pH LEVELS AND RETENTION - It's a thing!
Most people know you need the right humidity and temperature for glue to work but there is a third thing!
pH Levels of the Eye & Skin Areas
You have the perfect temperate and humidity level in your workspace, but you still have those 1-2 clients who STILL have lashes falling out by the day. We may just have the answer to your problem!
Scientific research shows that the pH level of the area you are working in (eye, lash and skin area) is just as important as the humidity and temperature level of your environment.
It is currently one of the most undiscussed reasons for low retention and ‘glue problems’ . It's our belief at Locks Lash’s that handling the pH level around the eye and skin area, will dramatically improve our industry.
WHAT IS pH?
pH stands for ‘Percent Hydrogen’ which means the percentage or quantity of hydrogen atoms (smallest particles) within a substance. Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe and you’ll find it in most things, like the sun, water, soap etc.
It is measured on a scale from 0 to 14. 0 being most acidic and 14 being most alkaline, and with 7 at neutral.
WHAT DOES pH HAVE TO DO WITH LASHES?
Lash adhesive reacts to the pH level around the skin and eye area including on the natural lashes. If the area is too acidic, due to a chemical reaction, cured glue will shrink, which means the lashes will fall off rapidly and you’ll end up with a low retention rate. If the area is too alkaline the glue will cure unevenly and you’ll also get a low retention rate.
The ideal range is close to 7 or neutral.
Unfortunately (for us, not for life and livingness) the skin on the human body and the natural oils it produces are natively acidic and typically sit around 5.5 on the pH scale.
As lash technicians, we need it to be closer to 7 to react perfectly with our lash adhesive to get the best retention.
HOW TO BALANCE THE pH
Here is how to manipulate the skin and lash area and get it into more of a neutral zone, every time:
1. CLEANSE THE LASHES
Cleansing the lashes is essential for every set and for every refill.
Our Locks Lash Foaming Cleanser is specifically designed to manipulate the pH level around the eye & lash area.
2. APPLY UNICORN TEARS
What is Unicorn Tears? It's a specially formulated product (by us), which helps get you the exact pH level needed (neutral 7) for better retention.
To use: Simply apply Unicorn Tears with a micro stick or applicator swab to the natural lashes after cleansing them.
This stuff is magical! Once you start using it (especially on clients with oiler/unbalanced skin), we guarantee that you won't look back.
