How important is pH in Lash Shampoo?

Keeping your clients’ lashes healthy and beautiful is a must, and so choosing the right lash shampoo is just important! One big thing to think about is the pH level of the shampoo. You see, there are lots of different lash shampoos out there, each with its own pH level. And as a lash professions, it's crucial that you understand these pH differences to give your clients the best quality.

Some of your clients probably want to know the reasons for your recommendation to them, and it is your responsibility to answer those questions with confidence. So, join us as we break down what different pH levels mean for lash shampoo.

 

What is Lash Shampoo and Why is it Important?

Lash shampoo or so-called lash cleanser is a specially formulated cleanser designed to deeply cleanse your lashes, removing oils, dust, germs, and makeup residues. It is used in both pre-treatment and post-treatment care. We use it in pre-treatment to ensure that your lashes are in optimal condition for any lash application process.

Before any lash treatment, whether it's a fresh set of extensions or a lash lift, thorough preparation is key. Lash shampoo steps up to the plate by deep cleansing your lashes, effectively removing oils, dust, germs, and makeup residues. By prepping lashes in this way, lash shampoo creates an optimal surface for the subsequent application process, boosting retention and ensuring a flawless outcome.

Additionally, we recommend clients to use it daily to cleanse their lashes, just like washing our faces, keeping them hygienic and clean, and preventing germs, mites, and infections.

 

Different Types of Lash Shampoo

You might notice many types of lash shampoo on the market, each boasting unique characteristics. From varying pH levels to differences in foam stability and function, the options may seem overwhelming. You might wonder why there's such a diverse range of lash shampoos available.

Well, just like our faces, imagine our lashes having their own unique conditions, along with the surrounding area. With this diversity in mind, there's a wide array of lash shampoos, each serving a specific purpose tailored to meet various needs and preferences

If you're seeking gentle cleansing, extra foam for a luxurious experience, or a formula tailored for sensitive eyes, there's a lash shampoo out there just for you

Lash Shampoo's Core Function

Despite the variety in functions, all lash shampoos share a common core purpose: to prep lashes. By deep cleansing the lashes and creating a clean, optimal surface, lash shampoo helps to increase retention for any subsequent lash application process. This preparation is essential for ensuring that the lashes are free from any impurities that could affect the longevity of the lash extensions or treatments.

 

Understanding pH Levels

pH plays a significant role not only in skincare but also in lash application. Just like in skincare, where pH determines the acidity or alkalinity of products, lash products follow a similar pattern. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral, below 7 acidic, and above 7 alkaline.

Source: Times Now

So, why does pH matter in lash application?

Well, the pH level of lash products is crucial during application because it helps prevent irritation, maintains lash health, and ensures the treatment's effectiveness. Imagine your lashes as delicate little strands—using products with the right pH ensures they stay happy and healthy.

pH in Lash Shampoo

Now, let's talk about why pH is important in lash shampoo specifically.

When it comes to choosing a lash shampoo, opting for one with the appropriate pH is key to maintaining the health and appearance of your lashes. A pH-balanced formula helps cleanse your lashes without causing dryness or irritation, which is exactly what you want for those fluttery beauties.

Now, you might be wondering, what's the ideal pH range for lash care products? Well, typically, the sweet spot falls within a slightly acidic range, around 4.5 to 5.5. This pH range helps maintain the natural balance of the skin and hair follicles on your lashes, keeping them in tip-top shape.

 

Effects of Different pH Levels in Lash Shampoo

1. Effects of Acidic Shampoos on Lashes

Acidic shampoos have a pH below 7, and they're like a gentle hug for your lashes. They help maintain the natural pH balance of your lashes, which is slightly acidic. Here's why they're awesome:

- Preserving Moisture: Acidic shampoos work wonders in preserving the natural moisture of your lashes, keeping them soft and hydrated.

- Bye-Bye Bacteria: They're like little guardians, preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi on your lashes.

- Less Irritation: Using acidic shampoos reduces the risk of irritation and allergic reactions, making your lash experience smoother than ever.

But nothing's perfect, right? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

- Watch Out for Dryness: Overusing acidic shampoos can lead to dryness and brittleness of your lashes, so it's essential to find the right balance.

- Follicle Friends: While they're great for the surface, acidic shampoos might disrupt the delicate balance of your lash follicles if used excessively.

- Sensitive Souls: Using acidic shampoos too often might make your lashes more sensitive to other lash products.

2. Effects of Alkaline Shampoos on Lashes

Now, let's talk about the bold and mighty alkaline shampoos! These babies have a pH above 7, and they mean business when it comes to cleansing your lashes.

- Deep Cleanse: Alkaline shampoos thoroughly clean your lashes and leave them squeaky clean.

- Excess oil and makeup residue removal: They're pros at removing excess oil and stubborn makeup residue, giving your lashes a fresh start.

- Refreshing sensation: Using alkaline shampoos can even give you that refreshing sensation, like a mini spa day for your lashes.

