IS YOUR GLUE IS CAUSING BAD RETENTION?

Lash Technicians are always on the search for the World's Best Lash Glue! And when their lash extension sets lead to poor retention, the glue is the first product to blame. The truth is, in most cases poor lash retention is nothing to do with the lash glue, no matter the brand or type of glue being used. Most retention issues are a direct cause of incorrect usage or storage of the lash adhesive.

We've complied our Top Five tips and tricks to help you look after your eyelash glue correctly and get the most out of it!

TIP 1 - DON’T OVERSTOCK ON GLUE!

It's completely understandable that you'd be most inclined to stock up on lash glues from one big order. Especially if there is a Sale or promo code you'd feel better about saving money and stocking up on your favourite glue. But, this may be a problem, the shelf life for an unopened glue is up to 6 months from the date of production. If you buy 4-5 bottles at the same time but you do not use them up for by the expiration date of the unopened glue, then you have wasted your money on it. Expired eyelash glue could lead to retention issues, it will not adhere properly and it simply wont give desired results.

As the Lash Technician, you know better than anyone how quickly you may use your glues, so of course stock up on the exact amount you need at any given time. To find the expiration date of our unopened lash glues, simply look at the base of the bottle.

TIP 2 - STORE YOUR UNOPENED GLUE IN COOL, DRY PLACE.

Any unopened glues should be stored in a cool place, especially in the summertime. At London Lash we recommend the fridge is the best place to store your unopened glue which arrives in its own vacuum sealed pack. 

If you do not wish to use a fridge is it is perfectly okay to store your glue in a drawer or cupboard away from windows or radiators. For extra protection, keeping the glue away from humidity in an airtight container is advised.

Remember, the temperature you store your glue in shouldn't be just 'cool', it should be consistent. Big changes in air temperature can cause condensation inside the bottle which can affect the glue properties. Any moisture which comes into contact with the glue will begin the curing process.

TIP 3 - OPENED GLUE, KEEP IT IN A DRY PLACE, AWAY FROM HEAT AND HUMIDITY.

Once you have opened your chosen glue it can start to polymerise inside of the bottle very quickly depending on your humidity and storing it in the wrong place. It is super important to keep your lash adhesive away from heat (especially during the summer), direct sunlight and moisture. As little DIY tips you can use a jar of rice, aluminium package with silica gel or an airtight container to store your lash glue.

Once the glue is opened you should not store it in the fridge. The sudden change in temperature will cause condensation inside the glue as air has reached the lash glue once opened. This air and moisture can affect the glue, especially in the sudden temperature change, you may find your glue has shock polymerised and cured entirely.

TIP 4 - NOTE THE DATE THAT YOU OPEN YOUR GLUE.

While lash glue has a 6 month shelf life before being opened, once you have opened your glue you have the optimum time of 4-6 weeks before needing to change your glue. We suggest you write the date you opened your glue with a little tape and stick it to the glue bottle. A fresh glue will always lead to good retention but as the glue continues to interact with the air every time you use it, 4-6 weeks is the optimum time it will work perfectly.

TIP 5 - SHAKE IT.

It is advised that you shake your glue before each new drop. Shaking the bottle will make sure all the ingredients which give optimum adherence are mixed perfectly. If clear glue comes out of the bottle, this is an indicator of poor shaking.

For best results, we recommend a Glue Shaker. No more wrist strain from manual shaking. It takes only 5-10 seconds mixing VS the 1-2 minutes of manual shaking. No glue stuck on the nozzle and a thorough mix guarantees perfect retention. 

All in all, the way you look after your glue from the time you receive it to the day the bottle is finished has a huge impact on how well it performs, and how well your lashes last as a result! Following these 5 simple steps ensure that you can always rely on your lash extensions glue!