Keeping lash extensions at their best can be challenging especially when heat and humidity come into play. Heatwaves, increased humidity & summer all tend to wreak havoc on the retention of your lash extension sets.
In this article, we’ll look at the science behind heat and humidity’s impact on lash extensions and unveil strategies to keep those lashes looking flawless, equipping you with the knowledge to take your craft to new heights, wherever you or your clients might find yourselves.
Understanding the Impact of Heat & Humidity on Lash Extensions
It's a delicate balance that lead to the successful adhesion of extensions to natural lashes, you need to operate at the right temperature & humidity for your lash adhesive for it to work properly.
Heat can dry and weaken the adhesive bonds that hold eyelash extensions in place, causing them to become fragile, and the problems start before your client has even gotten out of your chair.
Humidity adds unexpected moisture that can make lash glue behave unpredictably. High humidity means that your lash glue can become too tacky, not set properly, or, conversely, speed up the curing process, both of which can affect the bond strength and the overall finish of the lash application.
It's important to distinguish between direct heat sources, such as hair dryers, curling irons, and ovens, which can instantly damage extensions, and indirect heat, like that from a hot summer day or a steamy shower. Direct heat can cause immediate and visible damage to the lash extensions, making them clump together or change shape. Indirect heat, while less immediately dramatic, accelerates wear and tear on the lash adhesive over time, subtly shortening the lifespan of your client's eyelash extensions.
Together, heat and humidity can be quite the duo, challenging the resilience and performance of lash extensions. But don't stress too much, with knowledge and skill, we can navigate these challenges, ensuring our clients' lashes remain as captivating as ever.
Lash Extension Care in Heat & Humidity: Tips for Lash Techs
As lash technicians, our expertise extends beyond the application table; it encompasses the entire lifecycle of lash extensions. By implementing these guidelines, we empower ourselves and our clients to maintain the allure of eyelash extensions against the backdrop of heat and humidity challenges.
Storage for Lash Adhesives
Lash adhesives are notably sensitive to environmental conditions like high heat and high humidity. To keep your lash glues performing optimally and ensure they're in prime condition when it's time to beautify your clients, here’s what you need to know:
The best place for your lash adhesives is somewhere cool and dark. Our Air Tight Adhesive Containers are designed to protect your adhesives from the unpredictable swings in humidity and temperature. Capable of holding up to three bottles, these containers are an essential addition to any lash technician's toolkit.
Airtight Adhesive Container, £4.99
This container keeps your lash adhesives will remain in pristine condition, ready to create lasting beauty, session after session.
Mastering Humidity for Perfect Adhesion
The ideal range for lash adhesive performance sits comfortably between 40-60% humidity. Sudden shifts in this delicate balance can unexpectedly affect the adhesive's curing time, leading to potential issues with lash retention. It's crucial, then, to maintain a vigilant eye on your salon's humidity levels, ready to adjust your environment as needed to preserve the integrity of each lash application.
Consider incorporating a dehumidifier or humidifier into your workspace. These tools can be invaluable allies in keeping conditions optimal, ensuring that every lash set you apply stays flawless for longer.
Use a Slower Drying Lash Adhesive
As heat quickens the drying time of your adhesive, in the summer months, you may need to try a slower drying lash glue. As the temperature rises, you may notice your adhesives becoming more fluid, reacting quicker than usual. This sensitivity to warmth necessitates an adaptable approach to lash application; particularly, when room temperatures deviate from the ideal range of 18-24 degrees Celsius.
For Bulletproof Bond lovers, you can try our Bestie Bond adhesive, which has a 1-2 second drying time, rather than Bulletproof's 1 second drying time. This gives you just that bit of extra time to ensure your placement & adhesion is right.
Bestie Bond Adhesive, 5ml, £25.99
Adhesive Shaking: A Must-Do
With warmer weather, the composition of eyelash extension glues can become more fluid, leading to potential inconsistencies in application if not properly prepared. To combat this, a vigorous lash glue shaking routine becomes crucial.
