Understanding the Shelf Life of Lash Extension Products
Let's dive into a topic that's not as glamorous as creating those stunning lash extensions but is equally important for ensuring your clients' safety and satisfaction. Have you ever found yourself wondering about the shelf life of the products you use for those gorgeous lash treatments? Don't worry… because we're here to shed some light on this important topic.
Why Does Shelf Life Matter?
Imagine this: you're working your magic on a client's lashes, meticulously placing each eyelash extension to perfection, only to have them start falling out prematurely a week later! Sound like a nightmare? Well, it can be a reality if you're not mindful of the shelf life of your lash products.
Shelf life refers to the duration during which a product maintains its effectiveness and safety when stored properly. Using products beyond their shelf life might compromise the quality of your work and even pose risks to your client's eyes and skin. Lash extension products, from eyelash glues to Primer, have a limited shelf life due to their chemical composition. Over time, these chemicals can degrade, affecting the performance and safety of the products. Using expired products can lead to poor eyelash extension retention, irritation, or worse – allergic reactions in your clients. So, knowing the shelf life is like having a secret weapon to keeping your lash game strong.
Cracking the Code: Understanding Expiration Dates
You've probably noticed those tiny numbers on the packaging of your lash products – they're like secret codes that reveal when the product is at its prime. The two most common indicators are the manufacturing date and the expiry date:
Manufacturing Date: This is the date when the product was made. Some products might have an "MFG" followed by the date, while others simply state the date. Generally, lash products have a shelf life of about 6 to 12 months from the manufacturing date.
Expiry Date: Some products have a clear "Use By" or "Expiration" date. This is the date until which the product is guaranteed to perform as intended. After this date, the product might start losing its effectiveness.
It's Not Just About Numbers
While those dates are handy guides, sometimes, the numbers aren't enough, and your intuition needs to step in. If any of your lash products exhibit these signs, it's time to part ways:
Change in Colour or Consistency: If you notice changes in the texture, thickness, or colour of your lash glue or other products, it could be a sign of degradation. For example, if an eyelash glue has turned thicker or clumpier, it's waving the "expired" flag and might not bond as well.
Smell: Trust your nose! If you detect an unusual, pungent, or off-putting smell from your products, it's time to toss it! Fresh lash products should have a relatively neutral or slightly sweet smell.
Reduced Performance: If your products just aren't delivering the results they used to, even with proper technique, they might be over the hill. We recommend replacing your eyelash extension glue every 4-6 weeks for optimal freshness!
The Lowdown on Lash Product Lifespans
Eyelash Extension Glue: Lash glues are the heart and soul of your lash game. They usually have a shelf life of around 6 months before opening and after opening lash glue has 2 months before it goes bad. So, always check the date and bid farewell when it's past its prime.
Eyelash Extensions: The lovely lashes themselves also have a shelf life. Typically, they last around 6 to 12 months when stored properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and they'll stay in tip-top shape.
Primer and Cleanser: Lash Primer and Cleanser usually have a shelf life of 12 to 24 months. Be sure to store them properly to maximise their effectiveness.
Lash Sealant: The sealant that adds that extra oomph to your lash extensions can last for around 6 months to a year. Regular applications help preserve the eyelash extensions' longevity and prevent premature shedding.
Lash Tweezers: Believe it or not, even your trusty eyelash tweezers have a shelf life. With regular cleaning and care, a good pair of lash tweezers can last around 6 months to a year. Using storage solutions such as a tweezer holder or magnetic case will also help to ensure the longevity of your precious tools.
Storage Matters Too!
Your lash products don't just depend on their manufacturing date – how you store them plays a crucial role as well. Here are some storage tips to extend their shelf life:
Cool and Dry: Store your products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Heat and humidity can accelerate the breakdown of chemicals in the products. It’s well worth investing in a Digital Hygrometer and Thermometer to keep track of your beauty room’s conditions to ensure they are at the optimal levels for your lash supplies to work well.
Air-Tight Container: If possible, keep your eyelash extension glue and other liquids in an air-tight container to prevent exposure to air, which can lead to faster degradation.
Seal the Deal: Always seal your products tightly after use. Oxygen exposure can break down formulas faster.
Rotate Your Stock: It's tempting to stock up on lash products, but don't hoard them for too long. Use the "first in, first out" approach to ensure you're using up the products with earlier expiration dates.
Label Love: Consider labelling your products with the date they were opened. This way, you'll always know when it's time to say goodbye. When you open your eyelash glue, take a little piece of lash tape and stick it to the bottle, write the date of opening on it and replace it 6-8 weeks from that date for optimal freshness!
Invest Wisely: Purchase products from reputable suppliers to ensure that you receive fresh and high-quality lash supplies.
So there you have it, the scoop on extending the shelf life of your lash extension products. By keeping an eye on those manufacturing and expiry dates, trusting your senses, and storing your products with care, you'll ensure that your lash game remains strong and your clients leave with picture-perfect extensions that last. Remember, a little attention to detail goes a long way in the world of lashes. Here's to extending the life of your products, the beauty of your lash extensions, and the smiles on your clients' faces! If you have any more questions about your London Lash products, just click the chat icon and a member of the customer service team will be on hand to help!
