Know the Shelf Life of Your Lash Extensions Supplies

Did you know expiration dates are not only applicable to food but also to your lash supplies? If you are not sure if the supplies you have in your storage are still usable, it is best to check their expiration date and shelf life. Check every product you have in your storage and make sure each one is still usable. Remember, the supplies and lash products you use on your clients can affect the retention and quality of the eyelash extensions you applied to your clients.

Why proper storage is important

Looking after all the products and materials you use is very important to build a good image for your lash business. When all the lash supplies are properly cared for and stored, they will maintain their quality. Meaning, the services you offer will be consistent. Unlike when the products you use are not well taken care of. 

For example, if your lash glue is not stored in a cool dry area, it can negatively affect the retention of the lash glue. 

Meanwhile, if the tools you use are not properly cleaned and maintained, your accuracy, efficiency, and speed will be affected. Be sure to equally take care of your tools as well. 

Lash Adhesive: Unopened 6 months

Lash adhesive is one of the most important lash supplies you need to check regularly. The quality of the lash glue you are using will affect the lifespan of the eyelash extensions you apply.

Different lash adhesives have different manufacturers and ingredients. Hence, each has different expiration dates as well. In general, lash adhesives when unopened and stored in a cool and dry place, can last up to 6 months. Open adhesive that is stored in a cool and dry place, can last 4-6 weeks. That being said, the temperature and humidity of your storage can also affect the condition of your adhesive.

Remember, the main ingredient in all lash adhesives is cyanoacrylate which is known to break down over time. The longer you store your lash adhesive in a not-so-ideal environment can cause cyanoacrylate to break down faster affecting the bond. Also, all the ingredients will start to separate as time goes by, weakening the bond. 

No matter how you store your lash adhesive, I highly recommend shaking it well before using it. This is to ensure all the ingredients are properly emulsified (mixed).

Lash Bonder: up to 6 months

Lash bonder is specifically formulated to speed up the curing process of the lash adhesive. It instantly cures the bond from outside to inside. Because of the fast curing process, your client will not feel any irritation from the fumes that may come from the adhesive.

Just like lash adhesives, the manufacturer, humidity, and temperature can greatly affect the storage life of your lash bonder. It can last up to 6 months. But for the exact product shelf life, it is best to check the information on that particular bonder. Some lash bonders can only last up to 3 months while some can last up to 6 months.

Lash Cleansers: 6-9 months

Aftercare treatment and the daily routine of your clients can greatly affect the retention of their eyelash extensions. It is important for you to let your clients know that their cleansers from last year will not be as effective now compared to when they first bought them, but this really depends on the date they were first opened. 

Lash cleansers are also important in all lash extension applications. You need to thoroughly clean your client’s eyelashes and lash line before the application. Clean eyelashes and lash lines mean the adhesive will bond better and longer. 

That is why you need to make sure your lash cleansers are always fresh. The ingredients used to make lash cleansers that you love, such as green tea extracts, cucumber, and aloe vera, can soil over time. 

Try to finish a bottle first before opening another one. However, if you are not able to do so, a good rule of thumb is to replace your opened bottle every 6 to 9 months. 

Lash Remover: up to 6 months

The lifespan and shelf life of the lash remover will depend on the manufacturer and the environment it is stored in. When the bottle of cream type lash remover is unopened, typically it can last up to 2 years but once opened, you need to use it within 6 months. Again, I suggest checking the manufacturer’s notes to make sure you are not using expired eyelash adhesive remover.

When you are using liquid or gel type lash glue removers, unopened products can last up to 1 year. But when the bottle is opened, it can last up to 6 months if stored in the right conditions.

If your lash remover is not as effective, it will be hard for you to remove all the lash extensions you applied. You will need to apply the lash remover many times to remove all the eyelash extensions. Pulling or rubbing can cause the natural eyelashes to be damaged or make your client uncomfortable. Using old removers overall is a bad idea. Make sure to check your lash remover first before using, consider applying the remover to 1 extension first to check its effectiveness. 

For best results, store your lash remover away from direct sunlight. Keep it in a cool and dry place.

Lash Primer: up to 6 months

Lash primers usually contain alcohol which helps it last up to 3 years when the bottle is unopened. If the bottle is opened it can last up to 6 months depending on the environment it is stored in. 

Primers help dissolve all the natural oils and any leftover makeup residue in your client’s natural eyelashes. Eyelash primers also help balance the pH level of your natural lashes. Resulting in a better bond between your client’s natural eyelashes and the lash extensions. Lash primers are used to ensure longer and better retention of the eyelash extensions.

Make sure to check the shelf life of your lash primers before using them. 

When to replace lash supplies?

Replace your lash supplies when they are beyond the shelf life indicated by the manufacturer. You have to keep your lash salon and business as hygienic and clean as possible and utilize proper storage practices for all your supplies. This will give a good image for yourself as a lash artist and salon.

Maintaining quality and fresh lash supplies will also reflect your work ethic. It will show your clients that you put their needs and comfort first. Being mindful of your supplies and the individual shelf life will greatly impact your thriving lash business.