The Best Products to Use for Pretreatment This Summer

Update Your Pretreatment for Lash Extensions This Summer

On a hot summer day, clients may arrive at your salon with sweat, sunscreen or makeup around the lash line. A thorough pretreatment routine helps remove that residue so your lash glue has a clean surface to bond to when you apply eyelash extensions. Here’s what to look for and how the five pretreatment steps fit together.

What’s Wrong with My Current Pretreatment Routine?

The short answer is that you may already have a routine that works well. Our guide to perfecting lash pretreatment covers a three-step approach. In summer, check whether your client is wearing a heavier sunscreen or has arrived straight from a workout. That can help you decide what needs extra attention before you start applying extensions.

The 5-Step Pretreatment Routine

Each product in the 5-Step Pretreatment Kit has a different job. Follow the directions for each product and check that your adhesive suits the temperature and humidity at your workstation.

Step 1 – Lash Shampoo

Start with a foaming cleanser such as Sensitive Lash Shampoo and a soft cleansing brush. This helps remove sweat, makeup, oils and sunscreen residue from around the lash line. Follow the cleanser’s directions for application and rinsing.

Step 2 – Protein Removing Pads

Protein Removing Pads help lift remaining traces of makeup and oil around the natural lashes. If you’re working on an infill, take care around the existing adhesive bonds so fibres from the pad don’t catch on them. For more precise application, see our guide to using products already in your lash kit.

Step 3 – Cleanser

Pre-Treatment Lash Cleanser helps remove remaining oil and product residue from the natural lashes. This can be particularly useful if the client has applied a heavy moisturiser or sunscreen. Use a small amount on clean microbrushes with bendable tips and follow the product directions for application.

Step 4 – Primer

After cleansing, use Lash Primer to prepare the natural lashes for adhesive application. Follow the product directions and allow the lashes to dry before applying extensions.

Step 5 – Booster

Retention & Speed Booster can help speed up attachment and keep handmade volume fans open during placement. Apply it to the base of the extensions while they’re still on the strip, following the product directions. Keep it off the client’s natural lashes. If summer humidity has changed how your glue sets, check your room readings against the adhesive’s working range before adjusting your routine.

Finishing the Set and Sharing Summer Aftercare

If you finish the treatment with Superbonder Sealant, follow its directions for timing and application. Before your client leaves, explain when they can get their extensions wet based on the adhesive and finishing products you used. For more detail, see our guide to using Superbonder for lash extensions.

Summer tip. Ask whether your client plans to swim or visit a sauna or steam room after their appointment. Explain any waiting period that applies to their set. After swimming, they can gently cleanse the lash line to remove salt, chlorine or sunscreen residue and blot around the eyes without rubbing.

You can also offer the Clean Lashes DUO so clients have a lash shampoo and cleansing brush ready to use at home. Show them how to cleanse gently around the bonds, especially after swimming, exercise or a day wearing sunscreen. At their next infill, ask how the set has worn and whether they have any questions about their routine.