Adhesives are every lash technicians’ best friend, but they do require some knowledge to get the best results, so we have covered all the essentials here.

THE LOW DOWN: HOW YOU SHOULD STORE YOUR ADHESIVE

Adhesives should ideally be stored upright and in a cool, dry and dark place. An airtight environment is preferred, or with the addition of something moisture-absorbing like rice or silica, or inside a cardboard box.

Unopened bottles can be stored in the fridge.  Always remember to allow several hours to let the adhesive reach room temperature before opening and using.  This avoids the risk of condensation forming.

This also applies if you have taken your adhesive bottle from a warmer environment, such as the boot of a hot car.  Always allow time for the adhesive to adjust to room temperature.

Remember to replace the lid properly after use, cleaning the nozzle before you do so, using a paper towel with a little Adhesive Remover Gel.  Keeping the nozzle clean will help to ensure the plastic ‘pin’ in the cap will seal the bottle, helping to prevent moisture getting in.

We don’t recommend the use of cotton wool to clean your adhesive bottle as adhesive reacts with natural fibres.

HOW WEATHER AND YOUR WORKING ENVIRONMENT CAN AFFECT YOUR ADHESIVE

For most technicians, sudden issues with usually reliable adhesives, can be due to the environment they’re working in, or where the adhesive has been stored.

Whilst we’re all loving the recent heatwave, a substantial change in heat or humidity can affect the performance of your adhesive.  In particular, when the first cold snap hits, or when we have a hot spell of weather.  This is because the adhesive is sensitive to temperature and humidity.

We know every technician has their own unique working environment and stores their products in their preferred way.  Mobile or salon-based, it’s important to be aware of how you are storing your adhesive to avoid subjecting them to excessive heat or cold.

A useful tool to help with managing your adhesive performance, is a hygrometer.  This will help you to understand the conditions you’re working in.

TROUBLESHOOTING TOP TIPS:

If you struggle to control the conditions of your working environment, especially in times of more extreme weather there are things you can do to assist.

Depending on what your hygrometer tells you, a humidifier or de-humidifier can help to maintain the humidity of your working environment.

Heaters, fans and air conditioning units can also help you to control the temperature.

Some technicians like to use nano-misters to introduce more humidity to the area around the client.

Other simpler ways of potentially affecting the humidity of your environment include; leaving a bowl of water in the room or boiling a kettle.

Opening a window on a damp day can help increase humidity, equally if your room is humid and it’s a warm dry day this may help to reduce the humidity.

If you’re a mobile technician, take note if the client has washing drying in a particular room, if the room is near a bathroom or kitchen or if the room has been in direct sunlight.

USEFUL ADHESIVE TIPS:

Write the date you opened the bottle on the bottle itself.  This avoids the risk of using the product beyond the recommend time. We recommend keeping an adhesive for three months before replacing. The older the adhesive, the slower it will take to cure due to a low level of polymerisation taking place.

Finally, remember that less is more. The amount of adhesive you apply should be as thin as possible.

If you would like any more adhesive advice, please contact us.