Aki Lashes wants you to get the most out of your lash adhesive. These are not you everyday lash glues, these are professional products that need to be cared for in order to get the best quality work. Let's get into some tips you can use to get the most out of your lash extension adhesive.
When to Switch Out Your Glue Drop
Knowing when to switch out your glue drop is essential for maintaining strong lash retention and avoiding issues like poor adhesion or premature curing. As a general rule, lash adhesive drops should be replaced approximately every 20 minutes during your lashing session. However, you should always keep an eye on the glue’s behavior, as environmental factors such as humidity and temperature can cause it to cure faster. If you notice your adhesive becoming stringy, thick, or starts to develop a film on top, it's a sign that it's time to switch it out earlier. Keeping your adhesive fresh helps maintain optimal bonding and ensures smooth application, leading to better retention and happier clients! You may notice you need to switch out your adhesive dot more or less often depending on the type of adhesive surface you are using. Here are some approximate times a glue dot will stay fresh on various adhesive surfaces.
- Jade Stone No Tape 15mins
- Jade Stone w/ Paper Tape 20mins
- Glue Palette 25mins
- Glue Ring 30mins
How to Tell an Adhesive Drop Is Expired
To tell when an adhesive drop has expired, keep an eye out for the following signs:
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Change in Texture: If the adhesive becomes stringy, thick, or starts clumping, it's a sign it's no longer fresh. Fresh glue should have a smooth, liquid consistency.
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Film or Skin Formation: When a film forms on top of the drop, it indicates that the glue has started to cure. This can happen quickly in high-humidity environments.
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Drying Too Quickly or Not at All: If you notice that lashes aren’t bonding properly or the adhesive dries too fast or too slow, it might be time for a new drop.
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Loss of Adhesive Strength: If lashes begin to pop off or don’t attach as securely as expected, your glue drop may have lost its bonding strength and needs to be replaced.
Ideally, you should replace your adhesive drop every 20 minutes, but always watch for these signs to switch it out sooner if needed. Keeping glue fresh ensures a smoother lashing process and better retention.
How Long Can You Keep an Opened Adhesive
Lash adhesives typically last about 4 weeks after being opened due to their exposure to environmental factors, which can break down the adhesive’s chemical structure. Here are the main reasons why their longevity is limited:
1. Exposure to Moisture:
Cyanoacrylate, the main ingredient in lash adhesives, begins to cure (harden) when exposed to moisture in the air. Every time you open the adhesive bottle, humidity causes the glue to thicken and lose its effectiveness. As the adhesive absorbs moisture, its bonding power diminishes, and over time, it no longer forms strong bonds with lashes.
2. Chemical Breakdown:
Once opened, lash adhesive starts a slow degradation process. Even in controlled environments, the exposure to oxygen and repeated exposure to air accelerates the breakdown of the cyanoacrylate. This reduces its shelf life and impacts the adhesive's performance.
3. Heat and Light Exposure:
Heat and light can speed up the curing process of the adhesive, even while it's still in the bottle. If not stored correctly, such as in a cool and dark place, the glue can degrade much faster, reducing the effective working time after it’s opened.
4. Frequent Opening and Closing:
Each time you open the bottle, contaminants like dust and air particles can enter, affecting the consistency of the adhesive. The more often the bottle is opened, the quicker the adhesive loses its freshness and becomes less reliable.
To ensure you get the most out of your adhesive, it's essential to store it properly and monitor its performance closely, replacing it after 4 weeks or sooner if you notice changes in consistency or bonding power.
How to Properly Store Your Adhesive
Properly storing your lash adhesive is crucial to maintaining its quality and extending its shelf life. Here are some key tips to ensure your adhesive stays fresh and effective:
1. Store in a Cool, Dry Place:
Adhesives should be kept in an environment where the temperature is stable. The ideal temperature is typically between 15-25°C (59-77°F). Avoid areas that are too hot or cold, such as near direct sunlight, heaters, wax warmers, hot towel caddies, or air conditioners. Use a hygrometer jar to ensure you are storing your adhesive in ideal conditions.
2. Keep Away from Humidity:
Humidity is a key factor in premature curing, so it's important to keep your adhesive away from moisture. A dedicated airtight container with silica gel packets is an excellent way to store the glue, as the silica helps absorb any excess humidity.
3. Minimize Air Exposure:
Every time you open the adhesive bottle, air enters, which can speed up the breakdown process. Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use to limit air exposure and slow the curing process inside the bottle.
4. Avoid Storing in Refrigerators After Opening:
While some suggest refrigerating unopened adhesives to prolong their shelf life, it’s not recommended to store them in the fridge once opened. This is because temperature changes (taking it in and out of the fridge) can cause condensation, which can compromise the adhesive.
5. Use a Dark Storage Area:
Light can also degrade the adhesive over time. Keeping it in a dark area or an opaque container can help preserve its integrity.
By following these storage practices, you’ll maximize the life of your adhesive and ensure consistent performance during lash application.
How Long Can an Adhesive Last in the Fridge
When stored properly, an unopened lash adhesive can last up to 6 months in the fridge. Refrigeration helps slow down the adhesive's curing process by keeping it in a cool, controlled environment. However, once removed from the fridge, the adhesive should be brought to room temperature before use to avoid condensation issues, which can affect its quality.
For optimal results, keep the adhesive in an airtight container with silica gel to absorb any moisture that might otherwise compromise its effectiveness. It's essential to always check the manufacturer's recommendations, as specific shelf life may vary depending on the product.
In conclusion, by following these tips, you can significantly extend the life of your lash adhesive and ensure consistent, high-quality results for your clients. Remember, proper care—both during use and storage—is key to getting the most out of professional lash adhesives. Whether it’s regularly replacing glue drops, monitoring for signs of expiration, or storing your adhesive in optimal conditions, each step contributes to a smoother application process and better retention. By taking the time to manage your adhesive correctly, you'll see longer-lasting, beautiful lashes and happier clients!