How our PH Optimizing Lash Primer Can Improve Your Retention
When it comes to eyelash extensions, achieving long-lasting retention is one of the most important goals for any lash artist. No one wants to see their clients’ beautifully applied lash sets prematurely sloughing off the natural lash. By preparing the natural lashes and creating an ideal surface for adhesive bonding, a well-formulated lash primer can make a noticeable difference in your clients’ retention. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding pH Levels and Lash Adhesion
Before delving into the benefits of a lash primer, it helps to understand pH levels and why they matter. Our skin and hair naturally have a certain acidity level (pH). When natural lashes collect oils, residual makeup, or dust, their surface becomes less than ideal for the adhesive to properly bond. A pH balancing primer is designed to remove these impurities and reset the acidity level of the lashes, ensuring that your adhesive can form a strong, stable connection.
Why Use a Lash Primer
Even if you thoroughly cleanse the eye area before each appointment, there can still be traces of oils and other microscopic debris on the lashes. By applying a pH optimizing primer, you get a final layer of protection against anything that might compromise adhesion. Think of it like prepping a canvas for paint: once the surface is smooth and oil-free, your “paint” (in this case, lash adhesive) will perform significantly better and last longer. A primer helps:
- Remove Excess Oil and Debris: Oily lashes are a prime culprit behind poor retention. A primer sweeps away those last stubborn traces of oil and residue.
- Rebalance pH Levels: By normalizing the acidity level of the natural lashes, the glue’s bonding process becomes more reliable, resulting in fewer premature lash extensions popping off.
- Maximize Adhesive Performance: Your adhesive works best when it’s bonding to a clean, properly primed surface—leading to better attachment from the get-go.
How to Incorporate It into Your Routine
To use a pH optimizing lash primer effectively, make sure to apply it only after you’ve thoroughly cleansed the lashes with our lash-safe cleanser. Here’s a simple step-by-step routine:
- Cleanse: Remove makeup and cleanse the lashes gently with our foaming lash shampoo. This eliminates surface-level buildup like mascara, eyeshadow, or dust.
- Dry and Isolate: Pat the lashes dry with a lint-free towel or allow them to air dry. Then foam tape your clients lower lashes down.
- Apply Primer: Using one of our long tipped micro swabs, apply a small amount of primer along the base of the natural lashes—you only need to coat near the base where you’ll attach the extensions. Avoid oversaturation; a light coat is enough.Don't prime the tips as we are not attaching extensions here.
- Wait a Few Seconds: Let the primer fully dry before moving on to the adhesive application. This short waiting period allows the primer to work its magic and create the right surface for bonding.
- Proceed with Extension Application: Once the primer has dried, apply your lash extensions as usual.
Including a pH optimizing lash primer in your service routine can significantly boost your retention rates and keep your clients thrilled with their long-lasting sets. By gently resetting the lash’s surface and removing any lingering oils or residues, you’re giving your adhesive the best possible chance to lock onto the natural lashes. In an industry where the goal is to provide stunning, durable lash sets, a primer might just be the missing puzzle piece that takes your artistry to the next level.
Ultimately, better retention translates to happier clients, more referrals, and a thriving lash business—all thanks to a simple but effective pre-treatment step.