One Step sounds simple - but there's some clever chemistry happening behind the name.
Traditional lash lift and brow lamination systems separate the lifting and setting stages. Step 1 softens the hair and changes its existing structure, before Step 2 helps set the hair into its new position.
With the LFT One Step System, these processes aren't separated into a traditional Step 1 and Step 2.
Instead, reduction, reshaping and stabilisation overlap within one controlled processing period.
So, how does that actually work?
What Happens During a One Step Treatment?
To change the direction of a lash or brow hair, its internal structure needs to become flexible enough for the hair to be repositioned.
The LFT One Step Lotion softens the hair so it can be reshaped, while the formulation begins stabilising that new position during the same processing period.
This is why positioning is so important.
The product isn't doing all of the work for you. The lashes or brow hairs still need to be carefully positioned into the shape you want to create while the chemistry takes place.
But How Can It Work Without Step 2?
This is where it's easy to oversimplify the science. You may hear One Step systems explained as one ingredient breaking the bonds while another immediately rebuilds them.
In reality, hair chemistry is more complex than that.
Reduction, reshaping and progressive stabilisation are happening within the same treatment window, and oxygen exposure also plays a role as the hair moves through the process.
It isn't a case of every disulphide bond being broken and then perfectly rebuilt in exactly the same place.
The finished result depends on the complete formulation, processing conditions, positioning and timing working together.
How Long Does LFT One Step Process For?
One Step doesn't mean one timing for everyone.
The natural lashes or brow hairs still need to be assessed before treatment, with the processing time selected according to the thickness, condition and resistance of the hair.
Brow Lamination
Fine hair: 3-5 minutes
Medium hair: 6-7 minutes
Thick hair: 8-10 minutes
Lash Lift
Fine lashes: 5-6 minutes
Medium lashes: 8-9 minutes
Thick lashes: 10-13 minutes
These timings give you your processing window, but the condition and behaviour of the natural hair should still be closely monitored throughout.
Fine hairs can respond much more quickly than thicker, more resistant hairs, which is why correctly assessing the client's natural lashes or brows before you begin is so important.
One Step Doesn't Mean Less Control
Although you're removing the separate Step 2 stage, you're certainly not removing the need for professional judgement.
Timing becomes a critical part of the One Step treatment.
Under-processing may mean the hair hasn't softened sufficiently to retain the intended shape, while over-processing can cause unnecessary structural disruption.
You're controlling several things at once: the amount of product, positioning, processing time, the condition and resistance of the natural hair and when the product is removed.
This is why One Step should never simply mean applying the lotion, setting a timer and walking away.
One Step means one controlled processing period - not one approach for every client.
What About the U/V Bend Test?
If you're already familiar with traditional LFT Lash Lift treatments, you may be used to performing a U/V bend test to help assess processing.
The One Step System works differently, and the U/V bend test cannot be performed in the same way with One Step.
Instead, you need to keep a close eye on the behaviour of the lashes or brow hairs throughout the processing window and learn to recognise when they have processed appropriately.
This is another reason why professional education matters when moving between different lifting systems.
Is One Step the Same as the LFT Three-Step System?
No. The LFT One Step System is completely separate from our core Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3 treatment system.
Different systems have different chemistry, application methods, processing times and techniques.
Being qualified in Lash Lift or Brow Lamination gives you the foundation, but timings and techniques shouldn't automatically be transferred from one system to another.
Understanding how the product you're using works is just as important as knowing how to apply it.
Why One Step?
For experienced professionals, One Step offers another way to approach lash and brow lifting without separating the structural process into a traditional lifting and setting stage.
But the name shouldn't be mistaken for a shortcut. Beautiful results still rely on assessment, controlled processing, precise positioning and understanding the hair in front of you.
One Step simplifies the stages but not the skill behind the treatment.