Lash Tech Tips: How to look after your Lash Adhesive - cold weather edition

Currently in Australia, we've transitioned from mild temperatures to chilly winter days and as a result your lash room may be chilly in the mornings. To counteract this you might find yourself cranking up the heat to keep you and your clients warm. This abrupt shift from external cold to internal warmth in your lash room or salon can wreak havoc on your adhesive quality and consistency. 

You may observe your adhesive becoming stringy more quickly than usual or even right from the start. The culprit? The temperature of the adhesive within the bottle.

While lash trainers emphasise controlling environmental conditions, it's equally crucial to manage the physical state of the adhesive itself.

Here's a top tip: The adhesive performs best at room temperature (18-24°C).

Here's how you can achieve optimal conditions:

To assist you, we've compiled a list of dos and don'ts:

Don't:

• Leave your lash adhesive overnight in your car or an unheated salon/lash room.
• Place the lash adhesive near a heat source like a radiator or space heater.
• Use your lash adhesive for the first time with your initial client of the day.
  
  

Do:

• Keep the adhesive at room temperature consistently.
• Storing the lash glue in an airtight container and bringing it up to room temperature may restore its usual consistency. However, it's crucial to avoid storing opened adhesive in the refrigerator to prevent condensation, which can damage the product.
• A straightforward yet effective practice is to take your eyelash glue home with you at night, ensuring it maintains a more consistent temperature.
• Allowing the adhesive to naturally return to room temperature can alleviate this issue; typically, an hour or so suffices.
• Check your adhesive at least one hour before your first client. The adhesive dot should last at least 15-30 minutes before showing signs of being stringy. With everything perfect, you might even get over an hour.
• Note the date of opening on the bottle and replace it within six weeks.
  
  

CLIENT'S SKIN MOISTURE MATTERS
It's essential to recognise that the transition between seasons can influence the behavior of our lash adhesive, partially due to changes in our clients' skin. Dry skin is a common concern during the winter months, and it affects lash adhesive in a couple of significant ways.

One effect is that the lack of moisture in the skin can slow down the drying time of the glue. This can result in increased fumes and pose a risk of lashes shifting position. Alternatively, in an effort to combat dryness, clients may use heavier moisturisers, which can leave their lashes oilier. This, in turn, can shorten the lifespan of their extensions.

CHANGES IN HUMIDITY
Humidity plays a pivotal role in the performance of your lash adhesive, influencing both its application and longevity. You can gauge humidity levels using a Hygrometer and Thermometer. During winter, humidity levels may either rise due to increased precipitation or decrease as indoor heating systems kick in.

To address heightened humidity, ensure that the adhesive is completely cured before your client departs. Utilise products like Superbonder to finalise the bonding process without compromising lash flexibility. On the flip side, in a dry environment, the adhesive's curing time may be prolonged.

SOLUTIONS: 
- Placing a damp towel on a radiator.
- Applying Primer onto the natural lashes throughout the set, but be careful not to touch the glue bonds as this can cause shock polymerisation.
- Adding water droplets along the eyepatch. This will assist with humidity.
- Investing in a small humidifier for your lash salon or workspace (It's important to keep this item at a safe distance from the bed as high humidity levels can be problematic!) 

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