Lash Extensions 101: Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier - Which Do You Need

When it comes to lash extensions, the humidity in your lash room plays one of the most important roles in making sure the adhesive dries and cures properly. Most lash techs tend to overlook this part.

For instance, have you ever noticed your lash adhesive efficacy and drying time changes depending on the season and time of the year? This is because of the humidity levels. But how does it actually affect the lash glue?

Humidity on lash extensions and glue when it's too low or too high

Lash adhesives contain cyanoacrylate and other hardening agents. These ingredients dictate the speed of the drying and curing process of the lash glue. 

However, cyanoacrylate only cures and thoroughly dries when there’s moisture in the air. Otherwise, it will take a very long time before the lash adhesive sets. The humidity or moisture in the air works like an activator which starts the curing process of the eyelash adhesive.

The unbalanced moisture in the air can make or break the retention of your lash extensions.

What happens when the humidity is too low or too high? Here are two main things you should look out for when the humidity is too high or too low.

Speed of glue drying

When the humidity is too low, the curing speed of your lash adhesive will be too slow. On the other hand, if it is too high, the curing speed will be too fast. 

Both instances will make it hard for you, as the lash tech, to apply each lash extensions. If the lash glue dries slowly, you have to spend more time with every client. Because you have to make sure the extensions do not clump together by isolating the lashes for a longer period of time.

Meanwhile, if the lash glue dries quicker than you anticipate, it will result in poor attachments or weak bonds. Why? Because the lash adhesive will be partially cured when it bonds to the natural lash. Hence, it will not attach well and will fall off earlier than expected.

Retention of lash extensions

During a lash extension application, whether the room humidity is high or low, the result is the same, poor lash retention. In addition to retention and curing speed, if the humidity in your lash room is too low, the fumes coming from your lash glue will be more pronounced. Meaning the adverse reactions your client will feel will be increased. This might include eye tearing, burning sensations, inflammation, or even possibly an allergic reaction. 

On the other hand, if the humidity is too high, the adhesive cures quicker which might result in “adhesive beads” and could cause your set to look rough and clumpy. This is not visually pleasing. The lashes will look unnatural and uneven.

If the humidity is over 65%, the lash adhesive will cause blooming. This is when your adhesive undergoes shock polymerization when there is too much moisture in the air. You’ll know your adhesive is blooming when it goes from a liquid to a solid quickly and turns white. Oftentimes this happens around the nozzle of your adhesive bottle. 

What is the ideal room humidity for lash extensions?

To make sure your lash adhesive performs at its optimum level, your lash room should have a humidity range between 45% to 60%. I understand this might not be easy, especially during certain seasons, such as Winter, when moisture is lacking in the air.

As much as possible, make sure the humidity in your lash room is in between this range when applying lash extensions.

How to measure humidity in a room for lash extensions?

To measure the humidity levels in your lash room, you need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device that measures the amount of moisture in the air. 

Look for a hygrometer with multiple functions. This way you can get more without spending more. For example, BBLUV Hygrometer/Thermometer. This device can be used as a hygrometer, thermometer, and alarm clock with a large and easy-to-read LCD screen. You can easily monitor the temperature and humidity in your lash room, even from afar.

What is a humidifier for lash extensions?

A humidifier adds moisture to the air when it is too dry. Measure the humidity in your lash room, if it is too low, use a humidifier to increase the humidity. 

Ways to use a humidifier 

If you are using a portable nano mister, make sure you do not direct it or point it too close to your client’s eyelashes. Hold your nano mister at a reasonable height. At least 15 inches over your client’s eyelashes. Do not use it for more than 30 seconds (this depends on how much moisture your nano mister releases and is really dependent on the particular device you are using).

Do not over-saturate your client’s lashes

Using nano misters to balance the moisture in the air is a very convenient and easy way to help start the curing process of your lash adhesive. It is a humidifier but with a small and compact design making it ideal to use over your client’s face compared to large humidifiers during lash extensions treatment.

What is a dehumidifier for lash extensions

A dehumidifier is the opposite of a humidifier. It removes excess moisture in the air and makes the air drier. A dehumidifier works just like an air conditioner where warm and moist air is sucked into the device by a fan.

Ways to use a dehumidifier

Measure the humidity inside your lash room. If it is too high, turn on your dehumidifier. However, if you do not have a dehumidifier, you can use moist absorbers and place them around your work area. 

Best condition to use a dehumidifier

Use a dehumidifier if the humidity in your lash room is too high, meaning the air is too moist. If you are located in a place where the air is too moist and you don’t have a dehumidifier, you can look for lash adhesives more suitable to use in high humidity.

Which should you use for lash extensions?

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers have opposite effects but both are helpful during lash extension applications. In order to know which one you need, use a hygrometer to know the specific humidity level inside your space.

When the humidity level is too high, above 60%, the cyanoacrylate in your lash adhesive is over-activated, meaning it cures and dries quicker. In these instances, use a dehumidifier to lower the humidity levels. Or else, you will have a hard time keeping up with the fast drying speed of your lash glue.

Usually, winter is the season when the air is too dry. This is when you need to use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. When the humidity in your lash room is below 45%, the cyanoacrylate in your lash adhesive will not have enough moisture to kick start the curing process. You will need the help of a humidifier to add moisture. 

During winter when the air is too dry, you can use lash adhesives that work well during this season to compensate for the lash of moisture in the air.

Monitor the moisture in the air inside your lash room before you start the application. This way you can prevent any possible eye irritation and/or allergic reactions from happening to your client. In addition, your clients will have amazing-looking eyelashes longer because your sets will have the best retention. 

We understand the importance of using the right products for the retention of lash extensions. Visit Cartel Lash or call  📞(604) 437-0011 for quality lash supply products to help lashes last longer!