Humidity plays a critical role in the performance of lash adhesives, and understanding the difference between relative and actual humidity can make a significant difference in your lash applications.
The Role of Humidity in Lash Adhesives
Relative Humidity vs. Actual Humidity
- Relative Humidity (RH) changes as the temperature changes. When the temperature rises, so does the relative humidity. This fluctuation can affect how your lash adhesive performs.
- Actual Humidity, on the other hand, remains constant regardless of temperature changes. This is important to consider when setting up your lash room.
How Humidity Affects Lash Adhesive
Lash adhesives, containing cyanoacrylate, rely on moisture to begin curing. This means that humidity acts as an activator for your lash glue. The ideal relative humidity for most lash adhesives is between 45-60%. Here's how different humidity levels can affect your glue:
- High Humidity (Above 70%) : In high humidity, your lash glue will be overly activated, causing it to dry faster than usual. This can result in poor adhesion, with the glue bead curing partially before you can place the lash.
The solution? Use a dehumidifier to bring the humidity down to optimal levels.
- Low Humidity: When humidity is too low, your glue may not activate properly due to a lack of moisture, leading to slow curing. This can cause the glue to remain wet for too long, increasing the risk of stickies and potentially causing longer exposure to the adhesive, which might increase the likelihood of allergic reactions. To combat low humidity, a humidifier can add the necessary moisture to the air.
Tips for Optimal Lash Adhesive Performance
1. Maintain Consistent Room Conditions: Aim to keep your lash room temperature between 21-26°C. This will help maintain consistent relative humidity levels and ensure that your lash adhesive performs at its best.
2. Monitor Humidity Levels: Investing in a hygrometer is essential for accurately measuring humidity in your lash room. If you don't have one, moisture absorbers can be a temporary solution, but they won't provide the precision needed for optimal results.
3. Adjust Your Glue Drying Time: If you're noticing changes in glue performance, try adjusting the drying time of your adhesive based on your room’s humidity levels. Perfect placement is also crucial, as improper application can exacerbate issues caused by fluctuating humidity.
4. Use a Dehumidifier or Humidifier : If you find that adjusting the temperature alone doesn't yield the desired results, consider using a dehumidifier or humidifier. Allow 30 minutes for the humidity to stabilize before making further adjustments with heating or cooling.
By understanding and controlling the humidity in your lash room, you can ensure consistent results, better retention, and ultimately, happier clients. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be on your way to mastering the perfect lash application every time.
