We've been there – stocking up on your lash arsenal is no small feat, and there’s nothing more disheartening than discovering that your carefully curated supplies have passed their prime. It's the kind of plot twist that can turn a great lash day into a not-so-great one, right?
Don't worry – with the right knowledge you can avoid this scenario. This article will arm you with the know-how to keep your lash goodies just as fresh and effective as the day you got them. After all, there's an art to ensuring that lash adhesives and their trusty sidekicks stay in tip-top condition, ready to create those stunning sets that have clients swooning. Let's dive into the sometimes tricky but always crucial world of lash supply longevity!
Do Lash Extension Products Have an Expiration Date?
Yes, lash extension products, including that all-important lash adhesive, definitely have expiration dates. These dates are crucial for maintaining the quality and integrity of your lash services. The batch code and the manufacture date, usually found on the product packaging or directly on your adhesive bottle, are your guides here. Sometimes, there’s a standard expiration date listed as well.
Here's how to figure out how long your lash products will last:
- Look for a Date: Check for a printed date on the packaging, which might say "Exp." followed by a date, or a "Best used by" date.
- Batch Codes: Some products use a batch code that you can enter on the manufacturer's website to get the expiry information.
- Product Changes: If the expiry date isn’t clear, keep an eye out for changes in the product’s consistency, colour, or odour, which can signal that the product is past its best.
Lash Trays and Lashes
Eyelash extensions themselves - the stars of the show - come in various curls, thicknesses, and lengths. These don't really expire but they can lose their shape over time. It’s suggested to use them within 6 to 12 months to ensure the best quality of the lash curls and ensure your clients are happy every time.
Tweezers
Precision is the name of the game, and tweezers are an essential tool for lash extension artists. Usually, tweezers don’t have an expiration date, but they can become misaligned or lose their grip over time. Store them in a case away from humidity and make sure to wipe them down after each use to avoid any buildup of excess glue.
Eyelash Extension Tape and Eye Pads
Eye pads and tape may not have a 'use-by' date, but they do have a 'best before' scenario when it comes to adhesion and comfort. They're single-use, but their shelf life in storage can be up to two years when kept in a dry place and away from direct sunlight, ensuring they're ready to go for each session.
Over time, they can lose their stickiness or become less cushy, which can affect the client's experience. Store them in an airtight container to prolong their efficacy.
Lash Cleansers and Primer
Lash cleansers and primers typically have a longer shelf life, ranging from 12 to 24 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Lash Remover
Eyelash extension remover, designed to safely and effectively dissolve lash adhesive, also comes with a shelf life. Typically, an unopened bottle of eyelash extension remover can last up to a year or sometimes even longer if it's stored correctly. However, once opened, its lifespan can vary.
Lash Adhesive
The heart of any lash extension kit is the lash adhesive, and its lifespan is something of a science. Fresh eyelash glue is a dream to work with, but just like Cinderella's carriage, it doesn't stay magical forever. Unopened eyelash adhesive alone can be like fine wine, lasting up to two years when stored in cool, dry places, away from direct sunlight. But once you pop the seal, the countdown begins.
So, exactly how long does eyelash glue last? Here’s the deal: most lash glue bottles have a standard expiration date of about 1 to 3 months post-opening. Why so soon, you ask? Once opened, the glue is inevitably exposed to the elements — air and humidity to be precise. These factors kick-start a polymerization process, where the glue molecules start linking up, turning your perfect lash glue drop into a less-than-perfect gloopy mess.
Not only will expired lash extension glue lead to poor lash retention, but the breakdown of the chemicals in expired lash adhesive can increase the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. Clients may experience redness, itching, or discomfort, which is not only harmful but can also damage your reputation as a lash artist. For this reason, it's absolutely imperative that you don't use lash glues after their expiry dates.
How to Store Your Eyelash Adhesive
We're not just talking about any old storage here. An air tight container or a cool place can be a lash adhesive's best friend. This ensures consistent humidity and a constant temperature, which are deciding factors for your eyelash extension glue's wellbeing. Some lash extension supply brands even recommend keeping unopened adhesive bottles in an airtight container, but once they're opened, it’s best to use them within the golden period for maximum lash extension adhesive factor effectiveness.
Here are some of our top tips for helping your new lash adhesive last longer.
1. Keep the Eyelash Glue Cool
Store your unopened adhesive in a cool place, but not where it's freezing cold. Think of a dry place away from direct sunlight, like a storage drawer or a cabinet.
Contrary to popular belief, refrigerating your lash glue isn't always the answer. If you refrigerate, allow the adhesive bottle to reach room temperature before opening to avoid moisture from condensation, which can compromise the glue.
2. Airtight is Alright
For both opened and unopened adhesive bottles, an airtight container is a lash adhesive's bestie. An airtight container protects the glue from humidity and air - the main culprits of premature curing.
3. Keep The Lash Glue Nozzle Clean
After each use, wipe the eyelash glue nozzle to prevent blockages and ensure a smooth, clean drop next time. This little habit can add days, if not weeks, to your adhesive's life.
4. Master the Glue Drop Technique
Dispense a minimal amount of eyelash glue into a glue ring or on a jade stone to limit waste. A smaller glue drop means less exposure to air, extending the time you have to use it.
5. Say No to Sunbathing
Direct sunlight is the nemesis of lash adhesives. Even a tiny amount of UV can cause the glue to degrade. So, make sure your lash glue bottle is stored away from windows or any place where the sun's rays can reach it.
6. The Glue Ring Burp
When using a glue ring, occasionally 'burp' it to avoid a buildup of excess eyelash extension glue, which can lead to wastage and shorter glue life.
7. First In, First Out
Keep track of your lash glue's purchase date and expiration date. Use the oldest stock first to make sure you’re always using the freshest possible adhesive.
8. The Power of the Cap
Always close the lash glue bottle cap tightly after use. An airtight seal is vital for keeping the glue properly stored and preventing it from drying out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, savvy lash artists know that the magic of a flawless lash extension application lies not just in skill, but also in the freshness and quality of the products used. While some eyelash extension products don't really go bad, such as tweezers or the lashes themselves, others like lash extension glue need to be stored and cared for effectively to prolong their limited shelf life.
At BELO Lash, we understand that quality should never be a compromise. Our lash extension supplies, crafted with precision and care, embody this principle. We're committed to providing products that not only promise excellence but also deliver on longevity, ensuring that your investment is sound and your artistry is supported by products that stand the test of time. With BELO Lash, you can trust that every glue drop, every lash adhesive bottle, and every remover is formulated to meet the highest standards, so you can keep delivering the breathtaking lash extensions your clients adore. So, stock your studio with confidence, knowing that BELO Lash is here to enhance the beauty of your work, one lash at a time.