But hold your horses, because too much of a good thing can sometimes backfire:\

- Natural Oily Situation: Using alkaline shampoos too frequently might strip away the natural oils from your lashes, leaving them feeling dry and parched.

- Follicle Frenzy: Just like with acidic shampoos, overdoing it with the alkaline stuff can disrupt the harmony of your lash follicles.

- Lash Breakage: Dryness and breakage can become your lashes' worst enemies if you don't use alkaline shampoos in moderation.

 

Choosing the Right pH for Lash Shampoo

The key difference in how your shampoos work comes down to their pH levels. Each pH level serves a different purpose. So, let's explore how it affects shampoo functions to uncover the best solution for varied cases.

1. Sensitivity of the Eye Area

Like the skin, the pH of lashes typically ranges from 4.5 to 5.5. This slightly acidic pH helps protect the skin and hair from harmful microorganisms and environmental damage. Formulations with lower pH levels (closer to the skin's natural pH of around 5.5) are gentler and less likely to cause irritation or stinging.

--> Lower pH is better for sensitive eyes.

2. Moisturizing Effect

A lower pH level is generally considered better for maximizing moisturizing effects. Lower pH levels are closer to the skin's natural pH, which helps maintain the skin's moisture barrier and prevents moisture loss. Higher pH levels can disrupt the skin's natural balance and lead to dryness or irritation.

--> Lower pH supports moisturizing effects.

 

3. Cleansing Effect

Different pH levels can affect a shampoo's ability to break down oils, makeup residue, and debris without damaging the lashes. Slightly higher pH formulations are more effective at removing certain types of buildup without compromising lash health.

--> Higher pH offers better cleansing.

 

4. Glue drying time

Cyanoacrylates, the key lash adhesive ingredients, are incredibly pH-sensitive. Higher pH (alkaline) formulations speed up glue curing time, ensuring quick adhesion. Conversely, lower pH (acidic) formulations take longer to cure, offering a slower drying time.

--> Higher pH fastens glue drying time

 

Lii Lash's Shampoo

Here at Lii Lash, we're proud to introduce our two new high-quality shampoo options designed to meet all your needs. From Gentle Shampoo that focuses on moisturizing to Soothing Shampoo that optimizes deep-cleansing function, we've got you covered.

The Soothing lash shampoo with a pH of 7, is specially formulated to prepare the lashes for the application process, maximizing lash retention. It focuses on creating an optimal environment for lash adhesion, ensuring long-lasting results. This is highly recommended for lash artists to use for prepping step for fast and efficient application.

On the other hand, the Gentle lash shampoo, with a balanced pH, is designed to moisturize, nourish, and enhance lash growth. It provides a gentle cleansing experience while promoting lash health and vitality. This type of lash shampoo is suitable for daily use at home. With an economical price, this is a good choice to recommend for your customers.

 

But why not higher pH?

You see, while higher pH levels may sound enticing for these benefits, they deliver better cleansing, moisturizing, and faster drying times, you should still avoid choosing shampoos with pH levels higher than 7. Too much of a good thing can lead to trouble. Here's why:

Excessive pH levels can lead to adverse effects, particularly when it comes to lash extension adhesives. A surface with a pH that is too high can cause the lash glue to undergo shock polymerization. This phenomenon is common when working with lash glue and can result in white residue around the lashes, uneven drying of the glue, and discomfort for the eyes.

What is shock polymerization?

Here's the lowdown: Your adhesive needs time to cure properly and form a strong bond. Shock polymerization or shock curing occurs when the outer layer of the adhesive cures too quickly, blocking moisture from reaching the inner layers. This prevents the molecules from polymerizing and forming a solid, strong bond. The result? Shrunken adhesive and a weakened bond between surfaces.

How to prevent Shock polymerisation?

Understanding the cause of shock polymerization is the best way to avoid it. Let's explore the most common reasons why shock curing occurs:

• If your humidity is higher than 80%
• If there is too much water either on the surface (lashes aren't dried properly after cleansing) or applied to the bond (nano mister or humidifier used for too long during application)
• If your client is tearing up, wetting the lash line
• If you use too much adhesive, the outer layer can set before the inner adhesive can cure
• If there is too much alkaline on either surface or in the environment.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the role of pH in lash shampoo is vital for maintaining lash health and beauty. pH levels significantly impact the effectiveness and safety of lash shampoo formulations. Opting for products with the appropriate pH ensures gentle yet effective cleansing, avoiding potential risks like irritation and compromised lash health. 

While higher pH levels may seem like a shortcut to superior performance, they can actually hinder the effectiveness of lash adhesives and lead to subpar results. It's all about finding the right balance to ensure optimal performance and long-lasting results for your lash extensions.

 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

How to choose Lash Extension Shampoo: Soothing or Gentle?

Cleansers and Primers: What’s the difference?

Lash Extension Aftercare: Everything You Need To Know