective while reducing unnecessary chemical stress through intelligent formulation.
Its performance comes from balancing chemistry rather than simply reducing chemical strength.
WHY DOESN'T BRIK & PEARL RELY ON CYSTEAMINE ALONE
Every reducing agent has strengths.
Thioglycolate remains one of the most predictable and reliable chemistries for reshaping keratin fibres.
Cysteamine offers excellent control and selective bond modification.
By combining both, Brik & Pearl takes advantage of the benefits each ingredient offers instead of asking one chemistry to perform every role.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS INSIDE THE HAIR DURING STEP ONE?
During Bond Flex, the alkaline environment allows the cuticle to soften while the reducing agents temporarily break selected disulfide bonds within the cortex.
This temporarily weakens the internal structure of the hair, allowing it to be reshaped around the shield or into the desired brow position.
At the same time, proteins, amino acids and conditioning ingredients begin supporting the fibre while this structural change is taking place.
WHY ARE PROTEINS INCLUDED IN BOND FLEX?
Hair is primarily made from keratin proteins.
Chemical processing naturally places stress on this protein structure. Hydrolysed proteins within Bond Flex temporarily reinforce the fibre during processing, helping support strength while the internal bonds are being modified.
Think of them as providing temporary scaffolding while structural work is taking place.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS INSIDE THE HAIR DURING STEP ONE?
During Bond Flex, the alkaline environment allows the cuticle to soften while the reducing agents temporarily break selected disulfide bonds within the cortex.
This temporarily weakens the internal structure of the hair, allowing it to be reshaped around the shield or into the desired brow position.
At the same time, proteins, amino acids and conditioning ingredients begin supporting the fibre while this structural change is taking place.
WHAT DO AMINO ACIDS ACTUALLY DO?
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
Ingredients such as Arginine, Serine and Threonine help support hydration, flexibility and fibre resilience.
Rather than simply coating the hair, they contribute to maintaining a healthier environment during processing.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS INSIDE THE HAIR DURING STEP ONE?
During Bond Flex, the alkaline environment allows the cuticle to soften while the reducing agents temporarily break selected disulfide bonds within the cortex.
This temporarily weakens the internal structure of the hair, allowing it to be reshaped around the shield or into the desired brow position.
At the same time, proteins, amino acids and conditioning ingredients begin supporting the fibre while this structural change is taking place.
WHY ARE ANTIOXIDANTS INCLUDED?
Whenever chemical reactions occur, oxidative stress can also occur.
Antioxidants such as Vitamin E and Vitamin C derivatives help support fibre integrity during this process.
Their role isn’t to stop the lifting action – they help protect the surrounding hair structure while the chemistry does its job.
WHY IS BOND LOCK MORE THAN JUST A NEUTRALISER?
Traditional neutralisers simply reform disulfide bonds.
Bond Lock has been designed to do considerably more.
While Hydrogen Peroxide reforms the disulfide bonds, the formulation also delivers conditioning ingredients, hydration and surface refinement to help stabilise the newly created shape.
The result is improved curl memory, smoother fibres and greater consistency.
WHAT CAUSES OVER-PROCESSING?
Over-processing occurs when more disulfide bonds are broken than necessary, or when the hair remains in the reducing phase for longer than required.
This can reduce elasticity, weaken the cortex and leave the hair dehydrated or brittle.
Brik & Pearl is designed to support controlled bond modification, but correct processing times and continual assessment remain essential.
DOES MORE PROCESSING CREATE A BETTER LIFT?
Over-processing occurs when more disulfide bonds are broken than necessary, or when the hair remains in the reducing phase for longer than required.
This can reduce elasticity, weaken the cortex and leave the hair dehydrated or brittle.
Brik & Pearl is designed to support controlled bond modification, but correct processing times and continual assessment remain essential.
WHY IS PH SO IMPORTANT?
The reducing agents require an alkaline environment to work effectively.
Brik & Pearl carefully controls this environment so the chemistry remains efficient while supporting predictable bond modification.
During Bond Lock, the pH is gradually returned towards normal, helping stabilise the newly formed structure.
WHAT IS VOLUME FILLER?
Lash Life Volume Filler is far more than a finishing serum.
It is a fibre conditioning treatment designed to support hydration, peptide delivery, amino acid replenishment and temporary fibre plumping following chemical processing.
