Eyelash extension glue - loyal friend or whimsical bastard?

We often wonder if we've come across a production error or if it's a matter of a 'worse day' because our eyelash extension glue is playing tricks on us again. The working time is inexorably extended, and we squeeze out seven sweats so that our beautiful volume fans don't fold into 0.25 thick eyelashes.

Why is this happening? What affects the humour of our binder?

Well, the main ingredient of our adhesive is cyanoacrylate, most often ethyl, and less often butyl, which is used for the polymerization process. However, for this process to take place we need an activator, i.e. moisture. In order to take advantage of the fact that we already know what we need to cure the adhesive quickly and effectively, it is time to buy a device that will help us control the conditions at our workplace.

A hygrometer, which can be found in most mini weather stations (a combination of an electronic thermometer and a hygrometer), will allow us to measure the moisture level in percent at the workplace. An important element of the measurement is its place, so remember to place the device as close to the bed/ treatment chair as possible.

The next thing we need to look at is the temperature. Both temperature and moisture play an important role in the polymerization process. Each adhesive should have information written on the packaging about the most optimal conditions to work with it. If this information is missing from the packaging, it is worthwhile to refer to the dealer's website and check this data in the product description.

Typically, the humidity range that is most conducive to fast glue handling ranges from 40-60%, while the temperature oscillates around 19-23 degrees Celsius.

Some adhesives require ideal working conditions to work as described and their tolerance to external factors is very limited e.g. humidity 45-55% temperature 20-22 degrees, then we are talking about an adhesive that is demanding or capricious.

So how do we make him a good friend of ours and why should we strive for that?

Well, if we provide our product with ideal working conditions, not only will we gain great working hours, but we will also work in the healthiest possible environment for our airways. The glue that binds quickly, emits much smaller fumes and cures on our client's eyelashes faster, so that she is also set to the lowest possible exposure to the fumes of the glue and thus less risk of skin, eye and mucous membrane irritation.

How can we use that knowledge?

In order to increase the humidity in the room, we can cleverly use a few tricks, which are especially useful at various competitions, championships and workshops, where working conditions are variable and often extremely bad.

1) Moist cotton swabs placed on the client's cheeks act as a cooling compress, bringing gentle relaxation to the skin, while the body temperature heats up a little bit the cotton wool, which gives off the moisture and thus helps us to quickly increase % of the moisture around the eye.

2) Nanomister - we can use it not only at the end of the treatment but also during it. By spraying a small amount of mist in the area of the client's eye, we open the scales of the hair and leave a mini particle of water on it, which is quickly absorbed into the hair structure and helps us to cure the glue.

3) Mini air humidifier - set at a distance of maximum 1m from the workplace, will quickly and effectively increase the level of humidity, as well as humidify the often dry (from snoring :) ) airways of the client.

4) If the problem concerns a permanent place of our work, I recommend leaving a damp hanging towel for the night, or buy a professional air humidifier adapted to the size of the room.

But what can we do when we are dealing with high humidity?

1) Check the level of humidity outside and if it is lower, open doors and windows and keep the room well ventilated.

2) If it rains outdoors or if the humidity is much higher than the one in the room, close the windows and turn off the heating as much as possible to dry our microclimate a little.

3) High humidity is a notorious problem in your workplace? The only solution is a moisture absorber placed as close as possible to your workplace. Due to the noise generated by this type of devices I recommend using them only at night or after work.