Troubleshooting UV Glue: When and Why Your Adhesive Fails

One of the most common questions we hear is: Has my UV glue gone bad? While UV glues typically have an extended shelf life once opened—some lasting up to 90 days—there are times when they may need to be replaced as early as 45 days. What causes this variability?

Proper Storage Is Key

To maintain the longevity of your UV glue, proper storage is crucial:

• Use Airtight, UV-Blocking Containers: Store the adhesive in an airtight container that blocks UV light (avoid clear containers). Exposure to UV light triggers the curing process, so keeping the adhesive protected is essential. The original packaging is ideal, as it's designed to be airtight, UV-blocking, and often includes humidity-absorbing packets. Note: All of our UV Adhesives come in a UV Blocking bag (but you still want to keep it out of the sun).
• Avoid Humidity and UV Exposure: Improper storage can lead to changes in humidity and UV exposure, altering the adhesive's viscosity and affecting how it cures.

Do Not Refrigerate UV Adhesive

Unlike traditional adhesives that can be refrigerated before opening to extend shelf life, never refrigerate UV adhesive. Refrigeration can render it unusable. Instead:

• Store at Moderate Room Temperature: Keep the adhesive away from heat sources like windows or heating elements to prevent premature curing or degradation.

Shake Thoroughly Before Use

Before each use, thoroughly shake your UV adhesive:

• Even Distribution of Photoinitiator: The photoinitiator must be evenly distributed within the cyanoacrylate molecules for optimal performance.
• Shake for At Least 2 Minutes: Vigorously shake the bottle for at least two minutes before dispensing. Consider shaking your adhesive each morning before your first client to ensure the chemicals are properly mixed.

Testing If Your Adhesive Has Gone Bad

If you suspect that your adhesive is no longer effective, perform this simple test:

1. Dispense a Small Amount: Place a dot of adhesive onto a piece of tape.
2. Apply UV Light: Shine your UV light onto the adhesive at the recommended distance—6 inches for the Halo UV Light and 8 inches for the Halo Focus UV Light.
3. Observe the Curing Time: If the adhesive doesn't cure within approximately 3–4 seconds (note that curing a dot takes longer than a lash extension), it's likely that the adhesive has expired.

Dealing with Clogged Nozzles

Clogged nozzles are a common issue with UV glue:

• Extra Tips Included: Products like Halo UV Adhesives come with an extra tip in every pack to help if your nozzle becomes clogged.
• Easy Replacement: Replacing the tip is straightforward—no need to panic.
• Preventing Clogs: To minimize clogging, "burp" the adhesive (release any trapped air) before recapping the glue.

Always Have a Backup

To ensure uninterrupted service:

• Keep an Extra Bottle Handy: Always have a spare bottle of adhesive on hand so you're never left without glue for your clients.

Troubleshooting Retention Issues

If you're not experiencing your usual retention rates when using UV adhesive, you might wonder: Could the glue have gone bad?

Probably not. If you're shaking the glue thoroughly before application and it's curing properly under the UV light, your adhesive is likely functioning as it should.

Possible Causes for Reduced Retention

• Application Issues: Technique plays a significant role in retention. Ensure that you're applying the adhesive correctly and that the extensions are properly bonded to the natural lashes.
• Natural Lash Shedding: Clients may experience increased lash shedding during certain times of the year. Seasonal changes or hormonal fluctuations can contribute to this, affecting how long extensions stay in place.
• Client Habits: Consider whether the client is:
  • Rubbing Their Eyes: This can dislodge extensions prematurely.
  • Crying Frequently: Excess moisture can weaken the adhesive bond.
  • Sleeping on Their Lashes: Sleeping face-down or pressing against pillows can cause extensions to fall out.

Tips to Improve Retention

• Consult with Your Client: Discuss their aftercare routine and any lifestyle changes that might affect retention.
• Review Application Techniques: Re-evaluate your methods to ensure optimal adhesion.
• Educate Clients on Aftercare: Provide guidelines on how to care for their extensions to maximize longevity.

By following these guidelines, you can maximize the opened shelf life of your UV glue and ensure it performs effectively for your applications. Remember, many factors can influence retention, so it's important to consider all possibilities before assuming the adhesive is the issue.