It completes the Brik & Pearl system by focusing on long-term fibre quality rather than simply cosmetic shine.
WHY IS IT CALLED A FILLER?
The term “filler” refers to temporarily increasing the appearance and feel of fibre density through hydration, conditioning and structural support.
It does not permanently add new hair or permanently thicken the lash. Instead, it helps the fibre appear fuller, softer and healthier after treatment.
WHAT DO PEPTIDES ACTUALLY DO?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as biological signalling molecules.
Rather than coating the hair, they help support the fibre’s natural renewal pathways and reinforce structural proteins.
This is why Brik & Pearl describes them as supporting the hair at a biochemical level rather than simply providing cosmetic conditioning.
IS THIOGLYCOLATE OUTDATED?
No.
Thioglycolate remains one of the most reliable and extensively researched reducing agents used in professional hair reshaping.
Its effectiveness is well established.
What matters is not whether a formulation contains Thioglycolate, but how intelligently the entire system has been engineered.
IS CYSTEAMINE ALWAYS SAFER?
No.
No reducing agent is inherently “safe” or “unsafe.”
The safety and performance of any lifting system depends on the complete formulation, processing control and technician knowledge, not simply the name of the reducing ingredient.
DOES BRIK & PEARL REPAIR HAIR?
No chemical lifting system can permanently repair damaged hair.
However, Brik & Pearl has been formulated with proteins, amino acids, antioxidants, peptides and conditioning ingredients that help support fibre integrity before, during and after processing, promoting healthier-looking, more resilient lashes and brows over time.
WHAT CAN I DO IF MY CLIENT'S LASHES HAVE NOT LIFTED ENOUGH?
Begin by assessing why the lift was under-processed. Check the product expiry date and confirm the products have been stored correctly. Review the lash assessment, including the hair’s diameter, density, porosity and resistance, and consider whether the processing time was appropriate for the individual client.
If the lashes are healthy and have not reached the desired level of lift, a corrective lifting service may be performed using reduced processing times in accordance with the Brik & Pearl corrective treatment guidelines.
Before performing any corrective service, ensure the lashes are in suitable condition to undergo another chemical treatment. If the lashes show signs of over-processing or compromised integrity, prioritise conditioning and reparative treatments before considering another lifting service.
WHY HAVE MY CLIENT'S LASHES DROPPED OR CHANGED DIRECTION AFTER 24 HOURS?
First, your client may not have followed the aftercare and may have exposed their lashes to hot water, steam, shampoos, cleansers, eye creams or serums within the first 24 hours.
Second, the product may not have been rinsed off well enough during removal.
Third, the lash lift may not have been dried well enough during the appointment to show the full extent of the lift. As the lashes are wet after the treatment, they will be weighed down by the water. Once they begin to dry, they may show over-processing or incorrect lash placement on the silicone rod. Be sure to dry your client’s lashes well before they leave.
WHAT CAN I DO IF MY CLIENT'S LASHES ARE OVER-PROCESSED?
You can use the relaxation method to reduce the curl and encourage the lashes into a softer, less lifted position. Following the treatment, apply Elleeplex ReGen to condition and nourish the lashes while supporting their overall strength and appearance.
If the lashes appear too compromised to proceed with a relaxing treatment, avoid further chemical processing. Instead, apply either Elleeplex ReGen or Lash Life Volume Filler, and recommend Elleeplex Hyaluronic Boost Serum for home use to help hydrate and improve the condition of the lashes.
WHEN SHOULD I REBOOK MY CLIENT FOR A RE-LIFT?
We recommend rebooking your client for their next lash lift no sooner than 6 weeks after their previous treatment. While the longevity of a lash lift varies from client to client, the natural lash growth cycle should always be taken into consideration.
Clients with a faster lash growth cycle may begin to notice new, untreated lashes appearing around the 6-week mark, making this an ideal time for their next service. Other clients with a slower lash growth cycle may continue to enjoy their results for 8-10 weeks before requiring another lift.
If your client is also having a tint, they may choose to return sooner for a tint maintenance appointment if the colour fades before their next lash lift is due.
Interested in
Learning More?
Visit our blog to see the latest news or check out our video gallery to hear what others have to say about Brik & Pearl.
Interested in
Learning More?
Visit our blog to see the latest news or check out our video gallery to hear what others have to say about Brik & Pearl.