Do these products really work? Do I need them? Today I want to shed some light on a few new items that have come to the market to help speed up glue curing and lash retention.
Just for full disclosure: I am not a scientist. However, I have used many types of glue and have done my research on glue dry time, humidity, and temperature. I also know a thing or two about when to use new glue and other pertinent gluing information when it comes to lashing.
Glue Enhancing Caution
First, I want to talk about glue enhancers. Anytime you introduce another chemical to glue there will be a reaction. Some lash companies are creating products to speed up the lash glue curing time. While on the surface this seems like a great idea, there are some concerns.
We want to reduce the clients' exposure to the off-gassing of the glue. This is what the client can have a bad reaction to so we want to minimize this exposure as much as possible. There have been some lash artists who have experienced some very disappointing reactions to these enhancers. Natural lash loss and questionable ingredients are among a few of the issues.
If you are going to purchase one of these products, try it on a single client first. See how it works before using it on all your clients. That way, if there is an issue, it reduces your exposure and possible re do’s.
Secondly, do you really need an enhancer to speed up the glue curing? Probably not! If you follow these simple steps, you do not need anything else. Your glue will cure at its normal time and you can reduce exposure.
How to Speed up Glue Curing Without Enhancers
Cleanse your clients' lashes before your service with a lash cleanser made just for lash extensions. Dry the lashes and proceed with your service. Apply your lashes and wait 5 minutes at the end of the application and cleanse the lashes again. It may seem like overkill, but it will help start curing the glue and prevent the glue fumes.
Third, if your room is too dry, you can use a humidifier or you may find a nano mister over the lashes as you work to help add a little moisture to your set to help with the bond. If your room is too humid, you may need a different glue and a dehumidifier.
I know how we can be distracted by the newest products that say they can make our work better or save us time and money. We all want that, don’t we? Just be a smart consumer and do your research. If a product does not list ingredients, dig deeper. We need to know what is in the products we are using. Better yet, if you can’t find the ingredients, don’t purchase the product at all. It’s better to use tried and true methods and products in our services. And for that, check out glues from Glad Lash's Volumizing Collection.
I’m not saying there aren’t great new products being developed all the time, but do your due diligence and ask questions! Look for contradictions and questionable ingredients so you can work safely and confidently.
Happy Lashing!
Maryann Matykowski
Maryann has an accomplished, 30+ year background in the beauty industry. As a cosmetologist she opened her first salon in ’83. She has specialized as an educator since 2006. Maryann knows what it takes to create successful salon businesses and is here to share her experience with you.
