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HOW TO STORE YOUR EYELASH GLUE AND MAKE IT LAST
Long-lasting eyelash glue is possible with proper care and storage. The most important thing to remember as a lash artist is to buy your lash glue fresh. This is definitely one thing you don't want to stock up on. A general rule of thumb is to buy just enough for your needs with only a couple of spares as backups. If eyelash glue is past its expiration date, it can cause one of our least favorite things as lash artists – poor lash retention! Read on in this blog post to discover how you can get the most out of your precious lash glue.
How Long Does Eyelash Glue Last?
One of the most common questions people ask is, "Does glue expire?" Unopened lash glue typically lasts up to 6 months. But once the glue has been opened, it has a shelf life of only about 30 days. Trying to use old product makes glue application impossible and results in lashes that can fall off prematurely.
Tips on How to Have the Longest Lasting Lash Glue
Lash glue is finicky, but it is possible to extend its life. By following some simple steps, you can help your eyelash glue last for up to 30 days.
Burp the Bottle
Air coming in contact with eyelash glue will cause it to dry out and expire more quickly. Air is always working its way inside the bottle, so it's important to burp it regularly to keep the air out. This is done by squeezing on the bottle until you see a bubble come out of the top and see only the glue in the nozzle. The glue bottle needs to be burped every single time before applying a new drop, before shaking and before putting the cap back on.
If you see a little bit of lash glue at the top of the nozzle and then it goes clear, this means there is air trapped inside and you need to remove it. Using a glue nozzle wipe, push out the excess glue and air until the nozzle is filled only with glue. Now, while still keeping the pressure on the glue bottle, wipe the nozzle clean and put the cap back on.
Avoid Contact With Natural Fibers
Cyanoacrylate (the active ingredient in lash glue) reacts with natural fibers such as cotton or paper. This is why you should not use a cotton product to wipe the eyelash glue nozzle clean. Lint-free glue nozzle wipes keep things perfectly clean without the risk of a chemical reaction. It's also important to prevent lash glue from coming into contact with clothing because it will not come out in the wash and can even burn holes through the fabric.
Shake It Up
Lash glue always needs to be shaken before use as it has a significant impact on the consistency. Think of a foundation bottle when the ingredients start to separate and you can see it in the bottle. The same thing applies to eyelash glue. If your lash glue is clear or partly transparent, it's a good indication that the product hasn't been shaken enough.
Shake Lash Glue Every Day
Daily shaking helps you achieve the result of long-lasting eyelash glue. There are glue-shaking devices that can do the job for you, but it just takes a few minutes and can easily be done by hand. At the start of the day, shake the bottle for 2 minutes horizontally (side to side). Then, before placing a new glue drop when lashing, shake the bottle horizontally again for about 15-20 seconds.
Never Shake the Glue Bottle With the Cap On
This is a common mistake that we see a lot, and it can cause the glue lid to become stuck. Ruining a new bottle of lash glue is so frustrating and a waste of money! Always have a backup bottle of eyelash glue in case this happens. But better yet, prevent it from happening in the first place by shaking the glue without the cap on.
Now you may be wondering how this is possible. Many adhesives come with a pin that is used to clear the nozzle. This is the tool that we recommend you use when shaking your lash glue.
How to Shake Eyelash Glue Without the Cap On
- Always burp the bottle first.
- Remove the cap.
- Place the pin in the hole and shake the glue.
Some techs prefer to save some time by keeping the pin in the lash glue during appointments and only putting the cap back on in between appointments and at the end of the day.
A new glue drop should be applied every 15-20 minutes, depending on the climate and environment. Once the glue becomes a little bit thick or goopy, it's definitely time for a new drop. Using aluminum foil or a glue foil sticker is the best way to help keep your glue drop in a dome shape. The dome shape helps the eyelash glue last longer and makes dipping your lash extensions easier.
Important Advice
Always write down the date you purchased the eyelash glue so you know when it should be tossed. If you run a busy salon it can be easy to forget when the lash glue was purchased and when it was opened. The easiest way to do this is to use a sharpie and write the date on the bottom of the bottle. Once the bottle is open, write down the date you opened it. If you take care of your opened adhesive by storing it properly in a cool, dry place and shaking it before every use, you can increase its lifespan. The eyelash glue application process is much easier when it's fresh.
Store Lash Glue Properly
Weather you have opened or unopened bottles, they both require proper storage. Always store your lash glue in a cool, dark place. An airtight glue container is the best option for long-lasting eyelash glue. The lash glue container also allows you to store an opened bottle and a new bottle together. Lash adhesives come with a silica packet — this should be kept with the glue in an airtight container for the best results. Do not store other products, such as primer, in the same container as your eyelash glue.
Key Glue Storage Tips:
- Cool Place: Store your lash glue in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
- Airtight Container: Use an airtight adhesive container to protect the glue from moisture and air exposure.
- Silica Gel Packs: Keep silica gel packs with your glue to absorb any excess moisture.
- Separate Storage: Do not store other products with your lash glue to prevent contamination.
How to Know When Your Lash Glue Has Gone Bad
Knowing when your lash glue has gone bad SO important for maintaining the quality of your lash extensions and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of your clients. Here are the signs that your lash glue is no longer usable, along with tips for recognizing and managing expired adhesive.
1. Changes in Consistency
One of the most obvious signs that your lash glue has gone bad is a change in its consistency. Fresh lash glue should have a smooth, liquid consistency that allows for easy application. If you notice the glue has become thick, goopy, or stringy, it’s a clear sign that it’s no longer good to use.