Before each use, shaking your adhesive for 30 seconds to a minute is vital. This ensures all the ingredients are evenly distributed, providing a consistent and reliable bond every time. Think of it as waking up the adhesive, ensuring it's fully ready to perform at its best.
Lash Extension Care in Heat & Humidity: Tips for Clients
We’ve covered some of the things that you can do to aid your treatments, here's some tailored advice you can share with your clients to ensure their eyelash extensions continue to enhance their beauty, regardless of the weather conditions.
Daily Lash Care
To keep your lash extensions looking as lovely as the day they were applied, a bit of daily care goes a long way.
Encourage clients to cleanse their lashes daily with a lash extension-friendly lash cleanser. By doing this each day, your clients will gently wash away any build-up and maintain the integrity of the adhesive bond.
Lash Cleanser, 60ml, £9.99
Scheduling Regular Refill Appointments
Your client should think of regular refill appointments not just as routine maintenance but as essential care to keep their lash line looking full and fabulous. These sessions provide an opportunity to address any wear and tear, ensuring their extensions always look their best. Keeping up with your refills is crucial, especially in the warmer months when high heat and high humidity can accelerate the natural life cycle of lash extensions.
Applying a Lash Sealant
Before heading off to humid destinations or simply to combat the everyday humidity at home, ensuring clients apply a lash sealant is a wise move. Our Lock It In Sealant is designed to form a protective barrier around the base of the lash extensions, shielding the adhesive from water, sweat, dirt, and oils that can weaken the bond.
Lock It In Lash Sealant, 10g, £16.99
For optimal results, they should use a microbrush to apply a small amount of the sealant to the base of the lashes 2-3 times a week, following a thorough cleanse with a lash cleanser. This added layer of protection will keep your clients’ lashes in tip-top shape, come rain or shine.
Advise on Drying Techniques
After any exposure to water, be it from a shower, swim, or unexpected rain, gently patting the lashes dry is crucial. Rubbing can stress the lash extensions and adhesive, risking damage and fallout. A soft touch ensures longevity and keeps those lashes looking flawless.
Warn Against Direct Heat
Exposure to direct heat sources, such as hairdryers at high temperatures or open ovens, can be detrimental to lash extensions. Advising clients to steer clear of high heat ensures the adhesive remains intact, preserving the beauty of their extensions.
By following and sharing these essential care tips, your clients can enjoy durable, beautiful lash extensions regardless of the weather. It's all about giving them the knowledge and tools they need to protect their investment and continue to enjoy the confidence that comes with perfect lashes.
Key Factors That Accelerate Heat & Humidity Damage
Understanding the culprits behind increased damage to lash extensions in the presence of high heat and high humidity can empower us to better protect these delicate beauties. Here are the key players:
Direct Sun Exposure: Just like our skin, eyelash extensions can suffer under too much sun. The UV rays can break down the adhesive quicker and can even alter the colour and texture of the lash fibres themselves.
Excessive Sweating: Active lifestyles don't have to be at odds with fabulous lashes, but without the right precautions, sweat can seep into the lash line, disturbing the adhesive's setting and bond.
Swimming and Water Activities: Chlorinated pools and salty seas are quintessential summer pleasures but can be harsh on lash extensions. Water acts as a slow but steady force, weakening the bond between the natural lash and the extension over time.
Air Conditioning and Fans: Seeking solace from the heat under the cool breeze of a fan or air conditioner? Be mindful. Continuous air flow can dry out the eyes and lash line, potentially leading to increased lash fallout.
Improper Aftercare: Last but not least, the way lash extensions are cared for at home plays a monumental role. High heat and high humidity demand a bit more diligence - think gentle cleansings, avoiding oily products, and using protective sealants.
Conclusion
Remember, your expertise and guidance are invaluable to your clients. Share these tips and educate them on the importance of aftercare, especially during those warmer, muggier months. Your role extends beyond the initial application — you're helping them to achieve lasting confidence.
Still have questions about maintaining your lash extensions in the heat? We're here to help ensure your lash extensions remain flawless, come rain or shine. Don’t hesitate to contact us. Let's keep those lashes looking their absolute best, no matter the temperature.
