For lash artists and clients alike, maintaining good ocular hygiene is key to keeping lash extensions healthy and long-lasting.
One of the best tools for ensuring cleanliness without damaging delicate lashes is hypochlorous acid (HOCl) activated saline solution. This gentle, yet effective solution has become a staple in lash care routines, both during and after lash extension applications.
Here’s why hypochlorous acid is an excellent choice for maintaining hygiene with lash extensions:
1. Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties
Hypochlorous acid is a gentle, naturally occurring substance made by our white blood cells to help fight off infections and heal wounds. It’s a powerful but safe disinfectant that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Since the eyes and the skin around them are particularly sensitive, lash extensions can sometimes trap bacteria and oil, which can lead to conditions like blepharitis or styes.
HOCl helps prevent bacterial overgrowth along the lash line, reducing the risk of infections and keeping the lash area clean and healthy.
2. Gentle on the Eyes
Unlike many disinfectants and cleansers that can be harsh on the skin and eyes, hypochlorous acid is an ideal disinfectant because it is incredibly gentle.
It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and safe for regular use on the sensitive skin around the eyes. This makes it an ideal choice for clients with lash extensions, as it won’t irritate the eyes or break down the adhesive used for the extensions.
3. Safe for Lash Adhesive
One of the concerns with lash extensions is the potential for cleansers to weaken the adhesive bond. Many oil-based products or harsh chemicals can degrade lash glue, causing extensions to fall out prematurely.
Hypochlorous acid spray is water-based and free from oils, so it won’t interfere with lash retention. It effectively cleans the lash line without compromising the adhesive, ensuring extensions stay in place longer.
4. Reduces Inflammation and Irritation
Some clients may experience mild irritation or inflammation after lash extension application, especially if there is debris or allergens trapped around the lash line.
Hypochlorous acid has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for soothing irritated skin and calming any redness around the eyes. Its ability to reduce inflammation makes it particularly beneficial for clients prone to sensitivity or those recovering from eye irritation.
5. Effective Against Demodex Mites
Lash mites are microscopic organisms that naturally live in hair follicles, including the eyelashes. An overgrowth of these mites can cause irritation, itching, and conditions like blepharitis.
Hypochlorous acid is highly effective at controlling Demodex populations, keeping the lash line free from mite infestations. Regular use of HOCl can help prevent issues related to these mites and ensure a healthy environment for lash extensions.
6. Promotes Healing Post-Application
For clients with sensitive skin or prone to minor irritation after a lash application, hypochlorous acid can promote healing by reducing bacteria and soothing the skin.
It can be used as part of the aftercare routine to ensure the lash line remains clean, reducing the risk of complications and supporting quicker recovery from mild irritation.
7. Easy to Use and Incorporate into Lash Care
Hypochlorous acid is available in convenient spray bottles, making it easy for lash artists and clients to incorporate into their routines.
It can be misted directly onto the lash line or applied using a clean brush or lip wand, simplifying the cleansing process without the need for complicated steps. It’s odorless and colorless, so it feels light and refreshing without any strong chemical scents.
8. Prevents Adhesive Reactions
Some clients may experience slight reactions to lash adhesives, especially those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Hypochlorous acid can be used before and after lash application to cleanse the eye area and reduce the likelihood of adverse reactions. Its antimicrobial and soothing properties can help minimize adhesive sensitivity, making the application more comfortable for clients.
How to Use Hypochlorous Acid with Lash Extensions
Here’s how you can incorporate hypocholorus acid into your application process:
- Pre-application: Use hypochlorous acid to cleanse the client’s lash line before beginning the extension process. This removes any bacteria or oils that could interfere with the adhesive and prepares a clean surface for the application.
- Post-application: After applying extensions, a gentle mist of hypochlorous acid can help soothe the lash line and prevent bacteria from growing. This also helps minimize redness or redness or irritation.
Clients can incorporate hypochlorous acid into their at-home lash care routine. Using it daily ensures the lash line remains free from bacteria, debris, and oil buildup, prolonging the life of the extensions and keeping the eyes healthy.
The brand we use in our salon is Hale Derma. We use this product before and after lash application as part of our ocular hygiene practices.
You can purchase this product for at-home care at our salon or online at The Beauty Block Store. We encourage our clients to purchase one for $25 to promote lash and ocular hygiene health.
Your Eye Health Is Our Top Priority
Hypochlorous acid is a powerful yet gentle solution for maintaining eye health with lash extensions. Its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and non-irritating properties make it an essential part of a lash artists procedures and clients aftercare routines.
By incorporating hypochlorous acid into your lash care practice, you ensure the beauty of your clients lashes and the health and safety of their eyes.
