How Does Humidity Affect Eyelash Extensions?

newsfLASH / Sep 8, 2021 by Zachary Falb

Applying eyelash extensions is a blend of science and art. Since lash extension adhesive’s viscosity and drying time can change dramatically based on the temperature, humidity, and chemicals in the room, you’ll need to carefully control your environment to ensure the best retention and customer experience. In this blog, we’ll explore how humidity affects lash extensions, the ideal humidity levels for lashing, and how you can better control the humidity in your salon.

What’s The Best Humidity Level For Applying Lash Extensions?

The ideal humidity level for applying eyelash extensions is between 50-60%. Too much or too little humidity will, at best, make the lashing process more difficult. In worst cases, too much or too little humidity can negatively affect the retention of the lash extension and ruin the lash look you’re trying to achieve.

What Happens To Extensions When There’s Too Much Humidity?

NovaLash adhesive’s curing time is sped up when it comes into contact with water. When there’s too much moisture in the air, your lash glue may begin to dry way too quickly, which can cause a number of issues:

The adhesive may cure before you’re able to attach the extension to the natural lash
The adhesive may not completely cover the extension, resulting in bumps, clumps, and weakened retention

What Happens When There’s Not Enough Humidity?

Too little humidity slows down the curing process, which can cause:

Lash extensions to slip or lean upon placement
Natural lashes sticking to other lashes due to the adhesive drying too slowly

Solving Humidity Issues

Tracking Humidity Levels

The best way to solve humidity issues is to prevent them from happening in the first place. By closely monitoring your environment, you can predict and prevent issues caused by too much or too little moisture in the air.

The Aura is an economical way to track moisture and room temperature. Made especially for lash artists, this machine displays the room’s current temperature and moisture percentage. In addition, the Aura tracks the 24-hour average minimum and maximum temperature and humidity levels, allowing you to identify trends and solve humidity issues accordingly. The Aura is battery-operated and portable, allowing you to create the perfect lash extension environment anywhere.

Dealing With High Humidity Levels

There are several ways to combat high humidity, including:

Ventilate the room often: you and your clients’ breath adds moisture to the air. Try ventilating your workspace between appointments to dissipate some of the humidity
Try a slower-curing lash glue: If your lash adhesive is consistently drying too quickly, try one with a slower curing time. NovaLash’s Platinum Bond® Lash Adhesive dries slower than other adhesives in the Platinum Bond series, giving you more time to coat and perfectly place the extension
Invest in a dehumidifier: If you’ve tried these solutions and are still struggling with high humidity levels, it may be time to invest in a dehumidifier. These machines absorb moisture in the air and can make a huge difference when it comes to regulating humidity levels

Dealing With Low Humidity Levels

Struggling with low humidity? We recommend these tips:

Try a faster curing adhesive: Humidity is essential to quickly curing lash adhesive. If your glue is taking too long to cure, try a rapid-curing alternative, like Platinum Bond® High Speed or Royal Platinum Bond®
Use an AirNova: This machine is the perfect way to battle low humidity. The AirNova’s quick-drying system coats the lashes in a fine layer of mist, allowing you to dry the extensions in a minute or less
Try the miniMr.: Not ready to invest in an AirNova? You can still achieve highly targeted results using the miniMr. This handy tool releases a superfine mist to accelerate the cooling process. The miniMr. Is compact and easy to travel with, making it a perfect solution if you’re on the go

Do you have more questions about regulating moisture and temperature in your lashing environment? Sign up for a NovaLash class to learn more, or contact our team today to discuss additional solutions.