2. Air Bubbles
Air bubbles in your adhesive can significantly impact its performance. If you notice persistent air bubbles even after shaking your lash extension glue bottle, it may be an indication that the glue has degraded. Air bubbles can lead to poor retention and uneven application on natural lashes.
3. Short Shelf Life
Lash glue has a short shelf life once opened. Typically, an opened adhesive bottle lasts about 1-2 months, depending on storage conditions. Always write down the opening date on the bottle to keep track of its usability.
4. Quick Drying Formula Degrades
A good lash adhesive should have a quick-drying formula. If your glue takes longer to dry or fails to bond effectively, it might have gone bad. This can be due to exposure to air, improper storage, or simply the adhesive reaching its expiry date.
5. Gummy Consistency
Cyanoacrylate adhesives, the main ingredient in lash glue, should maintain a consistent texture. If your adhesive develops a gummy consistency, it’s a sign that the complex compounds within the glue have broken down. This natural reaction often occurs when the glue is exposed to extreme temperatures or improper storage methods.
6. Poor Retention
If you or your clients notice that lash extensions are not lasting as long as they should, the life of your adhesive might be compromised. Poor retention is often due to expired or degraded glue, leading to lashes falling off prematurely.
7. Expiry Date
Always check the expiry date on your bottle of lash adhesive. Using glue past its expiry date can lead to significant issues, including poor retention and potential irritation for clients.
8. Storage Conditions
Improper storage can also cause your lash glue to go bad quickly. To ensure the best storage:
- Keep the adhesive bottle in a cool, dry environment.
- Use a small airtight container to store your glue and protect it from humidity and temperature fluctuations.
- Avoid storing unopened glues in extreme temperatures, as this can cause the complex compounds in the adhesive to break down.
Top Tips for Recognizing Bad Lash Glue
- Consistency Check: Regularly check the consistency of your lash glue. If it’s thick or stringy, it’s time to replace it. If your glue was a nice consistency coming out of the bottle, but has become stringy over the last 10-20 minutes it may just be time for a fresh glue dot.
- Air Bubble Management: Use an adhesive shaker to minimize air bubbles and maintain the integrity of the glue.
- Track Shelf Life: Keep track of the opening date and adhere to the 1-2 month usability period.
- Storage Solutions: Store lash glue in a cool, dark place using an airtight container to protect it from environmental factors.
- Shake Well: Always give the adhesive a good shake before use to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed.
Additional Tips and Considerations For Lash Glue Storage
Monitor Humidity and Temperature
Eyelash adhesive is sensitive to humidity and temperature fluctuations. Here are some tips to maintain optimal conditions:
- Humidity Levels: Keep the humidity levels in your lash room between 40-60% for best results.
- Room Temperature: Maintain a consistent room temperature, ideally between 68-72°F (20-22°C).
Choosing the Right Adhesive
Different adhesives are available for various climates and application speeds. Consult with your lash supplier to choose the best eyelash extension adhesive for your needs. Fast-acting adhesives are the best choice for experienced lash techs, while slower-drying formulas may be better for beginners who need extra time.
Regular Maintenance
Regularly check the condition of your lash glue bottles and replace them as needed. Using glue in good condition ensures optimum strength and performance of lash adhesives.
Expiration Chart for Eyelash Glue:
| Condition | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Unopened Bottle | Up to 6 months |
| Opened Bottle | 4-6 weeks |
| Properly Stored Opened Bottle | Up to 2 months |
Storage Chart for Eyelash Glue:
| Storage Method | Recommended Temperature | Humidity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Cool, Dark Drawer | 68-72°F (20-22°C) | 40-60% |
| Airtight Adhesive Container | 68-72°F (20-22°C) | 40-60% |
For the best possible outcome, choose a lash glue that works with your climate. Since there is no perfect lash glue that works in every humidity, make sure to keep an eye on the humidity in your lash room and adjust it if needed.
The drying time also varies between different adhesives so be sure to pick a glue that matches your lashing speed. Some lash techs like to store unopened adhesive at low temperatures such as in the fridge. Although I haven't tried this, I have found that unopened lash glue lasts a long time stored at room temperature.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
- Glue Rings: Use glue rings to keep your adhesive handy and minimize exposure to air.
- Nozzle Wipes: Use lint-free wipes to clean the nozzle and prevent clogs.
- Avoid Cotton: Never use cotton to wipe the nozzle as it can cause a reaction with the glue.
Watch Our Video on How To Stop Wasting Your Lash Glue | Professional Lash Glue Maintenance
Watch Our Video On Lash Adhesive Tips For Eyelash Extension Glue
Conclusion
Storing your lash extension glue properly is crucial for maintaining its effectiveness and running a successful lash business. By following these tips and best practices, you can ensure that your adhesive remains in top condition, providing optimal results at your lash salon.
Remember to monitor humidity and temperature, choose the right adhesive, and maintain regular storage and cleaning routines. With the right care, you can achieve long-lasting and beautiful lash extensions for your clients.
By implementing these comprehensive tips and guidelines, lash artists can enhance their lash extension services, ensuring that clients receive the best possible outcomes with their eyelash extensions. Happy lashing!
Get the Longest Lasting Lash Glue from eslashes
Getting the best eyelash extension glue, and keeping it fresh is critical in helping your client's lashes last. By storing your lash glue appropriately and caring for it properly once it's opened, your eyelash glue will last. Buy high-quality adhesives and lash glue accessories from eslashes and boost your eyelash glue application results today!
