As a lash artist, you know that lash glue is one of the most essential tools in your kit. However, even the best lash adhesives can go to waste if they aren’t stored properly. Improper storage can lead to premature spoilage, affecting the glue’s performance and your ability to create beautiful, long-lasting sets for your clients.
In this guide, we’ll dive into lash glue storage best practices, explain how to extend your adhesive's shelf life, and offer practical tips to ensure you're getting the most out of your product. By following these simple steps, you can keep your adhesives fresh and extend their longevity — all while ensuring flawless retention for your clients.
Why Proper Lash Glue Storage Matters
Lash adhesive is a carefully formulated product that relies on specific environmental conditions to maintain its optimal performance. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure can drastically affect the adhesive's shelf life and overall quality. If stored improperly, the glue can thicken, lose its bonding power, or become completely unusable.
Key Reasons to Store Lash Glue Correctly:
- Preserves Retention: Proper storage helps the glue maintain its optimal bonding strength, ensuring your lash extensions last as long as possible.
- Prevents Spoilage: Avoid contamination or premature thickening caused by exposure to air and moisture.
- Cost-Effective: When you store your lash glue correctly, you extend its shelf life and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
Now that you understand why storage is crucial, let’s explore the best ways to store lash adhesive to maximize its shelf life.
Best Ways to Store Lash Adhesive
1. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Lash adhesives are highly sensitive to heat and humidity. Exposure to extreme temperatures or moisture can cause the glue to break down and lose its effectiveness.
- Ideal Temperature: The optimal storage temperature for lash glue is between 20°C and 23°C (68°F - 73°F).
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Store your adhesives in a dark area, away from direct sunlight, which can degrade the glue's formula over time.
- Store in a Dry Location: High humidity can affect the chemical reaction in the glue, leading to an inconsistent bond. Keep your adhesives in a place with low humidity.
2. Seal the Bottle Tightly
It’s important to seal the glue bottle tightly after each use. This prevents air exposure, which can cause the glue to thicken and become unusable.
- Avoid Air Exposure: Excess air inside the bottle can react with the glue, causing it to harden prematurely.
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Wipe the Tip: After each use, make sure to clean off any excess glue from the tip of the bottle. This helps prevent clogging and keeps the adhesive fresh.
3. Use Airtight Containers or Storage Cases
If you're storing multiple bottles of lash glue or your adhesives in bulk, consider using an airtight storage container. These containers help prevent air and moisture from affecting the quality of the glue.
- Storage Bags or Vials: For added protection, consider placing your adhesives in sealed bags or small vials to reduce exposure to air and light.
- Lash Adhesive Storage Box: Invest in a specialized storage box that provides a controlled environment for your adhesives. Some boxes even come with compartments to organize different types of adhesives.
4. Keep It in the Fridge (Optional)
While refrigeration isn’t always necessary, some lash artists choose to store their adhesives in the fridge to extend shelf life, especially in warmer climates. Cold storage helps preserve the adhesive's viscosity and bonding strength.
- Do It Right: If you decide to refrigerate your adhesives, ensure that the bottles are sealed tightly and placed in an airtight container.
- Bring to Room Temperature Before Use: When you’re ready to use the adhesive, allow it to return to room temperature. Applying cold glue can cause it to perform poorly, especially when used on clients.
5. Avoid Storing Near Strong Chemicals or Fumes
Lash adhesives can be sensitive to chemical fumes, including those from cleaning products, perfumes, or even strong-smelling cosmetics. Always store your lash glue away from these substances to maintain its integrity.
- Keep Away from Cleaning Products: Don't store adhesives near strong cleaning agents or disinfectants, as the fumes can affect the glue's bonding ability.
Common Lash Glue Storage Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Leaving the Lid Open or Loosely Closed
One of the most common storage mistakes is leaving the lid of the adhesive bottle open or not closing it properly after use. This exposes the glue to air, which leads to premature spoilage.
Tip to Avoid It: Always ensure that the lid is tightly secured after each use, and clean the tip to prevent buildup.
2. Storing in Hot or Humid Environments
Heat and humidity are lash glue's worst enemies. Storing your adhesive in places like a hot car or near a heater can dramatically reduce its shelf life.
Tip to Avoid It: Always check the temperature of your storage area to make sure it falls within the recommended range. If you’re in a particularly hot or humid environment, consider refrigeration (as mentioned earlier).
3. Using Expired Adhesives
Lash adhesives have a shelf life, typically ranging from 3-6 months once opened, depending on the brand and formula. Using expired adhesives can result in poor retention and lash damage.
Tip to Avoid It: Keep track of the expiration date on your adhesives, and use them before they expire. Rotate your stock so that older adhesives are used first.
4. Not Keeping the Adhesive Upright
Storing lash glue lying down can cause it to leak out of the bottle or cause uneven viscosity. This can also lead to air exposure and drying.
Tip to Avoid It: Always store adhesives upright to ensure the consistency remains even and the bottle stays sealed tightly.
FAQs About Lash Glue Storage
How long can lash adhesive last?
Lash adhesives typically have a shelf life of 3 to 6 months once opened, depending on the brand and formulation. To get the most out of your adhesive, ensure it's stored properly and used within its recommended time frame.
Can I store lash adhesive in the refrigerator?
Yes, storing your adhesive in the refrigerator can help extend its shelf life, but it must be sealed tightly in an airtight container. Always allow it to return to room temperature before using.
What’s the best temperature for storing lash adhesive?
The ideal temperature for storing lash glue is between 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73°F). This temperature range ensures that the adhesive maintains its consistency and bonding strength.
Can I use expired lash adhesive?
Using expired lash glue is not recommended. Expired adhesive can lose its bonding strength, leading to poor lash retention. Always check the expiration date and use the glue within its recommended time frame.
Conclusion: Keep Your Lash Adhesive Fresh for Better Retention
Storing your lash adhesive properly is essential to maintaining its performance and ensuring your clients enjoy the best possible retention. By following these simple storage tips, you’ll prolong the shelf life of your adhesives and avoid wasting money on products that spoil prematurely.
At Aki Lashes, we understand how important lash glue is to your craft. That's why we offer high-quality lash adhesives designed to perform at their best and last longer. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, we provide the tools, products, and training to support your lash business.
Ready to take your lash business to the next level? Explore our range of premium lash adhesives or sign up for training today to enhance your lash artistry!