How to Store Lash Adhesives for Longer Life
Lash adhesives are one of the most crucial products for any lash artist. Proper storage not only ensures high-quality applications but also extends the shelf life of these delicate products. Incorrect storage can lead to a breakdown of the adhesive’s properties, making it less effective and potentially causing client dissatisfaction. In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for storing lash adhesives, keeping them fresh and effective for longer.
Why Proper Storage of Lash Adhesives Matters
Adhesives for lash extensions contain complex chemical compositions that are highly sensitive to environmental factors. Improper storage can cause the adhesive to lose its bonding strength, consistency, and drying speed. This can lead to premature lash shedding or compromised application quality, resulting in unhappy clients.
Maintaining the adhesive’s quality is not only crucial for successful lash application but also for the safety of your clients, as expired or poorly maintained adhesives can cause allergic reactions or irritation.
Ideal Temperature for Lash Adhesive Storage
One of the most important factors in storing lash adhesives is controlling the temperature. Adhesives should be kept in a cool, stable environment, ideally between 15°C and 21°C (59°F to 70°F). Storing adhesive in a place where the temperature fluctuates, such as near windows, heaters, or air conditioners, can degrade the adhesive’s quality over time.
To ensure the best results, consider storing your adhesive in a temperature-controlled storage unit. If this isn’t an option, choose a cool, dark place in your salon, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Managing Humidity Levels
Humidity plays a significant role in the performance of lash adhesives. High humidity levels can cause the adhesive to cure faster than desired, while low humidity can slow down the curing process, making it difficult to apply extensions correctly.
The ideal humidity range for lash adhesive storage is between 40% and 60%. It’s a good idea to invest in a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in your workspace. If your environment is prone to high humidity, consider using silica gel packs or a dehumidifier in your storage area to control the moisture in the air.
Should You Store Adhesives in the Fridge?
Many lash artists wonder if storing adhesives in the refrigerator will extend their shelf life. While refrigeration can slow down the adhesive's degradation process, it also introduces risks. If not properly sealed, condensation can form inside the bottle when it's removed from the fridge, leading to moisture contamination.
If you do decide to store adhesives in the refrigerator, ensure that they are tightly sealed in an airtight container with silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture. When taking the adhesive out, let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before opening to avoid condensation.
Keeping Your Adhesive Bottles Sealed and Upright
Always ensure that the lid of your lash adhesive bottle is tightly sealed after each use. Air exposure can cause the adhesive to thicken and lose its bonding strength. In addition, store the bottle in an upright position to prevent any leakage or clogging of the nozzle, which can affect the quality of the product over time.
Using a clean, dry cloth to wipe the nozzle before closing the bottle helps prevent the buildup of dried adhesive that can block the opening.
Shelf Life and Expiration Dates
Even with proper storage, lash adhesives have a limited shelf life. Most adhesives are effective for up to six months if unopened and between four to six weeks once opened. Always check the expiration date and ensure that you’re using fresh products.
Using expired adhesive not only risks the quality of the lash application but can also lead to potential health concerns for clients. Mark the date when you open a new bottle, so you can track how long it’s been in use.
Traveling with Lash Adhesives
For mobile lash artists or those who travel frequently for work, proper storage becomes even more critical. Temperature fluctuations during transport can be detrimental to the adhesive. To protect it, use an insulated storage bag or a portable cooler with silica gel packs to maintain a stable temperature while traveling.
Additionally, avoid keeping adhesives in the trunk of a car or exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause rapid temperature changes.
Tools for Proper Adhesive Storage
Investing in proper storage tools will ensure your lash adhesives maintain their quality. Some helpful items include:
- Airtight containers: To keep the adhesive away from air and humidity.
- Silica gel packets: To absorb excess moisture in the storage area.
- Temperature-controlled storage: To maintain a stable environment for your adhesive.
- Hygrometers: To measure humidity levels and adjust as needed.
Offering clients consistent results starts with maintaining the quality of your tools, and storing adhesives correctly is one of the easiest ways to ensure this.
To recap, here are some common mistakes to avoid when storing lash adhesives:
- Storing adhesives near heat or in direct sunlight.
- Not sealing the bottle tightly after each use.
- Failing to monitor humidity levels in your storage area.
- Exposing the adhesive to frequent temperature changes, especially during travel.
- Using expired or improperly stored adhesives.
By taking the time to store your lash adhesives properly, you’ll not only extend their shelf life but also ensure that every lash application is high-quality and safe for your clients.