Drying or Curing for Lash Extensions: What’s the Difference

Learning new things is always a good thing. Whether you are new to the lash industry or an expert lash artist, understanding what happens in an eyelash extension application is always important. 

Lash artists always mention curing and drying when they talk about eyelash glue and adhesive. Aren’t they the same? No, my friend. Curing and drying are not the same. There are differences in the process. It is ideal for all lash lovers and technicians to understand drying and curing and how it affects your lash extensions.

Many lash lovers think that all the lash technicians have to do is dip the extension into the glue then apply. The process of the whole application is more than that. That is why I am here to help you identify the difference between drying and curing, the process behind each, and the factors that can affect the retention of the lash glue.

What is drying?

Drying is when the exterior or the outer layer of the adhesive dries just enough for the lash technician to continue applying more lash extensions. If the lash adhesive is not dry enough, there is a tendency that lash extensions will clump together and get stuck with neighboring lashes.

The more technical explanation is that drying is a process in which the chemical ingredients in the adhesive evaporate in the air making it harder and easier to work with. When the adhesive is dry, the lash technician can move on to the next lash extension, safely.

There are quick-drying lash adhesives available in the market, like Untamed Artistry Retention Black Adhesive and LBLA Superhero Adhesive. These types of adhesive dry in 1 second, letting the lash technician apply lash extensions faster. However, for beginner lash technicians, it might be too quick-drying. Make sure to choose the adhesive that fits your comfort and skill level. 

What is curing?

Curing explains the chemical process the adhesive takes going from a liquid to a solid form.  The curing process needs moisture in the air to fully dry all the layers of the adhesive. Usually, it takes at least 24 hours up to 48 hours to thoroughly cure the adhesive. During this time, it is VERY IMPORTANT to make sure the adhesive doesn’t make contact with water. 

This is the main reason why lash artists tell their clients to not go swimming within 24 to 48 hours after the application. If the client lets their eyelash extensions get wet within this duration, it can cause premature fallout of the lash extensions. Avoid any hot and humid places. 

The curing process will greatly depend on the moisture in the air and humidity. Because the moisture in the air will help cure the lash glue and dry quicker.

Why is it important to thoroughly cure the lash adhesive? Because it will affect the retention of the adhesive. If your lash adhesive is not properly cured, the lash extensions will not last that long. Your money will go to waste.

How does humidity affect lash glue and retention?

Adhesives become less effective when the humidity is high without the right care and treatment. The optimal humidity for the majority of lash glues available in the market is between 45% and 65%. 

In general, when the humidity is too low, the curing speed of the lash adhesive slows down which might lead to blooming. This usually happens when the humidity is lower than 45%. The fumes coming from the adhesive will transfer to the client’s eyes causing irritation, burning, inflammation, and tearing. The problem is, when this happens it will be a nasty cycle of blooming. Remember, when there is water, the lash adhesive will go. In addition, the lash extensions might end up clamping together, leaning, or slipping if the humidity is too low. 

Meanwhile, when the humidity is too high, the curing process will be too quick leading to poor eyelash extensions attachment. There is a chance when the lash adhesive might be partially cured even before the lash artist starts attaching the extensions. It can also lead to a clumpy look and leave adhesive beads in the client’s eyes. If the adhesive cure quickly, it might not fully wrap around the client’s natural eyelashes causing the clumpy look and beads to form. This is not pleasing to the eyes and I’m sure your client will not be happy about this.

Blooming might also happen when the humidity is too high, above 65%.

What is the ideal humidity for a lash room? 

The ideal humidity in the lash room should be between 45% and 65% range in order to enjoy the optimum performance of the lash adhesives. You can also check the features of the lash adhesive before application to know exactly what is the optimum humidity range. 

I understand that each lash room might have different humidity and temperature. That is why it is imperative to have the right tools so your adhesive will cure properly, the lash extensions will last, and your clients will be happy with your service. And to properly measure the temperature and humidity in the lash room, it is very important to use BBLUV Hygrometer and Thermometer. 

This tool is an alarm clock, digital thermometer, and hygrometer all in one. You can time yourself to know how long it takes for you to apply lash extensions and get the temperature and humidity in your lash room. Use it in your lash room to help make sure the temperature and humidity is the most ideal environment for the eyelash extension application. 

Can you speed up the curing process?

Yes, you can! All you need is to use a nano mister. Nano misters are the easiest and faster way to add moisture to the air which speeds the curing process of the eyelash glue. Pair your hygrometer with a nano mister to maintain the ideal humidity in your lash room. Use it when the humidity is too low. 

If you are using a nano mister, make sure that you are not pointing it too near to your client’s eyes. Hold it at a reasonable height, at least 15 inches over your client’s eyelashes. Turn the nano mister on. Don’t over-expose the lash adhesives to the nano mister. Sometimes, nano misters automatically turn off around 30 seconds. If your nano mister is not like this, turn it off manually at 30 seconds.

There are other advantages of using nano mister in your lash room aside from speeding up the curing process. For example, it minimizes the fumes emitting into the air which is the common cause of eye irritation. And, this is the best news for all lash lovers, using nano misters can reduce the waiting time required to get your eyelashes wet. Your clients will not have to wait for 24 hours up to 48 hours. You, the lash technician, will have fewer things to worry about!

But make sure not to overuse your nano mister because it might cause problems like weakening of the adhesive’s retention. 

The curing and drying time of the lash adhesives will greatly affect its retention and how long the eyelash extensions last. It is best to know how factors like humidity and temperature can affect your glue and what are the tools you can use to help you out.