As Fall approaches and the weather gradually shifts, it's time for lash artists to prepare for changes in their lashing environment. Across many regions, the air tends to become drier, presenting challenges in maintaining the ideal humidity levels. At LashBeePro, we emphasize the importance of equipping lash artists with the necessary tools to address these challenges.
Adhesive Theory
Before delving into strategies for managing humidity, it's crucial to understand that lash extension adhesives are primarily composed of a cyanoacrylate base, consisting of molecules that undergo polymerization when exposed to moisture in the air. This polymerization process involves the linking together of these molecules to form a tight chain, and the length of this chain directly influences the adhesive's bonding strength.
Cyanoacrylates experience a chemical transformation during this polymerization process, referred to as curing. This is the period it takes for the adhesive to complete its chemical change and solidify into its strongest bond. It's important to note that curing time is from the adhesive's drying time or how it "sets" on the natural lash.
Humidity and Your Adhesive
Now, let's explore why humidity is a critical factor in this context. Given that our adhesive relies on moisture for proper cyanoacrylate curing, humidity levels can significantly impact the adhesive's performance. In lashing environments with reduced moisture levels, which can dip below the 30-40% range, the curing process of the adhesive can be notably slowed down.
When working in conditions where humidity is below 30%, you may notice difficulty getting your extensions to set on the natural lash. As you place the extension down, it may flop to the side, forcing you to hold it in place longer. Many of the extensions you are able to place end up coming off when you brush through later on. This can be frustrating, as it can significantly increase your application time.
If you find yourself struggling to raise the humidity in your studio and traditional methods like humidifiers and nanomisters aren't sufficient, we recommend considering a switch to a faster-curing or low-humidity adhesive, such as LashBeePro's Low Humidity Adhesive. This adhesive maximizes bond surface and strength with limitied moisture in the air making it a perfect option for those in dryer climates (especially during the wintertime). It performs best between 68-75 degrees F and in lashing environments where the humidity levels are between 20-40%.
How Temperature Affects Adhesive
Furthermore, it's worth acknowledging that temperature plays a role in adhesive performance as well. Maintaining an appropriate temperature within your studio is essential for ensuring optimal adhesive curing. Most adhesives perform best at room temperature, which typically falls in the range of 68-75⁰ Fahrenheit. As a lash artist, it's crucial to monitor both temperature and humidity levels during your lashing sessions. This vigilance will aid in selecting the right adhesive type to achieve the best results for your lash extension services. To keep your studio conditions just right, consider investing in a thermo-hygrometer. This handy device keeps tabs on both temperature and humidity. Plus, it's essential to adjust your heating or air conditioning settings in the upcoming months. Higher temperatures can speed up adhesive curing, cutting the time in half. Alternatively, colder temperatures may render the adhesive more delicate and prone to be brittle.
In general, it is helpful to have more than a single type of adhesive on hand at any given time, especially if your work area tends to fluctuate in temperature or humidity in a single day. This will ensure you never are faced with an adhesive that just won't work. Remember, high and low humidity environments are different worlds, and adhesive reacts accordingly. Using the right adhesive for your studio's conditions is crucial to avoid problems like weak bonds. Discover our range of adhesive solutions at LashBeePro!